NARS x Connor Tingley Velvet Matte Lip Pencil Set Review & Swatches
Connor Tingley
NARS Connor Tingley Velvet Matte Lip Pencil Set ($45.00 for 0.32 oz.) is a new, limited edition set of four, full-sized Velvet Matte Lip Pencils. They’re still “coming soon” to NARS’ website (I don’t have a date yet). Two of the shades were nice–pigmented, easy to apply, and long-wearing–while two were less consistent with a less-flattering application where the product emphasized my lip texture or settled into my lip lines over time.
Ingredients
Connor Tingley
LELimited Edition. $45.00.
Grotto
Grotto is a medium-dark peach with warm, orange undertones and a matte finish. It had good color coverage in a single layer, which adhered fairly evenly but had a tendency to emphasize my natural lip texture and catch on any dryness/flakes. The consistency was very lightweight and velvety, which made it comfortable to maneuver along the edges of my lips. It wore nicely for three and a half hours before pulling too much into my lip lines that it became noticeable to the casual viewer.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Room Service (P, $9.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Dose of Colors Peachii (LE, $18.00) is darker (90% similar).
- MAC Sultry Move (P, $22.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Creme Fresh (P, $10.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- NARS Firecracker (LE, $26.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Minute Man (LE, $5.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Bite Beauty Tamarind (P, $28.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC One Hit (LE, $20.00) is more shimmery, lighter, more muted (85% similar).
- MAC Back in Vogue (P, $21.00) is lighter (85% similar).
- Sephora Warm Nude (75) (P, $14.00) is more muted (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$27.00/0.08 oz. - $337.50 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be “long-lasting” with “rich” and “seamless color.” The texture has a more velvety feel: smooth, thinner but glides on easily, and doesn’t have a lot of wetness/creaminess. The pigmentation varied from shade to shade with most shades having semi-opaque coverage. They were easy to apply along the lips and comfortable to apply, as they did not tug. The formula lasted anywhere from three hours to six hours, and some shades were somewhat drying and others were non-drying.
Browse all of our NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil swatches.
Ingredients
C12-13 Alkyl Ethylhexanoate, Synthetic Candelilla Wax, Polyethylene, Caprylyl Methicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Silica, Dimethicone, Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Lecithin, Flavor (Aroma), Dicalcium Phosphate, Citric Acid, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Anise Alcohol. [+/- (May Contain/Peut Contenir): Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090), Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Mica, Red 28 Lake (CI 45410), Red 6 (CI 15850), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140)].
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Grotto
LELimited Edition. $27.00.
Ladrillo
Ladrillo is a deep, coppery red with warm undertones and a semi-matte finish. It had nearly opaque color payoff in a single stroke, which drew on color evenly and smoothly without catching or dragging on my lips. The consistency was incredibly lightweight, thin without being clingy, and comfortable to wear. It stayed on well for five hours and was neither drying nor hydrating.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Revlon In the Money (P, $12.39) is lighter (95% similar).
- YSL Psychedelic Chili (416) (P, $39.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Mind Trick (P, $7.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- NARS Notorious (P, $34.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Coloured Raine Queendom (P, $17.00) is brighter (90% similar).
- YSL True Chili (28) (P, $39.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Sweet Cinnamon (P, $27.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Rhythm 'n' Roses (LE, $26.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- MAC Marrakesh-mere (P, $22.00) is more muted (90% similar).
- ColourPop Mama (DC, $6.50) is more muted, cooler (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$27.00/0.08 oz. - $337.50 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be “long-lasting” with “rich” and “seamless color.” The texture has a more velvety feel: smooth, thinner but glides on easily, and doesn’t have a lot of wetness/creaminess. The pigmentation varied from shade to shade with most shades having semi-opaque coverage. They were easy to apply along the lips and comfortable to apply, as they did not tug. The formula lasted anywhere from three hours to six hours, and some shades were somewhat drying and others were non-drying.
Browse all of our NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil swatches.
Ingredients
C12-13 Alkyl Ethylhexanoate, Synthetic Candelilla Wax, Polyethylene, Caprylyl Methicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Silica, Dimethicone, Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Lecithin, Flavor (Aroma), Dicalcium Phosphate, Citric Acid, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Anise Alcohol. [+/- (May Contain/Peut Contenir): Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090), Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Mica, Red 28 Lake (CI 45410), Red 6 (CI 15850), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140)].
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Ladrillo
LELimited Edition. $27.00.
Rosa
Rosa is a bright, reddish-coral with warm undertones and a matte finish. The lip pencil yielded semi-opaque coverage, which was hard to build up beyond that, which did not apply evenly and emphasized my natural lip texture. The pencil felt smooth and velvety as it glided across my lips, but it just didn’t look good applied. It lasted for just over four and a half hours but did pull into my lip lines over time. It felt neither drying nor hydrating while worn.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- NARS Anouk (LE, $34.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Frequency (P, $22.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Chanel Fleur de Lotus (830) (P, $45.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Unattached (P, $24.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- NARS Rouge Immortel (LE, $27.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Tryst (P, $18.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar).
- YSL Coral Revolt (29) (P, $39.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- NARS Flame (LE, $26.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar).
- NARS Ravishing Red (P, $26.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar).
- Dose of Colors Fresa (LE, $18.00) is darker (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$27.00/0.08 oz. - $337.50 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be “long-lasting” with “rich” and “seamless color.” The texture has a more velvety feel: smooth, thinner but glides on easily, and doesn’t have a lot of wetness/creaminess. The pigmentation varied from shade to shade with most shades having semi-opaque coverage. They were easy to apply along the lips and comfortable to apply, as they did not tug. The formula lasted anywhere from three hours to six hours, and some shades were somewhat drying and others were non-drying.
Browse all of our NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil swatches.
Ingredients
C12-13 Alkyl Ethylhexanoate, Synthetic Candelilla Wax, Polyethylene, Caprylyl Methicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Silica, Dimethicone, Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Lecithin, Flavor (Aroma), Dicalcium Phosphate, Citric Acid, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Anise Alcohol. [+/- (May Contain/Peut Contenir): Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090), Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Mica, Red 28 Lake (CI 45410), Red 6 (CI 15850), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140)].
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Rosa
LELimited Edition. $27.00.
Amontillado
Amontillado is a medium-dark red with subtle, cool undertones and a matte finish. It had rich, opaque pigmentation with a smooth, velvety texture that skated across my lips with ease and delivered thin, nearly feather-weight in feel color that didn’t emphasize my lip lines. It wore well for six hours, left a faint stain behind, and was non-drying over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Make Up For Ever M401 (DC, $22.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- NYX Perfect Red (P, $6.00) is brighter (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Crimson (P, $18.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- MAC Feels So Grand (P, $21.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop La La Land (LE, $6.50) is brighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Weekender (LE, $6.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Urban Decay 714 (DC, $18.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Melonade (LE, $6.50) is darker, brighter (90% similar).
- YSL Carmin Statement (10) (P, $36.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Lucky Charm (LE, $7.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$27.00/0.08 oz. - $337.50 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be “long-lasting” with “rich” and “seamless color.” The texture has a more velvety feel: smooth, thinner but glides on easily, and doesn’t have a lot of wetness/creaminess. The pigmentation varied from shade to shade with most shades having semi-opaque coverage. They were easy to apply along the lips and comfortable to apply, as they did not tug. The formula lasted anywhere from three hours to six hours, and some shades were somewhat drying and others were non-drying.
Browse all of our NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil swatches.
Ingredients
C12-13 Alkyl Ethylhexanoate, Synthetic Candelilla Wax, Polyethylene, Caprylyl Methicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Silica, Dimethicone, Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Lecithin, Flavor (Aroma), Dicalcium Phosphate, Citric Acid, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Anise Alcohol. [+/- (May Contain/Peut Contenir): Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090), Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Mica, Red 28 Lake (CI 45410), Red 6 (CI 15850), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140)].
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
I really like the artsy packaging NARS comes up with these collection… I assume that the cases are reusable (after you remove the lipstick insert) which is kind of nice.
Since the 2 more “springy” shades are of fairly poor quality, and the fact that I’ll be ordering CR Queendom lipstick next month probably, I’m passing this set up. If only Rosa and Grotto had been better, this would have been a really nice set!
Is it bad that I mostly want this set for the box? I’ll probably end up passing, though.
I have to admit I didn’t know who Connor Tingley was so had to look him up. Must say, it is unusual for such a young person to have found the level of success that he has in the art world. I usually love the Nars Lip Pencil formula so would likely pick up a few of these. Having said that, the two most appealing shades to me personally are Amontillado and Rosy which I am sure I have a million dupes for but Amontillado is really lovely. Good thing my no buy is firmly in place or I would be looking for this set and giving the poorer performing ones away. Packaging is super pretty. The eye shadow palette looks pretty tame. I always expect artist collabs to have these beautiful, super saturated colours and for some reason, that is rarely the case. I understand his work is mostly about form and not shade but it is my own prejudice that I think artists should always work in beautiful colour, LOL!
Despite not receiving the best grades for a couple, I do think I’m going to pick these up anyway. It’s a decent price and my hope is that it will ease me into wearing bolder lippie shades.
Additionally, I recently fell in love with the Burt’s Bees Matte Lip Crayons. I think the formula is a slightly creamier dupe for the NARS matte pencil formula. Redwood Forest is my absolute favorite. Allana Davison often talks about that shade and I finally picked it up and I can understand why she loves it so much. They have glossy ones but I haven’t tried them. The matte ones go on comfortably and really last well.
Ladrillo is a lovely shade, but I am just not into lip pencils that much.
NARS made the decision to START testing on animals in order to profit from the Chinese market. I have not respect for this company anymore.
Did a release date ever come out? It’s nearing the end of March and Nars said it would come out this month…
They didn’t give me a specific date just that it was coming soon!