Kate

NARS Kate Audacious Lipstick ($32.00 for 0.14 oz.) is a slightly muted, medium purple with warm, pink undertones and a creamy, lightly glossy finish. The color payoff was intense--totally opaque in one pass--and went on evenly. The consistency was smooth, creamy, and never tugged on the lips as I applied it. This shade lasted for over six hours, left a fuchsia-tinted stain behind, and was neither drying nor hydrating. MAC Strong Woman (LE, $19.00) is less glossy (95% similar). Smashbox Bride of Chucky (LE, $21.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). ColourPop Zipper (DC, $6.50) is less glossy (95% similar). Shiseido Future Shock (215) (P, $26.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Dose of Colors Dark Secret (P, $16.00) is lighter (90% similar). KVD Beauty LUV (P, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar). Anastasia Vintage (P, $20.00) is lighter, less glossy (90% similar). Sephora What's My Secret (05) (P, $13.00) is less shimmery, glossier (90% similar). Urban Decay Speedball (DC, $18.00) is darker, glossier (95% similar). ColourPop Leather (DC, $7.00) is darker, less glossy (90% similar). MAC Heroine (P, $19.00) is lighter, less glossy (90% similar). ColourPop Bijou (LE, $7.00) is lighter, less glossy (85% similar). MAC Stylist's Tip (LE, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar). Bite Beauty Aquarius (LE, $26.00) is darker (85% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Kaia (LE, $36.00) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Maybelline Vibrant Violet (P, $7.99) is lighter, less glossy (90% similar). Urban Decay Cloud9 (LE, $18.00) is cooler (85% similar). Urban Decay Notorious (DC, $18.00) is lighter (85% similar). NARS Kirat (P, $34.00) is darker, more muted, cooler (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview, which is a detailed review of the range as a whole.

• Brand Description