It looks like matte liquid lipsticks are still going strong in the makeup world and are now branching out from the niche brand market into the mainstream market. That is sometimes a sure sign of demise of a trend LOL!
I came across pictures of the NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment matte liquid lipsticks, but paid them no heed, as they aren’t a type of makeup I’m interested in. I’m an old-school creamy, glossy lip kind of gal.
But one day, a tube landed in my hands. I was guest judging for the upcoming Elle Malaysia Beauty Awards, and this was one of the items in my little box of goodies I was sent to be judged. As a beauty junkie, I was interested to try it of course. I mean, who knows? Maybe this could be the one to change my mind about matte liquid lipsticks!
But did it? 😉
Unhappily, no, it did not. In fact, it reaffirmed everything I hate about matte liquid lipsticks! I know ‘hate’ is a very strong word, but that’s how I feel unfortunately. No offence of course, if you love those sorts of textures. We are all entitled to loving or hating different products – that’s what makes us interesting. Imagine if we were all homogenous. Oh wait, it sometimes feels like we are… Ugh. 😛
I do have one nice thing to say about the Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment. I like the packaging. I like the matte feel of the plastic, with the window showing you the colour of the product within. It’s not special however. YSL has had it for a while, and Dior just came out with a similar product in similar packaging. But it’s sleek and attractive.
It must be said that for the most part, the beauty world seems to be in love with the NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment. I am therefore in the minority, but unsurprised. Matte liquid lipstick is still a big thing, and still very popular. These Nars ones do have very impressive pigment.
But when I open the tube, this is where the problem begins. The applicator is a stiff, pointed applicator. I’ve tried this a few times, but I cannot get to grips with the applicator. It does not apply the product smoothly, and while the stiff pointed tip is supposed to make application more precise, it also makes it more messy.
If you’re working with a deep colour like the one I have here – Under My Thumb, a deep burgundy red – it is SO HARD to get it to colour inside the lines. I’m going to suggest here, that unless you have very steady hands, use a lip liner first, then use this to colour in your lips. Every time I use this, I end up over-drawing my lips, because it’s just so hard to get a crisp line. I hate the applicator. But most people don’t.
Second, I dislike the texture. The texture is very lightweight and truthfully, does not feel like anything on lips. Until it starts to dry, in which case, it causes my lips to pucker, and accentuates lip lines. Gah! Not flattering. That said however, that is something that happens with all matte liquid lipstick I’ve tried, so it’s not unusual, just normal behaviour.
The pigment is crazy. Opaque in just one swipe on lips. However, I find it streaky. It’s hard to get it to apply evenly, unless you really work at it. Even then, it’s not that flattering, to me. Perhaps if you’re working with a lighter shade, it is less obvious. But in the deeper colours, this is a real problem. I’m a seasoned lipstick wearer, and I’m facing this problem – imagine if a novice were to get their hands on this?
You may see what I mean in this swatch. The unevenness of colour. I can even it out, but it will take a little work, and I felt people should be aware about this. In the lighter colours, it’s less of a problem.
Third, the Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment never dries down. It has amazing staying power, and actually stains your lips, especially in a deep colour like Under My Thumb. Unfortunately, the top layer never sets. So it will mark your coffee cups, your cutlery as you eat, your clothes. It will move around and stain everything that remotely comes close to your face. You have to be very careful as you eat, for if you were to be savage and eat messy foods that involve the use of your lips, you will find the colour smearing. Not attractive.
Fourth, I find this drying. It makes my lips feel tight, and puckers it up. I’m not particularly impressed by this at all. If matte liquid lipstick is your thing, then I’d love to hear how you like this in comparison to others. But I’m not a fan.
IN A NUTSHELL
The NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment is a range of matte liquid lipstick that boasts very strong pigment, and a matte liquid lipstick texture. I like the packaging, but little else about the product. The stiff, pointed applicator is hard to use, the formula while lightweight, is drying on lips, and the texture applies unevenly. It also smears and does not set. Oh, and it stains, so watch out for clothes and cups and teeth etc. I’m not a fan of this at all. But I’m in the minority. The lighter shades may be better in this instance.
PROS: Sleek packaging, Very pigmented colour
CONS: Weird stiff applicator makes it hard to apply, Product applies streaky, Does not set and will transfer everywhere, Very drying, Stains
WHO WILL LIKE THIS: Anyone who already likes using matte liquid lipstick
PRICE: RM97 | US$26
WHERE TO BUY: NARS boutiques and counters and Online (USA), Ulta, Net-a-Porter, Nordstrom, Sephora, Selfridges (UK)
Here’s how Under My Thumb looks on me 🙂
I think it’s a beautiful colour. It’s the texture and application that I have issues with. If it was in a cream or satin formula, I’d be all over it.
Did you try the NARS Powermatte Lip Pigments? Are you a fan of the matte liquid lipstick trend?
Needless to say, I’m not a fan. That’s why you don’t see me use nor feature many popular niche brands that market it, especially local brands. I’m all about creamy, satin or glossy lip textures. They give you such lovely plump, kissable lips! Why doesn’t anyone like that anymore?! 😛
p/s It just struck me that I haven’t been writing about makeup in well, weeks! I’ll have to remedy that won’t I? 😀
Paris B
Morning Paris ? That colour actually looks lovely on you … from a distance there’s no way we can see ur fine lines BUT – i scared myself this week by applying a Kat Von D matte liquid lipstick – loved the vampish colour but I totally agree with you about trying to control the pigments – I had to be extra steady and just when I tot I had it nailed …. A teeny bit went off my lip line – and that was it !!
When I got into the car with better lighting I shrieked in horror. !!! I look like that clown from IT ( not exactly but you get the PIKCHER)!!!
So, without any MUR ( I gosok my lips with tissue paper) and naturally it got worse – there was a stain !!! Messy stain !!! I swear ppl were staring at me at the traffic lights !
I panicked – and remembered chemistry rules (I never took Chem) – “oil emulsifies oil”
So I only had a lip balm – smeared it all over my clown lips and wiped again – luckily most of it came off but I was left with raw and swollen lips!
Talk about a Manic Monday !!
Salam Drama Minggu Ini
ROFLOL You made me literally laugh out loud, and that is a good thing! I so feel you, because I often find it so hard to get liquid or matte liquid lipstick that sets quickly, to stay in the lines. Maybe next time, try a lip liner first, and then fill in the lines. That way, your edges should be as crisp as they get 😀
I’m much more distracted with what foundation you’re wearing in that picture, your skin looks flawless!
I like the color swatch on your hand but it looked much darker when you put it on or maybe its just my laptop screen. I have started to like liquid lip products but since you said that this one is drying, I’ll have to give it a miss since I already have very dry lips. I was actually hoping that you will review the new Dior lip liquid products, they looked exactly like these and comes in metallic, matte and satin?
Aww you’re too kind Liz, don’t forget also the power of lighting! 😉 It’s the Shiseido Synchroskin lasting foundation 😀 It does seem a bit deeper when worn on lips. Might be because there’s pigment on your lips, while your hands don’t 😀 I won’t recommend this for anyone with dry lips. It’ll just make everything look worse! I haven’t checked out the Dior version. I did see it comes in 4 different versions, but for some reason, I’m not quite feeling this formula so I’d likely pass 🙂
The lines are uneven and imagine the hassle of application. I imagine I would place a dollop them at the centre of the lips and use a brush to even them out to the outer corner.
I did the best I could Margaret! LOL 😀 But yes, it kept getting worse and worse haha 😀 I’d use a lip liner first next time, and then use this to fill in and spread to cover. At least it’ll look better that way 😀
I think I have the same taste as you when it comes to the texture of lip products. I have dry lips and I prefer that they look moist and plump rather than dry, wrinkly and filled with dead skin. I always love sheer lipsticks and definitely any lip products with a shine finish. Even if I use matte products, I would use a layer of balm underneath and usually top it off with a layer of gloss after, definitely defeats the purpose of using matte lip products hehe~ Also, I have been wondering what is that foundation you are wearing? It looks gorgeous, flawless and just, wow~~~ I need some of that in my life now! ^-^
Yay for lipsticks with shine! I wish we’d see more of it. I’m not sure I understand the obsession with the whole matte lip thing, but it’s been going on for a while, and doesn’t seem to be abating! I always find my lips and look looks better after I’ve put a drop of gloss and blended it out over the matte lipstick. Counter productive, but at least I feel and look better! 😀 The foundation is Shiseido Synchroskin lasting foundation and good lighting! 😉
I actually love that matte look on you. I bought an urban decay supposedly dupe for NARS Greta ? ? ? ? and it was really drying. I prep my lips with th Hourglass lip oil prior and it seemed to work. Defeats the purpose of a matte lipstick though ?Like you, I don’t think I can do matte. It ages me and I don’t think I need help in that department thanksverymuch.
My lips didn’t like it! Haha! But yes I feel that while we CAN make these matte lipsticks work, they are ultimately drying (and it’s only to be expected, since it’s matte after all) and using a balm underneath as some people have told me, is rather counter productive. You are right about matte lips aging a person. It may be a nice look when you’re 20, but when you’re 40, not quite 😛
Stains AND transfers? Oh noes! Thanks for the review, very informative!
You’re welcome! And yes, it stains AND transfers. I don’t even know how LOL!
Hi Paris,
Me too,not a fan of matte lipstick or liquid, age factor maybe.
Do not fond of the dry feeling and it sucking the moisture of my lips,so not comfortable feeling.
Never bought one because I have tried tester and so not into it.
Yes! I think age definitely has something to do with it, primarily because matte lipsticks can actually age us. Honestly, I don’t need that haha! Give me young, plump, shiny lips any day! 😀 Don’t think you’re missing anything to be honest. It’ll be nice to see more brands come out with more glossy or satin shine lipstick though. I think we need more of those!
Too bad it didn’t work for you. The colour is gorgeous! I nearly picked one up this weekend. I didn’t try it on my lips, and the texture is surprisingly lightweight and liquid on my hand. Was there with extended family, so everyone was moving along. Maybe I’ll try it one day when I’m there alone 🙂
Actually, everyone I’ve met thus far raves about it. I often feel like I got saddled with a dud LOL! So, maybe look at it in one of the lighter shades which I feel may be better, both in terms of texture as well as ease of use. The deeper shades need more pigment and maybe that messes the formula up somewhat.