Great Reds: NARS Rouge Basque

Hello!

I am continuing my series of posts about red lip colors with another of my favorite NARS red lipsticks, this time in Rouge Basque.  Unfortunately, I believe this was a limited edition shade, but I am including it anyway in case any of you stumble upon it, have the opportunity to trade for it, or it is ever re-released. Like other NARS lipsticks, Rouge Basque has a vaguely herbal scent, but it's very subtle. It feels very light and natural on the lips, and is very pigmented. The formula just hugs the lips, in a way that is hard to describe; once it's on I don't feel it, it doesn't seem to smudge off every chance it gets, and it applies beautifully. Because of the texture, I don't have to worry about it getting patchy or creasing, and it is easy to keep it in the lip lines even when applying straight from the tube. I find NARS lipsticks stay on for about 4-5 hours on me if I don't eat or drink, and wear off pretty evenly, leaving a bit of a stain on lips. I also find this formula very easy to apply precisely, and it doesn't tend to smudge out of the lip line like some other formulas can.


Rouge Basque is a brick-orange red, maybe a neighbor to Viridiana! If you love the color and want something similar, Bite's Apricot (a color I will be reviewing shortly!) is a brighter, oranger close cousin to Rouge Basque. 

NARS lipstick!

Rouge Basque

Swatch of Rouge Basque

NARS Rouge Basque, no flash

Close-up of NARS Rouge Basque, no flash

NARS' Rouge Basque, with flash

Close-up of Rouge Basque, flash

Rating: 9 out of 10


Same old song and dance, I love NARS lipsticks; great formula, great shades, I think they're divine! They're also extremely consistent across the line, at least from the shades I've tried. I love orange reds for the summer, and Rouge Basque has certainly made it into the rotation!