Great Reds: NARS Scarlet Empress

Ok, last traditional NARS lipstick (though I still have two other reds from them in other forms slated... we'll get there!). This last red NARS lipstick is Scarlet Empress, a blue-red that borders on fuchsia. Like the other NARS lipsticks I've been reviewing, it retails for $24, is a semi-matte formula, and comes with .12 ounces of product. It 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, as it doesn't tend to smudge out of the lip line like some other formulas can. My one complaint about Scarlet Empress is that I feel like it settles into my lip lines a bit in a way that I haven't experienced with other NARS shades. Even so, this is very minimal. 

Same ol' NARS black rubberized tube! 

Scarlet Empress!

The lipstick in the tube

Swatch of NARS Scarlet Empress

NARS' Scarlet Empress, no flash

NARS Scarlet Empress, no flash

NARS Scarlet Empress, flash

NARS Scarlet Empress, flash!

Rating: 8 out of 10


I'm knocking this one down a point for settling into lip lines, but it's a gorgeous color; opaque but lightweight, this is a great Strawberry red!