Hi guys,
I realized I've had these photos on my computer since August and I never got around to writing up this post! You may remember that I picked up NARS' Velvet Matte lip pencil in Train Bleu
when I was in Las Vegas; it was released as part of their Fall 2011 collection, but is now part of the permanent collection. It is available through
NARS' website, and is $24; they come with .086 ounces of product. For a more detailed explanation of the texture and packaging of this formula, you can go back and
see my review of Damned; however, I'll give you a rundown of the basics. The formula is creamy and non-drying, despite being a truly velvety looking matte lip color. This is, hands down, one of my favorite matte formulas (another stand-out being Revlon's matte lipsticks...). However, the packaging could use some work; the two major drawbacks are that you lose product when you sharpen the pencil, and that the cap has a penchant for popping off (especially in my purse...) when it's jammed on too quickly. You kind of have to ease it back on and then watch to see if it settles up higher than where you pushed it too. If not, you're safe! I wish that NARS would re-release these as a twist-up automatic pencil, but the formula is so creamy, I wonder if a stick of this would even hold its shape without the support of the pencil.
Moving on, Train Bleu is a very dark eggplant purple, much cooler than a lot of these deep blackberries that we regularly see. It's a bit of a tricky color since it's so dark; I find that this shade emphasizes any imperfections on the lip or in application. Worn as intended, it is a completely opaque shade; however, it's just as lovely (and more wearable) blotted to a sheer stain.
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| NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Train Bleu |
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| Train Bleu |
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| Swatch of Train Bleu; blended out on the right |
Train Bleu worn three ways:
Blotted and worn sheer:
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| Train Bleu blotted |
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| Close up of blotted Train Bleu |
Worn sheer with clear gloss over it!
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| Train Blue + clear gloss |
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| Closeup of Train Bleu with clear gloss |
And worn opaque:
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| NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Train Bleu |
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| NARS Train Bleu |
What do you guys think of this? I love having this shade, I wore it constantly for about a month, and now I haven't touched it in probably two months. Doesn't it always happen that way? It's so much fun to wear, I'm sure it'll wind up back in the rotation sooner or later. It's definitely not a perfect product, but I'm very fond of it and would recommend it to anyone who wants a lip product in this shade, as long as they're willing to give their lips some tlc before wearing it.
Wow! Looks awesome on you worn opaque! What a great pencil. I've seen good things about these pencils. I may have to check them out sometime! Thanks for the swatches and your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteI personally prefer it sheer with gloss over the top! Very pretty on you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful beautiful color! I'm so reluctant to buy NARS lip pencils or lip pencils in general just because I cringe at losing product each time I sharpen them.
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone! @thePeach, I still haven't had an opportunity to wear it opaque out and about. I feel like I need to have a really dramatic evening out or something.
ReplyDelete@ Vintage Makeup, that's how I usually wear it during the day! It really tones it down a notch so it's not so stark.
@ Sugarbumpkin, I totally get that! I don't find that I have to sharpen mine all that often (I guess I'm ok not having a really sharp tip to line with!), but I still hate seeing little shavings of lip color drop away every time I do. If I ever finished products, I would probably be really upset... As it stands, I am very bad at hitting pan (or nub...) so this is more of a theoretical horror than practical concern.
I LOVE NARS VELVET MATTE LIP PENCILS THEY ARE AWESOME!!! Ahem. But really, they ARE. I have this one too! I never thought to wear it sheer or even with gloss over it, thanks for the ideas! I have Damned as well but I think the colour is wrong on me, I need to try some other ones!
ReplyDeleteI know, they are wonderful! I want them all... Damned leans a bit pink, I want to wear it more often than I do, but I always put it on, am a bit startled by it not being as red as I remember, and then I take it off and put something else on. I need Cruella!
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