A Not So New Find...

Sometimes it's hard (on the wallet) to keep up with all the current collections and colors. Or sometimes the new, limited edition colors just don't move you in person like they did on other beauty blogs. While perusing the new collection you may wander into the permanent collection just to take a quick once around. If you slow down a bit to really look at the colors and the variety of products offered you may discover something that just may surprise you.

This is how I felt when I gave into the NARS Velvet Matte Pencil.

I normally walk away anything with the word MATTE attached to it favoring the glossy (lips) and dewy (foundation, skin). It wasn't that long ago that I opted for nothing short of unmovable products on my face, MATTE products. I screamed running from lip glosses. I didn't want my lipstick to go anywhere while drinking my third or fourth gin and tonic (I was only 23 at the time). It wasn't till I discovered the original Stila Lip Polishes that came in tiny metallic squeeze tubes that were reminiscent of 9th grade art class and you had to carry an accompanying brush that I began to fall into the abyss of lip gloss.

Plus, I have SUPER sensitive lips that dry up and itch with just the thought of wearing any lip products without any moisture.

I was reunited with a matte lip product at the last NARS makeover event at Saks a few months back. My Makeup Artist superstar applied the very nude Belle Du Jour with a generous (almost gloppy) layer of Moon Fleet on top. This look fantastic when paired with my super smoky eyes but I didn't see myself wearing Belle Du Jour more than once a month - on Date Night.

(Saks NARS Event Makeover)

Pretty yes, but the lips are a little too nude even for my standards.

So I turned to this perfect brown/pink shade that compliments my skin tone very nicely. It goes on smooth and with a surprising amount of slip. It then takes a moment to dry down and when it does, it is surprisingly comfortable. I should also note that I ALWAYS start with a layer of Kiehl's Lip Balm #1.

I like that I can wear this with both a smoky eye or with just a clean slash of liquid liner on my top lash line followed with many layers of black mascara. I love paring this with both a rose and/or peach blush and bronzer of course!

Here it is with my favorite pink grapefruit gloss, NARS Sweet Revenge layered on top.

My Final Assessment - How many more can I obtain before my lips reject them?

Bought by yours truly at my local Nordstrom - $24USD/sharper is NOT included.

PS. You can receive 20% off plus free 2-day shipping online with the code, NEWNARS - good till August 21st.