NARS Velvet Lip Pencil | Red Square + Mandore

When these velvet lip pencils first came out the hype surrounding them was massive, so much so that I held back for a good while before even considering what shade to buy first. Fast forward to this post from Camey and I gave in - Red Square (velvet matte,) had to be mine. Then of course I spied the Night Caller Fall Collection, specifically the shade (velvet satin,) Mandore. If you're a fan of long lasting, bold colours - in a matte formulation (and indeed satin-matte formulations,) - you're gonna need to pick these up if you haven't already and here's why...

These are a doddle to apply thanks to their not-too-big, not-too-small stick form (goldilocks, right?) With the darker, more autumnal/winter appropriate shade Mandore, I can either apply this lightly for a subtle warmth, or go full on dark red bold lip. It's the most interesting cranberry shade I own so far with the perfect balance of red and brown. This is the satin formulation, so whilst it doesn't last as long as Red Square, it still lasts for around five hours before I need to re-apply.

Ah, Red Square. This beautiful orange-red is an instant pick me up. Whatever seems to being going wrong with my face, outfit (general outlook...) - tiredness, breakouts, a plain outfit whatever - put this on. Instantly better. It's just the chic-est easy fix. And year round appropriate too. Not to mention, the lasting power is amazing. It pays to scrub the lips first and apply a matte lip balm before hand (Nuxe Reve de Miel is always a solid choice,) - although this isn't a drying formula on the lips, in these winter months when chapped lips and general dryness affects us all, it pays to have a little prep work with a bolder, matte colour.

Have you tried the NARS Velvet Lip Pencils? Any suggestions on the velvet gloss line for me?

Sophie.