NARS has added another lipstick baby to its epic lipstick family — the NARS Powermatte lipstick — and frankly, the name seems to have a lot to live up to. NARS has made a name for itself via its iconic Orgasm collection which included a powder blush that still has us all in ropes to this day, plus other formulas of blusher, and other essentials like lip balms, highlighters and body oils.
Now, according to TikTok, this launch has all the potential to join the Orgasm collection and make it to the NARS hero product catalogue. The Powermatte lipsticks come in the form of 15 shades that cover a range of red and nude hues, with high colour payoff and all-day comfort. The formula also promises to be featherweight but long-lasting, and transfer-resistant with ten hours of staying power. Sounds dreamy so far? Wait until you see the packaging — so elegant and compact perfect for the girls on the go.
In true GLAMOUR form, we decided to put five different shades of the Powematte lipstick to the test, and here are our truest and most honest thoughts.
The Product:Nars Powermatte LipstickThe Verdict:Elle Turner, GLAMOUR’s Beauty Editor
Shade: Too Hot To Handle
The pigment on these lipsticks is honestly, insane. One swipe gives lips a bold streak of beautiful colour. The little bullet makes it easy and accurate to apply, although you get a few seconds to neaten up any stray edges before it sets and stays put. I've been leaning much more towards glosses over the summer, but these mattes are a total mood.
They're velvety soft but still lightweight and very comfortable to wear. The shade I chose (Too Hot To Handle) is a really pretty warm red that's perfect for autumn, but on low-key days, rather than a full statement lip, I like to pat it in and blur it out for a gorgeous just-kissed tint.
Rating: 9/10
Shei Mamona, GLAMOUR’s Beauty Writer
Shade: Dragon Girl
I'm not one to reach for red lipstick as much as I would for a sheer lipgloss, but sometimes you have to let'em know what time it is. By that I mean, when I want a power lip with a statement for any special occasion, I will go for a matte but hydrating red.
This one is just that. Let's start with the shade. I opted for Dragon Girl which has a warm berry undertone and complements my duo-coloured lips perfectly. The formula is *chefs kiss* giving me perfect hydration, while still leaving my lips looking matte-matte, and when I'm going out-out, I expect nothing less. Upon application, it glides so easily like butter on warm fluffy bread but beware that it dries relatively quickly, so there isn't lots of room for playtime.
The packaging is slick and compact, perfect to carry around in your purse or pocket. Although I'm still trying to figure out if red lip is something I could go to often, this NARS Powermatte lipstick puts in a really good case for it.
Rating: 8/10
Chrissie Moncrieffe, GLAMOUR’s Creative Producer
Shade: No Angel
So I’m usually a lipgloss-only type of girl, however, this might be the matte lipstick that has the power to convert me. Upon application, the lipstick glides on with ease, and feels smooth and moisturizing on the lips. The colour payoff is impressive and the hue is insanely gorg!
Getting the right shade of brown or nude for my skin is imperative, otherwise, I’ll look coffin-ready but this had the perfect pigments for a soft glam vibe on my complexion. I love the sleek packaging and I can't wait to dip my lips in it again for my next night out.
Rating: 8/10
Lian Brooks, GLAMOUR’s Audience Development Manager,
Shade: Night Moves
Smooth to apply, the Powermatte lipstick is not your average lip product. I tend to avoid more deep or intense colours with any lipsticks simply because they don't last through the day and I hate having to worry about reapplying. However, it's instantly apparent how saturated the colour on the Powermate is — in the best way possible.
It packs a hard punch of pigment, with one application being more than enough to get that ultimate rich finish that has real staying power. I went for the shade Night Moves, a deliciously moody deep plum that did not disappoint. Unlike other matte finish lipsticks, it didn't feel dry and the colour sat comfortably for much of the day with no real patchiness, even after eating. This stuff lasts, doesn't transfer and a little definitely goes a long way. I can't wait to try other shades from this range.
Rating: 8/10
Sally Hunter, PA to GLAMOUR’s European Director and Office Manager
Shade: Sweet Disposition
Finding a smudge-proof, weightless and long-lasting lipstick (I'm talking from day to night) is hard to come by, so when I got my hands on the new NARS Powermatte Lipstick, I felt like all my lipstick dreams had been answered.
I have never really been drawn to the matte lip look. I'm a glossy gal at heart which of course has its downsides — think lip smudges everywhere. On day one of trying out my new Powermatte lipstick I was shocked that when I got home from a busy 12-hour day of work and after-hours socialising, I could still see a hue of the shade ‘Sweet Disposition’ on my lips. At this point NARS, I think you’re converting me.
Previous experiences of using matte lipstick left me disappointed as it made my lips feel dry and flakey; which is never a good look. This new Powermatte however, is quite the opposite. It goes on creamy, sets matte, and feels completely weightless and non-drying. Not only does it feel good on your lips and last all day, but the new packaging is also super slick, streamlined, and comes in such a range of colours, you'll be spoilt for choice.
Not sure there is a downside, so for this one, it's full marks.
Rating: 10/10
Nars Powermatte LipstickFor more from Glamour UK Beauty Writer Shei Mamona, follow her on Instagram @sheimamona
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