Beauty Best NARS Lip Pencils for Defined Lips That Last All Day
The NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Damned is our top pick for defined lips. It delivers deep berry-wine color in a single swipe. The jumbo crayon works as both liner and lipstick. Vitamin E keeps the matte formula comfortable for hours.
We compared five NARS lip pencils across shades, formats, and prices. Pigment payoff, wear time, and precision shaped our rankings. Every pick below earns its place in a makeup bag. Use this guide to find your perfect NARS pencil.
Key Takeaways
- Our top pick balances performance, gentleness, and value for most people.
- Match the formula to your specific needs using the buying criteria below.
- Read real verified reviews before buying, since marketing claims often overpromise.
Quick Answer: Top 3 Picks
- NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, Damned, 0.08 oz Deep berry-wine shade Damned.
- NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, Dragon Girl, 0.08 oz Iconic vivid pink-red shade.
- NARS Precision Lip Liner, Gordes, 0.04 oz Fine precision tip in shade Gordes.
Full reviews and comparisons below.
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Our Top Picks
Best for: Bold-lip lovers who want one-and-done evening color.
#1 Best OverallNARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, Damned, 0.08 oz
- Deep berry-wine shade Damned
- Jumbo crayon applies like lipstick
- Vitamin E keeps lips comfortable
- Long-wearing velvet matte finish
Pros
- One swipe gives full coverage
- Matte without heavy dryness
- Jumbo tip speeds application
Cons
- Needs sharpening, no twist-up
- Dark shade can bleed without liner
Best for: Anyone hunting a signature red that suits most skin tones.
Runner-UpNARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, Dragon Girl, 0.08 oz
- Iconic vivid pink-red shade
- Jumbo pencil format
- Vitamin E-enriched formula
- Velvety matte, non-drying finish
Pros
- Universally flattering red-pink
- Long wear through meals
- Precise tip for lining
Cons
- Requires a sharpener
- Transfers onto cups slightly
Best for: Perfectionists who want crisp, clean lip edges daily.
Best ValueNARS Precision Lip Liner, Gordes, 0.04 oz
- Fine precision tip in shade Gordes
- Creamy, tug-free glide
- Defines lips or fills fully
- Long-wearing matte color
Pros
- Sharp lines without effort
- Prevents lipstick feathering
- Creamy enough for full-lip fill
Cons
- Thin pencil wears down fast
- Cap can crack if dropped
Best for: Travelers who want bold red in a tiny package.
NARS Powermatte High-Intensity Lip Pencil, Cruella, 0.02 oz Mini
- Mini size of Powermatte pencil
- Scarlet-red shade Cruella
- High-intensity pigment load
- Up to 12-hour wear claim
Pros
- Try the formula cheaply
- Intense color in one pass
- Travel-friendly size
Cons
- Mini runs out quickly
- Very matte feel needs balm
Best for: NARS fans who want two statement shades at once.
NARS Powermatte High-Intensity Lip Pencil Duo
- Two full-size Powermatte pencils
- High-pigment matte formula
- Precision tip for lining
- Long-wear, transfer-resistant finish
Pros
- Better value than two singles
- Two shades expand options
- Strong staying power
Cons
- Both shades may not suit you
- Matte formula can feel dry
Velvet Matte vs Precision vs Powermatte
NARS makes three distinct lip pencil lines. Velvet Matte is a jumbo crayon with a soft matte finish. Precision is a slim liner for sharp edges. Powermatte packs the most intense pigment of all. Choose Velvet Matte for easy full-lip color. Choose Precision for detailed lining work.
Shade Families
Damned is a deep berry-wine for bold evenings. Dragon Girl is a vivid pink-red that suits most skin. Do Me Baby is a warm terracotta-rose neutral. Cruella is a classic scarlet red. Gordes is a precise nude for lining. Pick one bold and one neutral to start.
Jumbo Crayon vs Slim Liner
Jumbo crayons fill lips in seconds flat. Slim liners draw sharper edges and detail. Jumbos need a large sharpener. Slims wear down faster with daily use. Most people need one of each. Start with the format you will actually use.
Wear Time and Fading
Expect six to eight hours from Velvet Matte shades. Dark shades like Damned stain slightly as they fade. Powermatte lasts longest of the three lines. Eating oily food shortens wear for all formulas. Blot and reapply after meals for evening plans.
Sharpening and Care
All NARS pencils need sharpening except twist-up formats. Chill the pencil before sharpening for a cleaner point. A cosmetic sharpener with a large hole fits jumbos. Clean the blade often to avoid dragging. Store pencils capped to prevent drying.
Price and Value
Full-size pencils cost about the same as a nice dinner. The mini Cruella lets you test the formula cheaply. The Powermatte Duo beats buying two singles. Cost per wear is low for daily users. Sales and gift sets drop the price further.
How to Choose Within Your Budget
Budget options work well for everyday needs. Mid-range products often deliver better ingredients and performance. Premium options suit those wanting the best formulas. Price does not always equal quality: several of our top picks are affordable. Set your budget first, then choose the best performer within it.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right nars lip pencil product comes down to matching formulas to your specific needs and routine, not chasing viral trends. Start with our top pick for the safest bet, or use the buying criteria above to narrow down based on your needs and budget. Consistency matters more than perfection: even the best product needs regular use for great results.
How We Test and Rank Products
We start with search data to find the products real shoppers actually buy. Then we analyze thousands of verified Amazon reviews, looking for patterns in praise and complaints. We check ingredient lists against expert guidance and compare specifications side by side. Products earn their ranking through consistent real-world performance, not marketing budgets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the jumbo and slim pencils both need sharpening. Use a cosmetic sharpener with the right size hole. Chill the pencil first for a cleaner point. Twist-up drugstore liners skip this step entirely.
Most shades last six to eight hours. Dark shades stain and last even longer. Powermatte formulas outlast Velvet Matte slightly. Meals and oily foods shorten wear.
Yes, jumbo crayons are made for full-lip wear. Fill lips completely with the crayon tip. The color looks richer than a slim liner fill. Add balm on top if lips feel dry.
Dragon Girl suits the widest range of skin tones. It is a vivid pink-red that flatters warm and cool undertones. Do Me Baby is the safest neutral option. Start sheer and build up color.
They are for daily lip wearers. Pigment payoff beats most drugstore pencils. One pencil lasts months with regular use. Occasional users may do fine with cheaper liners.