Beauty Best NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencils for Bold, Soft Color
The NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Do Me Baby is our top pick for bold, soft color. This warm terracotta-rose flatters a wide range of skin tones. The jumbo crayon lays down full pigment in one swipe. Vitamin E keeps the matte finish comfortable, not chalky.
We compared five Velvet Matte shades from everyday neutrals to statement reds. Color payoff, comfort, and wear time shaped our rankings. Every shade below uses the same beloved velvet matte formula. Use this guide to find your perfect matte match.
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, Do Me Baby, 0.08 oz Warm terracotta-rose shade.
- NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, Dragon Girl, 0.08 oz Vivid pink-red Dragon Girl shade.
- NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, Dolce Vita, 0.08 oz Dusty rose Dolce Vita shade.
Full reviews and comparisons below.
On This Page
Our Top Picks
Best for: Warm-undertoned shoppers who want an everyday matte neutral.
#1 Best OverallNARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, Do Me Baby, 0.08 oz
- Warm terracotta-rose shade
- Jumbo crayon format
- Vitamin E and emollients
- Velvet matte, fade-resistant finish
Pros
- Warm neutral suits many tones
- Comfortable matte wear
- Easy one-swipe application
Cons
- Needs a sharpener
- Warm tone may clash with cool undertones
Best for: Anyone who wants a power red with matte staying power.
Runner-UpNARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, Dragon Girl, 0.08 oz
- Vivid pink-red Dragon Girl shade
- Jumbo crayon doubles as liner
- Enriched with vitamin E
- Long-lasting velvet matte color
Pros
- Statement red in one coat
- Tip allows precise edges
- Fades evenly, not patchy
Cons
- Bold shade needs confidence
- Sharpener not included
Best for: Office wearers who want a polished, low-key rose lip.
Best ValueNARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, Dolce Vita, 0.08 oz
- Dusty rose Dolce Vita shade
- Jumbo pencil format
- Vitamin E for comfort
- Velvet matte finish, long wear
Pros
- Everyday rose suits work looks
- Applies like lipstick
- Comfortable for a matte
Cons
- Dusty tone can look muted on deep skin
- Needs sharpening
Best for: First-timers who want to test the famous Cruella red.
NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, Cruella, 0.06 oz Travel Size
- Travel-size 0.06 oz format
- Scarlet-red Cruella shade
- Same vitamin E formula
- Velvet matte, high pigment
Pros
- Try Cruella for less
- Fits small purses
- Same rich color payoff
Cons
- Small size runs out fast
- Still needs a sharpener
Best for: Red-lip devotees who want the full-size classic.
NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, Cruella, 0.08 oz
- Full-size scarlet-red Cruella
- Jumbo crayon format
- Vitamin E-enriched matte
- Long-wearing, fade-resistant color
Pros
- Iconic red with staying power
- One pencil lines and fills
- Rich pigment in one pass
Cons
- Red can stain lips slightly
- Matte needs lip prep
The Velvet Matte Formula
Velvet Matte means rich pigment with a soft-focus finish. The formula feels creamy going on, then sets to matte. Vitamin E and emollients prevent the dry, tight feeling. It never looks flat or chalky on lips. This is matte for people who hate dry mattes.
Shade Guide
Do Me Baby is a warm terracotta-rose for everyday wear. Dolce Vita is a dusty rose for polished looks. Dragon Girl is a vivid pink-red statement. Cruella is a classic scarlet red. Damned is a deep berry-wine for evenings. Own one neutral and one bold.
Full Size vs Travel Size
The 0.08 oz full size suits daily wearers. The 0.06 oz travel Cruella lets you test the shade cheaply. Travel sizes run out fast with regular use. Cost per ounce favors the full size. Try travel first, then commit to full size.
Application Tips
Swipe the jumbo crayon directly onto lips. Use the tip edge for precise outlining. Fill in with broad strokes for full color. Blot once for a softer stain effect. Layer a second coat for maximum intensity. No lip brush needed ever.
Making Matte Last
Exfoliate lips before matte application. Apply a thin balm layer, blot, then apply color. Avoid oily foods that dissolve matte formulas. Reapply after meals rather than layering endlessly. Remove fully at night with an oil cleanser.
Price and Value
Each pencil costs about the same as two drugstore lipsticks. The pigment load justifies the price for daily wearers. Travel sizes cut the entry cost nearly in half. One pencil lasts months of regular use. Watch for value sets during holiday sales.
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 velvet matte lip 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
Less than most mattes, thanks to vitamin E. Lips feel comfortable for hours, not tight. Very dry lips should still prep with balm. Exfoliating weekly helps too.
Use a large-hole cosmetic sharpener. Chill the pencil for ten minutes first. Twist gently to avoid breaking the tip. Clean the blade between sharpenings.
Do Me Baby wins for versatility. The warm terracotta-rose suits day and night. Dolce Vita is the best polished neutral. Dragon Girl is the most iconic shade.
Slightly, like most creamy mattes. Blotting after application reduces transfer. It will not survive oily meals untouched. The stain left behind still looks good.
About three to four months with daily use. Jumbo crayons hold a lot of product. Sharpening wastes a little each time. Travel sizes last about six weeks.