Beauty NARS Cruella Lip Picks: 5 Bold Shades Reviewed and Ranked
NARS Cruella is the raspberry red that stops traffic. This vivid pink-red has become a modern classic for bold lip lovers. Our guide centers on Cruella in the Powermatte mini, then rounds up four companion NARS lip colors, from the siren red Dragon Girl to the shiny Orgasm and soft-matte Thrust.
We picked five NARS lip products that Amazon shoppers buy when hunting bold color. The Cruella mini offers an affordable entry to the shade. Dragon Girl delivers classic red in pencil form. Orgasm shine and Thrust cover glossy and weightless finishes for different moods.
Below you will find honest reviews, a guide to choosing between red formulas, and answers to common questions. Whether Cruella is your signature or your experiment, this page helps you wear bold NARS color with confidence.
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 Powermatte Lip Pigment, Cruella Mini Cruella is a vivid raspberry red.
- NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, Dragon Girl Dragon Girl is a vivid siren red.
- NARS Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipstick, Orgasm Orgasm shade in sensual shine formula.
Full reviews and comparisons below.
On This Page
Our Top Picks
Best for: Trying the famous Cruella shade.
#1 Best OverallNARS Powermatte Lip Pigment, Cruella Mini
- Cruella is a vivid raspberry red
- Powermatte liquid lip formula
- Mini size, perfect for trying
- Weightless matte that flexes with lips
Pros
- Iconic Cruella shade in mini
- Matte without cracking
- Great way to test the formula
Cons
- Mini runs out quickly
- Raspberry red is bold for daily wear
- Pricey per ounce
Best for: Classic red in pencil form.
Runner-UpNARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, Dragon Girl
- Dragon Girl is a vivid siren red
- Velvet matte pencil format
- Jumbo crayon for easy application
- Long-wearing matte color
Pros
- Siren red with major impact
- Pencil gives precise edges
- Cult classic shade
Cons
- Pencil needs sharpening
- Matte can drag on dry lips
- High price for a pencil
Best for: Shiny Orgasm lips.
Best ValueNARS Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipstick, Orgasm
- Orgasm shade in sensual shine formula
- Peachy pink with golden shimmer
- Hydrating lipstick with shine
- Comfortable, balmy texture
Pros
- Iconic Orgasm shade for lips
- Shine finish feels luxurious
- Hydrates while wearing
Cons
- Shimmer not for everyone
- Short wear, transfers easily
- Premium price
Best for: Weightless matte rose color.
NARS Air Matte Lip Color, Thrust
- Thrust is a warm rose shade
- Air Matte whipped texture
- Featherweight matte color
- Blurs the look of lip lines
Pros
- Whipped texture feels weightless
- Rose shade is very wearable
- Modern soft-matte finish
Cons
- Sheer, needs layering for depth
- Fades by midday
- Tube looks bigger than it is
Best for: Matte lovers wanting two shades.
NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment Duo Set
- Duo set of Powermatte lip pigments
- Two full-impact matte shades
- Zero-gravity flexible formula
- Smudge-resistant wear
Pros
- Two shades to mix and match
- Flexible matte moves with lips
- Good set value
Cons
- Both shades may not suit you
- Matte still needs lip prep
- Set costs more upfront
Why Cruella Stands Out
Understand the Cruella appeal. The raspberry red sits between pink and red, flattering many undertones. The Powermatte formula gives intense color that flexes with lips. It photographs beautifully and works year-round.
Mini or Full Size
Decide on size wisely. The mini lets you try Cruella for fourteen to twenty dollars. Full sizes cost more but last months. Minis suit shade experimenters; full sizes suit committed fans. Minis also travel better.
Pencil, Liquid or Bullet
Choose your preferred format. Powermatte liquid gives the boldest matte color. The Dragon Girl pencil offers precise application. Afterglow bullets deliver shine and comfort. Liquids last longest; bullets feel best.
Prepping for Bold Color
Bold lips need flawless prep. Exfoliate and moisturize, then blot completely. Line with a matching red pencil. Apply color carefully, working from the center out. Clean edges with concealer for a crisp finish.
Wearing Red with Confidence
Commit to the bold lip look. Keep the rest of your makeup balanced but polished. Groomed brows frame the face. A little blush prevents the washed-out effect. Confidence is the best accessory with Cruella.
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 cruella 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
Cruella leans neutral to slightly cool. The raspberry tone balances pink and red. It suits a wide range of undertones, which explains its popularity.
NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Monte Carlo comes close. Maybelline Super Stay in Pioneer is another option. Test in person since raspberry undertones vary.
Less than traditional mattes. The flexible formula moves with lips instead of cracking. Prep with balm and exfoliation for the most comfortable wear.
Expect six to eight hours of strong wear. It survives talking and light eating. Oily meals fade the center, so carry it for touch-ups.
Yes, blot it down for daytime. Apply one layer, blot firmly, and skip liner for a softer effect. Save full intensity for evenings.
No, NARS is not certified cruelty-free. The brand sells in markets requiring animal testing. Consider this if cruelty-free matters to you.