Why I’m Obsessed with the New NARS Air Matte Blush & Lip Colors (review & swatches)
I mean, you can probably guess how I feel about the latest NARS launch based on the line above. I freaking love these. Like, I don’t even care that I killed all the suspense and you probably won’t even read the rest of the review. I love this launch so much, I want to shout about it from the rooftops! Also, here’s a perfect example of YMMV for you: I like to compare my experience with other bloggers after I finish writing my review, and I noticed that a lot of people seem to hate these. I just love how different we all are and how some people’s fails are someone else’s raves!
NARS Cosmetics launched new Air Matte Blush and Air Matte Lip Color a few weeks ago as sort of a bite-sized pre-Spring release. They don’t come in any special packaging, just your classic glass pots with rubbery black lids and unadorned liquid lip tubes with black caps. The design is clean, minimalist, and utilitarian – something you’d see in a MUA kit rather than a product aimed to wow limited edition collectors. Because let’s be honest, when it comes to NARS, sometimes their packaging is better than the formula, especially for limited edition collections. Not a case with these, I assure you.
NARS Cosmetics Air Matte Blush ($30) has a whipped mousse consistency and was designed to deliver a soft, matte wash of color. These shades look bold and colorful in the pot but they blend out into a transparent watercolor tint on the cheeks, and I’m here for that natural look. Because this formula is intentionally sheer, some people who prefer bolder blushes won’t like these, but if you are someone who loves no-makeup makeup looks, they are well worth checking out! I was impressed with the longevity as well – even on my combination skin the blushes lasted all day and the finish stayed matte, but there’s a trick to it. This formula is not easily buildable, so you shouldn’t use shades that will disappear on your skin because you won’t have the opportunity to build it up. They didn’t wear well with foundation, but worked wonders over skincare and tinted moisturizers. I don’t know about you, but lately I can’t even be bothered to wear foundation, so I just wear this blush over my sunscreen. All in all, this is definitely a product for makeup minimalists who don’t use medium and heavy coverage base products. Give it a try if that’s you, skip it if you prefer foundation with more coverage. By the way, as far as application goes, fingers seem to work best, and be sure to tap, not smudge.
NARS Cosmetics Air Matte Lip Color ($26) is a liquid lipstick that promises full coverage, matte finish, and featherweight wear. I love the look of matte lipsticks but generally avoid the ultra long-wearing formulas because they tend to look super dry on the lips. This formula is sort of a compromise. You get full coverage and intense color payoff, extremely lightweight feel, and even a light moisturizing effect, but these wear more like a regular lipstick from a bullet – a few hours tops, and you will need to reapply. NARS says you could also play with these to create a few neat editorial effects, like multi-color gradation looks or diffused pigment looks, but I like to keep it simple. If you normally wear a lip pencil with your traditional lipsticks, you will also want to wear a lip pencil with these. You know what they remind me of? NYX Lip Lingerie, which is probably my favorite drugstore matte liquid lipstick formula. If you tried those and liked them, this is basically a high end dupe with an even nicer texture.
On the lips: NARS Cosmetics Air Matte Lip Color Knockout. Love this shade!
If you love using cloud-like makeup, don’t miss out on these – they’re selling fast and certain shades are already out of stock, and I hope all the polarizing online reviews don’t deter those of you who might truly enjoy these products. These formulas won’t be for everyone, but if you read the review and find my descriptions appealing, you should totally give them a shot.
If you had the chance to try either of these, what are your thoughts? Are you someone who likes a wash of color on the cheeks or do you prefer bolder, more opaque looks?
