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Thursday 20 November 2014

Veracious Product Review: NARS Audacious Lipstick in Grace

Hi, everyone! If you know one thing about me, it's that I'm a nerdy cat lady who's a bit of a geek at heart. If you know two things about me, it's that I'm a nerdy cat lady who has the biggest soft spot for lipstick. Beyond a soft spot, really. Truly an obsession! Any new lip product release has my heart racing, and the NARS Audacious Lipsticks were no exception. They've been raved about left and right in the blogosphere over the past few months, and I've finally been lucky enough to understand the hype. I picked up one of these beautiful lippies during the recent Sephora VIB Sale, and couldn't be more smitten!


The NARS Audacious Lipstick range flaunts 40 shade choices(!) and promises bold, pigmented colour with a soft texture, a weightless feel with a satin finish, and saturated colour and full coverage with a single stroke. A tall order! 

They are packaged in NARS' typical black cardboard boxes:


Upon opening the box, however, typical is thrown out the window. The Audacious Lipsticks come in lightweight metal rectangular tubes with the NARS logo etched onto the bottom (can you see it?). Not only is the tube incredibly sleek, it also snaps closed with the most satisfying magnetic click. Music to my lipstick-loving ears! 

The bottom of the tubes feature the shade name and product weight:



The lipstick itself is presented in a stylishly molded bullet, with the NARS logo imprinted on the product. What a lovely touch!


The shade I chose was Grace, which NARS describes as a "bright pink coral". I'd label it as a vibrant coral-tinged rose that's just this side of red. Bold, but still quite feminine!

Everything about this shade is so up my alley. If you follow the blog, you'll know that I have a penchant for bright pinks. Give me a vivid pink lipstick, and I'm there! Despite this affinity, I can't say I have anything in my collection quite like it. The closest dupes in my stash are Revlon ColourBurst Matte Balm in Unapologetic (slightly more orange/coral and a less shiny finish) and Chantecaille Lip Chic in Amaryllis (much more sheer and glossy). 

I'd actually tried this shade on in Sephora on a few occasions, knowing from the very first swipe that Grace was certainly for me. Luckily, I was able to hold on until the VIB Sale to pick it up. It would be a stretch to say I had self-control when it came to this purchase, but I can definitely claim a healthy dose of patience! 

Here's a swatch of Grace on my inner arm (MAC NC15 skin tone)...


... and on my lips...


... and in the context of a completed makeup look!

Excuse my sleepy eyes and wonky brows. I was fighting a cold and not at my best ;)

I've already admitted that I've fallen for this lipstick, but here's a full list of my thoughts on NARS Audacious Lipstick in Grace:

Pros:
  • The claim of full, saturated colour in one stripe is really all that! A little goes a very long way. Lips seem coated with pigment instantly.
  • While is isn't necessarily hydrating, it did smooth over my dry lips effortlessly! My pout was seriously chapped the day I snapped these photos, but you cannot tell one bit. My lips looked plump and dewy!
  • Flattering satin finish that is neither too matte, nor too shiny
  • This colour seriously lasted for hours! Wore quite well, even through a meal, and faded gracefully. No patchiness or dryness in sight!
  • Despite the full-on pigmentation, this really does feel weightless on the lips!
  • Grace is a perfect blend of bold and feminine. Bright, for sure, but also quite ladylike :)
  • Sleek, chic packaging with that always-satisfying magnetic click closure
Cons:
  • The Audacious range is definitely not for those who prefer sheer colour. There is no way to wear these lipsticks except full-on!
  • The price. At $37 CAD, these are most certainly a splurge. 

And there you have it! As a lipstick fiend, it doesn't take much for me to add a new pick to my stash, but it does take an exceptional product to stand out among my collection. NARS Grace is just that- a true standout! The shade is stunning, the formula is divine, and the packaging is ultra sleek. Not a single complaint! 

Have you tried any of the new NARS Audacious Lipsticks? What shades are your favourite? Have you discovered any new lipstick standouts lately?

Thanks for stopping by :)

38 comments:

  1. This is probably a bit too KAPOWEE for me, but on you the color looks really pretty!

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  2. What an absolute stunner! Grace is such a bold, brightening shade! Even though you have a cold, you look hot girl! Haha :) The shade range is amazing, definitely have a couple on my wishlist!

    Tasha // shiwashiful.

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  3. i knew right away that Grace would be the color you picked. it had your name ALL over it, had your name been Grace lol
    good to know that there's no way of sheering these out. I'm thinking they might be a bit too intense for me right now....but ill consider them in the future. not sure i need more super pigmented lipsticks (not sure i need more of anything HAHA but i've been eying some MUFE artist shadows. eyeshadows...those are my REAL downfalls)


    Jenn
    A Beautiful Zen

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    Replies
    1. Hehee, it's definitely a 'me' sort of shade! Definitely not sheer, but they have some lovely neutrals in the range that aren't this loud :)

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  4. It's a lovely colour on you! It really brightens up your face! I opted for Olivia which is more of a vampy/deep red colour and I love it! It's so pretty and it feels so luxurious!

    Alexandra
    Glam O’Clock | Beauty Blog

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    Replies
    1. Thanks! Will have to check out Olivia :)

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  5. Stunning lipstick! It's so pretty brand new I'd never want to use it! I love when lipsticks have the brand name etched in the product itself.
    xx
    Jenny // Mish Mosh Makeup

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  6. The color of this lipstick is just on point! Perfect for the holidays.

    I am following you now on GFC, I hope you'll follow me back if you haven't yet. :)

    LIKE BEAUTYEDITER.COM ON FACEBOOK
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  7. Love this shade on you Jen, really suits you

    Stacey | Expat Make-Up Addict xx

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  8. i love the shape of these, they're a little tom ford-esque!

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    Replies
    1. They really are- and for a better price :)

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  9. Hey Jennifer, great pick!!! Grace is an amazing color on you! I haven't got any of these yet, and I really wonder if I ever will, since the formula is not hydrating. If it were, I would have picked up several of them already!

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    Replies
    1. It's not hydrating per se, but also not a bit drying! Smooths over lips nicely :)

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  10. Jennifer - WOW! Grace looks like it was made for you. Such a beautiful bold shade you carry so well:) It's such a beauty - I want to go swatch it on me ASAP :)

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  11. Pretty, pretty, pretty! I wish I could wear that shade like you do!

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  12. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  13. $37 is definitely a splurge but it's a gorgeous shade!
    ~Kelly // KellysVida: a Lifestyle, Beauty & Mommy Blog

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  14. This shade looks gorgeous on you! I love the creamy formula of these lipsticks and have Annabella! Definitely want more xx

    www.krystelcouture.com | Chi Chi Giveaway

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Jenny! Glad you're liking the formula too :)

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  15. the color is so fab! Have a happy weekend. :D

    Kenny,
    WHATKENNYHEARTS.COM
    FOLLOW ME ON BLOGLOVIN
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  16. Girlllllll, that lipstick looks AMAZING! I want it so bad!

    www.beatrizrocha.com

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    Replies
    1. Thanks! It definitely is a gorgeous shade- so worth checking out :)

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  17. OMG! this shade is exactly what I was looking for! Have to get it

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  18. I can't get over how perfect this shade is!

    - Deniz
    www.dressedupdeniz.com

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  19. Such a BEAUTIFUL shade of pink that I definitely need to have in my life! These lipsticks are sure pricey though, but with the rave that keeps going on about them.. I might try one out and see how I like them! Urgh, its so stunning!
    <3 Pauline, ­­Addicted to Makeup

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  20. I'm such a lipstick junkie too!! I admit to get to try many colors, I buy the cheapies, but it's just so fun to experiment! That color is so powerful and pretty on you! And a magnetic closure sounds amazing. Luckily I've never had a cap pop off one of mine, but it's nice to have that extra insurance! <3

    toni
    www.styleforthecamerablog.com

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  21. Wow such a gorgeous shade! It's one of those wear alone and instantly look refreshed kind of colors.

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  22. I really did not like the last NARS lipstick I tried, but the colors are so gosh darn pretty! I think I'm going to try Jane...and Dominique...and Grace haha. Everyone deserves a second chance.. right?

    www.lilting-grace.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Haha, yes! A second chance is definitely in order :)

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  23. Grace is such a beautiful shade, looks stunning on you. Your makeup looks impeccable as always xx

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  24. Thanks so much, Shekinah :)

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All of your lovely comments make my day! Thanks for taking the time to share your musings, ideas, and opinions. Feel free to leave a link to your blog- I'd be happy to check it out :)