NARS Summer 2012: Buenos Aires Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil (swatches & review)

Is it a little crazy that I get such a thrill of excitement with the launch of a new collection? Case in point: the summer 2012 collection from NARS, which grabbed me from the start with its exotic sounding names and quirky play of colours and textures … but seeing it live, is a whole other story. One item that I was determined to bring home with me, was the Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil in ‘Buenos Aires’: a lipstick/pencil/lip gloss in one neat package – doesn’t get easier than that!

an aerial view of Buenos Aires – a perfect source of inspiration for this shade (source)

‘Buenos Aires’ Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil, is exactly what the name implies; described by NARS as a “nude beige pink” shade, I would go even further by adding that it is one of the BEST and most flattering nude-beige-pink shades for lips out there. The chubby stick is easy and comfortable to hold, and its portability is undeniable, but what makes this particular pencil so special is:

its universally flattering hue, being neither too cool or warm leaning
excellent lasting power, staying in place easily a full 6 hours
no mirror needed for application
no need to carry lip liner, lip gloss AND lipstick with this all-in-one

The texture of this pencil is quite creamy and glides easily across the lips without any pulling; I usually begin by outlining my lips first, then quickly filling them in – done in a flash! The colour itself is not too opaque, which is a plus in this case as its slight translucency allows some of your natural lip colour to add a nice warmth to the finished look. The gloss part of this stick is not like traditional glosses, so don’t expect a glass-like shine, but it certainly gives more than a sheen and according to NARS, the inclusion of “vitamin E and moisture-rich hyaluronic spheres increase hydration, improve barrier function and make lips appear fuller“.

Buenos Aires (closeup)

in sunlight

indoors

with flash

Final thoughts: I have been looking for that one great nude lipstick, one that would give a soft focus effect without giving me “corpse” lips – and now thanks to ‘Buenos Aires’, I have found it. What I wasn’t expecting, was how much I would come to love using this, both for its convenience, as well as its feel. Even long after the initial shine has faded, I found that my lips felt soft & nourished, with a light dusky hint of colour left behind … all of which has convinced me beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I NEED A BACKUP. Or maybe 2!

PS: this opens the NARS chapter of my ‘Wedding Anniversary Bounty’ (begun here, here, here and here) … yes, that’s still going on!