It wouldn’t be a big NARS lipstick launch if there weren’t some bad-@ss reds up in the mix.
Oh! NARS does some ah-may-zing reds, don’t they? And there are lots of scintillating scarlets in the new NARS Audacious Lipstick collection ($32 each; 40 shades; available starting September 1).
Yesterday when we were looking at the corals and hot pinks I mentioned how I felt that NARS did a really good job making each of the colors in this collection distinct, despite some of them appearing very similar at first. Look closely, and you see the subtle differences among them. They don’t all just blur together into a hazy fog of reddish pink…
So, if you’re one of those unstoppable makeup fanatics (like myself) who, like the Terminator, WILL NOT STOP until you find your personal red lipstick version of Sarah Connor (for me, it’s a super warm tomato red with strong orange undertones), chances are you’ll find it among the reds in this launch.
Quickly, though, before we get to the reds, have I mentioned that my lips have been dry lately?
I think I have…but it wouldn’t be a Wednesday unless I mentioned it at least 26 more times, LOL! 🙂
So yeah, my lips have been very dry, which is what happens when you kayak on a windy lake for four hours. Of course, after doing this batch of swatches — which you know, took a while — they were in even worse shape.
But despite the currently critical lip sitch, I still think these lipsticks look smooth, which is yet another testament to the audaciously smooth Audacious Lipstick formula.
Now, on to the reds!
If you like warm, orangey reds…
Don’t miss Annabella (a poppy red), Carmen (a geranium red) and Lana (a vivid orangey red) without taking a closer look.
Of the three, I think Lana is the warmest and the most orange. It’s basically like a creamy MAC Lady Danger.
For a warm red with less orange than Lana, check out Carmen (slightly redder, less orange) or Annabella (even more red, and less orange).
Super intense, right!? Incidentally, you know you’re hard-core into lipsticks when you contemplate things like the ratio of red to orange. 🙂
Now, if you like neutral reds…
Get to know Marlene and Rita.
Rita reminds me of a classic scarlet.
While Marlene is a brick red with a hint of brown…
If you like rich, deep reds with berry and/or plum tones…
Set a date with Audrey or Jeanne.
Audrey (like an amplified NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Hyde Park) exudes the plummier vibe, and she’s brighter than Jeanne’s rich, deep berry.
I bet any of these reds will be perfect for fall, and they’ll be here just in time. They arrive September 1 at NARS boutiques, counters and also online.
Within the 40-piece collection, 10 of the shades — Vanessa, Julie, Marisa, Kelly, Carmen, Dominique, Silvia, Vivien, Sandra and Ingrid — are exclusive to Barneys New York stores, but all 40 of them are permanent.
If you have a favorite in the NARS classic lipstick line, no worries, because the new Audacious Lipsticks are joining the classics in the permanent line, not replacing them.
Whew! 🙂 That means Schiap and Dolce Vita aren’t going anywhere.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Audrey is my favorite of the bunch. But once again, it might be too bold for me.
More importantly, where is this top from? It’s so pretty with just one sleeve.
I just bought my first red lipstick ever at the ripe old age of 38. It’s the Mrs. Mia Wallace from UD. The only issue I have is that the UD Revolution lippies tend to end up all over my face if I eat anything. Just wondering if you think any of these are a similar shade?
All the colors look incredibly beautiful and vibrant on you! Like the whole line of reds is just perfect! 😀 Not a dud in sight!
You look so stunning in reds, Karen! I’m so jealous — many reds look strange on me. I only own two red lipsticks because of that — NARS Flamenco & Guerlain Coque d’Or (and both are sheer). Carmen may be my favorite here!
Flamenco is one of my favorite reds! So easy to wear.
Audrey is the one I’ve been waiting to see swatches of, and it looks lovely! I’m also more impressed with Annabella than I thought I’d be, and I’m still looking for my perfect orange-red, so I’m excited to see that one in person. (Plus, Annabella is my favorite character in my favorite 18th-century novel, Samuel Richardson’s Clarissa.)
Yeesh, I love a good red! Red Lizard, Jungle Red, and Heat Wave are my faves from NARS, but of course I could use 1 or 2 (fine, 3!) of these too 😉
Oooh those berry reds! Me wants!
What IS that top you are wearing btw??? It looks really really cute!
I love Carmen Annabella!
Which lipstick shades do you think go best with your skin tone? I’m NC-42 too and I would like to know.
Lana = creamy version of MAC Lady Danger = whoa mama! Totes been wanting Lady Danger but MAC mattes are too drying on my already dry lips.
At the same time, I want all of these. Tehehehe
Audrey is my pick out of the reds. Also, I am so thankful that these lipsticks won’t replace their classic ones, though. Barbarella is one of my favorite lippies so I would hate to see it go.
Audrey <3 <3 <3 🙂
Thank you so much for all the side by sode swatches! I know exactly what you mean about them being distinct despite looking the same in the tube, and I was looking forward to seeing the comparison!
I’m loving this swatch/photography series on these lipsticks!! Especially how you have been doing cute colored graphics to categorize the colors. I’m obsessed. As whether I need to drop $32 on another lipstick… so tempted. I will probably spring for one of the pinks, though. I just got the UD Mia Wallace lipstick, and that red is all I’m thinkin about these days!
Definitely an Audrey and Jeanne kind of gal – if I was brave enough to wear a bold lip. 🙂
They are fabulous, and they look incredible on you! I’d like about 6 of them but my bank account wouldn’t. We’ll see if I get to pick one 🙂
I’m loving these colors. Cannot wait to check them out in person. BTW, your lips do no look dry at all.
I love the shoulder detail and draping of the top your are wearing.
What the hell are you wearing on your eyes in these photos?
I NEED IT. Whatever shadow liner and whatever else. Please tell me! I’ve had no luck with anything looking that dark and intense and staying on my waterline.
Lana wasn’t even on my radar but it’s a must have now. Goodness it looks so gorgeous on you! Marlene looks pretty nice too
So many bold reds to choose from. Expensive but they’re beautiful.
Amazing colours, thinking of buying some for myself!!
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