DRESS: Ted Baker  (similar affordable option HERE) |  SHOES: Jimmy Choo (sold out, similar affordable option HERE)  |  EARRINGS: Zara (also love THESE) |  BRACELET: old, similar HERE & HERE  |  LIP: Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment (Under My Thumb) + Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil (Endangered Red)

I’ve been raving about the Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment for so long on instastories, I thought it was high time I do a full post on this game-changing product.  Since I’ve been wearing it constantly for the past several months, I’ve been getting constant questions about the product and application tips via DM and email, so wanted to break it down and answer all of your questions here in one place!  Of course, you can always find my complete list of holy grail beauty products in my comprehensive, constantly-updated Beauty Routine post here!

A bold lip has definitely been my go-to this season, and is my favorite way to liven up cold-weather looks.  Of course, there’s no better finishing touch to a dressy ensemble like the burgundy velvet dress I’m wearing today than a bold lip for a fun night out.  However, when I’m not getting gussied up in the winter, I often tend towards comfortable, dark layers and I’ve found that rocking a bold pout is a fun, easy way to spice up my casual looks as well.

Now, anyone who has attempted a bright red or deep burgundy lip knows that achieving and SUSTAINING that perfect pout is far from easy.  After trying just about every long-wear lipstick on the market, I finally stumbled upon my latest OBSESSION: the Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment.

This product is the hands-down MVP lip product for me right now.  It is a long-wearing, matte, liquid lip product offering full coverage in one swipe.  Not only is it incredibly long lasting, but it’s hydrating and smudge-proof allowing for comfortable, fuss-free wear. That means I can have my glass of wine (or coffee) and bold lips at the same time.  I’m telling you, this is the best product on the market.

Here’s a breakdown of why it’s been a game-changing product for me and how best to use it:

LASTS FOREVER:  As documented on instastories, there have been many days where I’ve put this lip product on at 7:30AM and have literally not touched it for the duration of a 12 hour day.  WHAT?!  I’ve tried SO many liquid lipsticks and haven’t found anything that comes close to this product.

DOESN’T DRY OUT YOUR LIPS:  This is the biggest complaint I have with similar longwear liquid lipsticks—they completely kill my lips and make them horribly dried out and peeling for days afterwards.  Not at all the case for the Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment at ALL.

NO LIP-LINER NECESSARY:  If you’re experienced with bold red lips, you’re likely thinking I’m completely crazy, but it’s true: this is the rare lipstick that actually doesn’t require the application of lip liner beforehand.  In fact, it goes on more precisely and lasts longer if you don’t use one.  I simply apply it to clean, dry lips and that’s IT.  The application wand is so incredibly precise and easy to handle, you can create a perfect line without the help of any other product.

NO FEATHERING:  Since it dries matte after application, there’s absolutely never any feathering.  This is my biggest pet peeve with other favorite lipsticks, which cause me to carefully apply lip liner (and sometimes concealer!) to prevent.

FADES NATURALLY:  Of course, this lip product is not a tattoo, so if you’re eating and drinking a lot over the course of many hours, it will fade slightly, especially in the inner, central part of your lower lip.  However, unlike other similar products that dry unnaturally and create a weird, harsh line on the inside of your lips, this one fades in a very natural way, making the faded result still totally normal-looking.  There’s no worse feeling than being stuck at a dinner party and noticing weird glances down at your mouth when you’re talking because your lipstick has gone awry.

FAVORITE COLORS:  Under My Thumb (berry/burgundy), Starwoman (vivid blue red), Save the Queen (dusty mauve)

PRO TIP: As mentioned above, if you’re eating particularly oily foods for an extended period of time, the color may fade slightly in the center.  In this case, I carry the Nars velvet matte lip pencil in my purse and use it for quick touch-ups on-the-go.  Of course, if you can sneak away to the bathroom mirror to use the powermatte lip pigment to touch up, that’s a great option as well, however the pencil is a much safer bet and easier to apply on the fly without a mirror.  The matte lip pencil also offers nice added moisture and blends really well with the powermatte liquid lip pigment (in both texture and color) so it’s a perfect combo!

AVAILABLE HERE:  It’s becoming increasingly popular (no surprise there!) so if the colors you’re looking for are sold out at Sephora, here are direct links to every other place you can find it: NORDSTROM,  ULTA,  BLUEMERCURY,  NET-A-PORTER,  MACY’S,  BARNEY’S,  NEIMAN MARCUS,  NARS

DRESS: Ted Baker  (similar affordable option HERE) |  SHOES: Jimmy Choo (sold out, similar affordable option HERE)  |  EARRINGS: Zara (also love THESE) |  BRACELET: old, similar HERE & HERE  |  LIP: Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment (Under My Thumb) + Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil (Endangered Red)