Beauty is my Business: Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in "Cruella"

When it comes to make up, there is nothing more glamorous than retro red lips like the ones sported above in the vintage images from my blog header.

The look is a deep scarlet with a matte finish that is creamy and not too  overly glossy (like Miss Alba's red carpet look)

Paired with an understated face, the look is classic and elegant, yet picking the right shade of red and the right formula is rather tricky.

I've tried drugstore and department store brands without success, but NARS has come to the rescue with their Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in "cruella" (which I sported on my big night with my matching red satin dress)

The application is simple with a chubby crayon that you sketch on to your lips. The pencil coats your lips with rich pigment that looks like a creamy lipstick, yet has the staying power of a pencil.  The non-drying formula is enriched with special emollients and unique silicones that create the long-lasting velvet look.

I wore it all night at the party and only had to touch it up once before speeches! What a dream!!!

PS- The name of the shade was the clincher for me in terms of taking the pencil home from the NARS counter. Cruella de Ville was the ultimate diva, even if she was PETA's worst nightmare!

"Cruella de ville, cruella de ville
If she doesn't scare you, no evil thing will..."

Happy Birthday Nars!

My adoration for NARS has been well-versed on this blog and now there is a special edition palette commemorating the brand's 15th anniversary that may be a slight necessity for me.

Their Wild at Heart palette not only holds amazing pink and red lip colours that complement my fair skin, but fabulous shadows  that give you all the shades necessary to create a smoky eye. Throw in the fact that there is not only an orgasm blush but also the south beach multiple in there -- it's a done deal!

NARS, You're Making Me Blush!

I know NARS is no stranger to provocative names -- their blush orgasm is a beauty institution in itself -- but this morning when a colleague popped her head over my hideous grey cubicle wall to flash her nails and tell me the colour name, we had a good laugh.

 

     Meet Pussy Galore, an opalescent pink.

Penelope Red

Drugstore make-up is an affordable pick me up when you’re looking for a quick new beauty kick. I’m mad for my NARS velvet matte pencils, but I wanted to try out a more traditional red lipstick too without committing to another high price tag.

I decided on Penelope Red by Loreal because Ms. Cruz has similar colouring to me and I loved the result! If you’re looking for a quick way to dress up a neutral outfit for a special occasion, try it out – just remember to keep the rest of your face paired down!