NARS Audacious Lipstick…Swatches of My Selections!

nars audacious lipstick swatches
Above (L-R): NARS Audacious Lipstick in Vanessa, Marisa, Kelly, Julie and Dominique.
I have been eagerly anticipating the arrival of the new NARS Audacious Lipstick (currently available at Barney’s NY and NARS.com) for weeks now and, upon a quick stop at Barney’s NY this week, fortuitously was able to pick up five of the most pigmented shades to grace the planet.  I am currently working on a comprehensive review with pictures of these gems on the lips but wanted to share images of their striking beauty with you in the meanwhile!  
Kindly scroll on for details, images, initial impressions and swatches as well as the Bottom Line…
nars audacious lipstick swatches
Above: Sleek, streamlined packaging…is there anything more alluring?
Above: With Barney’s NY Beverly Hills NARS Counter Manager Dalbert Buitrago.
nars audacious lipstick swatches
Above: (L-R): Dominique, Kelly, Julie, Marisa and Vanessa without a flash.
Named after women Francoise Nars finds iconic, the 40 shades–ranging from pale nude to deep aubergine–are richly pigmented with a creamy, opaque finish.  Truly, a single pass is all that is necessary to drench lips in stunning, radiant color.  Of the 40 color options available, there are 12 that are exclusive to Barney’s and from that collection, I selected five to take home:
  • Dominique: A creamy mid-toned lavender
  • Kelly: A bold yet soft, flamingo-inspired coral
  • Julie: A peachy pink nude with incredible depth
  • Marisa: A bright medium pink with fuchsia leanings
  • Vanessa: A mauve-tinged nude

nars audacious lipstick swatches
Above: (L-R): Dominique, Kelly, Julie, Marisa and Vanessa with a flash.
nars audacious lipstick swatches
Above (L-R): NARS Audacious Lipstick in Vanessa, Marisa, Kelly, Julie and Dominique.
The matte black square tube is weighty (made of metal) and has a cap with a magnetic closure…this feels luxurious and substantial and, in conjunction with the stellar formula, justifies the price increase from $26 (for NARS traditional lipsticks like Pago Pago reviewed HERE, which I am told are not going to be discontinued) to $32 (which still feels very reasonable in the realm of high-end lip color).
Above: The packaging is so luxe and the magnetic element adds to the appeal.
nars audacious lipstick swatches
Above: Resplendent in the sun.
As aforementioned, I am in the midst of preparing a detailed review; here are my initial impressions:
  • The formula is smooth with just a touch of drag upon application; I prefer this to an overly emollient formula because it lends to its lasting power and strength of coverage.
  • The creamy texture completely covers my natural lip color in one coat.
  • My lips are prone to dryness, but, even after 5 hours of wear (without an initial balm application), my lips stayed comfortable and hydrated.
  • The formula does not settle into fine lines or migrate outside of the lip area.
  • Because it is so opaque and creamy, I find that it actually enhances the size of my lips, adding fullness and dimension…even with the darker shades!
  • I did not feel the need to touch up (I wore Julie last night…see below) for at least four hours.  
  • Because the shades are so pigmented, a little goes a long way…multiple coats would be entirely unnecessary in my opinion.
  • This formula is INCREDIBLE!
NARS audacious lipstick julie swatch
Above: NARS Audacious Lipstick in Julie…two hours into wear.

nars audacious lipstick dominique swatches
Above: NARS Audacious Lipstick in Dominique, a creamy, mid-toned lavender.
nars audacious lipstick dominique swatches
Above: The imprinted insignia is a lavish touch.
nars audacious lipstick dominique swatches
Above: NARS Dominique.
nars audacious lipstick kelly swatches
Above: NARS Audiacious Lipstick in Kelly, a bold yet soft, flamingo-inspired coral.
nars audacious lipstick kelly swatches
Above: Kelly.
nars audacious lipstick kelly swatches
Above: Kelly.
NARS audacious lipstick julie swatch
Above: NARS Audacious Lipstick in Julie, a peachy pink nude with incredible depth.
NARS audacious lipstick julie swatch
Above: Julie.
NARS audacious lipstick julie swatch
Above: Julie.
nars audacious lipstick marisa swatches
Above: NARS Audacious Lipstick in Marisa, a bright medium pink with fuchsia leanings.
nars audacious lipstick marisa swatches
Above: Marisa.
nars audacious lipstick marisa swatches
Above: Marisa.
nars audacious lipstick vanessa swatches
Above: NARS Audacious Lipstick in Vanessa, a mauve-tinged nude.
nars audacious lipstick vanessa swatches
Above: Vanessa.
nars audacious lipstick vanessa swatches
Above: Vanessa.
nars audacious lipstick swatches
Above: Swatches in direct sunlight.
nars audacious lipstick swatches
Above: Swatches outdoors with a flash.
nars audacious lipstick swatches
Above: Swatches in natural outdoor lighting…all swatches are a single pass.
nars audacious lipstick swatches
Above: Swatches in the shade…note the intense depth of each color! 
nars audacious lipstick swatches
Above: Swatches in direct sunlight…I consider this image my piece de resistance!
 –Shop the Post–

Bottom Line: The NARS Audacious Lipsticks (currently available at Barney’s NY and NARS.com and soon to be released at Nordstrom and Sephora in the coming weeks) are beyond magnificent.  The expanse of shades, marvelous pigmentation and beautiful wear ensure to catapult this collection into the category of new classic.  I am so ecstatic to have five in my collection and likely will procure more in the coming days…namely, a pale nude aptly entitled “Raquel” ; ) 
Which shades do YOU have your eye on?
Good things ahead, including more on this formula, foundation reviews, the Neiman Marcus Fall 2014 Trend Event recap and a video! 
xoxo and Happy Friday!
–The Beauty Professor

© 2012-14 Beautyprofessor® All Rights Reserved. Do not copy, reprint or republish content and/or photos without author’s written permission.

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Comments (8)

  • Karen Reply

    Those colors are SO gorgeous and I can't wait to get my hands on at least one of these. You have almost the same taste in lipstick colors as I do (I LOVE a good pinky nude) so I am looking forward to seeing how you review the non-nude colors also–I bet they look amazing on you!

    I just ordered some Make Up For Ever lipsticks–have you tried them? I love some of their colors and got the n18 (I think it's called "Powdery Pink") as well as 31 (it's a satin mauve pink and looks gorgeous). Can't wait till they come– they look like colors you might also like 🙂

    I look forward to your reviews!

    August 16, 2014 at 3:30 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hi Karen!

      Thanks so much for the kind words! I had such fun swatching the shades I chose and I tried to move out of my (our!) comfort zone a bit with a few options. Working on the follow up post this weekend ; )

      Thank you for sharing the details on your new MUFE lipsticks. Will have to look into them the next time I am at Sephora! They sound lovely.

      xx and have wonderful Saturday,

      –The Beauty Professor

      August 16, 2014 at 9:46 pm
  • Unknown Reply

    Great picks~ I'm watching as the swatches come out and with 40 lipsticks in the range, it is going to be tough to choose. Dominique is definitely on my list. I've been enjoying a lot of purple lipsticks lately. Vanessa is an interesting colour and a little different than most in my considerable stash. The corals/pinks/fuschias: I think I have this territory covered and then some. I'll be looking at the reds and deeper shades with great interest as well. Terrific photos, btw!!

    August 16, 2014 at 3:52 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Thanks, Wendy!

      I am envious of those who are getting the chance to swatch all 40…quite a feat but something on my to-do list now that they are readily available. Dominique is so lovely…very purple and reminds me of MAC's Epic…I shade I wore in the late 90's. Also, Vanessa has more depth than I initially thought, making it an interesting twist on nude.

      Thank you for your words about my photos…these lippies are so photogenic that I couldn't stop ; )

      xx and talk soon,

      –The Beauty Professor

      August 16, 2014 at 9:50 pm
  • Anonymous Reply

    I thought I could resist these, but dammit! That kelly shade is too gorgeous to pass on! *Sigh*, heading to Barney's as we speak

    http://www.lilting-grace.blogspot.com

    August 17, 2014 at 4:26 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Enjoy, Miss Louise ; ) They are worth it, indeed!

      xx,

      –The Beauty Professor

      August 20, 2014 at 3:33 am
  • Anonymous Reply

    If you were to pick just one everyday colour, would you chose Julie or Raquel? (have you tried Anita?) I'm torn!

    Thank you! 🙂

    Love your blog!

    Elle 🙂

    October 16, 2014 at 3:22 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Ahh…that's so tough, Elle, as Julie and Raquel are my absolute favorites. If you love a true nude lip, then I highly recommend Raquel; if you are looking for something with a bit more peachy coral color, then Julie is the way to go. Both are always in my purse and I often mix them (as I did yesterday!).

      I hope that helps!

      xx,

      –The Beauty Professor

      October 16, 2014 at 8:20 pm

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