would you like me to seduce you? is that what you're trying to tell me?
Foreword
As much as I enjoy the "clean girl" aesthetic, there is nothing like bold statement lipstick to make me feel on cloud nine. NARS read the room and came out with thirty-six lipstick shades in a brand new formula, twenty of which I will showcase to you in this post. Buckle up and let's go!
Curious? Then please keep on scrolling
About the Product
NARS Explicit Lipstick (40 USD; Made in USA) - is a collection of high-end dimensional satin lipstick that promises full-on color payoff and comfortable wear.
Packaging: the standout feature of this design is that it is 100% refillable and recyclable. Every Explicit Lipstick comes in a metallic tube with a magnetic closure. The bullet has a nice "high-end" weight to it and is portable. Should you wish to refill it or use a different color, you can simply lift the middle part and replace it. You get 3.8g/ 0.13 oz of product per bullet.
Refills cost 24 USD each and are available on the NARS website. Refills are labeled by names and numbers. Colored stickers used on the boxes do not necessarily match the corresponding lipstick shades. Swatches are key.
Recyclable ♻️
Formula: I have tried a plethora of NARS lip products in the past and the Explicit Lipstick is easily one of the brand's best formulations. You get both the color and comfort in one. Ingredient-wise, Diisostearyl Malate (rich emollient) is the base. It is followed by a mix of silicones, clear fatty acids, and emollients.
😊 PROS
Somewhere in the middle, you find Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Squalane (hydration), Rosa Canina Fruit Oil (nourishment), and Sodium Hyaluronate (hydration).
☹️ CONS
Polyethylene is high on the ingredient list. Even though the use of it is considered safe due its large molecular size and you can find Polyethylene in nearly any lip product out there (usually added as a texture enhancer, diluent, or emulsifier) I still find it a bit odd.
Vegan🌱
Scent: none.
Texture: creamy, lightweight, and smooth consistency.
Finish: natural satin.
Shade: Incendiary
Application: the shape of the Explicit Lipstick makes it easy to frame the lips. Wear your favorite shade sheer (one coat/blurred) or layer more for the ultimate opacity. Out of twenty shades that I have tried, only one was a bit uneven in application. For more definition wear a lip liner.
These glide on like butter. Lighter or deeper colors might accentuate dryness, so it is best to keep lips exfoliated and moisturized before application.
Wear: the wear and pigmentation of the Explicit Lipstick is excellent as far as classic lipstick goes. On average 3-4 hours. While having a meal may cut the wear time short, reapplication is still a walk in the park. Just keep your favorite shade with you, and you are good to go. Brighter shades of red and purple may stain the lips a bit.
Shades: as I have mentioned earlier, there are 36 shades of the Explicit Lipstick. Now and again, the brand introduces limited-edition colors as well. Below, I will share unedited swatches of the twenty shades that I was kindly gifted by the brand. I did not receive a single nude shade from the range, but I have most of the mid-tones and brighter colors to show you.
If you are into warm tones, something like apricot, maple, or brick red, you will find a lot of wonderful options in the Explicit Lipstick range.
Verdict
If you yearn for a classic lipstick, particularly a one-swipe magic, the Explicit Lipstick could be something for you to check out. The color range has everything one could desire, from flirty nudes, cozy browns, and juicy berries to scrumptious reds. The formula is lovely. You get an excellent color payoff, comfortable wear, and a shade for every mood or occasion. NARS did something good here, with extra points for refillable packaging. An A rate from me.
More online:
sephora.com (USA)
ulta.com (USA)
nordstrom.com (Global)
spacenk.com (Global)
PR samples; full disclaimer here