I’m late to the game in reviewing these NARS launches but thought I’d review them in case you still haven’t tried these and wanted more thoughts! NARS released several new products this year in mini collection launches. Reviews I’ve read have been very mixed and based on what I’ve tried, I think there are some hits and misses.
Air Matte Blush
The Air Matte Collection features a mix of matte finish products for lips and cheeks. I had high hopes for the Air Matte Blush as many of the YouTubers and bloggers I follow loved this! The formula is a soft whipped matte with a bouncy texture. The concept is really interesting to me but I found they weren’t easy to work with. The size of the pot made it difficult to dip my finger in without getting my nails in the product and they’re a little to small in circumference for a cream style brush applicator. Once applied on the skin the product didn’t really show up well on my skin (with the exception of a couple colors). Any blending caused product to drag and then disappear as it tugged with my foundation + powder. I tried these with fingers and a brush.
A couple of the colors were hits for me including Gasp (tan brown) and Darling (pink). I had high hopes for Orgasm as I love the powder blush version but it barely showed up on me.
Color-wise I think NARS created beautiful naturally flattering colors and I really wish the formula was easier to work with! They swatched nicely on the arms – I wish they blended nicely on the face for me.
There are eight colors total in this formula. I have five that I tested and swatched:
- Hushed is a pale peach nude, it did not show up on my skin tone
- Orgasm is a pale peach with gold shimmer, also did not show up on me
- Darling is a soft cool matte pink
- Rush is a coral peach
- Gasp is a tan brown, looks dark in the pan, but shows up a tan nude on my skin
Air Matte Lip Color
For the lips NARS launched the Air Matte Lip Color, similar in concept to the blushes in a whipped matte finish. These have a weightless mousse-like texture with saturated pigment. The finish was smooth and blended nicely without drying out the lips. If you don’t mind reapplying every few hours these are nice. Color selection seemed limited to me with a lot of super bright bold colors and only a handful of neutrals. I like the look of All Yours (peach nude) and Shag (medium pink brown). The others weren’t really my cup of tea. If you’re looking for a long-wear matte finish lip, this isn’t the formula for you.
- All Yours is a peale peach nude
- Shag is a pink brown with mauve tones
- Knockout is an electric coral
- Total Domination is a neon red
- Power Trip is a bold red
Three of them on the lips below: All Yours, Shag and Power Trip
Soft Matte Tinted Lip Balms
Last we have a look at the Soft Matte Tinted Lip Balms. I ordered these from Sephora sight unseen. I bought nearly all the colors and they are a huge hit for me! They are a smooth matte lip balm with a diffused wash of color. Although lasting power isn’t long since it’s a balm, I love the way these feel and the pigment level is perfect. Neutrals and nudes can be tricky because the undertones don’t always work on me but I love every single one.
- Intimate is the lightest shade, a your lips but better beige nude
- Brief Encounter is a medium nude
- Unrestricted is a cool light pink
- Whip Lash is a medium brown nude
- Touch Me is a cinnamon plum
Four of the lip balms colors on the lips with some of blushes applied as well:
Overall for me I found the Air Matte Collection a miss for the blushes. I think the Air Matte Lip formula is a nice one, but there are better colors with other brands. The Soft Matte Lip Balms are a hit for me. I really like the formula and colors!
You can find the Air Matte Collection available at most NARS counters now (many of the colors are limited-edition). Available online at NARS, Ulta, Nordstrom and Sephora.
The Soft Matte Tinted Lip Balms are available online at NARS and Sephora.
Have you tried these yet? What did you think?
Select items provided for review. All Yours, Shag, Gasp, Hushed, and all the lip balms purchased by me.
