NARS Bangkok: My Lips But Better

A few months ago I saw a post on Ellie's Beauty Blog on two products which Christina Hendricks uses - NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Bangkok and Blush in Douceur.  I adore Mad Men and Joan's character so I promptly added them to my 'Miami shopping list'!

I tried both before buying and sadly Douceur looked too dark on me and made me slightly ruddy, so I only picked up Bangkok.  It's $25 in the US and £18.50 in the UK.  For me this lippy really is 'my lips but better' and I haven't been wearing it as much as I'd like as I save it for special occasions.


NARS says: This innovative, matte lipstick has intense, stay-true color, so lips look lush and vibrant. This exquisitely blended formula strikes the perfect harmony between optimal color, an ultra-matte finish and a hydrating lip treatment.  Pure Matte is distinguished by a soft-touch, modern, sleek slim stick component, delivering convenient application. When used alone or with other NARS lip products, it provides a high-drama payoff.  Apply directly to lips or with the Retractable Lip Brush.


It feels a little dry on so I apply a lipbalm like my EOS egg before hand.  I would prefer if the packaging was more of the classic lipstick shape as the product being flush with the sides and not winding down very far into the tube means I have to be very careful not to dent it.

In daylight it's a soft pink rose, but in artificial light it takes on a nuder, caramel hue which isn't as flattering on me.

One plus of it being a matte lipstick is that it's quite long lasting - about 2-3 hours without eating/drinking.  Bangkok was released in Autumn 2010 along with five other Pure Matte shades: Volga (Deep aubergine), Tonkin (Cinnamon plum), Terre de Feu (Black cherry), Tashkent (Nude beige), Vesuvio (Full bodied red).

While I love this lippy the price prohibits me from repurchasing, so I'm on the hunt for a dupe.

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