FOTD #1 / review: nars velvet matte lip pencil in dragon girl

Face: Laura Mercier Primer, Laura Mercier Oil free Tinted Moisturiser in Blush, Vichy Dermablend Foundation stick in Opal, Rimmel Stay Matte powder is Peach Glow, Benefit Hoola Bronzer, Chanel Tan de Soleil, Mac Fleur Power Blush.

Eyes/ Brows: Mac Luna base, Bobbi Brown Sand eyeshadow pot, Clinique Strawberry Fudge eyeshadow duo, L'Oreal Voluminise mascara, Rimmel eyebrow pencil in brown

Lips: Nars Velvet Matte lip pencil in Dragon Girl, Lip pencil in Russian Matt (no brand), Korres Lip butter in Guava

The sun has decided to appear this morning, and my mood was lifted so much that i felt the only lip option to go for was something bright. And my, is this one a corker!
The Nars Velvet Matte lip pencil in Dragon Girl is described as a "vivid siren red", which is bang on. It's a bright pink toned red (almost a raspberry colour) that, once you've figured out how to master application, looks divine.

The pencil is quite difficult to get used to, because it's a nice even consistency, but it smudges like a biatch. I can not wear with this without a lip liner (I used a fuschia pink to line my lips this morning, it's one of those 'brandless' ones with only a name - Russian Matt if you were wondering (it's dutch)) as otherwise it will be all over my chin within about 10 minutes of eating / drinking anything.

The pencil is impressively pigmented, and lasts for about 3 hours before i even think of reapplying. This is because, obviously, it's not a stain, and it sits on the lips as opposed to feeling completely natural. It's a nice velvet-y texture, but does rub off quite easily if you're not being careful whilst eating or drinking. One more thing: applying this on dry lips could be disastrous looking- it's just one of those things.

Would I recommend this? Yes and no. It's a gorgeous colour and is consistent with the luxury branding of Nars, but it's expensive when you could probably find a dupe for a colour and texture on the high street for less.

The pencil is £17.50 and can be bought from any Nars concessions, or online.