EXPLORE MORE:
Comprehensive Formula Breakdown
for insights on performance, texture, and fragrance.
Below is a curated list of dupes that the editor has identified but has not yet evaluated or officially rated.
- KVD Beauty Lolita (Permanent, $19.00).
- Lisa Eldridge Velvet Blush (Permanent, $36.00).
- Tarte Bling (Permanent, $20.00).
- MAC Rajah (Limited Edition, $20.00).
- NARS Do Me Baby (Permanent, $27.00).
- Clinique Embrace Me (24) (Permanent, $19.50).
- Guerlain #94 (Permanent, $33.00).
- Lancome Perfect Fig (265) (Permanent, $32.00).
- Tarte Soaked (Limited Edition, $21.00).
- ColourPop Little Star (Limited Edition, $6.50).
In-Depth Analysis of the Lipstick Formula
$34.00 for 0.05 oz. – $680.00 Per Ounce
This lipstick formula boasts claims of “10-hour wear,” “one swipe, instant payoff,” “transfer-resistant,” and “lightweight” with “all-day comfort.” While the claims are ambitious, the formula itself is commendable—lightweight, fairly long-lasting, and offering semi-opaque to opaque coverage. However, the wear time is closer to five to six hours, which, while decent, doesn’t meet the advertised duration. Users can expect a comfortable application experience, although it doesn’t quite hold up for the full ten hours as suggested.
The texture of the lipstick is velvety and creamy, allowing for smooth application that doesn’t drag on the lips. However, I strongly recommend proper exfoliation beforehand to achieve the best results. While the formula shows some transfer resistance, it loses most of this capability after a meal, contributing to its overall wear time not reaching ten hours. Despite these minor drawbacks, the formula remains comfortable, being non-drying and only slightly hydrating, aligning with its claims for all-day wear.
A noteworthy observation is that the lipsticks did not swatch particularly well on my arm but were much more impressive when applied to my lips. This is a common experience with lipsticks that have higher silicone content. The product is free from any discernible taste or scent, making it a pleasant option for sensitive users.
It’s important to note that these lipsticks come in a slim bullet style, which is usually smaller than your average lipstick (approximately 0.07 oz. for a slim lipstick compared to 0.10 oz. for a standard tube). In this case, each lipstick contains just 0.05 oz., making them significantly smaller in size.
Explore our complete collection of NARS Powermatte Lipstick swatches.
Comprehensive List of Ingredients
Isododecane, Synthetic Wax, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Caprylyl Methicone, Dicalcium Phosphate, Octyldodecanol, Hydrogenated Microcrystalline Wax, Lauroyl Lysine, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polyethylene, Hydrogenated Styrene/Isoprene Copolymer, Polysilicone-11, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, [+/-(May Contain/Peut Contenir): Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Red 7 Lake (Ci 15850), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Yellow 6 Lake (Ci 15985)].
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are provided as available by the brand or retailer at the time of publishing. Always verify product packaging, if available, for the most accurate ingredient list relevant to your purchase, or check the brand or retailer’s website for the latest updates regarding the ingredient list.
NARS Start Me Up Powermatte Lipstick ($34.00 for 0.05 oz.) features a muted, medium orange-leaning copper shade with moderate warm undertones and a stunning matte finish.
EXPLORE MORE:
Comprehensive Formula Breakdown
for insights on performance, texture, and fragrance.
Here is a curated collection of dupes that the editor has identified but has not yet evaluated or officially rated.
In-Depth Analysis of the Lipstick Formula
$34.00 for 0.05 oz. – $680.00 Per Ounce
This lipstick formula boasts claims of “10-hour wear,” “one swipe, instant payoff,” “transfer-resistant,” and “lightweight” with “all-day comfort.” While the claims are ambitious, the formula itself is commendable—lightweight, fairly long-lasting, and offering semi-opaque to opaque coverage. However, the wear time is closer to five to six hours, which, while decent, doesn’t meet the advertised duration. Users can expect a comfortable application experience, although it doesn’t quite hold up for the full ten hours as suggested.
The texture of the lipstick is velvety and creamy, allowing for smooth application that doesn’t drag on the lips. However, I strongly recommend proper exfoliation beforehand to achieve the best results. While the formula shows some transfer resistance, it loses most of this capability after a meal, contributing to its overall wear time not reaching ten hours. Despite these minor drawbacks, the formula remains comfortable, being non-drying and only slightly hydrating, aligning with its claims for all-day wear.
A noteworthy observation is that the lipsticks did not swatch particularly well on my arm but were much more impressive when applied to my lips. This is a common experience with lipsticks that have higher silicone content. The product is free from any discernible taste or scent, making it a pleasant option for sensitive users.
It’s important to note that these lipsticks come in a slim bullet style, which is usually smaller than your average lipstick (approximately 0.07 oz. for a slim lipstick compared to 0.10 oz. for a standard tube). In this case, each lipstick contains just 0.05 oz., making them significantly smaller in size.
Explore our complete collection of NARS Powermatte Lipstick swatches.
Comprehensive List of Ingredients
Isododecane, Synthetic Wax, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Caprylyl Methicone, Dicalcium Phosphate, Octyldodecanol, Hydrogenated Microcrystalline Wax, Lauroyl Lysine, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polyethylene, Hydrogenated Styrene/Isoprene Copolymer, Polysilicone-11, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, [+/-(May Contain/Peut Contenir): Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Red 7 Lake (Ci 15850), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Yellow 6 Lake (Ci 15985)].
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are provided as available by the brand or retailer at the time of publishing. Always verify product packaging, if available, for the most accurate ingredient list relevant to your purchase, or check the brand or retailer’s website for the latest updates regarding the ingredient list.


