Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Nars Belle De Jour Lipstick Review, Photos and Swatches!

Nars Belle De Jour Lipstick

Nars Belle De Jour Lipstick ($24) was one of my older favorites that has been sadly neglected in exchange for new and flashier colors. If you're a lover of nude lipstick, you may have been acquainted with this shade before, but for those who haven't, let me introduce you two.

Belle De Jour is a sheer, nude beige with warm undertones. It's the particular nude that had many running to stores to purchase a tube after Kim Kardashian mentioned it was her favorite nude lipstick in an interview a few years back.

I have many nude lipsticks, but not all of them are flattering on me. I think one of the main keys to wearing nude lipstick (aside from finding the right nude for your skintone) is finding a shade and formula that isn't going to erase your lips, but slightly lighten them a couple of shades. I know we all love pigment in the makeup world, but when it comes to wearing a lipstick shade that's lighter than your lips, lots of pigmentation can lead to a very unflattering result. (Hey, Is that milkshake on your lips?)

A Subtle Nude

I love that Belle De Jour isn't your average chalky nude. It doesn't make me look ill or washed out. It's funny how your coloring really plays a factor in the way certain colors appear. Without a tan (NC15-20), this color looks too orange on my lips - pinker nudes work better on my lighter skin. When I'm NC30-40, the pinky beige tones come out more, and I like it so much more.


Here it is applied on my lips. I applied a few coats to show the color better, but normally I'd wear one sheer coat.



Comparisons
Nude Lipstick Swatches
I expected to find a perfect dupe for this lipstick in my collection, but I didn't find any (that I swatched, at least - there are others I didn't swatch such as MAC Creme De Nude, Revlon Nude Attitude, NYX Pumpkin Pie, etc.) that matched. It's almost a cross between MAC Freckletone and Myth. 

It's not such a unique shade or a real must-have for me, but I love the consistency of Nars Lipsticks and for the Nars fanatics out there, this might be a shade that would interest you.

The Round-up

Pros:
  • The texture is very creamy and smooth
  • The color is sheer, but buildable
  • The finish is shiny
  • Flattering on tan skin, and those with yellow/golden/olive undertones
Cons:
  • Might not be flattering on some complexions - specifically those who can't typically wear warm shades with yellow/orange undertones 
  • The lasting power isn't the best, and due to it's creaminess, it's possible to go through a tube quickly if you re-apply several times a day
  • Accentuates dryness, as most nude colors do
Price: $24, Sephora.

18 comments:

  1. This is my favorite nude lipstick. It's a bit expensive but there is a good dupe- NYX Pumpkin Pie. It's not and identical dupe but it's pretty close.

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    1. Awesome! I love NYX Pumpkin Pie, I definitely agree that they are pretty similar. Belle De Jour is just more beige.

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  2. Hi Natalie, Belle de Jour is one of my most used lip colors; I love the sheerness of the color; I think it helps meld with my natural color better!

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    1. Hi Dovey!

      Wonderful! I agree - I think it's the sheerness and finish of the lipstick that makes it work so well!

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  3. I love nudes but they dont like my skin color they wash me out even more than I already am. I love this color so much thought :(

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  4. I'm still looking for my perfect nude. Most make me look too washed out :/

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  5. I think you may have pushed me over the edge! I typically steer clear of nude tones, but I've wanted to try this for ages.

    ♥ Jessica

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    1. LOL! I love Nars lipstick but I steer clear from them as much as I can because with daily use, I could literally finish a tube in a month lol and they are just too expensive to keep replacing. I would always test out Belle De Jour at Sephora and was always kind of "Meh" but when I finally did purchase it, I loved it!

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  6. Lovely colour doll. Not sure this nude would work for me as I havent found any so far that do:(
    Sara xx http://beautifulworldoflennynb.blogspot.ca/

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  7. It does look like my go to lip color:) I will so have to look into it now

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  8. This is one of my favorite nudes :)
    merrybellyland777.blogspot.com

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  9. http://blog.hellomarga.com/

    Omg! I love the nudy, earthly color! I think I want all of it, I can't pick! --TO THINK I just bought 2 new lipstick, my bf is going to kick my ass!~

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  10. It looks great on you! Like it!

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  11. great review! this lipstick is on my wishlist. think I'll get it now!

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  12. Hi! Do you happen to remember what lip liner you were wearing with the belle de jour lipstick? Thanks! :)

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