Excerpted from the diary of a NARS Mexican Rose Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil…
Dear Diary,
Didn’t do much yesterday other than radiate awesomeness.
Yeah, that’s right. I make it rain! And if that makes me sound conceited, so be it.
My pink-haired roommate (we totally match!) tells me all the time, “you’re basically the sh*t.” She clearly sees that I’m the chupacabra of perfect pink lips.
I think she might be my new BFF, which is funny… Girls usually get so jealous of my dense pink pigment, high shine and easy-to-apply pencil tip.
But it’s not my fault that I’m so awesome and unique. I can’t help that I start off all super shiny like a gloss or that I morph into a hot pink lip stain with a subtle sheen.
Contrary to popular belief, it’s so not easy being flawless, and when I finally make my debut beside the rest of the NARS spring 2012 collection on January 13, not only will I have to shoulder the burden of perfection, but popularity, too.
Oh, well… Both of them are crosses I’m willing to bear.
Anywho, the pink-haired girl and I hung out for 12 full hours yesterday. She slipped me on shortly after brunch. Then, I watched her write a bunch of cheesy @ss puns — “Mexican Rose blooms with intense pigment,” “This pink is the hot house flower of NARS spring 2012,” and “Send me a dozen Mexican Roses for Valentine’s Day” — while we shared six cups of tea, a Honeycrisp apple (wow, those are good!) and spent time harassing her rotund tabby cat.
Next thing I knew, night had fallen, and we were off to yoga class (I would’ve preferred a swanky museum opening or a garden party).
I gotta say, I was the hottest pink lip in the room — well, the only pink lip in the room, but details, shmetails.
At one point in the class, between awkward downward dogs, the pink-haired girl checked herself out in the mirror and mouthed, “Holy crap! Mexican Rose is still going strong!”
Back at the house, we watched an episode of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (is Brandi’s butt for real?!) and had a dinner of slightly burnt broccoli and pasta, with a few kisses from a dude who kindasorta looked like Detective Stabler for dessert.
Glossy!
As a stain
All in all, it was a pretty good day.
Granted, not one of my best, as my color did begin to break up and feel slightly dry, but come on! — it had been 12 hours, after all. You gotta recognize!
XOXO,
NARS Mexican Rose
PRICE: $24
AVAILABILITY: Coming January 13 to NARS counters and narscosmetics.com
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A+
You know you’re a cat lady when…
…you buy a pair of slippers because they remind you of your cat.
Yes, I know these scream Snookie, but they were like $10 at Nordstrom Rack, and I figured that if Tabs got lonely, he could always snuggle with them.
El Hubs likes ’em, too. He pretends they’re kittens and gives them chin scratches, LOL!
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. I’m feeling a lot better today. 🙂 Hope you’ve been having a nice day as well.
Antonia at Swedish Love Affair says
Wow, it looks just right with your new hair, Karen!
Olivia says
that is very pretty!
Jessica says
Love the fuzzy slippers and the lip pencil too, props to any lip product that can make it through a yoga session!
Karen says
I was kinda shocked that it held on for so long! It was a nice surprise.
What yoga do you do?
Jessica says
Ashtanga and Vinyasa Flow mostly. Yoga does more for me than any amount of other exercises I’ve tried. Plus, my shoulders and knees thank me!
Karen says
I just started doing it so I can’t wait to explore the different styles. Funny that you mention knees and shoulders — I’ve only been to two classes and I can tell a big difference in both! My knees aren’t as creaky and my shoulders aren’t tight. It’s wonderful.
How long have you been doing it? Are you one of those super flexible people? (I’m so not.)
Courtney says
Your skin looks so pretty and dewy in these pictures! Could you tell me what foundation you were wearing? 🙂
Karen says
Hi Courtney,
I’m wearing MAC Studio Sculpt in NC42, but there’s a bunch of stuff involved to get that glowy look. I layer MAC Strobe Cream and Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer beneath and Tarte Provocateur Pressed Powder on top. This combo’s been my go-to as of late. It doesn’t look heavy in real life and I think it photographs well. If you’ve got any questions about any of the products let me know. I’ve reviewed them all and can get you the links if you want.
Courtney says
Thanks for the reply! I already have the Hourglass Primer. I just find myself needing a new foundation as of late (I’m kind of over mineral foundations), so I’ll definitely give the MAC Studio Sculpt foundation a try! I love a nice dewy finish that’s not too shiney.
Thanks!
PS: Love the boots. Although I think one of my dogs would probably try to chase them and the over dog would try to protect them. They have an odd little relationship where one will befrind the toys in the house and protect them from the other. Hmm…lol
Sara says
wait, hubs looks like stabler?! lucky!! and me-ow! 🙂
Karen says
LOL, from certain angles!
Adrienne says
*SOB*
Why must Nars make so many awesome things? The price point is out of my reach, and I’ve never seen them on sale or on discount sites. On a happy note I love your hair, and I’m glad you’re having fun with it!
This pencil is like an incredibly hot actor with a good heart, similar interests as myself, and a great, often sarcastic, sense of humor. … I want it bad, but barring some crazy lucky circumstance, at $24 it ain’t gonna happen…
I should start working at a department store with Nars cosmetics, so I can use them at work, lol!
Karen says
Hey Adrienne,
You can get NARS on sale when Sephora F&F kicks in. That’s when I usually stock up. 🙂
Love your description of the hot actor!
If I ever find a drugstore version of this pencil I’ll let you know. I gotta say that it’s pretty unique, though…
Stef Smith says
I agree 100% with Sara’s comment!!!
Karen says
🙂 Did you hear how Stabler (the real one!) is gonna be on True Blood? I can’t wait!
Nina says
this is one of the awesomest posts ever!
and the boots — epic!
Karen says
Thanks, Nina!
LOL… Tabs is currently sleeping on top the boots.
How’s your evening going? Eat anything yum for dinner? I’m waiting for El Hub to get home. He’s bringing home sushi, which I’m very excited about.
Nina says
omg thats the cutest thing ever — Tabs on those shoes! <3
we're just hanging. i worked out, and we had baked tilapia and brown rice for dinner.
folded laundry and im winding down for the night!
yum @ sushi! 🙂
Karen says
He has this thing about snuggling with shoes. He especially loves sleeping with El Hub’s stinky sneakers!
Tilapia sounds delish (my fave fish!). Did you marinate it in anything before baking?
El Hub is home so now I get to attack this spicy tuna roll, NOM!
Nina says
Linus does that too — esp the Hubs’ sneakers. So weird LOL!
Tilapia is my fave fish too. I left it in a marinade of salt, pepper, garlic powder and a bit of italian seasoning and olive oil this morning! the hubs popped it in the oven when he got home!
Bon Appetit! 🙂
Karen says
That sounds really good. How long do you usually leave it in the oven and at what temp? I’ve tried baking fish before and it always — ALWAYS — ends up too dry. 🙁
Nina says
i do it at 325 for about 20 minutes. then on broil for 2 minutes or so. most fish is tricky to cook, but tilapia is more forgiving!
we get them by the bag @ costco because we go through them so fast!
Nicole says
Which blush are you wearing?
Karen says
NARS Gaiety!
Nina says
I am a Nars addict!!! So yeah i am broke but i look great! I love that it’s a coral rose not a blue! Like you I have golden undertones that look good with warmer shades. . Pinks that are too cool don’t work for me. Soooo Striking Sexy and i must say you rock it well!! Thanks …. It’s on my wish list!
Karen says
Hi Nina,
You’re so cute, LOL! What are your NARS must haves?
Nina says
Sheer glow in Syracuse and Lovejoy blush ! I also love the primer. I have eye shadow in California and its great with Lovejoy for a warm glow…. Francois is the man!!
Lacey says
Whoa!! Awesome color. I don’t have any NARS products in my beauty stash.
I think Tabs wanted to have a cuddle with those slippers based on how he was looking at them! 🙂
Hope that you are doing wonderful!!! 🙂
Karen says
Hi Lacey,
This lip pencil might be a good place to start! Once you start using NARS you get hooked. 🙂
Chris25 says
Love it!
Oh yeah, we brought home the new kitteh tonight! She’s on the windowsill nodding off. Rocky is sitting a few feet away, eyeing her suspiciously…..
Karen says
YAY! I can’t wait to meet the new member of your fam. What did your boyfriend decide to name her?
Jill says
lol thanks for the laugh Karen! funny post. and its such a pretty color on you! i’m so bored since the hubs fell asleep on the couch…leaves me to my online makeup lemmings muahahaha 😉
Karen says
Hi Jill,
You’re welcome! You guys sound like me and El Hub! When he falls asleep on the couch I get my makeup surfing on, LOL!
Martha says
I will be purchasing this post-haste. Thank you for the inspiration and the funny stories 🙂
Karen says
You’re welcome, Martha! I hope you love this pencil. 🙂
Shubanaa says
This color is so pretty on you ! This is why Nars is my favourite. Their colors are always so fresh and vibrant. I’ve never bought a lip pencil before though (this one may be my first!). What’s the benefit of a lip pencil over a lipstick?
Karen says
Hi Shubanaa,
There are a lot of different types of lip pencils, but this one’s special in that it starts off with a glossy finish and then wears down to a beautiful stain. Plus the wear time is amazing!
Gaily says
Wow, this was your most slamming review. Loving the color. Can’t believe NARS just keeps making these must have, gonna die if I don’t own it stuff. Right now I am addicted to Miss Liberty from their holiday collection.
♥ Denise ♥ says
“”But it’s not my fault that I’m so awesome and unique.”” hahaa it reminds me of the girl in a movie Mean Girl 😛
plus the last photo is cool. hehee ur cat seems to really like your slippers lol
Michaela says
That colour is gorgeous, and looks amazing on you! Hot pink has got to be the best lip color ever.
Marina (Makeup4all) says
Ha, that diary is genius 😀 And the colour is beautiful!
Daca says
Hi Karen,
great post.
A like this pencil very much, this color look amazing. I think it’s much better to use pencil than classic lip glosses because of their not so precise brushes.
peach_ says
This post is too cute! 😀 That is really long-wearing and the stain looks beautiful, too.
Fieran says
Tabs’ expression at your fuzzy slippers is hilarious. It’s like he’s thinking “What are these? They look like kittehs..are they going to compete for attention?”
The Mexican rose lip pencil does look good, but I’m too much of a nude lips lover. I did get the velvet gloss lip pencil in Happy Days though 🙂
Sunny says
Karen, you look SO hot in these photos that it boarders on being illegal! SERIOUSLY! Your skin is SO flawless, I can barely see makeup on your eyes, and those lips aaahhh those lips!!! And it lasts for 12 hours? It shall be MINE!!!
Love your new slippers 🙂 I’ve always wanted something like that but haven’t found any! I adore the way Tabs looks at them too 🙂
NeenaJ says
Stunning. Your skin looks gorgeous. Love the post and the look. Mexican Rose might pull too cool for me (I’m fair with ruddy tendencies, so I tend to back off bright pinks) but, it’s worth swatching next time I’m at Sephora.
PinkGlitter says
Wow this lip pencil is so pretty! I am instantly drawn to anything hot pink. Adding to wishlist..
DalaLuz says
Love your Puss and Boots picture, made me grin 😀
Maria says
It is so unfair! This pink hair roommate of yours had had too much of you, I hope she can share you a little with the rest!
Lovely as always, Karen!
P.S. I recently wrote a post on my favorite beauty blogs, and I listed yours, so I figured you might like to check it out: http://mymakeupocd.blogspot.com/2012/01/10-blogs-you-should-check-out.html
J says
This color is BEAUTIFUL on you!
Jessica says
Hi Karen,
I couldn’t reply to the thread any more but to answer your question I started practicing in 2008 and went as often as 3-5 times a week for almost three years. My studio closed and with finishing my degree taking over my life it has been difficult to find a place and a schedule to practice regularly. I was pretty flexible and got to the point where I was working on balance poses and binding more, but not any more. All my flexibility is gone since I haven’t been regularly in at about a year. My schedule this spring will allow me to go more frequently so I am excited!
Good luck in class, take your time and stick with it! It’s the most rewarding feeling!
Tiffany says
Beautiful!
Neeraj says
Its like getting lips stained after eating strawberries……..spells SPRING to the fullest. Lovely shade and a must have. Is it better than UD ones or Clinique Chubby Sticks?
corallista says
I’m happy to hear you’re feeling better! Love your look, has a lovely freshness about it. Mexican Rose is gorgeous and I’m totally into these kind of pinks currently but sadly, not NARS in India !
Trina J says
Absolutely, love this color and the fact that it wears for hours total bonus. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Lenita says
wow this color looks smashing on you, karen! it lights up your face special!
Sofia says
Hey Karen! That pink looks great on you! I’ll have to try it. Softer pencils can always be frozen to make them easier to sharpen 🙂 It sounds crazy, but it works if you don’t want to lose a ton of product to sharpening! <3 xoxo
Kim says
HAHA! I love the slippers (and the fact that El Hub is giving them chin scratches). 🙂 This lippie is a bit too pink for me, but the formula sounds awesome (gloss to stain) and so does the wear time. Your post also made me laugh and think of “Dear diary: Today I was pompous and my sister was crazy. Today we were kidnapped by hill folk, never to be seen again. It was the best day ever.”
joey says
Hi! It’s so pretty!
Do you know if this is similar to Clinique Chubby Stick in Chunky Cherry?
Thanks