Do ya’ll ever just try a product, no matter what kind of product it is, and realize…
“How did I live my life before this? How could I possibly have functioned as a human being before I had this [wonderful thing] in my life?”
That’s how I felt when I discovered the Sonia Kashuk Velvety Matte Lip Crayons.
I recently got my first Sonia Kashuk products, her Velvety Matte Lip Crayon in Rosey Nude and Twist Up Longwear Gel Eyeliner in Black Diamond, and I haven’t been disappointed.
I’ve always been curious about the line, eyeing it every time I’m at my local Target store, but nothing had ever pushed me toward one thing or another (with the exception of this brush cup).
Then this happened.
Sonia’s Velvety Matte Lip Crayons have completely changed my faith in the entire lip crayon philosophy and model.
I’ve always found other lip crayons to be so hit or miss. If they’re too big, they can feather easily, and if they’re too skinny, they feel very dry, but to me the Velvety Matte Lip Crayons are comparable to, if not better than, the NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencils.
I’ve been using and loving them in one of my favorite looks, which is a simple cat eye with a bold lip. Even when I’m just going to a coffee shop to write or get some other work done, I try to put a little makeup on because it makes me feel good, and since this look was so easy to create in a matter of minutes with these lip crayons, I thought I’d share my quick LoTD (Lips of The Day).
After starting with moisturizer and a simple BB cream (I like this one by Loreal), I dusted my face with a matte powder (the one pictured above from Rimmel) and considered my face done. My acne hasn’t been acting up lately, so I didn’t feel the need for heavier coverage.
After tight-lining my eyes with Twist Up Longwear Gel Eyeliner in Black Diamond, I swept the pencil along my lid in a slightly thick line. I wanted to emulate a cat eye that I might do with a liquid liner. The liner itself is very easy to manipulate, but feels more like a kohl than a gel.
This color combo is, to quote Nicole, what I would call my “power colors.” I go back to them again and again. They make me feel confident, they easily go with any ensemble, and they compliment so many different skin tones.
At first I thought Sonia’s Rosey Nude might be a dupe for NARS Cruella, but after realizing how much more of a blue-toned red Cruella is, I think it’s a better match for NARS Dragon Girl.
The formula is very similar to the NARS lip pencils, but is, I believe, less drying.
The best thing about these Sonia Kashuk Velvety Matte Crayons, though? I applied one coat when I took the photo above here in this post, and for science, of course, took this (not so great) sunset selfie on my way home at least five hours later.
One coat! After SEVERAL coffees! And it looks like I didn’t eat or drink a thing. NARS can’t even give me that, at least not without some flaking.
What’s your ride-or-die lip pencil? Does having a simple look that you know you can always go back to make things easier for you like it does for me? Let me know!
LindaLibraLoca says
My go-to look is pretty similar to yours, only if I know a lot of eating and drinking will be involved I will change it for a brown smoky eye and some lip gloss.I have yet to find a lip product that survives a full meal without fading, but these might be a game changer.
Raeanne says
Greeeeat… like I need another lippie to become addicted to… At least this one’s drugstore <3
Erin says
I’m a big fan of the NARS so I’ll have to try it.
Tatiana says
Whoa! That’s some staying power. I think a trip to Target is in order, so I test these out. And load up on some Pixi Glow Tonic and get a couple of door mats and a dish rack, too.
That’s a great color but somehow I think they misnamed it cuz it doesn’t look very nude to me.
Susan says
That is a great look on you! I haven’t tried many lip pencils – Clinique’s chubby sticks and the two NARS pencils from the Sephora gift. The Clinique ones are ok, I really liked both the NARS colors, although I don’t wear red very often. It’s one of those colors I love on other people, but I prefer lighter colors on me. But I might have to try one of those Sonia Kashuk pencils too!
Kwmechelle says
So now I want one of these. Strange how that always happens when I visit this site. Affordable, quality makeup always has my name on it. And that red is beautiful on you 🙂
Michaela says
Wow a lip pencil that stays on for a long time and doesn’t dry as much? And doesn’t break the bank as well?!? I gotta try it. By the way that color really looks good on you.Thanks for this informative post!
Kiss & Make-up says
Woah, so it reallllly lasts then huh? Nice! I like this look on you, the lip color definitely suits you.
Sheila says
Does the pencil have a scent?
Marcella Yakalis says
Hey Sheila, sorry it’s taken me so long to respond. Not that I noticed!
Chris25 says
Better than Nars? My interest has been piqued! Also, it looks gorgeous on you.
MizzJ says
I love these! You’d probably like the raspberry shade too. Really wish we’d get Sonia Kashuk in Canada 🙁
Carolina Braina says
NARS Dragon Girl is one of my all-time favorites, so I feel like I HAVE to check this out… Too bad I don’t have access to Sonia Cashuk!
Marcella Yakalis says
Hey Carolina, you should check if they do international shipping! Or maybe one of us could do a beauty swap or something! (also wow sorry I’m just responding to this comment, I came back to this article to reference a price!)
Adia says
This is so pretty on you and I love that it lasts so long!
80sChicwithglasses says
I think I’ll have to check your recommendation out! I recently discovered Urban Decay Ultimate Ozone primer pencil on my lips as a base, then Wet-n-Wild matte lipsticks on top ( the cheap $2-$3 ones in the black tube). Talk about staying power. I wore them to work for a full 10 hour day (eating, drinking, and talking) and NO smudging, flaking, moving out of the lip line, etc…nothing. I was really impressed. The primer pencil is a bit expensive compared to drug store, but worth in IMO since I didn’t need to touch up at all. Thanks for sharing 🙂