Delivers bold, full-coverage color in a feather-light, all-day wear formula.
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If you want full-impact color that feels weightless and survives a busy day, NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment belongs on your shortlist. Here is how the ultra-thin formula applies, wears, and who will love it most.
Liquid lipstick has evolved, and NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment is one of the reasons why. This is the rare matte lip that delivers intense color in a whisper-light layer. It is fluid, highly pigmented, and once it sets, it hangs on through a full schedule. I wore it on workdays, dinners, and long commutes to see where it shines and where it asks for finesse.
Overview
NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment is a full-coverage liquid lipstick with an ultra-thin, inky texture that dries down to a soft matte finish. The formula is notably fluid compared to traditional mousse or cream mattes, which is what helps it feel weightless on lips. It comes in a sleek, square tube with a tapered doe-foot applicator and contains about 0.18 fl oz (5.5 ml) of product. The brand recommends shaking well before use, and that advice matters here because the pigments can settle in the thin base.
Shade range is a standout. You will find dependable neutrals like American Woman (neutral rose), Slow Ride (soft brown nude), and Walk This Way (warm rose), along with statement shades like Starwoman (blue-red classic) and Don’t Stop (warm red). Coverage is truly opaque with a very small amount. The finish reads modern matte rather than flat matte, which is flattering on most lips and more comfortable to wear for long stretches.
There is little to no added fragrance. On application, you may notice a quick flash of a solvent-like scent from the volatile ingredients that help it set. It disappears within seconds. The applicator is precise enough to outline without a separate brush, and the pointed tip is helpful for cupid’s bow and corners.
Who it’s for
This is a smart pick if you want bold, long-wearing color that feels like nothing on. Busy professionals, performers, and anyone who does not want to fuss with their lip color after coffee breaks will appreciate the stay-put formula. If you dislike the tight, heavy feel of many liquid mattes, the ultra-thin texture is a relief.
It excels for people who prefer a polished, crisp lip look. The precision applicator and thin film create a sharp edge with minimal effort. If you love classic reds or refined nudes, the shade range offers reliable options that flatter a wide spectrum of undertones.
If you have chronically dry, peeling, or very textured lips, you can still wear Powermatte, but you will need prep. The thin film can cling to flakes and emphasize vertical lip lines if you apply too much. Lip smoothing ahead of time and a light hand make a big difference. If you want a cushy, balmy feel at all times, this may not be your everyday product.
How it feels and performs
The texture is the headline. It is more like an ink than a cream, which means it spreads quickly and evenly in a very thin layer. That thinness is what makes it feel weightless once it sets. There is a brief window of play time to perfect your edges. Expect a 30 to 60 second dry down, depending on how much you apply and your environment. While it is setting, keep lips slightly parted to avoid lines forming where your lips touch.
Once dry, the finish is matte with a soft-focus effect rather than a powdery look. On me, the color remained vivid and intact for 7 to 9 hours on days without oily meals. It resists transfer to cups after it sets, and it does not smear under a light mask or scarf. The trade-off is that oil breaks it down. After a salad dressing or a burger, the inner lip can fade. The fix is simple: remove the center with a tissue and reapply a thin layer. If you try to pile it on over itself when the inner area is already dissolving, it can look uneven. A light clean-up first leads to a smoother touch-up.
Comfort is better than many long-wear mattes, though not as plush as a satin lipstick. After 3 to 4 hours, I feel a bit of dryness, which a tiny dot of balm patted on top can address without ruining the matte. The color still looks fresh after that small comfort boost, especially if you press the balm in and do not swipe.
Feathering and bleeding are minimal if you apply a thin coat and let it fully set. Because the formula is fluid, heavy application near the lip line can migrate into fine lines. A clear or matching lip liner helps if you have concerns. With deeper or brighter shades like Starwoman or Don’t Stop, two very thin coats look smoother than one thick one. Neutral tones like American Woman tend to apply the most evenly on the first pass.
In heat and humidity, Powermatte holds up well. The set film remains flexible, and I do not notice cracking unless I over-apply. The formula survives long speaking days without crumbling. It does not pill when you press your lips together, which is a common issue with thicker liquid mattes.
Packaging is handsome and sturdy, though the very thin formula means you should store it upright when possible. If you toss it in a bag, keep the cap tightly closed and avoid squeezing or shaking after you open it. Wiping the wand on the neck of the bottle before application keeps things tidy and controls the amount you place on the lip.
Removal is easy with an oil-based cleanser, micellar solution for long-wear makeup, or a gentle balmy remover. Some bright shades can leave a faint stain on the inner lip, which fades quickly after cleansing.
Shade notes based on undertone and occasion:
- American Woman: a neutral rose that works across fair to deep skin and is an excellent everyday pick.
- Walk This Way: a warm rose that flatters olive and warm undertones without turning orange.
- Slow Ride: soft caramel-brown nude that reads polished on medium to deep skin and can be a statement nude on fair skin.
- Starwoman: a cool blue-red that makes teeth look whiter and reads classic for events or photos.
- Don’t Stop: a warmer, punchy red that suits golden or peach undertones.
- Low Rider: a soft coral that brightens the face in spring and summer.
If you are unsure, American Woman is a reliable entry point. It looks modern, suits many tones, and shows the best of the formula’s evenness.
How to use for best results
- Prep and smooth: Gently exfoliate with a damp washcloth or a soft lip scrub. Apply a thin layer of balm and let it sink in for 5 minutes, then blot well so your lips feel conditioned but not slippery.
- Shake the tube: Powermatte benefits from a quick shake to redistribute pigment. Open carefully to avoid excess on the wand.
- Wipe the wand: This controls the thin formula and prevents over-application. Use the bottle’s neck to remove extra product.
- Outline with the tip: Use the pointed tip of the doe-foot to sketch your cupid’s bow and corners. Work in thin strokes.
- Fill in with a thin coat: Glide color from the center outward. Keep lips slightly parted and let it set for about 45 seconds without pressing your lips together.
- Add a second thin layer if needed: For deep shades or full-opacity perfection, apply one more very sheer coat after the first is fully dry.
- Set and forget: Once dry, do not fuss. If comfort dips later, tap a pinhead amount of clear balm in the center and press lips lightly.
- For a blurred stain: Apply a single dot in the center of each lip, then press and diffuse with a fingertip for a soft, wearable wash of color.
Optional helpers: A clear or matching lip liner can create a barrier on lips with fine lines. For precise edges, clean up with a tiny bit of concealer on a brush after the color sets.
Pros and cons
- Ultra-thin, weightless feel that still delivers full coverage.
- Excellent wear time with strong resistance to transfer once set.
- Soft matte finish looks modern and photographs well.
- Wide, thoughtfully curated shade range that flatters many undertones.
- Precise, tapered applicator reduces the need for a lip brush.
- Very fluid texture has a learning curve and can migrate if over-applied.
- Oily foods break it down in the center, requiring a quick touch-up.
- Can feel dry after several hours if lips are not well prepped.
- Packaging is sleek but benefits from upright storage to avoid mess.
- Deep and bright shades may need two very thin coats for perfectly even payoff.
Final verdict
NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment earns its reputation. The ultra-thin, inky texture is the rare formula that feels airy yet still locks in powerful color for most of the day. With a little technique and smart prep, you can get a crisp, polished matte lip that survives work, errands, and even a quick dinner. If you crave pasty-thick lip creams, this is not that. If you want saturated color that wears like a whisper, it is a top-tier choice. Start with American Woman if you want a versatile neutral, or go straight to Starwoman for a signature red.
See also
To keep edges clean and wear time strong, pair Powermatte with a liner from Best Lip Liners for All-Day Wear, then lock in the rest of your complexion with a mist from Best Setting Sprays for All-Day Makeup (2025). If you want a breathable base that will not compete with a bold lip, check Best Lightweight Foundations for Summer.
On softer makeup days, build a blurred stain and complement it with a nude from Best Lipstick for Natural Look. And if you are debating shine and comfort, our comparison Lip Oil vs Lip Gloss: Which One Actually Feels Better Long Term breaks down what feels best under or over matte color.
FAQ
Do you need a lip liner with NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment?
Not always. The tapered applicator is precise enough for most people. If you have fine lines around the mouth or you are wearing a deep or bright shade, a clear or matching liner helps prevent migration and keeps the edge sharp, especially during the first minute before the color fully sets.
How long does Powermatte actually last, and will it survive a meal?
Expect 7 to 9 hours of vivid color on a typical day without oily food. It resists transfer after it sets. Oil breaks down the film, so after a greasy meal you may see fading in the center. The best fix is to remove the inner area with a tissue and reapply a very thin coat rather than layering over product that is already dissolving.
Which Powermatte shades are the most universally flattering?
American Woman is the most reliable everyday neutral across many skin tones. For red, Starwoman offers a classic cool red that brightens teeth, while Don’t Stop brings a warm, lively red for golden or peach undertones. Walk This Way is a friendly warm rose, and Slow Ride is a polished caramel nude that shines on medium to deep skin.
Does the formula dry out lips, and how can you make it more comfortable?
The ultra-thin film is more comfortable than many mattes, but it can feel dry after a few hours. Prep with a gentle exfoliation and a thin layer of balm, then blot before application. If you need a midday comfort boost, tap the smallest amount of clear balm into the center and press your lips. Avoid heavy gloss on top if you want to preserve longevity.
What is the best way to remove Powermatte without staining?
Use an oil-based makeup remover, cleansing balm, or micellar water formulated for long-wear products. Press a soaked cotton pad on your lips for 10 to 15 seconds to loosen the film, then wipe gently. Follow with a hydrating lip treatment to reset moisture. Bright reds may leave a faint stain that fades quickly after cleansing.
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