Bold and beautiful: Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil introduces shade extensions

Whether you're going for a bold blackened plum, midnight blue or a more conventional red, you always want the best out of your lip colour. And while liquid lipsticks can give you that super-matte finish that's so in right now, they don't do cracked and lined lips any favours. If you want a more forgiving, shine-free finish, try a chubby lip pencil. This is not only easier to apply, but easier to pull off as well. Nars' Velvet Matte Lip Pencil extends its shade offerings from 19 to 29, with ten, stunning, new shades. The velvet matte lip pencil is intended to bring full-coverage colour on the lips, and the shade range now literally has something for everyone: From ‘Intriguing’, a rose pink to ‘Famous Red’, a bright coral tone. Here, we choose three of our favourite shades and the looks they’re perfectly tailored for.

For the girl with derring-do
Try: Unspoken
Wear it with: Textured tresses, attitude vand a piercing... any piercing 
Strong yet understated in its own way, this dark midnight blue shade is sure to catch an eye or two. If you’re in the mood to experiment – or shy away from the norm – this is the colour to try. Remember to apply a balm first so this intense shades glides on smoothly.

For the life of the party
Try: Dirty Mind
Wear it with:  A cocktail in your hand and a funny anecdote to spill
If you're the kind who tells dirty jokes with relish and always has a small crowd gathered around, this aptly named shade is the colour to have on your lips. A deep lilac, with a true purple undertine, this is meant for the ladies (or lads) who were born to shine.

 

For the no-makeup lover
Wear it with: Artfully-applied concealer, face tint and cream blusher that looks like you have nothing on.
Try: Do Me Baby
A more subdued and soft option, this pencil is a twist on quintessential pink-nude shades, coming in a flattering, chestnut rose. Worn with minimal makeup, it makes a statement all on its own — that you don't want your makeup to wear you.

 

$38 each. Available from March at all Nars counters