Sephora + NARS Birthday Gift: Cruella Velvet Matte Lip Pencil & Rikugien Satin Lip Pencil

Cruella

Rikugien

Ah, Sephora, why haven't you come back to our shores?!  A recent (okay, not so recent, but hey) trip to the States saw me being presented with this adorable little set - two mini versions of Nars' popular lip pencils, in popular shades Cruella (Velvet Matte) and Rikugien (Satin).  I love that the box says 'One Year Bolder'.  So uncompromising.

Anyway - I've long lusted after Cruella from afar, and it is indeed exactly My Kinda Thing, being blood red, matte as anything, and very long wearing.  I was more surprised by how much I like Rikugien - it's a lovely beigey pink with the slightest shimmer to the finish, and it's a lovely neutral for people who hate beige lips.  Texture wise, Rikugien is much silkier than Cruella, and unsurprisingly doesn't last quite as long either.

Once I hit the end of Rikugien, I may well purchase a full size - now, if only there were a Sephora I could purchase from in London....

This post originated at www.londonbeautyreview.com. If you're reading it elsewhere, it's been stolen, violating my copyright.