Swatches + Comparisons: By Terry Rouge Terrybly and Nars Sheer, Satin & Semi Matte Lipsticks

I purchased a few items from Beauty.com during their 20% OFF Friends and Family Event, which is still going on now and ends May 28, 2016. It's one of my favorite online retailers because I get 5% back in the form of beauty.com dollars, which can be spent on a future purchase, on top of however much cashback I get from Ebates, Mr.Rebates or TopCashBack. ^_^

Nars Sheer Lipstick ($28 for 0.12oz/3.4g) - The coverage is reminiscent of a lip balm with a touch of color. When compared to the Burberry Kisses lipsticks (swatches), the Nars sheer lipsticks have slightly less coverage and less hydration, but still feel comfortable on the lips as long as I wear a lip balm underneath. (For reference, I have extremely dry lips.) It also leaves a nice sheen without looking too glossy. This formula is very easy to wear and great as an everyday lipstick for those who are going for a minimal makeup look.

• Cruising is a nude pink that gives my lips life, but still look natural.
• Dolce Vita is a dusty rose that's closer to my lip color and looks like my lips but better.

Nars Satin Lipstick ($28 for 0.12oz/3.4g) - The formula feels stiffer in the beginning and doesn't glide on as smoothly or evenly during application. It also takes a few swipes to get an opaque finish. However, after using it a few times, the formula "loosens up" and applies more smoothly and evenly with great pigmentation. The satin lipsticks feels just as comfortable as the sheer formula even though it provides more coverage. It also leaves a subtle sheen without looking overly shimmery. As for longevity, it lasts a little bit longer than the sheer formula and leaves behind a pretty stain. 

• Rosecliff is a soft rose. It actually looks a little bit lighter on my pigmented lips without making me look washed out. 
• Tolede is a pink rose and is my favorite of the bunch. The color is similar to Dolce Vita, except Tolede has more coverage and less of a sheen.
• Niagara is a pink based coral and doesn't look as orange as the company's stock photo. It actually leans more coral on my NC30/35 skin tone and is great as a summer shade. The formula doesn't swatch as evenly as Rosecliff or Tolede and requires more layering to get good pigmentation. However, I don't have any issues when I apply it on my lips. 

Nars Semi Matte Lipstick ($28 for 0.12oz/3.4g) - The formula feels more comfortable to wear compared to other matte lipsticks. It provides full coverage and leaves a soft matte finish without feeling too drying on the lips. It also doesn't contain any shimmers or look glossy.

• Pigalle is a neutral pink chocolate. I reach for this when I'm going for a night time look.

Packaging: The lipsticks come in Nars' signature rubber packaging and are a little bit shorter compared to other lipsticks on the market, such as the By Terry, MAC and Burberry Kisses lipsticks, while containing almost the same amount of product. This makes them easier for storage and travelling. 

Scent: The Nars lipsticks have a faint herb scent when I sniff the tube, but the scent is unnoticeable during application and it doesn't taste like anything when worn on the lips.

By Terry Rouge Terrybly Lipstick ($50.50 for 0.12oz/3.5g) - The formula provides a plumping effect without leaving a burning or cooling sensation. It does feel the least hydrating out of all the lipsticks mentioned in this post, but it still glides on evenly and smoothly onto the lips. It also provides full coverage quickly and leaves a matte finish. As for longevity, I find that the formula lasts just as long as the Nars semi-matte lipsticks.  

• 101 Flirty Rose is a a soft blush-mauve shade. 
• 103 Plumping Nude is a sandy-beige shade.

Packaging: The lipstick is engraved with the word "Terrybly" and makes it look more luxurious. I also like that it has a convenient magnetic closure.

Scent: 101 Flirty Rose contains a faint rose scent, while 103 Plumping Nude smells & tastes weird, almost like chemical paint. Maybe mine is defective?

Bottom Line: Given the variety of shades and finishes, you're bound to find the right Nars lipstick for you! The By Terry lipsticks are more suitable for those who want fuller lips and prefer a quick, opaque finish with one swipe. Just make sure to exfoliate and moisturize well before applying, especially for those with extremely dry lips. 

Note: The Nars lipsticks are available at Sephora, Beauty.com and Nordstrom. The By Terry lipsticks are available at Beauty.com.

This post contains affiliate links. None of the products mentioned are sponsored.