You’ve seen it. That chunky black crayon with the deep red tip poking out of almost every celebrity makeup bag for the last decade. It’s the NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil Cruella. Honestly, in a world where "viral" products die off in three weeks, Cruella is a literal dinosaur that refuses to go extinct. And for good reason.
It’s not just a lipstick. It’s also not quite a liner. It’s this weird, perfect hybrid that shouldn't work as well as it does. Most matte reds feel like you’re dragging a piece of sidewalk chalk across your face, but this one? It’s different. It’s got that "velvet" name for a reason.
What Is This Color, Anyway?
People call Cruella a "scarlet red," but that’s kinda reductive. If you look closely, it’s a passionate, deep crimson with a hint of blue and brown underneath. This is why it looks so good on literally everyone. Whether you’re pale as a ghost or have deep, rich skin, it doesn’t pull neon orange or muddy pink. It stays red. Serious red.
It was named after Cruella de Vil, obviously. That villain energy is baked into the pigment. It’s the kind of color you wear when you need to walk into a meeting and feel like you own the building, or when you’re going on a date and want to look like you might be a little bit dangerous.
The Elephant in the Room: The "Discontinued" Scare
Okay, let’s clear this up because the internet was in a collective meltdown about a year ago. NARS started phasing out the original Velvet Matte line to make room for the Powermatte High-Intensity Lip Pencil.
✨ Don't miss: Weather Forecast Calumet MI: What Most People Get Wrong About Keweenaw Winters
- The Good News: Cruella survived the transition.
- The Nuance: The formula is slightly different now.
- The Reality: While the OG Velvet Matte pencil (the one you have to sharpen) is getting harder to find in some boutiques, the shade Cruella is the flagship of the new Powermatte line.
Is the new one better? Some people say the new version stays on longer. Others miss the "cushion" of the original. Honestly, if you’re a die-hard fan of the matte-black wood pencil that needs a sharpener, you’re looking for the classic NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil Cruella. It still exists in gift sets and specific retailers, but the world is moving toward the twist-up Powermatte version.
Why It Beats Every Other Red
I’ve tried the MAC Ruby Woos and the Chanel Allures. They’re fine. But the NARS pencil wins on sheer ergonomics. You don’t need a separate lip liner. Because it’s a pencil, you just draw the outline and fill it in. Simple. No fussing with brushes or trying to get a liquid lipstick wand to cooperate while your hand is shaking.
The formula contains Vitamin E and silicones. That’s why it doesn’t crack. You know that look where your lips look like a dried-up riverbed by 4:00 PM? Cruella doesn't really do that. It fades into a soft stain rather than peeling off in chunks.
"Cruella is a wearable red that I think is especially great for day time wear... it's one of the easiest reds to apply." — MakeupMawn Review
🔗 Read more: January 14, 2026: Why This Wednesday Actually Matters More Than You Think
The Sharpener Tax
Let’s be real: the biggest downside is the sharpening. You have to buy the NARS sharpener (or a high-quality jumbo one) because a standard pencil sharpener will just eat the wood and ruin the lead. It feels like a hidden tax.
Pro Tip: If you’re using the classic wood version, stick it in the freezer for five minutes before you sharpen it. It hardens the wax core so it doesn't mush everywhere inside the blade. You’ll save way more product that way.
How to Style It for 2026
Red lipstick can feel "old lady" if you aren't careful. To keep Cruella looking modern, don’t overdo the rest of your face.
- The "Clean Girl" Version: Just Cruella, brushed-up brows, and a lot of mascara. No eyeshadow.
- The Evening Version: Add a tiny bit of clear gloss over the center of the lips. It turns the matte finish into something more dimensional and "expensive" looking.
- The Blurry Lip: Apply it to the center of your lips and smudge it out with your finger. It looks like you just finished a glass of wine in Paris.
Comparisons: Cruella vs. The Field
If you’re wondering how it stacks up against its siblings:
💡 You might also like: Black Red Wing Shoes: Why the Heritage Flex Still Wins in 2026
- Dragon Girl is much brighter and pinker. It’s more "pop art."
- Mysterious Red is a true, bright "letterbox" red.
- Cruella is the moody, sophisticated older sister.
Compared to drugstore dupes? You might find colors that are close—like the old Rimmel 107—but they usually lack that specific "slip" that the NARS formula has. You’re paying for the texture as much as the pigment.
Is It Still Worth the $30?
Honestly, yeah.
If you want one red lipstick that works for a wedding, a job interview, and a grocery store run, this is it. It’s reliable. It doesn't require a degree in makeup artistry to apply. It’s just a damn good red.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're ready to add this to your kit, here is the best way to handle it:
- Check your sharpener: If you’re buying the classic pencil, make sure you have a jumbo sharpener with a sharp blade. Don't use a dull one or you'll waste half the pencil.
- Prep is key: Even though it’s not super drying, apply a thin layer of non-greasy balm (like Aquaphor or Nuxe) 10 minutes before you put on the color. Blot the balm off before applying the pencil.
- Choose your formula: Decide if you want the Velvet Matte (the classic wood pencil for more control) or the Powermatte (the new twist-up for longer wear). If you're a beginner, go with the classic.
Cruella isn't a trend. It’s a staple. If you haven't tried it yet, you're missing out on the easiest red lip of your life.