You know that one makeup product that just feels like home? For a lot of us, it’s a chunky black crayon with a sharpener-only habit. I’m talking about the NARS Dolce Vita Velvet Matte Lip Pencil. It isn't new. It isn't flashy. Honestly, in a world of liquid lipsticks that dry down like desert sand and glosses that stick to every strand of hair you own, this pencil is a weirdly perfect middle ground. It’s been around for years, surviving every "clean girl" aesthetic and "heavy glam" cycle we've thrown at it.
The thing about Dolce Vita is that it’s basically a chameleon. On some people, it looks like a dusty rose. On others, it’s a sheer, bitten-berry flush. It’s the "Your Lips But Better" (YLBB) gold standard.
The Weird Alchemy of the Dolce Vita Shade
Why does this specific color work? François Nars, the brand's founder, has always had this knack for creating shades that shouldn't work on everyone but somehow do. Think Orgasm blush or Laguna bronzer. Dolce Vita is in that same Hall of Fame. It’s a "dusty rose," sure, but that’s a boring way to describe it. It’s got this specific balance of warm and cool undertones that mimics the natural color of human lips when they’re slightly flushed.
If you look at the pigment under different lighting, you’ll see it’s not just pink. There’s a hint of brown that grounds it and a tiny bit of red that gives it life. This is why it doesn't wash out pale skin tones and doesn't look like ashy chalk on deeper complexions. It’s sheer enough to let your natural lip color peek through, which is the secret sauce. Most matte lipsticks are opaque—they're a mask. The NARS Dolce Vita Velvet Matte Lip Pencil is more like a tint in a solid format. It’s subtle.
It's the lipstick you reach for when you're running late and have to apply it in the rearview mirror without a liner. You can't really mess it up.
The Texture Debate: Is it Actually Matte?
Let’s be real. If you’re expecting a dry, flat, "Instagram-matte" finish from 2016, you’re going to be disappointed. This isn't that. The "Velvet Matte" name is actually pretty literal. It has a soft, blurred finish.
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The formula uses unique silicones that fill in lip lines rather than sinking into them. This is huge. Most mattes make your lips look like a shriveled raisin by 2:00 PM. This one stays creamy. However, that creaminess comes with a trade-off: it’s not transfer-proof. If you drink a latte, you’re going to see a little rose-colored ring on the lid. That’s just the reality.
The Sharpening Problem
One thing people always complain about? The waste. You have to sharpen these pencils. Unlike twist-up sticks, you’re literally shaving away product every time it gets dull. It feels a bit prehistoric. Plus, if you don't use the specific NARS sharpener (which has a very specific blade angle), you might chew up the wood and ruin the lead. It’s a bit of a diva in that regard.
But there’s a reason NARS hasn’t changed it to a twist-up. Pencils allow for a much firmer pigment density. You can get a sharper line on the cupid's bow than you ever could with a traditional bullet lipstick. It’s a tool and a product in one.
How the NARS Dolce Vita Velvet Matte Lip Pencil Compares to the Rest
The market is crowded now. Brands like Charlotte Tilbury and Rare Beauty are constantly dropping new lip products. So, how does this old-school pencil hold up?
- Versus Liquid Lipsticks: There’s no comparison. Liquid lipsticks win on longevity but lose on comfort. Dolce Vita feels like nothing on the skin.
- Versus Sheer Bullets: It's more matte than a balm but more natural than a cream lipstick.
- Versus the Dolce Vita Lipstick (The Bullet Version): This is a common point of confusion. NARS also makes Dolce Vita in a sheer lipstick and a lip gloss. They are not the same color. The pencil is slightly more muted and "sturdy." The sheer lipstick version is much more "slippery" and shiny. If you want the iconic look, the pencil is the one you’re actually looking for.
Celebrity makeup artists like Lisa Eldridge have often spoken about the importance of "seamless" color. Dolce Vita is the definition of seamless. It doesn't look like it's sitting on the lips; it looks like it's coming from them. That’s why you’ll still find it in the kits of pros working at Fashion Week. It’s the "no-makeup makeup" hero.
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The Longevity Reality Check
Don't believe the hype that this lasts all day. It doesn't. Because it’s so emollient and comfortable, it wears off gracefully after about three or four hours. The good news? It fades evenly. You won't be left with that awkward "ring" around the outside of your mouth while the center is bare. It just slowly ghosts you.
Because it’s a pencil, reapplication is fast. You don't need a mirror, and you don't need to prep with balm because the formula is already quite hydrating for a matte. It contains Vitamin E and emollients that keep it from feeling like a chalkboard.
Application Hacks for the Best Finish
If you want to get the most out of your NARS Dolce Vita Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, stop just drawing it on like a crayon.
First, try the "blurred edge" technique. Apply it to the center of your lips and then use your ring finger to tap it outward toward the edges. This creates a soft-focus effect that makes your lips look fuller without any harsh lines.
Second, if you’re worried about the staying power, use it as a base. Layer a tiny bit of a similar-toned gloss on top just in the center. It gives the lip dimension. Or, if you want it to last through a dinner date, fill in the entire lip with the pencil, blot with a tissue, and then do a second layer. This "stains" the lips and doubles the wear time.
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Is It Worth the Price Tag?
Let’s talk money. NARS isn't cheap. You’re paying for the pigment quality and the brand heritage. Some people argue that Maybelline or NYX have dupes, and while you can find similar colors, the texture is rarely a match. Cheap matte pencils often feel waxy or tug at the skin. The NARS pencil glides. It’s that "silk-to-velvet" transition that’s hard to replicate in a laboratory at a lower price point.
Also, a single pencil lasts a surprisingly long time, even with the sharpening. Unless you're applying it six times a day, you’ll likely get six to nine months of regular use out of one stick.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Makeup Routine
If you're looking to integrate this classic into your look, here’s how to do it right:
- Check Your Undertones: If you have very cool-toned, porcelain skin, Dolce Vita might look slightly more "terracotta" on you. If you have olive skin, it’ll be your perfect neutral.
- Invest in the Right Sharpener: Don't use a cheap $1 sharpener from the drugstore. The NARS dual blade or a high-end one from Sephora will prevent the pencil from snapping and save you money in the long run.
- Prep the Canvas: Even though it's creamy, matte pigments cling to dry flakes. Do a quick lip scrub (sugar and honey works fine) before applying.
- Pairing: Keep the rest of your makeup simple. This shade shines best with a clean complexion, some mascara, and maybe a soft peach blush. It’s the "I woke up like this" vibe.
The NARS Dolce Vita Velvet Matte Lip Pencil remains a staple because it doesn't try too hard. It’s reliable. In a beauty industry obsessed with the "next big thing," there’s something deeply satisfying about a product that just works, year after year, regardless of what's trending on social media. It’s a classic for a reason.