Jan 28, 2017

NARS Heat Wave

NARS Heat Wave Semi Matte Lipstick

The name suits this famous lipstick from NARS. It is a blazing red with bright orangey undertones. I don't feel entirely comfortable wearing either warm-toned shades nor mattes, and this is why I hesitated quite a bit before I finally bought one for myself. I still find Heat Wave challenging and often wonder what would be the best makeup pairing with it. I do love the color so I brave myself and reach for it once in a while, though.



NARS Heat Wave lipstick

NARS Heat Wave swatch
It goes on vivid and opaque with one swipe. I would say the lipstick has medium weight - it feels creamy but not heavy. This is a red that clearly leans warm but not too yellow that it would look orange in real life.

NARS Heat Wave swatch
For comparison, I pulled out my other orange/red lipsticks with matte finishes. Bobbi Brown Valencia Orange is literally orange and yellower. Rimmel London Kate 110 is quite similar to the NARS but feels a lot more drying and smells weird, so it was chucked after contributing to this swatch.

Matte red lipstick comparison swatch
Here is an additional comparison swatch. In The Red and Really Red on the right are discontinued Revlon matte lipsticks, and I realized that they were so old and I only used them for comparison swatches. They were also discarded after this. (I just looked up and saw Really Red still lives in the revamped Revlon Super Lustrous range.) As you see, MAC Ruby Woo is the coolest one and Tatcha Kyoto Red is a cooler red than Heat Wave although it is kind of warm. In short, Ruby Wook looks best on my complexion as Heat Wave worst.

(Da proof...)

NARS Heat Wave FOTD
Base: Lunasol Skin Modeling Liquid Foundation OC01, Skinfood Peach Sake Powder
Cheeks: Lunasol Pink Beige (review)
Eyes: NARS Lhasa, Chanel Taupe Gris, Prestige Total Intensity Eyeliner in Powerful Purple, Etude House Pink Skull Mascara


Heat Wave looks somewhat aging on me so I tried rounder eye shapes to compensate. Um, it wasn't very successful. I think I should try pair it with cat eyes anyway. It doesn't feel that I have figured it all out with Heat Wave, but I can't deny this is an attractive and unique red in my collection. Heat Wave is a quality matte lipstick as well. I'd recommend it without reservation if you normally do better with warmer colors.


Join the conversation!

  1. I wonder how it compares to Dior 999 because it's also a very warm red! I find that I wear reds best when I soften the edges and make the shape less crisp. Less ageing for sure, more casual!

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    1. Thanks for the tip, Lily! I just looked up and the swatch does seem similar. And it's in the Rouge Dior formulation which I'm sure is more forgiving. I haven't paid much attention to the brand lately but your recent lippy post was so gorgeous that I'm tempted! :)

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  2. I love Heat Wave, I wore it on my wedding day! I'm ashamed to say I haven't touched it since then, it is such a beautiful color. I wonder how Lana from the NARS Audacious lipsticks compares.

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    1. I remember reading your review and look post - and frankly, your FOTD with Heat Wave is the hottest one popping up when I google image search! ;D I am envious because Heat Wave looks more vivid and clearer on you. You should wear it more often. (Lana looks quite similar, but I am not sure if I can handle the Audacious formula. ;))

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  3. This is definitely not the usual red and it really pops on you Lena! I totally envy your ability to pull off vivid red lip colors :)

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    1. I have bought quite a few warmer reds lately and somewhat felt easier wearing them, but this one is formidable. LOL. Orangey red lips often look more modern and fun than cool toned ones, so I really want to figure it out about Heat Wave. ;)

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  4. It looks close to Kyoto red in your swatch. It is a striking and fun color on you. I haven't gotten a good red lately, but have a few NARS colors waiting for me. We'll see!

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    1. It does indeed. In real life, Kyoto red is close to a classic red and looks quite neutral on me (this is a great red, actually). I will look forward to your posts on those NARS! :)

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  5. Oh, I love it! It's really bright, but you definitely pull it off. *sizzle*

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    1. Thank you, Cathy! This is one attractive red, but honestly, there are other warm reds that are easier to wear. ;p

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