For all my love of all the makeup, I’m undeniably fickle. I buy and try everything, only to eventually cast it all aside because it isn’t quite perfect. This is especially true when it comes to my lip color ― not only do I need the hottest, brightest orange-leaning red this side of the sun, I need it to be long-lasting (as in, all day), easy to use on the go, and as shine-free as possible without transmogrifying my lips into the Gobi Desert, whether it’s the middle of July or the end of December. (Oh, and pretty packaging never hurts.) My ruthless criteria systematically slays all inferior formulas until only one remains: NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil. A creamy, vividly pigmented lipstick in the form of a chubby pencil, this velvety matte glides on easy, and miraculously manages to look seamlessly put-together even when smeared on with abandon (like, say, on a moving train). I’m partial to Red Square (shown), but you can take your pick of 17 shades, from the palest nude to deep, dark aubergine. Fair warning: you might want to pick up extras, you know, one for every bag. It’s that good. [$24, NARS Cosmetics]
