NARS Heat Wave Semi Matte Lipstick: Review and Swatches

NARS Semi Matte Lipstick HEAT WAVE Review

By Contributor: Sushmita

I know I am the last person to review and swatch this beautiful red lipstick from NARS but my love for this will never stop. The name Heat Wave is perfect for this shade, this shade is a perfect kick for any dull day. Like they said “When I arrive, I am causing a heatwave”.

After applying this first time I understood why people raved about the texture of NARS lipsticks. Anyways let us continue to know more what I like and how it could be better.

NARS Claims: A modern, semi-matte lipstick that provides full-bodied, velvety color. Long-wearing, full-coverage finish. Rich, vivid shade range from neutrals to high-fashion hues. Patented blend of conditioners and antioxidants hydrate, nourish and protect lips

My Review:

Nars HeatWave is described as a bright orange red with semi-matte finish. It is a very flattering red orange lipstick with warm undertones. The shade is true to its bullet. Complete opaque coverage in just 1 swipe. Rich pigmentation and buildable formula. Girls with pigmented lips must try the semi-matte range, they are extremely pigmented and hide discolorations. Heatwave is one of the hottest selling shade from this range. On me its looks more like ripped cherry red leaning towards orange. I love wearing this shade because it has an ability to lift my look instantly. It makes you look elegant and chic. Perfect for night out and parties but as I love bright shades I wear it during the day too.

Those who are scared of using loud shades and want more wearable colours can use the shade as a lip stain. Just put some lipstick on your fingers and dab it on lips. The red orange contrast can make your teeth looks whiter.

The formula is smooth and glides on lips with ease. It has slight sheen to it which looks beautiful and makes your lips fuller and healthy. The texture is light yet not too creamy nor matte. It keeps my lips well moisturized and doesn’t make them dry ever.

NARS Semi-matte lipsticks have a nice staying power, at least this range does have better staying power than any other ranges,  I get 3 plus hours of wear time with this, during munching I see it fading evenly and not in an ugly way. Anyway I always prefer to re-apply lipsticks to recreate same opacity. It doesn’t creases neither does it bleed outside my lip line which is good. The most interesting thing is that it has no annoying scent like most high end brands have. Therefore those who have super sensitive noses can easily enjoy applying this lipstick.

Swatches in natural light

My lip swatches with it

What I like about NARS HEAT WAVE Lipstick:

• Bright reddish orange shade.
• Very pigmented and brightens up my face immediately.
• Doesn’t feather or budge from lips.
• Opaque coverage and good lasting power.
• Keeps my lips moisturized.
• Does not settle in lip lines.
• No scent.
• Fades nicely.
• Light weight texture.
• Has antioxidants which hydrates lips.

What I don’t like about NARS Semi Matte Lipstick- HEAT WAVE:

• Nothing

Price: $26$ excluding shipping and Tax.

VNA Rating: 4.2/5

I understand why this lipstick was named Best Overall Lipstick by InStyle in 2011. This is a hot spring colour. Very pretty and a must have from Semi- matte range.