NARS Cruising Lipstick review + swatches

         
            NARS Cruising lipstick is a well loved color in my collection. It's a sheer lipstick, which is my favorite NARS formula. (See my NARS sheer lipstick collection here). NARS Cruising follows a long history of pop culture 'cruising' references. There's Cruising, the 1980's thriller starring Al Pacino, which I imagine to be this lipstick's namesake. When it comes to 'Cruisin'' crooners, Eazy-E, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Smokey Robinson come to mind. And, there's nothing that evokes a sense of Americana like a convertible cruising down a stretch of open road, whether it be U.S. Route 40 or California's Highway 1.

            In Chicago, it's a bit chilly to go cruising top down, but there are views to be had. One can admire downtown Chicago while speeding (if it can be called that) by on the Dan Ryan (above), or catch an eyeful of Lake Michigan on Lake Shore Drive.

           NARS Cruising lipstick is a light nude pink color that is great for toning down lips. Cruising has a neutral tone and less warmth than most pinks. I've made some comparison swatches below. Too Faced Naked Dolly Lip Crème (review here) is lighter and more peach. Bobbi Brown Bare Pink lip color is slightly warmer pink. NARS Mayflower lipstick (swatches here) is a more vibrant strawberry pink. NARS Pago Pago has a similar neutral tone, but is lighter. MAC Pure Zen lipstick is brighter and more peach.

          NARS Cruising lipstick is a great go-to color that can complement a variety of looks. (It would look great paired with sunglasses, windswept hair, and an open road, don't you think?) However, it is quite neutral and lacks the warmth found in typical nude colors, so it may run the risk of looking less lively depending on your skin and/or lip tone. Thanks for reading! Have you tried NARS Cruising? What are your favorite NARS lip colors? What nude lip colors have you been using lately?

Love, Dovey.