There’s no stopping the love affair between a woman and her lipstick. François Nars, founder of NARS Cosmetics, would agree. After all, he launched the iconic beauty brand in 1994 with just 12 lipsticks.

Thirty years and countless lip collections later, the Maison pays tribute to its roots with Explicit Lipstick—a creamy, high-impact formula that delivers medium-to-full coverage in just a swipe or two. Expect vibrant, buildable colour with a long-lasting satin finish.

Infused with NARS’ Luxe Comfort Complex, a super lightweight formula enriched with rosehip seed oil and hyaluronic acid to keep lips smooth and hydrated, the lipstick delivers rich, dimensional colour that feels as good as it looks.

Sassy Shades

Housed in a sleek black magnetic case, it features a precision-tip bullet that defines and hugs the curves of your lips, so every application is clean and drama-free.

With 28 shades—plus eight new nude additions from pinky beige to rosy mauve to chocolate brown and more—there’s a perfect Explicit Lipstick for everyone. Each one is as cheeky as it is chic, with names like Ravenous (cherry brown), Bewitched (chocolate brown), and Decadence (tea rose). Ten shades are also refillable, so you can switch moods without tossing the tube.

Whether you’re headed to the boardroom or the bar, Explicit Lipstick is the kind of lip colour that makes you feel like the main character. Bold, polished, a little sassy, and totally NARS.

When to Wear It (and What to Pair It With)

Business Lunch: Keep it clean and effortless. Try light nudes like Bare It All (820), Liaison (821) or Adulterous (828). Pair with Radiant Creamy Concealer and a swipe of Orgasm blush for a just-pinched glow.

Date Night: Turn up the flirt. Go with pinks like Dirty Talk (822) or Blame (829), or set the mood with a red like Incendiary (862) or Unauthorized (863). Finish with bronzed eyes (Laguna Quad), fluttery lashes (Climax Mascara) and Deep Throat blush.

Girls’ Night Out: Go bold or go home. Rich shades like Bewitched (809) and Unrestrained (886) make a statement, especially with smoky lids (Total Seduction Eyeshadow Stick in Living Sin), a flick of Climax Liquid Eyeliner, and flushed cheeks in Dolce Vita.

Feeling Extra?: Reach for bolder hues like Mischievous (852), Provocateur (881) or After Party (883). These shades don’t whisper; they announce your arrival.

Finish every look with Laguna Bronzing Powder, Light Reflecting Setting Powder (or Mist), and your favourite NARS base to stay flawless all day or night.

NARS Explicit Lipsticks are priced at $55 each from Tangs and Sephora.