steven klein

The NARS x Steven Klein collection launched with a bang. The suggestive images on the packaging along with the value and novelty of new holiday sets put the beauty world into a bit of a frenzy. The collection is massive and not all of it appealed to me, but when I saw this adorable lipstick set in Sephora I knew I had to have it.

The Killer Heels Lipstick Coffret shades are mostly classics from the NARS lipstick range, but in mini sizes. There are 5 included in the set, and it retails for $49, making each mini lipstick about $10 for 0.05 oz. A full-size lipstick is $27 for .12 oz, so a slightly better value by volume, and of course you get the color variety instead of five instead of one.

The set includes a sheer, neutral nude, a sheer medium plum pink, and three variations of red.

The nude shade, Little Darling, was the scariest for me. Light lipsticks don’t always work with my coloring, but this one is sheer enough that it can be layered over a liner or another lipstick to tone it down without completely muting out your lips.

Mayflower is the kind of shade I tend to buy over and over again in every finish from every brand. It’s a my-lips-but-better shade that’s completely wearable for all occasions.

Joyous Red is a warm, muted, pink-red. It has a semi-matte finish that makes it, again, very wearable. This would look amazing with a metallic eye.

If you’re looking for a slightly brighter shade, Jungle Red might be it. It’s similarly semi-sheer and semi-matte, but a more true, brighter red.

And finally, Fire Down Below is a deep wash of plummy red.

I actually prefer that these shades are sheer. It makes them easier to apply and to wear more casually. The texture is soft and velvety and non-drying. And the tiny sizes are perfect for throwing in your clutch or pocket.

I think these will be my go-to lip shades this winter!