High Profile
NARS High Profile Cheek Palette ($59.00 for 0.42 oz.) is a new, limited edition holiday cheek palette that includes six shades designed to have buildable coverage and layerable, luminous finishes. The “downside” was really that most shades were more semi-opaque to opaque, though the gel-powder formula absolutely lends itself to being used with a lighter hand or less-dense brush for sheerer, more buildable coverage as there was no powderiness to be found.
Gel-powder formulations, like the one in the palette, tend to require a moderately-dense brush to pick up product as the powders have a firmer feel, but the products go on seamlessly and really meld with skin, so they are often more forgiving of skin texture and imperfections as a result. All six shades performed similarly: blendable, easy to use, and long-wearing. I felt like the formula in this palette was a little more yielding than it would have been a few years ago–in a good way.
Ingredients
Nude Revue
Nude Revue is a light-medium, golden copper with warm undertones and a metallic sheen. The texture was moderately-dense, smooth without being powdery or too firmly-pressed into the pan, so it picked up readily with a moderately-dense brush and blended out well on bare skin. It had opaque pigmentation in a single layer and seemed a smidgen softer than the other shades in the palette. It wore well for nine hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
- Estee Lauder Solar Crush (LE, $47.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Dose of Colors Chasing the Sun (LE, $28.00) is darker (95% similar).
- MAC Dima’s Glow (LE, $37.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- bareMinerals Fierce (P, $29.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Dior Bronze (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Miel de Azhar (LE, $37.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Inglot J203 Luminous (LE, $23.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Desire Fire (LE, $37.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- NARS Galet (LE, ) is cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop On a Streak (LE, $8.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$30.00/0.16 oz. – $187.50 Per Ounce
From NARS’ website, their blush formula is described as “beautifully pigmented” and “soft [and] blendable.” NARS’ blushes, since they’ve been released in such a massive range of shades over the years, can vary from shade to shade to some degree. Most shades are pigmented with firmer, slightly stiffer consistencies that can also run on the thinner side, which allows greater control when picking up product but some of the more matte shades could be a bit more blendable or easier to work with.
Some of the more newly-released shades have softer, more yielding textures that are a bit creamier and are easier to blend out, though most of NARS’ blushes are fairly blendable. The wear typically ranges from eight to nine hours with a few shades falling above or below this range.
Browse all of our NARS Powder Blush swatches.
Ingredients
CETEARYL ETHYLHEXANOATE · HDI/TRIMETHYLOL HEXYLLACTONE CROSSPOLYMER · SQUALANE · OCTYLDODECYL STEAROYL STEARATE · GLYCERIN · POLYSORBATE 20 · ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN · CAPRYLYL GLYCOL · TIN OXIDE · 1,2-HEXANEDIOL · PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE · XANTHAN GUM · CHONDRUS CRISPUS EXTRACT · SILICA · DICALCIUM PHOSPHATE · SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE · [+/-(MAY CONTAIN/PEUT CONTENIR): IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) · MICA · TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891)] ·
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer)
at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable
to the product you’re purchasing, or the brand or retailer’s website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Spin Off
Spin Off is a medium, peachy brown with warmer undertones and a satin finish. This was the least shimmery shade in the palette, though it still had a very soft sheen once applied and diffused along the edges on my skin.
It had nearly opaque color payoff in one pass, so one had to use a lighter hand or a less-dense brush to pick up product and deliver a sheerer, more buildable application of color (if desired). The blush had a soft, smooth consistency that was moderately-dense but not too stiff, so I could use even feathery brushes, like a fan brush, to pick up product, but there was no powderiness at all. It lasted well for nine hours on me before fading a bit.
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
- The Estee Edit First Lover (01) (P, $28.00) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- NARS Dream Place (LE, $30.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Makeup Geek Infatuation (P, $10.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC I’m Not Blushing (Bottom) (LE, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Surratt Beauty Chaleur (P, $32.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- KIKO 106 Beige Rose (P, $12.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- By Terry Tropical Sunset #6 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Pleasure Model (LE, $31.00) is more shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
- By Terry Tan & Flash Cruise #6 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- MAC Coppertone (P, $24.00) is less shimmery, cooler (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$30.00/0.16 oz. – $187.50 Per Ounce
From NARS’ website, their blush formula is described as “beautifully pigmented” and “soft [and] blendable.” NARS’ blushes, since they’ve been released in such a massive range of shades over the years, can vary from shade to shade to some degree. Most shades are pigmented with firmer, slightly stiffer consistencies that can also run on the thinner side, which allows greater control when picking up product but some of the more matte shades could be a bit more blendable or easier to work with.
Some of the more newly-released shades have softer, more yielding textures that are a bit creamier and are easier to blend out, though most of NARS’ blushes are fairly blendable. The wear typically ranges from eight to nine hours with a few shades falling above or below this range.
Browse all of our NARS Powder Blush swatches.
Ingredients
DIMETHICONE · SILICA · SORBITAN ISOSTEARATE · PHENYL TRIMETHICONE · PEG-12 DIMETHICONE · POLYSORBATE 20 · GLYCERIN · HYDROGENATED LECITHIN · ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN · CAPRYLYL GLYCOL · 1,2-HEXANEDIOL · XANTHAN GUM · CHONDRUS CRISPUS EXTRACT · [+/-(MAY CONTAIN/PEUT CONTENIR): IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) · MICA · RED 30 LAKE (CI 73360) · TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891)] ·
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer)
at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable
to the product you’re purchasing, or the brand or retailer’s website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
High Demand
High Demand is a medium-dark, reddish-copper with warm undertones and a satin sheen. The finish became more luminous as I applied and blended out the product on my skin. It had mostly opaque color coverage in a single layer, though it wasn’t at all powdery due to the smooth, denser texture, so it could be used with a lighter hand for sheerer coverage if necessary. It stayed on well for nine hours before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
- Hourglass At Night (P, $40.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Beach Bum (P, $25.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Cover FX Spiced Cinnamon (Right) (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- ColourPop Drop of a Hat (LE, $8.00) is more shimmery, cooler (85% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Independence (P, $26.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Jouer Marigold (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (80% similar).
- NARS Spark Got Hot (LE, $30.00) is lighter, warmer (80% similar).
Formula Overview
$30.00/0.16 oz. – $187.50 Per Ounce
From NARS’ website, their blush formula is described as “beautifully pigmented” and “soft [and] blendable.” NARS’ blushes, since they’ve been released in such a massive range of shades over the years, can vary from shade to shade to some degree. Most shades are pigmented with firmer, slightly stiffer consistencies that can also run on the thinner side, which allows greater control when picking up product but some of the more matte shades could be a bit more blendable or easier to work with.
Some of the more newly-released shades have softer, more yielding textures that are a bit creamier and are easier to blend out, though most of NARS’ blushes are fairly blendable. The wear typically ranges from eight to nine hours with a few shades falling above or below this range.
Browse all of our NARS Powder Blush swatches.
Ingredients
SILICA · SORBITAN ISOSTEARATE · PHENYL TRIMETHICONE · PEG-12 DIMETHICONE · POLYSORBATE 20 · GLYCERIN · HYDROGENATED LECITHIN · ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN · CAPRYLYL GLYCOL · 1,2-HEXANEDIOL · XANTHAN GUM · CHONDRUS CRISPUS EXTRACT · [+/-(MAY CONTAIN/PEUT CONTENIR): IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) · MICA · RED 30 LAKE (CI 73360) · TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891)] ·
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer)
at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable
to the product you’re purchasing, or the brand or retailer’s website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Hit It Off
Hit It Off is a brighter, medium-dark orange-leaning coral with a pearly sheen. It had semi-opaque, buildable pigmentation that adhered evenly to bare skin and diffused with ease while “melting” as I buffed it on for a seamless sheen. The consistency was moderately dense but smooth and picked up well with a moderately-dense blush brush. It wore nicely for nine hours before fading a bit.
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
- Shiseido Alpen Glow (06) (P, $29.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Sugarpill Retrograde (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Summer Love (P, $9.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- ColourPop Totes (P, $8.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Vibrant Coral & Golden (PiP, $38.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Jouer Marigold (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- MAC Oh You Pretty Things (LE, $24.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Beach Bum (P, $25.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
- ColourPop Georgette (LE, $8.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Tarte Beat (-, ) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$30.00/0.16 oz. – $187.50 Per Ounce
From NARS’ website, their blush formula is described as “beautifully pigmented” and “soft [and] blendable.” NARS’ blushes, since they’ve been released in such a massive range of shades over the years, can vary from shade to shade to some degree. Most shades are pigmented with firmer, slightly stiffer consistencies that can also run on the thinner side, which allows greater control when picking up product but some of the more matte shades could be a bit more blendable or easier to work with.
Some of the more newly-released shades have softer, more yielding textures that are a bit creamier and are easier to blend out, though most of NARS’ blushes are fairly blendable. The wear typically ranges from eight to nine hours with a few shades falling above or below this range.
Browse all of our NARS Powder Blush swatches.
Ingredients
CETEARYL ETHYLHEXANOATE · DIMETHICONE · NYLON-12 · SQUALANE · OCTYLDODECYL STEAROYL STEARATE · GLYCERIN · POLYSORBATE 20 · ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN · CAPRYLYL GLYCOL · 1,2-HEXANEDIOL · PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE · XANTHAN GUM · CHONDRUS CRISPUS EXTRACT · HDI/TRIMETHYLOL HEXYLLACTONE CROSSPOLYMER · SILICA · [+/-(MAY CONTAIN/PEUT CONTENIR): CARMINE (CI 75470) · IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) · MICA · RED 30 LAKE (CI 73360) · TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891) · ULTRAMARINES (CI 77007)] ·
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer)
at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable
to the product you’re purchasing, or the brand or retailer’s website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Showdown
Showdown is a bright, medium-dark pink-coral with a soft sheen. The blush had semi-opaque, buildable color coverage, which was more than marketed, but likely won’t be a deal-breaker for most as the formula could be used with a lighter hand or a fan brush to achieve sheerer, buildable coverage with little extra effort.
The powder had a moderately-dense, slightly firmer feel to the touch, but the powder applied evenly to bare skin and blended out beautifully. This shade lasted well for nine hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
- Clinique Peach Pop (02) (P, $21.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Chanel Coco Code (LE, $70.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- ILIA Temptation (P, $32.00) is less shimmery, glossier (90% similar).
- Estee Lauder Wild Sunset (P, $34.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever B316 (P, $23.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Chanel Fleurs de Printemps (Blush) (LE, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Milani Coral Crush (P, $8.99) is less shimmery, glossier (90% similar).
- ColourPop My Sun and Stars (P, $8.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Sweet Sweet Fantasy (LE, $24.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Picnic Time (LE, $8.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$30.00/0.16 oz. – $187.50 Per Ounce
From NARS’ website, their blush formula is described as “beautifully pigmented” and “soft [and] blendable.” NARS’ blushes, since they’ve been released in such a massive range of shades over the years, can vary from shade to shade to some degree. Most shades are pigmented with firmer, slightly stiffer consistencies that can also run on the thinner side, which allows greater control when picking up product but some of the more matte shades could be a bit more blendable or easier to work with.
Some of the more newly-released shades have softer, more yielding textures that are a bit creamier and are easier to blend out, though most of NARS’ blushes are fairly blendable. The wear typically ranges from eight to nine hours with a few shades falling above or below this range.
Browse all of our NARS Powder Blush swatches.
Ingredients
DIMETHICONE · SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE · SILICA · PHENYL TRIMETHICONE · SORBITAN ISOSTEARATE · PEG-12 DIMETHICONE · GLYCERIN · POLYSORBATE 20 · HYDROGENATED LECITHIN · ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN · CAPRYLYL GLYCOL · 1,2-HEXANEDIOL · SODIUM CITRATE · XANTHAN GUM · CHONDRUS CRISPUS EXTRACT · ALUMINA · [+/-(MAY CONTAIN/PEUT CONTENIR): IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) · MICA · RED 30 LAKE (CI 73360) · TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891)] ·
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer)
at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable
to the product you’re purchasing, or the brand or retailer’s website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Just Lust
Just Lust is a darker pink with subtle, warm undertones and lighter, warmer gold pearl that gave it a luminous finish. It had medium, buildable color coverage, which made it more in line with the brand’s marketing on coverage.
The consistency was moderately dense without being stiff, so while it needed a denser brush to pick up product evenly, it deposited it well onto bare skin and blended out effortlessly. This shade showed signs of fading after eight and a half hours of wear.
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
- Kevyn Aucoin Rose Cliff #2 (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Cover FX Mojave Mauve (Right) (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Smith and Cult Cool Pink (P, $24.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- LYS Beauty Self Love (P, $16.00) is less shimmery, glossier (90% similar).
- ILIA At Last (P, $34.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- ColourPop Court of Miracles (LE, $8.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Essence Befitting (P, $2.99) is less shimmery (85% similar).
- ColourPop More is More (P, $8.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (80% similar).
- Tarte Amp (-, ) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (80% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Petal Poppin’ (P, $20.00) is less shimmery, lighter (80% similar).
Formula Overview
$30.00/0.16 oz. – $187.50 Per Ounce
From NARS’ website, their blush formula is described as “beautifully pigmented” and “soft [and] blendable.” NARS’ blushes, since they’ve been released in such a massive range of shades over the years, can vary from shade to shade to some degree. Most shades are pigmented with firmer, slightly stiffer consistencies that can also run on the thinner side, which allows greater control when picking up product but some of the more matte shades could be a bit more blendable or easier to work with.
Some of the more newly-released shades have softer, more yielding textures that are a bit creamier and are easier to blend out, though most of NARS’ blushes are fairly blendable. The wear typically ranges from eight to nine hours with a few shades falling above or below this range.
Browse all of our NARS Powder Blush swatches.
Ingredients
CETEARYL ETHYLHEXANOATE · DIMETHICONE · NYLON-12 · ZINC STEARATE · SQUALANE · OCTYLDODECYL STEAROYL STEARATE · GLYCERIN · POLYSORBATE 20 · ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN · CAPRYLYL GLYCOL · 1,2-HEXANEDIOL · PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE · XANTHAN GUM · CHONDRUS CRISPUS EXTRACT · HDI/TRIMETHYLOL HEXYLLACTONE CROSSPOLYMER · SILICA · [+/-(MAY CONTAIN/PEUT CONTENIR): CARMINE (CI 75470) · IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) · MICA · TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891)] ·
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer)
at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable
to the product you’re purchasing, or the brand or retailer’s website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.