Nars Torrid Blush Review

 Finally- reviewing the last Nars Blush. This has been a long, long time in the making. It has basically taken years for me to review the collection I have and I don't even have a good excuse. 

Nars claims:

Warm coral with a golden shimmer.

NARS’ ICONIC BLUSH, NOW REIMAGINED IN AN UPGRADED FORMULA THAT LASTS FOR UP TO 16 HOURS, FEATURING TRUE-COLOR PAYOFF WITH A COMFORTABLE, WEIGHTLESS FEEL.

I love all things coral-clothes, eyeshadow, home decor. It's just such a pretty color. So when I read the description on this blush- I had to have it. I bought mine years ago but NARS does still make it. It  looks a little more pink toned in the pan- so I would call it a more pink coral. But it doesn't translate that way on my face.

This is a very easy to wear blush on my skin-tone. I can wear it with almost anything- warm looks, some cool tones. It pulls a flattering and subtle orange-y shade that's hard to overdo. The pigments just disappear into my skin-tone and look flattering. 

It also does have some golden shimmer to it which just gives a little subtle highlight that makes my complexion look a bit glowy without looking greasy. 

I felt mega cute that day so I'm dropping multi-photos.  Nars blushes are my favorite- I haven't bought one in a couple years but if I needed more blush (I need more blush like I need a hole in my head),  I'm looking at the NARS ones.) I'm checking out the the website now and why is the shade "Obsession" calling my name.

NARS Taos Blush Review

This review is probably about 10 years too late ...I've had this blush in the collection forever and it's one I had to have but basically ignored once I got it. It's not discontinued...but I still wanted to review it. Get it out the way so I can move on to reviewing some other ignored things in my collection. 

NARS Taos claims:

NARS Taos is a very warm-toned, medium-dark red with a pearl finish. It is a permanent blush that retails for $30.00 and contains 0.16 oz.

The ultimate authority in blush, NARS offers the industry's bestselling, most iconic shades for cheeks. NARS blush delivers healthy-looking color that enlivens the complexion and provides a natural-looking flush to flatter any skin tone. Iconic shades include a range of translucent, natural tones, each with a subtle pink undertone for a natural-looking blush to highlight the complexion. Silky, superfine micronized powder pigments in matte and shimmering shades ensure irresistibly soft, blendable application. A light application of even the highest-intensity hues delivers a natural-looking flush. These soft, buildable shades deliver a wide range of effects, from ultra-sheer to powerful pops of color.

I don't remember what made my buy this- I think I was in the store too often and kept swatching it and admiring it on my hand. It's a beautiful color. Just so hard to wear.

I thought it would be easier because it is more on the red toned side and I adore NARS Exhibit A red blush. It's not matte, it definitely has some golden sparkle to it that makes it look like it has a built in high-lighter. Beautiful color, especially when you catch it in the light.

It's also  very pigmented. I just have a hard time matching it with other stuff on my face because this makes such a statement. I've tried it with warm eye looks and cool eye looks and this just seems to clash. 

You can probably tone it down by blotting a foundation brush or puff with leftover foundation on it  over the blush to tone it down. 

I have had some quality issues with other NARS blushes where they can form hard pan. I have no such problems with this. 

I love my blushes from this brand-they are my favorite and will probably last me a lifetime. I need to wear them more often. I almost always default to my most favorite-Lovejoy- but that's a habit I need to break. 

I almost forgot to look more into the name- which I always find Nars has the best names when they aren't trying to do too much. I found this article which explains the name more...and I can kinda see the color connection. You can read more on it here, they explain it better than anything I can paraphrase. 

I won't do the breakdown of the cost, packaging, etc because that has all been updated...I don't know what the new packaging is like..but the old  packaging is nice until you have had it for a few years and then it gets all grubby and gross. I did a depot and  repackage of mine a few months ago.... 

Now I've finally only got one more blush to review and I will have reviewed every single NARS blush I own- all 12! 

Depotting My Nars Blushes

 I'm bummed because my Apple Watch decided to give up yesterday...and I had a move streak of almost 1100 days. I already did order another one...because it really does motivate me to get my movement and working out in and shows me the pattern of working out over the months. So I'm just impatiently waiting for it to come in the mail and trying to motivate myself. 

In the meantime I did manage to finally depot my old Nars blushes. This has been on my to do list forever because the packaging just got so grubby I didn't really want to use the blushes- and even though they are years and years old, they are powder and still work just as well as the day I bought them. Except maybe one or two that keep developing hard pan. But they have been doing that since day one. 

I think I kept putting it off because I did not want to break any of the blushes in my collection....I looked up a few methods- oven, floss, and then finally settled on the flat iron method. It was very easy. I didn't have any casualties except some cracking in one that I made sure to try and press back in to prevent further damage.

This is just some of the nasty dirty packaging...ewww.

And this is what they look like now- so pretty! And so much easier to figure out what color I want to grab for. I do need to replace at least one one of the magnets because it's not strong enough. I probably also wouldn't travel with them because I fear breakage...but they do look so nice. I just put them in a MAC palette because I can't find the NARS one.

Senna Cosmetics Blush Haul

 I got these blushes months and months ago. I originally just planned on doing just the eyeshadows and then the more I used the blushes, kept thinking I should just do a quick post. I bought them for only $1 each, so I didn't have high expectations. Especially considering the shadows weren't my favorite. Some of them were OK but some were a big miss. 

Some of these are still sitting on the site in the $1.00 sale. I also am not sure I actually ordered some of them, I think there were quite a few thrown in for free. Yay! 

So here's what I got. 

Honey Nectar- These type of shades can go either way. Often times if they are cheap/drugstore they look like ashy on my skintone but if done well, they end up adding a brightness to my face that makes it good for layering. I especially love these type of blushes with a smokey eye.

Pink Diva- Bright Bubblegum pink shade. Not a shade I gravitate too but sometimes you need this exact shade. Can't beat the quality for only a dollar. I might not reach for this often, but I'm glad to have it in the collection.

Amour- Reminds me of the Honey Nectar but more of an everyday shade. So pretty! 

Pink Panic- Bright, bright, bright pink. Not one I will wear often but I find this a bit more wearable than other bright pinks in my collection. 

Clarity- A very nice neutral pink, looks nice with smokey purple looks. Leans more pink. 

Natural Rose- Last but not least, natural rose. An everyday wearable rose shade. I love the texture on these blushes, they are buildable, soft, and blend-able. I think the only thing I have trouble with is wear time but that's true of all blushes as my skin eats makeup. 

That's all! It's definitely a lot of blushes but I'm glad to have them all in my collection. 

Nars Taj Majal Blush Review

Figured I would write a little post while I wait for my brownies to bake (Chocolate Almond 🥰) and before I start my Bad Boys movie marathon. I really want to finish them because I watch to go see it next Friday or this Sunday. In between...let's talk blush.

NARS claims:

Burnished Orange With Golden Shimmer

Buildable. Blendable. Indispensible. Uncover the best in glow. Our cult-favorite, bestselling NARS Blush delivers a weightless, natural-looking rush of cheek color in matte, satin, and shimmering finishes. Superfine micronized powder pigments ensure an irresistibly soft, blendable application. Buildable shades from sheer to bold deliver a natural wash of color to every skin tone—a light swipe of even the highest-intensity hues deliver a natural-looking flush. Superfine and silky powder. Irresistible and inimitable. Blush is the new bold.

THE #1-SELLING BLUSH IN THE U.S

I've had this blush for a very long time. It was one of the first blushes I bought for a friend and then eventually myself. The reason why I wanted it so bad is because I heard Francois Bars made this blush specifically for Naomi Campbell. The Bars line has a lot of blushes that look great on deeper skin tones.. and I wanted this one at a time where I just didn't know how to wear blush or what colors looked good on me.

I was also drawn to it because Orange is my favorite color and orange looks really great on my skin-tone.

And this does look really great. It adds the warmest glow to my skin. I love it! It's one of my favorite blushes. I love it so much I tend to not wear it because I don't want to use it up. I need to get out of that mentality though. If I use it up I can always buy another and I love this so much I would replace it immediately if lost/used up.

I usually do still save it for when I wear more warm eye looks.. I think it will clash too much with cool tones looks.

The wear time is at least 8 hours. It's easy to blend. Easy to apply.

NARS blushes are made in Canada. They cost $30 for .16 ounces. In comparison, MAC blushes will run you $22 for .21 ounces and Urban Decay are $26 for .23 ounces. They are quite a bit more money than most blushes.

I feel like it's a must for deeper skin tones!

And now...let's just take a moment to appreciate Naomi Campbell's walk.

NARS Seduction Blush Review

I think I've been trying to get this particular blush review post up for at least 6 months. I just...never wear it. I think it's mostly because in my mind I warped the color to a boring burgundy color. The color that if you went to get your makeup done, most counter artist would reach for it because it looks like the "typical" brown girl blush.

I was kind of surprised when I opened it-after years of neglect- and it was actually a pretty rosy sangria shade. I really should have worn it more often. Especially considering how long I've had it.

Oops.

Nars claims:

The ultimate authority in blush, NARS offers the industry's best-selling, most iconic shades for cheeks, delivering healthy-looking color that immediately enlivens the complexion and provides a natural-looking flush that flatters any skin tone. Iconic shades include a range of translucent, natural tones, each with a subtle pink for a natural-looking blush undertone to highlight the complexion. Silky, superfine micronized powder pigments in matte and shimmering shades ensure irresistibly soft, blendable application. A light application of even the highest-intensity hues delivers a natural-looking flush. Soft, buildable shades deliver a wide range of effects, ranging from ultra-sheer to powerful pops of color.

         Nars describes it as a "luminous burgundy with soft sheen".  To me it's a rosy sangria shade. It's 

            actually a very pretty color. It's just a little hard for me to match it to the right lip color/eye

        shadow color because it is pretty noticeable on my cheeks. Although it didn't exactly pick up on 

                                                                              the pictures. 

I've found that I like it with a rosy neutral eye (Toasted from Urban Decay's Naked palette compliments it well). 

It last's at least eight hours. Probably longer on less oily skin or if you set it with powder. 

The only issue I have with it is it starts to develop a hard pan layer. I have to use a really firm, thick bristled brush to pick it up and actually get it on my face. 

NARS blushes are made in Canada. They cost $30 for .16 ounces. In comparison, MAC blushes will run you $22 for .21 ounces and Urban Decay are $26 for .23 ounces. They are quite a bit more money than most blushes, so that is something to take into consideration.

I like it well enough, but probably wouldn't purchase again...nor do I highly recommend it. Mostly due to the quality issue I had with it. For the price it should be better, unless it's just my pan.

Random:

Every time I put this on I sing Usher's seduction song to myself. I used to love Usher back in the day. I wore this particular album OUT!

Nars Luster Blush Review

Over a year ago, I was trying to review all my blushes. I'm not sure what happened but I got about half way through and ditched it. But I won't allow myself to buy anymore until I at least review the ones I have. So here we are.

NARS claims:

The ultimate authority in blush, NARS offers the industry's best-selling, most iconic shades for cheeks, delivering healthy-looking color that immediately enlivens the complexion and provides a natural-looking flush that flatters any skin tone. Iconic shades include a range of translucent, natural tones, each with a subtle pink for a natural-looking blush undertone to highlight the complexion. Silky, superfine micronized powder pigments in matte and shimmering shades ensure irresistibly soft, blendable application. A light application of even the highest-intensity hues delivers a natural-looking flush. Soft, buildable shades deliver a wide range of effects, ranging from ultra-sheer to powerful pops of color.

I've gotten so much better at rotating my blush and picking the right one to go with my eyes or lips- depending on which one I'm emphasizing for the day. No clown cheeks for me!

So let's talk about NARS Luster. 

It's one of my faves. Described as a Sheer Golden Apricot.  It doesn't really show up on my skin-except to provide a glow. Not the glow that looks like I brushed it on. But a very natural glow. I'm not a fan of the striped super obvious highlight that was trending a couple years ago and still seems to be popular at the moment.

I love wearing it with blues, purple, and green eye looks. Cool toned looks basically. Not to say it doesn't go with warm looks. I just usually go with other blushes over this when I'm going warm. It provides a brightness to balance out darker looks as well.

I have a hard time saying how long it lasts because the foundation I'm wearing at the moment disappears off my face- but I'm sure with a quality foundation I could get it to last eight hours plus. Because it's so subtle though it can be hard to tell when it wears off.

The packaging is the same packing NARS has had for years. It's sleek and feels velvety. And usually very sturdy.

NARS blushes are made in Canada. They cost $30 for .16 ounces. In comparison MAC blushes will run $22 for .21 ounces and Urban Decay are $26 for .23 ounces. They are quite a bit more money than most blushes, so that is something to take into consideration.

Another favorite from Nars for me. And one that would be missed if I ever ran out. I would definitely repurchase if I ever used all mine up!

NARS Outlaw Blush Review

I've been meaning to get this review up forever. I probably could have written it about a month ago. I think maybe I was just too lazy to take pics. My phone camera just doesn't pick up color like my old broken camera used to.

NARS CLAIMS:

The ultimate authority in blush, NARS offers the industry's most iconic shades for cheeks. Natural, healthy-looking color that immediately enlivens the complexion. A light application of even the highest-intensity hues delivers a natural-looking flush.

• Silky texture in matte and shimmering shades
• Micronized powder ensures soft, blendable application
• Iconic NARS shades

Nars describes this as a soft rose tone with with golden shimmer. I would probably say it's a muted raspberry sorbet with golden glow. 

I don't remember when or why I bought it. Probably because I was drawn to the color in the store and bought it on impulse. It is a very, very pretty color. And it's basically got glow built right in. No highlight needed. 

I do like the color. Although it's one I have to be careful with. It's not like my favorite NARS Lovejoy which basically goes with anything. I have to really be careful what I pair with it....makeup and clothing. It's very summery..and fresh. But pair it with the wrong thing and it will have me looking crazy. I like nude-lips lips and neutral eyes with it. Anything else and I feel it looks overdone.

Ignore my brows- they haven't been acting right the entire month!

And it has that hard pan texture some of my other NARS blushes have. Which make it hard to pick up. And a little harder to blend unlike Lovejoy. For that reason I like to use it with harder, slightly scratchy brushes. Like the  MAC 129 and 116. 

The good thing about it, it lasts all day. Until I wash it off. I think it's also because it's a color I can get away with applying a little more of to make it show on my skin.

NARS blushes are made in Canada. They cost $30 for .16 ounces. In comparison MAC blushes will run $22 for .21 ounces and Urban Decay are $26 for .23 ounces. They are quite a bit more money than most blushes. Some of them are worth it, some really aren't. 

Overall, it's OK. If I ever got through the pan, I wouldn't buy it again. Especially as it's so pricey and I don't really love it. I just...like it.  But maybe $10 like it, not $30. 

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NARS Lovejoy Blush Review

Ah, blush. Some of my  most favorite  makeup. Along with eyeshadow. And I do love lipstick. Oh, and mascara too. But blush is definitely some of my favorite makeup. Just because it can do so much for the complexion. I bought this when I was in my "buy ALL the NARS blushes phase". I was buying them, but not using them. Just collecting them, because they were all too pricey to just use up.  Of course, I didn't actually buy them all, but I do have a decent collection. And these days I'm into actually using them. 

NARS claims:

The ultimate authority in blush, NARS offers the industry's most iconic shades for cheeks. Natural, healthy-looking color that immediately enlivens the complexion. A light application of even the highest-intensity hues delivers a natural-looking flush.

• Silky texture in matte and shimmering shades
• Micronized powder ensures soft, blendable application
• Iconic NARS shades

Lovejoy was not a blush I wanted at first. I would always pass it over for brighter, more fun looking blushes. Lovejoy just looked boring. But then I was watching people's top favorites NARS blushes on youtube, and there was this girl raving about Lovejoy. So I decided to give it another look, and ended up buying it. Then it sat for months and months, unused and unloved. Without even looking at the color I decided it was too plummy and boring, and I decided I didn't like it. Silly behavior, I know.

But then I was playing around with lip colors and mixed up a grey. I felt it needed a blush- but wasn't sure what would go with grey. Probably something neutral because the statement was the lip color and I didn't need my cheeks to compete. So I went through all my blushes and decided to try out Lovejoy. And it was perfect. And from then on, it's been one of my favorite, goes with everything blushes. 

It's a rosy-brown blush. Or as  NARS describers it "a shimmer bronze rose." Not a lot of brown, but just a hint. With a golden shimmer that kind of adds a little bit of a glow. It is subtle though. And I don't find it to emphasize texture. It is decently pigmented. Just a little will do it. It's also pretty easy to blend.

The only complaint I have is this blush constantly gets "hard pan". So far, it still works and I haven't had too much problem picking it up on my brushes. But it still kind of bothers me, especially taking into consideration these blushes do cost about $30 a piece. 

The packaging is the same packing NARS has had for years. It's sleek and feels velvety. And usually very sturdy. A piece snapped off the back of mine. It still snaps shut and works pretty well, I just have to be careful to make sure the other side doesn't come off.

Almost forgot to add, it lasts 8+hours. And my skin wears down some blush. But this stuff last pretty well!

NARS blushes are made in Canada. They cost $30 for .16 ounces. In comparison MAC blushes will run $22 for .21 ounces and Urban Decay are $26 for .23 ounces. They are quite a bit more money than most blushes, so that is something to take into consideration.

 I put it on heavier but my phone really wasn't trying to pick it up. Trust me, it's the nicest little hint of rosiness on my cheeks.

Overall, it's one of my favorite blushes. And it probably is one I would repurchase if I ever ran out. I just hope the next one doesn't have the same hard pan issues as this one!

What's your favorite goes with anything blush? Let me know in the comments!

Nars Liberte Blush Review

Continuing on with the blush reviews....this was an impulse purchase. I was just browsing the NARS blushes and decided I needed this. It has more of a hint of red than some of the other blushes in the lineup. I want all Nars blushes that sounded orange/red since two of my favorites are Taj Mahal and Exhibit A.

NARS claims: 

Burnished Apricot

The ultimate authority in blush, NARS offers the industry's most iconic shades for cheeks. Natural, healthy-looking color that immediately enlivens the complexion. A light application of even the highest-intensity hues delivers a natural-looking flush.

• Silky texture in matte and shimmering shades
• Micronized powder ensures soft, blendable application
• Iconic NARS shades

NARS blushes are quite pricey ringing in at $30. I got mine a little cheaper for around $26 or so. I bought mine on impulse but I recommend trying it on if you can. If not make sure you purchase from a place that would be easy to exchange if you didn't like it.

NARS describes it as a burnished apricot...whatever that means. I think of an orangey color when I think apricots, and this definitely leans a little more red/pink, especially when I put it on. Although not nearly as red as NARS reddest blush. I don't get much orange at all.

I really do like the color. Not love. Just like. I don't regret purchasing, but I also don't think it's one i would replace if I did run out. 

It's super warm. Which is great because I prefer warm blushes over cool. It goes great with warmer eyeshadow looks, especially warm browns. It clashes with cooler colors. I also like to wear it with a neutral matte eye when I want my cheeks to stand out a little more.

The texture is soft and very blend able. Just make sure you build slowly! It's easier to add than take it away.....

It doesn't last all day on me. I would say about 6-7 hours and then it's gone. It tends to last better when you layer a little more on, but it can hard to do that with this one without it looking like too much! 

The packaging is super sleek, velvety, and nice. I know some people complain it gets dirty fast but I haven't had that problem. I don't travel too much with them though, they tend to stay in my makeup drawers. It might be a good idea to wipe them down every now and again though.

NARS blushes are made in Canada. They cost $30 for .16 ounces. In comparison MAC blushes will run $22 for .21 ounces and Urban Decay are $26 for .23 ounces. They are quite a bit more money than most blushes, but you need so little so it should last forever. I've used this quite a bit and you can hardly tell! 

Overall, there are other blushes I prefer over this, but it still has a place in my collection.

I probably should have gone heavier so that it picks up more.....but you get the general idea. My eyeshadow wasn't picking up as warm as it is in person, but you get the general idea.

NARS Gina Blush Review

I have completely mastered puff pastry. Yesterday I made apple turnovers with homemade puff pastry that were to die for. And this coming from a girl that is not even a big fan of apple turnovers. Their butter content is ridiculous (lots and lots of fat!), and yet I still ate two. They were that good. I only made four. Summer heat and puff pastry dough are mortal enemies. But I plan on making them again this weekend. I can hardly wait, but while I'm waiting, I thought I would do a quick review. Pass a little time.

NARS claims:

Matte Tangerine

The ultimate authority in blush, NARS offers the industry's most iconic shades for cheeks. Natural, healthy-looking color that immediately enlivens the complexion. A light application of even the highest-intensity hues delivers a natural-looking flush.

• Silky texture in matte and shimmering shades
• Micronized powder ensures soft, blendable application
• Iconic NARS shades

They currently have this picture on their front page. Love it! And love her 'fro. I just had to share! 

For the most part, I'm a big fan of NARS. Their customer service could be better. But overall, I just love how NARS makes sure to represent women from all different ethnicities, skin tones, etc. From the lightest to the darkest. Which is why I went kind of crazy buying their blushes awhile ago. I passed over Gina, because I didn't think it would look nice on my skin. That is, if it even showed up. But a couple of forum posters recommending it for darker skin tones made me reconsider, and the more I looked at the swatches, the more I convinced myself that I HAD to have it. I bought it in the 20% off sale, which is a lot better than paying the retail price of $30 plus tax.

Gina is a matte coral-orange color. It's very similar to NARS Gilda blush, except that one is more pink and this is more orange. I find this to look like even more like a subtle glow because it's more orange, while Gilda stands out a bit more. Gina is a perfect color for me. It works with nearly everything. Cool purples, and blues, and especially warm bronzy colors. I really love the color, but I feel that way about nearly every orange I come across. My skin just absorbs it very well. 

It doesn't seem as pigmented as other blushes I own by them. I find I can really be liberal with it. I'm not sure if it's just my skin tone, or the actual blush though.

The texture is great too. It basically blends itself. It's very easy to work with. NARS definitely got it right with this one. 

The only problem I have with it is lasting powder. I feel like I get about 3-4 hours and then I'm wondering where it went. Did I just get used to it? Or did it wear off? I expect to get an hour or two more when the weather is cooler, but this humid heat makes the blush disappear in no time on my skin.

I had this makeup on all day, I did top up the blush a little heavy for the picture and it still doesn't show up quite like in person. Oh, well. I tried!

Almost forgot to talk packaging. It comes in sleek, slim, velvety, black packaging. And it has a very nice, although small, mirror. I know some people have issues with it getting grimy but I've some of mine for years and they look pretty good. 

NARS blushes run $30 for .16 ounces, Urban Decay is $26 for .23 ounces , and MAC is $22 for .21 ounces (cheaper in pan form!). Just for comparison. It's definitely a bit more costly than other  high end blushes. 

I love almost everything about it, I only wish it lasted longer. 

Random: Whenever I hear the "Gina" I always think of Gina (Tisha Campbell) from Martin. Then I think of this clip. Gina, Gina, Gina- in my best whiney Martin voice of course. 

Hilarious! Martin is still one of my favorite shows. 

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