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MAC Vintage Grape Blush Ombre Review, Photos, Swatches

Wednesday, December 14th, 2011

MAC Vintage Grape Blush Ombre
MAC Vintage Grape Blush Ombre

MAC Vintage Grape Blush Ombre

MAC Vintage Grape Blush Ombre ($26.00 for 0.31 oz.) is described as a “mid-tone violet pink.” Like Azalea Blossom, this is also a repromote but still limited edition, and it will launch on December 26th with the Daphne Guinness collection. It’s a dark reddened berry that is intensely pigmented–a little will go a long way; I would recommend using a stippling brush or a very, very light hand if you prefer subtle cheek color. If you like your blush deeper, you’ll love how little product you need to accomplish that with this shade. Bobbi Brown Plum is pinker, brighter. The darker side of MAC Band of Roses is similar but more shimmery.

I felt like the texture of this one, while soft to the touch, was stiffer on the skin, because it wasn’t as effortless to blend out the edges and diffuse the color. The gradient fades from cotton candy pink to a dirty red-plum, so depending on the area you grab color from, you may get a pinker or redder color. I swirled and tried to get an even amount of each side for swatching purposes. I wore this shade (yes, one shade on each cheek–always on a mission to scare the UPS man!) and it wore better, more towards seven hours with some fading after eight hours.

Where to Buy: MAC Cosmetics on December 26th, $26

The Glossover

B+

For more dramatic cheeks, I think this could be a nice addition to your stash. If you tend to prefer lighter applications, you might go with a softer shade with better blendability.

Product

9/10

Pigmentation

10/10

Texture

8.5/10

Longevity

8.5/10

Application

4/5

Packaging

4.5/5

See more photos & swatches!

MAC Vintage Grape Blush Ombre
MAC Vintage Grape Blush Ombre

MAC Vintage Grape Blush Ombre
MAC Vintage Grape Blush Ombre

MAC Vintage Grape Blush Ombre
MAC Vintage Grape Blush Ombre

MAC Vintage Grape Blush Ombre
MAC Vintage Grape Blush Ombre

MAC Vintage Grape Blush Ombre
MAC Vintage Grape Blush Ombre

MAC Vintage Grape Blush Ombre
MAC Vintage Grape Blush Ombre

Disclosure

This review contains a sample product sent for consideration by the brand or its PR firm. Our priority is to you, and we honor that commitment by being honest! We don't do paid reviews or guarantee reviews. We're going to give you the truth and nothing but! For more information, please read our editorial/review policies.

Product & Review FAQ

Where can I purchase it? How much is it?

MAC Cosmetics on December 26th, $26.

Is it limited edition?

Yes.

Any dupes?

Bobbi Brown Plum is pinker, brighter. The darker side of MAC Band of Roses is similar but more shimmery.

Discussion and debate are highly encouraged, and we expect community members to participate respectfully. When asking a question, please check the FAQ section (above) for information about purchasing, price, dupes, and the like. If you have general feedback or need technical support, please contact us.

Comments that include advertisements, self-promotion, insults, etc. may be in violation of our comment policy and subject to deletion. Please see our comment policy for more information.

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vintage grape looks *AMAZING* on you. re-checking swatches to see if i bought this on impulse and maybe i should return it- but after seeing it on you i'm so keeping it!

Which one do you think would look most natural or the best on NC40? Vintage Grape or Azalea Blossom

You gave this a B+ because it looked too dark on your pale skin? What about all the darker skinned people in the world who would suit this shade perfectly? Base your judgement on the quality of the product. Now how well the color suits your personal taste.

No, that had nothing to do with it, actually... I'm not sure if you read the review or just looked at the grade, because the PIGMENTATION received 10/10, where as the TEXTURE and the WEAR were less than perfect here. The funny part is the grade for this was significantly helped by the pigmentation of the product. I don't care if it looks hideous on me or not, because how it looks on me has nothing to do with the grade. In fact, read this paragraph, which may clear up your confusion: I felt like the texture of this one, while soft to the touch, was stiffer on the skin, because it wasn’t as effortless to blend out the edges and diffuse the color. ... it wore better, more towards seven hours with some fading after eight hours.

Would you say it's similar to Nars Dolce Vita? How do they compare? Thanks!

Dolce Vita is nowhere near as purple!

Thank you so much for showing what the blushes look like on! They both look fab on you ;) Which one do you prefer? My skin tone is similiar to yours and I can't decide on which one to get..UGH! lol

Probably Azalea Blossom!

When i first pre-ordered from the DG collection i got Azalea Blossom but passed on this. But, sheesh, i'm such a pushover for purples and for unusual makeup (pink, red, or orange lipstick, shrug; blue lipstick, i'm so there), so i caved last night and added it to my order. As i've mentioned elsewhere, i rarely wear blush since i'm rather pale (between 15 & 20), but have rosacea pink cheeks i try to cover up. I finally found a foundation that matches and evens out my skin tone (not MAC - no luck there) and i now think i need to add a bit of color and contour when i wear it. So i wear blush when i have on full face. The first time i tested Vintage Grape - on my inner arm - i thought it was too dark. But a light hand and the right brush can control the coverage and the color. Yesterday i had on full makeup with warm toned lipstick and eye shadow and tried this, which is warm toned. While it was a bit uneven, due to my method of application (i didn't have a brush, used my fingers), it actually didn't look too bad. I would say this somewhat plummy color is meant for people with warm toned skin who are darker than MAC 15 or 20, but still usable on the pale and cool who want a bit of drama. And, shucky-darn, it is SOOOO pretty in the pan :-)

Do you think it's similar to Nars Dolce Vita?

Dolce Vita is redder to me!

ohhh! this looks fantastic on you!! i need this!

what's the eyeshadow you used in the look? it's a very pretty neutral brown shade :)

I used MAC's Interior Life Quad!

I got it as a preview and I found the colour sheer and quite buildable and it's not as dark as the violet in the pan, it has a rosy plummy effect. It looks good on my pale skin against my auburn hair, very painterly, with the seasonded plum lipstick it looks fab. I reckon it would look on pale skin as long as the undertone is not too golden.

Oh, that's quite pretty! I think it may be a little took dark for my complexion, but it looks very nice on you.

Hi Fair Girls: I'm a Makeup Artist and I do truly believe If you use The right amount Vintage Grape will also look beautiful!! As it looks to Christine

This shade looks beautiful on you!!! :)

Christine, will this look good on NC25 skin? It seems like a pretty cool colour to me! I've always wanted to try berries but I'm afraid it will make my skin look ashy..

I think so - I am NC25 if that helps!

you look stunning in the last photo, Christine! The swatches are really nice, it reminds me of Chanel Rouge blush. ;-)

Too daring for me, but it looks lovely on you!

This blush is gorgeous -- especially on you!! :)

I wanted this the first time but it sold out pretty quick. Hopefully I can pick this up!

Super pretty! Not sure if this would look too good on my pale skin though

This looks lighter than the one I got earlier.

I love this! I looked at the Azalea Blossom one and I said I am not going to pay 26 dollars for blush.. but this one has stolen my heart <3

This looks like something that will be prettier in the pan than on me. I'm super pale, and fear this would be much too dark. On the right skintone though, this would look lovely.

ohhhh I like! Did the blush ombres sell out super fast last time? They came out before my obsession started!

Not all of them, I don't recall, but I'm sure after their hiatus, they'll move quicker this time around.

I remember Ripe Peach sold out instantly everywhere, you can still find it being scalped on eBay for $50+. Azalea Blossom soon followed, but the Vintage Grape and the one from the amber collection, I forget the name, never got the "SOLD OUT" label on the website, at least from what I had saw.

Wow, I think this shade is gorgeous. I don't know why I didn't get it the first time it was released. I guess I was too focused on Ripe Peach. :)

I think this would look stunning on people with a darker skintone.

it looks lovely on you!

I'm actually excited about this one...it's been months since I bought anything from MAC but this one I might get. Does it go well on warmer tones (NC40)?

Christine, what product/s did you use on your eyes and lips?:) It's soooo lovely!

Just Bobbi Brown Naked Plum!

When Dec. 26th arrives, I'll be the first one at the MAC store so I can purchase this! Btw, those earrings are really pretty. :)

This looks so pretty, it's too dark for my complexion but I love the gradient effect in the pan x

I'm not a dramatic cheek kind of girl, but the color looks gorgeous. I might get it just to have the colors!

You look absolutely gorgeous in the last pic!!!

You look so beutyfull in this. Can you please tell me what you're wearing on your lips? thx you so much for your great reviews and so lovely pictures, great work, please keep going Alex

It's Bobbi Brown Naked Plum!