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Round-up: Makeup Geek Blushes Overview + Report Card

Makeup Geek Valentine Blush
Makeup Geek Valentine Blush

Makeup Geek Blush ($10.00 for 0.15 oz.) released 20 shades in an updated formula, and there were some winners and some so-so shades. For the most part, ones that fell short were sheerer (sheer to medium in coverage) rather than the pigmented as described. Most of the shades are very soft but thinner and don’t kick up as much excess powder as the original formula, though I personally found the original formula to be smoother and more luxurious in feel.

The color range is definitely more muted than the original shade range, so some shades are more unique, which is great, but even the shades that were carried over often lost vibrancy or were lightened. They also went into a different direction for the finish, which is pretty matte, compared to the more satiny finish of their original formula, which was intentional. I wish they had not changed the original shades so much in the new formula, as I think it’s odd to change both the color intensity/saturation as well as the finish and keep the same names (confusing!). I think if you like more matte blushes, don’t mind medium coverage, and like the shade range, it could definitely be worth checking out.

On a personal level, I was really disappointed to see the satin finish get axed, because it was the highlight of the formula; it was what made it more unique and versatile, and it was the reason why it was a favorite blush formula. If they had kept the original shades the same, then the range would have a good mix of satin and matte, richer and desaturated shades. It’s always a bummer when a brand tweaks one of your favorite formulas and turns it from a holy grail to an easy skip. It’s still a good blush formula overall, but it’s just not a favorite for me any longer!

18 Comments

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Chris Avatar

I also always delayed purchase of the old formula, did not think it would be going anywhere.. I purchased some of the new ones, they are of great pigmentation and last several hours without wearing off one bit. They’re good blushes but I am not at all a matte freak.

From what I hear I would have bought all colours easily of the satin formula!

Now I’ll happily keep the ones I have (more unusual colours that in line with Marlena’s recommendation look great on olive/tan skin like Puppy Love and Love Letter), but I’ll not get many more..

Really a shame to sack an immensely popular formula! Why? Why not just add new matte shades? Most of these 20 are new anyway! It must have had to do with production.. I can’t believe one would voluntarily change so much about an absolutely raved about formula unless one (felt one) had to..

Bonnie Avatar

Hi Christine, when you do these overview & report card round-ups (which I’ve always loved!) the way they’re formatted now only allows me to see the first items grade and all the rest under it I would have to click through to read the full review if I want to see the grade. I really loved it when you made a clear and easy to quickly read report card square where you listed all the grades and noted your favorites/most unique/worst performing shades. I hope you’ll consider bringing that feature back!!!

Christine Avatar

Hi Bonnie,

It looks like you’re on mobile – we don’t have as much space to show images and text on mobile – but on tablet/desktop, you can see the ratings. Unfortunately, previously, I was doing it manually, so compiling and everything would take 2-3 hours, whereas this provides a summary in a few minutes. When we do another design update, I can see if there’s a way to have it show on mobile, but I’m not sure if it’s something that will work for the length (more scrolling, and we already have a lot of that).

We try to approve comments within 24 hours (and reply to them within 72 hours) but can sometimes get behind and appreciate your patience! 🙂 If you have general feedback, product review requests, off-topic questions, or need technical support, please contact us directly. Thank you for your patience!