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MAC News Flash! Blush Review, Photos, Swatches

MAC News Flash! Blush
MAC News Flash! Blush

MAC News Flash! Blush ($16.00 for 0.05 oz.) is described as a “red orange with pearl [with a Satin finish].” It’s a rich, deep orange-red with warm undertones and a semi-matte finish. MAC All Year Red (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar). Kevyn Aucoin Fira (P, $37.00) is warmer (90% similar). Kevyn Aucoin Sunset #3 (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Adobe Brick (LE, $24.00) is darker, more muted (90% similar). Urban Decay Slowburn (LE, ) is warmer (90% similar). NYX Crimson (P, $6.50) is darker (95% similar). NARS Exhibit A (P, $30.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar). Flesh Beauty Fever (P, $26.00) is lighter, warmer (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

This is one of five new blush shades being added to the permanent range, but worth noting is that they are being added as a Small Powder Blush (the same size as MAC’s eyeshadows). I’m not sure if it will be available in pan-form or not (my guess is yes, since it is permanent) at this time. The formula is the same as their regular Powder Blush range, though, other than the size (and price). The new five are supposed to be pigmented with an even, smooth texture. News Flash! looks pinker and pinker the more it is sheered out, and even on my warmer skin tone, it looked more strawberry-red than orange-red when I blended it out. It was intensely pigmented, so a little went a long way, but it blended out fairly easily. The texture was smooth without being too soft or too dusty. Once applied, the color wore for a good nine hours before fading noticeably.

MAC News Flash! Blush
MAC News Flash! Blush

MAC News Flash! Blush
MAC News Flash! Blush

MAC News Flash! Blush
MAC News Flash! Blush

MAC News Flash! Blush
MAC News Flash! Blush

MAC News Flash! Blush
MAC News Flash! Blush

MAC News Flash! Blush
MAC News Flash! Blush

Makeup Look
On face:
  • Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Foundation
  • Guerlain Les Voilettes Loose Setting Powder
On eyes:
  • NARS Antares Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow
  • NARS Rigel Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow
  • NARS Arcturus Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow
  • NARS Kaliste Velvet Liner
  • NARS Darklight Velvet Liner
On lips:
  • Tom Ford Velvet Orchid Lip Color

26 Comments

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Katherine T. Avatar

Whoa! The swatch on your arm looks nothing like the swatch on your cheek. Interesting how it goes from an orange red to a berry pink. Do most blushes turn pinker on you?

Katherine T. Avatar

BTW, that pic with you flashing Tom Ford Velvet Orchid finally pushed me over the edge. I’ve spent the last 3 days trying to find a dupe, digging thru my stash, mixing colors, and prowling on internet, no luck. Finally ordered it from their website today. Tom Ford was gunning for my wallet with this one. I love orchids, and my stash is short on rosy plums, couldn’t resist any longer.

Tammy B Avatar

Katherine, this Tom Ford collection has me tearing through my stash trying to find dupes too! I don’t know what I am going to do!!

Katherine T. Avatar

Oh you too, eh? Glad I’m not alone! I was so relieved I had dupes for Black Orchid lipstick and that pink Nightbloom powder, but if that $80 gold powder is unique, I’m toast !!

Katherine T. Avatar

What? No way, lucky you! I have very little color on my cheeks, and can’t live without blush, or I look sick/tired. Enjoy what you have 🙂

Deborah S. Avatar

This is a really beautiful color also. I wonder how it would translate to my super pale skin? I will swatch when I am in Seattle in a couple of weeks. I like blushes that bridge between pink and orange as they usually pull one way or the other depending on my eye look and what foundation I am wearing so I find them versatile.

Trish Avatar

Intense yes, but pretty pretty on you Christine! I love these little buggers. At first I was disappointed size wise but now I realize I can have more… many more because the price is fab. Yes, I am a MAC blush groupie…

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