NBL 08

Black Up NBL 08 Blush ($26.50 for 0.12 oz.) is a bright, medium-dark gold with very strong, warm orange undertones and a golden shimmer-sheen finish. It had a more frosted finish compared to the other two blushes I’ve tried from the range, but it wasn’t overly shimmery or metallic on the skin, so it did not emphasize my skin’s natural texture.

The Blush formula is supposed to have “pure and intense color” that “blends to the skin.” It had good pigmentation, though it was just shy of full coverage, that was buildable to opaque coverage in two layers. The texture was drier in the pan, but it was loose enough to transfer onto my brush without issue. It could have been easier to diffuse and blend out on the skin, as it took more pressure to really buff out the color and even out the shimmer. On me, the blush lasted for eight hours before fading.

Editor’s Note: Thank you to readers who brought this to my attention yesterday. There is controversy with respect to the founder of the brand and subsequent changes to ownership/management and how those changes transpired. Two bloggers who have done their own analysis/research can be found here (timeline and walk-through) and here (Q&A with Black|Up that specifically asks about the controversy). I will be doing my own research into over the next couple of weeks using those two posts as a starting point. I do not have any additional reviews scheduled, and I will not be adding any in the future until I’ve had a chance to go through any available information.

• Top Dupes
• Ingredients

Black Up NBL 08 Blush

Black Up NBL 08 Blush

Black Up NBL 08 Blush

Black Up NBL 08 Blush

Black Up NBL 08 Blush

Black Up NBL 08 Blush

Black Up NBL 08 Blush

Black Up NBL 08 Blush

Black Up NBL 08 Blush

Black Up NBL 08 Blush

Black Up NBL 08 Blush

Black Up NBL 08 Blush

Black Up NBL 08 Blush

Black Up NBL 08 Blush

NBL 04

Black Up NBL 04 Blush ($26.50 for 0.12 oz.) is a medium-dark, coppery plum with strong, warm orange undertones and a pearly sheen. The pigmentation was nearly opaque, while the finish was luminous without emphasizing my skin’s natural texture.

The Blush formula is supposed to have “pure and intense color” that “blends to the skin.” The consistency was slightly drier and firmer in the pan, and I wish it had a little more give/softness so it was easier to pick up an even amount of product onto a brush. As it was, I found a dense blush brush with a larger, flatter edge to be best to achieve even coverage on the cheeks (with less blending required). This shade wore well for eight hours on me.

• Top Dupes
• Ingredients

Black Up NBL 04 Blush

Black Up NBL 04 Blush

Black Up NBL 04 Blush

Black Up NBL 04 Blush

Black Up NBL 04 Blush

Black Up NBL 04 Blush

Black Up NBL 04 Blush

Black Up NBL 04 Blush

Black Up NBL 04 Blush

Black Up NBL 04 Blush

Black Up NBL 04 Blush

Black Up NBL 04 Blush

Black Up NBL 04 Blush

Black Up NBL 04 Blush

NBL 03

Black Up NBL 03 Blush ($26.50 for 0.12 oz.) is a bold, bright dark berry with cool undertones and a satin finish. The finish became more glowing and luminous as the blush was blended onto the skin, and it seemed to look cooler and almost purplish as I diffused the color out.

The Blush formula is supposed to have “pure and intense color” that “blends to the skin.” It was richly pigmented with nearly opaque pigmentation in a single layer, but the consistency was firmer and drier in the pan, so it took more effort to get product to transfer onto my brush than a softer blush would. I was able to blend and diffuse the blush evenly on the skin, but again, that stiffer consistency made it more challenging to get a nice faded edge going. It wore well for nine hours before fading slightly.

• Top Dupes
• Ingredients

Black Up NBL 03 Blush

Black Up NBL 03 Blush

Black Up NBL 03 Blush

Black Up NBL 03 Blush

Black Up NBL 03 Blush

Black Up NBL 03 Blush

Black Up NBL 03 Blush

Black Up NBL 03 Blush

Black Up NBL 03 Blush

Black Up NBL 03 Blush

Black Up NBL 03 Blush

Black Up NBL 03 Blush

Black Up NBL 03 Blush

Black Up NBL 03 Blush

black|Up is now available at Sephora! There are 32 different products/formulas available, including lipsticks, blushes, eyeshadows, face products, eyeliners, brushes, and so forth. The brand was founded by an African makeup artist to create an “upscale beauty brand to magnify black and mixed beauties.” Have you tried anything from the brand before? Share your must-haves and experiences for those of us less familiar!