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5 Shades of Serenity

5 Shades of Serenity

Here's the second shade chosen for Color of the Year, "Serenity." It'll be interesting to see this color incorporated into just about every mainstream brand's releases in 2016, because it's a difficult color to do well. Pastels in general can be tricky, and shades of this kind of periwinkle blue...

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5 Shades of Rose Quartz

5 Shades of Rose Quartz

Not one but two shades were selected as "Color of the Year" by Pantone for 2016. Their decision of choosing two hues, a pastel blue and pink, commonly associated as gender-specific colors, was explained as, "In many parts of the world we are experiencing a gender blur as it relates to fashion, which...

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NYX Deep Plum HD Blush

NYX Deep Plum HD Blush ($6.00 for 0.16 oz.) is a muted, medium-dark rosy copper with warm undertones and a satin finish. NARS Lovejoy (P, $30.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). MAC Make You Mine (P, $23.50) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). bareMinerals The Indecent Proposal (PiP, $22.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). NYX Bronzed (P, $6.50) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). MAC Scene to Be Seen (Inner) (LE, $34.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Sephora + Pantone Universe Marsala (LE, ) is brighter, warmer (85% similar). MAC Stylish Me (LE, $24.00) is warmer (85% similar). NARS Fervor (Right) (PiP, ) is warmer (85% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Contour (Softcore) (LE, $60.00) is lighter, brighter, cooler (85% similar). Tarte Unearthed (LE, $29.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Buxom Dolly (P, $22.00) is less shimmery, lighter (80% similar). Fenty Beauty Cognac (P, $25.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (80% similar). MAC Sweet As Cocoa (P, $24.00) is more muted, cooler (80% similar). MAC Margin (P, $24.00) is more shimmery, lighter (80% similar). Clinique Fig Pop (P, $21.00) is brighter, warmer (80% similar). Lancome Rosegold Lights (P, $30.00) is more shimmery, lighter, more muted (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

NYX Deep Plum HD Blush ($6.00 for 0.16 oz.) is a muted, medium-dark rosy copper with warm undertones and a satin finish. NARS Lovejoy (P, $30.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). MAC Make You Mine (P, $23.50) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). bareMinerals The Indecent Proposal (PiP, $22.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). NYX Bronzed (P, $6.50) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). MAC Scene to Be Seen (Inner) (LE, $34.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Sephora + Pantone Universe Marsala (LE, ) is brighter, warmer (85% similar). MAC Stylish Me (LE, $24.00) is warmer (85% similar). NARS Fervor (Right) (PiP, ) is warmer (85% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Contour (Softcore) (LE, $60.00) is lighter, brighter, cooler (85% similar). Tarte Unearthed (LE, $29.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Buxom Dolly (P, $22.00) is less shimmery, lighter (80% similar). Fenty Beauty Cognac (P, $25.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (80% similar). MAC Sweet As Cocoa (P, $24.00) is more muted, cooler (80% similar). MAC Margin (P, $24.00) is more shimmery, lighter (80% similar). Clinique Fig Pop (P, $21.00) is brighter, warmer (80% similar). Lancome Rosegold Lights (P, $30.00) is more shimmery, lighter, more muted (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

B+
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NYX Electro HD Blush

NYX Electro HD Blush ($6.00 for 0.16 oz.) is bright, medium-dark fuchsia pink with cool, blue undertones and a satin finish. NARS Desire (P, $30.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). MAC Heavenly (LE, $22.00) is less shimmery, glossier (95% similar). ColourPop Pegacorn (DC, $8.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). ColourPop Pie (DC, $8.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). MAC Florida (LE, $21.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). ColourPop More, Please (LE, $8.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Sephora I'm Shocked (09) (P, $14.00) is darker (90% similar). Urban Decay Savage (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). LORAC Vivid (P, $23.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Surratt Beauty Se Pomponner (P, $32.00) is lighter (85% similar). Too Faced Plumagranate (Blush) (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar). Kevyn Aucoin Grapevine #2 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, more muted, warmer (85% similar). MAC Dollymix (P, $24.00) is lighter, warmer (80% similar). Fenty Beauty Crush on Cupid (P, $20.00) is less shimmery, more muted, warmer (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

NYX Electro HD Blush ($6.00 for 0.16 oz.) is bright, medium-dark fuchsia pink with cool, blue undertones and a satin finish. NARS Desire (P, $30.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). MAC Heavenly (LE, $22.00) is less shimmery, glossier (95% similar). ColourPop Pegacorn (DC, $8.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). ColourPop Pie (DC, $8.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). MAC Florida (LE, $21.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). ColourPop More, Please (LE, $8.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Sephora I'm Shocked (09) (P, $14.00) is darker (90% similar). Urban Decay Savage (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). LORAC Vivid (P, $23.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Surratt Beauty Se Pomponner (P, $32.00) is lighter (85% similar). Too Faced Plumagranate (Blush) (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar). Kevyn Aucoin Grapevine #2 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, more muted, warmer (85% similar). MAC Dollymix (P, $24.00) is lighter, warmer (80% similar). Fenty Beauty Crush on Cupid (P, $20.00) is less shimmery, more muted, warmer (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

A-
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NYX Summer HD Blush

NYX Summer HD Blush ($6.00 for 0.16 oz.) is medium, pink-coral with warm undertones and gold pearl. Kevyn Aucoin Sunset #2 (PiP, ) is warmer (95% similar). Kevyn Aucoin Sunset (P, $38.00) is more muted (95% similar). Smith and Cult Universal Peach (P, $24.00) is lighter, cooler (95% similar). Make Up For Ever B314 (P, $23.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Warm (Winter 2016) Blush (LE, $60.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). MAC Petal Power (P, $29.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Pearlescent Pink (P, $2.99) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). NARS Hard Party (LE, $30.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Physicians Formula Warm (P, $11.99) is less shimmery (90% similar). ColourPop Fox (DC, $8.00) is cooler (90% similar). Hourglass Incandescent Electra (P, $38.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Laura Geller Papaya (P, $26.00) is less shimmery, darker, brighter (90% similar). NARS Fetishized (LE, $30.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Laura Mercier Peach (P, $30.00) is lighter (90% similar). Chanel Coco Code (LE, $70.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Tarte Glisten (P, $29.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). NARS Deep Throat (PiP, $30.00) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). Chanel Malice (71) (P, $45.00) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). Chanel Fleur de Lotus (LE, $45.00) is cooler (90% similar). Ciate Matchmaker (P, $26.00) is more muted, cooler (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

NYX Summer HD Blush ($6.00 for 0.16 oz.) is medium, pink-coral with warm undertones and gold pearl. Kevyn Aucoin Sunset #2 (PiP, ) is warmer (95% similar). Kevyn Aucoin Sunset (P, $38.00) is more muted (95% similar). Smith and Cult Universal Peach (P, $24.00) is lighter, cooler (95% similar). Make Up For Ever B314 (P, $23.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Warm (Winter 2016) Blush (LE, $60.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). MAC Petal Power (P, $29.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Pearlescent Pink (P, $2.99) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). NARS Hard Party (LE, $30.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Physicians Formula Warm (P, $11.99) is less shimmery (90% similar). ColourPop Fox (DC, $8.00) is cooler (90% similar). Hourglass Incandescent Electra (P, $38.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Laura Geller Papaya (P, $26.00) is less shimmery, darker, brighter (90% similar). NARS Fetishized (LE, $30.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Laura Mercier Peach (P, $30.00) is lighter (90% similar). Chanel Coco Code (LE, $70.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Tarte Glisten (P, $29.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). NARS Deep Throat (PiP, $30.00) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). Chanel Malice (71) (P, $45.00) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). Chanel Fleur de Lotus (LE, $45.00) is cooler (90% similar). Ciate Matchmaker (P, $26.00) is more muted, cooler (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

A-
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NYX Crimson HD Blush

NYX Crimson HD Blush ($6.00 for 0.16 oz.) is bright, medium red with warm, orange undertones and a satin shimmer. MAC Contrary (LE, $22.00) is glossier (95% similar). MAC Oh My! (LE, $24.00) is cooler (90% similar). Estee Lauder Poppy Passion (P, $34.00) is more muted (90% similar). Chanel Rouge Profond (320) (P, $45.00) is more muted, cooler (90% similar). Zoeva Underneath the Gold (LE, ) is darker, more muted (90% similar). Lethal Cosmetics Sanguine (P, $15.50) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Rare Beauty Grateful (P, $23.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar). Dior 999 (P, $48.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). MAC News Flash! (P, $16.00) is lighter (95% similar). Kevyn Aucoin Fira (P, $37.00) is less shimmery, lighter, brighter (85% similar). Kevyn Aucoin Sunset #3 (PiP, ) is lighter (85% similar). Urban Decay Slowburn (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, brighter (85% similar). ColourPop Erotic (P, $5.00) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar). MAC Adobe Brick (LE, $24.00) is warmer (85% similar). Milani Bronze Burst #3 (PiP, ) is more muted, warmer (85% similar). MAC Frankly Scarlet (P, $24.00) is cooler (85% similar). NARS Exhibit A (P, $30.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar). MAC Burnt Pepper (P, $24.00) is darker, more muted (80% similar). Milani Bronze Burst #4 (PiP, ) is more muted, warmer (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

NYX Crimson HD Blush ($6.00 for 0.16 oz.) is bright, medium red with warm, orange undertones and a satin shimmer. MAC Contrary (LE, $22.00) is glossier (95% similar). MAC Oh My! (LE, $24.00) is cooler (90% similar). Estee Lauder Poppy Passion (P, $34.00) is more muted (90% similar). Chanel Rouge Profond (320) (P, $45.00) is more muted, cooler (90% similar). Zoeva Underneath the Gold (LE, ) is darker, more muted (90% similar). Lethal Cosmetics Sanguine (P, $15.50) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Rare Beauty Grateful (P, $23.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar). Dior 999 (P, $48.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). MAC News Flash! (P, $16.00) is lighter (95% similar). Kevyn Aucoin Fira (P, $37.00) is less shimmery, lighter, brighter (85% similar). Kevyn Aucoin Sunset #3 (PiP, ) is lighter (85% similar). Urban Decay Slowburn (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, brighter (85% similar). ColourPop Erotic (P, $5.00) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar). MAC Adobe Brick (LE, $24.00) is warmer (85% similar). Milani Bronze Burst #3 (PiP, ) is more muted, warmer (85% similar). MAC Frankly Scarlet (P, $24.00) is cooler (85% similar). NARS Exhibit A (P, $30.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar). MAC Burnt Pepper (P, $24.00) is darker, more muted (80% similar). Milani Bronze Burst #4 (PiP, ) is more muted, warmer (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

B+
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NYX Hamptons HD Blush

NYX Hamptons HD Blush ($6.00 for 0.16 oz.) is a light-medium pink with warm, yellow undertones and a luminous sheen. Hourglass Surreal Effect (LE, $40.00) is less shimmery, warmer (95% similar). NARS Swindle (LE, $30.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Dior Bal (250) (P, $48.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). MAC Launch Away (LE, $24.00) is cooler (90% similar). NARS Fervor (Left) (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar). By Terry Savannah Love #1 (LE, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Chanel Sakura (87) (LE, $45.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). Kevyn Aucoin Pink Sand #1 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Wayne Goss Blushing (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). Guerlain Smile (Right) (LE, $52.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Too Faced Tres Fab (LE, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar). MAC Sugar or Syrup (LE, $24.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Benefit Dandelion (PiP, $29.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). MAC Lesson in Love (LE, $24.00) is darker, more muted (90% similar). Laura Mercier Sunset (LE, $24.00) is lighter (85% similar). Jouer Rose Petal (LE, ) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar). Catrice La Vie En Rose (P, $5.99) is more shimmery, darker, more muted (85% similar). Makeup Geek Spell Bound (DC, $9.99) is warmer (85% similar). Too Faced So Peachy (P, $30.00) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar). Hourglass Incandescent Electra (LE, $40.00) is lighter (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

NYX Hamptons HD Blush ($6.00 for 0.16 oz.) is a light-medium pink with warm, yellow undertones and a luminous sheen. Hourglass Surreal Effect (LE, $40.00) is less shimmery, warmer (95% similar). NARS Swindle (LE, $30.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Dior Bal (250) (P, $48.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). MAC Launch Away (LE, $24.00) is cooler (90% similar). NARS Fervor (Left) (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar). By Terry Savannah Love #1 (LE, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Chanel Sakura (87) (LE, $45.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). Kevyn Aucoin Pink Sand #1 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Wayne Goss Blushing (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). Guerlain Smile (Right) (LE, $52.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Too Faced Tres Fab (LE, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar). MAC Sugar or Syrup (LE, $24.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Benefit Dandelion (PiP, $29.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). MAC Lesson in Love (LE, $24.00) is darker, more muted (90% similar). Laura Mercier Sunset (LE, $24.00) is lighter (85% similar). Jouer Rose Petal (LE, ) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar). Catrice La Vie En Rose (P, $5.99) is more shimmery, darker, more muted (85% similar). Makeup Geek Spell Bound (DC, $9.99) is warmer (85% similar). Too Faced So Peachy (P, $30.00) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar). Hourglass Incandescent Electra (LE, $40.00) is lighter (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

B
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NYX Tuscan HD Blush

NYX Tuscan (07) HD Blush ($6.00 for 0.16 oz.) is a bold, bright coral-red with warm undertones and a satin finish. theBalm Toile (P, $22.00) is darker, cooler (95% similar). Guerlain Coral Blush (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar). Viseart Coral #2 (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar). ColourPop Fruit Stand (DC, $8.00) is darker (95% similar). Chanel Duo N. 02 (Bottom) (LE, ) is warmer (95% similar). Flower Beauty Melon (P, $9.99) is warmer, glossier (90% similar). NARS Peep Show (LE, $30.00) is cooler (90% similar). Chanel Intonation (69) (DC, $38.00) is glossier (90% similar). NARS Crave (P, $30.00) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Painted Canyon (LE, $24.00) is more muted (90% similar). ColourPop Luv Me Not (LE, $12.00) is warmer (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Paradise Lust (Bottom) (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar). Clinique Ginger Pop (01) (P, $21.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Natasha Denona Coral (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar). ColourPop RomCom (DC, $12.00) is lighter, more muted (90% similar). Make Up For Ever B316 (P, $23.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Smashbox Geranium (LE, ) is darker, more muted (90% similar). Anastasia Scorching (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Flush (Discontinued) (DC, $60.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty The Afternooner (Blush) (LE, ) is lighter, more muted (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

NYX Tuscan (07) HD Blush ($6.00 for 0.16 oz.) is a bold, bright coral-red with warm undertones and a satin finish. theBalm Toile (P, $22.00) is darker, cooler (95% similar). Guerlain Coral Blush (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar). Viseart Coral #2 (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar). ColourPop Fruit Stand (DC, $8.00) is darker (95% similar). Chanel Duo N. 02 (Bottom) (LE, ) is warmer (95% similar). Flower Beauty Melon (P, $9.99) is warmer, glossier (90% similar). NARS Peep Show (LE, $30.00) is cooler (90% similar). Chanel Intonation (69) (DC, $38.00) is glossier (90% similar). NARS Crave (P, $30.00) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Painted Canyon (LE, $24.00) is more muted (90% similar). ColourPop Luv Me Not (LE, $12.00) is warmer (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Paradise Lust (Bottom) (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar). Clinique Ginger Pop (01) (P, $21.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Natasha Denona Coral (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar). ColourPop RomCom (DC, $12.00) is lighter, more muted (90% similar). Make Up For Ever B316 (P, $23.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Smashbox Geranium (LE, ) is darker, more muted (90% similar). Anastasia Scorching (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Flush (Discontinued) (DC, $60.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty The Afternooner (Blush) (LE, ) is lighter, more muted (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

B+
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NYX Nude 'tude HD Blush

NYX Nude 'tude (02) HD Blush ($6.00 for 0.16 oz.) is a meduim brown with soft, warm undertones and a satin finish. MAC Golden Rinse (LE, $35.50) is warmer (95% similar). ColourPop Bon Voyage (P, $8.00) is darker (95% similar). MAC Matte Bronze (P, $28.00) is darker (95% similar). MAC Bronzer (LE, $34.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze (Original) (PiP, ) is more shimmery (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Terra (P, $68.00) is darker (90% similar). By Terry Tropical Sunset #4 (LE, ) is more shimmery (90% similar). Kevyn Aucoin Desert Days (P, $48.00) is warmer (90% similar). NARS San Juan (P, $38.00) is more shimmery, warmer (85% similar). NARS Zen (P, $30.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar). Urban Decay Video (DC, $26.00) is cooler (85% similar). MAC Harmony (P, $24.00) is cooler (85% similar). Burberry Dark Earthy (P, $42.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

NYX Nude 'tude (02) HD Blush ($6.00 for 0.16 oz.) is a meduim brown with soft, warm undertones and a satin finish. MAC Golden Rinse (LE, $35.50) is warmer (95% similar). ColourPop Bon Voyage (P, $8.00) is darker (95% similar). MAC Matte Bronze (P, $28.00) is darker (95% similar). MAC Bronzer (LE, $34.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze (Original) (PiP, ) is more shimmery (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Terra (P, $68.00) is darker (90% similar). By Terry Tropical Sunset #4 (LE, ) is more shimmery (90% similar). Kevyn Aucoin Desert Days (P, $48.00) is warmer (90% similar). NARS San Juan (P, $38.00) is more shimmery, warmer (85% similar). NARS Zen (P, $30.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar). Urban Decay Video (DC, $26.00) is cooler (85% similar). MAC Harmony (P, $24.00) is cooler (85% similar). Burberry Dark Earthy (P, $42.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

C+
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