ColourPop Cheerio Super Shock Cheek ($8.00 for 0.15 oz.) is described as a “deep cranberry in a satin finish.” It’s a reddish berry with subtle cool undertones and a gold and fuchsia micro-shimmer. Surratt Beauty Rougeur (P, $32.00) is similar. Make Up For Ever #510 HD Blush (P, $26.00) is less shimmery. Chanel Chamade (67) (P, $38.00) is lighter, brighter. NARS Goulue (P, $29.00) is slightly more muted. Kevyn Aucoin Neolita (P, $37.00) is similar. Bobbi Brown Berry (LE, $26.00) is darker. NARS Soulshine #3 (LE, $29.00) is warmer. NYX Desert Rose (P, $5.00) is less shimmery. Chanel Rouge (LE, $45.00) is darker. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

The formula feels spongy and more like clay or play-doh than your traditional cream blush, which makes it a lot less emollient and even lighter-weight as it tends to feel, look, and blend more like a traditional powder blush than a cream one once the product hits the skin. It’s supposed to have buildable coverage with the most color payoff achieved by applying directly with fingertips and a “sheer, airbrushed effect” when used with a duo fiber brush. It may take a few attempts to get into the ease of using the formula (or you might just find your stride immediately). I’ve found the most foolproof way is to apply with a stippling or duo fiber brush (I like MAC’s 159), especially with the deeper and richer shades like this one. It had semi-opaque coverage when applied with fingers, but it doesn’t get to fully opaque color, if that’s your aim. When I was testing this shade, it seemed easier to get even coverage with a sheerer application. The finish appears a more semi-matte on the skin than shimmery, so I wouldn’t let the shimmer scare you if you gravitate towards mostly matte finishes. On me, the blush lasted for nine hours before fading slightly.

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ColourPop Cheerio Super Shock Cheek

ColourPop Cheerio Super Shock Cheek

ColourPop Cheerio Super Shock Cheek

ColourPop Cheerio Super Shock Cheek

ColourPop Cheerio Super Shock Cheek