Edward Bess Monte Carlo (02) Quad Royale ($45.00 for 0.25 oz.) is described as a “golden coral.” It’s comprised of four shades: shimmering beige, shimmering champagne, gold-shimmered orange, and shimmering peach-orange. Together, they create a muted, gold and peach-shimmered orange with a frosted finish. MAC Warmth of Coral is a touch lighter and more matte. MAC Melba is more matte and a touch dustier. Bobbi Brown Nude Peach is less frosted and less orange. Becca Damselfly is a smidgen darker. Make Up For Ever #153 is more frosted with a higher sheen.

The concept behind this product is that the shades coordinate with each other to sculpt and highlight the face, so they can be used together or individually on the cheeks and eyes. While there are four distinct colors, the pan is not that large, so if you wanted to use a single shade on cheeks, you’d have to grab an eye brush, which would fit into each color better. I don’t think it’s practical to use a blush brush and grab only one of the shades; the only shade you could really do that with would be the largest one (bottom right). You can, however, concentrate your brush on different sections, which would allow you to get lighter/darker color.

Monte Carlo has an incredibly smooth texture that feels buttery and creamy at the same time.  It’s a delicate, finely-milled powder.  The texture is every inch what you’d expect from a luxury blush like this.  It’s soft without being powdery, and the pigmentation is fantastic; no stubbornness or sheerness to worry about here.  The color is buildable and blendable, so you can go for a very soft, barely-there peachy blush or apply a heavier, more orange-hued shade. It wore well for nine full hours, and after ten hours, there was slight, but noticeable, fading.

Edward Bess Monte Carlo (02) Quad Royale

Edward Bess Monte Carlo (02) Quad Royale

Edward Bess Monte Carlo (02) Quad Royale

Edward Bess Monte Carlo (02) Quad Royale

Edward Bess Monte Carlo (02) Quad Royale

Edward Bess Monte Carlo (02) Quad Royale

Edward Bess Monte Carlo (02) Quad Royale

Edward Bess Monte Carlo (02) Quad Royale

Edward Bess Monte Carlo (02) Quad Royale

Edward Bess Monte Carlo (02) Quad Royale

Edward Bess Monte Carlo (02) Quad Royale