Giorgio Armani Daybreak (503) Cheek Fabric Blush Review, Photos, Swatches
Giorgio Armani Daybreak (503) Cheek Fabric Blush
Giorgio Armani Daybreak (503) Cheek Fabric Blush ($46.00 for 0.14 oz.) is a dusty, muted, medium rosy pink with a soft micro-sparkle and satin finish. Divergent Misty Rose (LE) is darker, more matte. Tarte Elevated (LE, $26.00) is more muted. Tarina Tarantino Neopolitan Lane (P, $25.00) is darker, less rosy. Urban Decay Overexposed (LE) is lighter. MAC At Dusk (LE, $25.00) is lighter. See comparison swatches or view dupes.
It’s a new blush formula for the brand, and it’s supposed to be a “vibrant, beautiful formula with a thin, soft texture that brightens your face and highlights cheekbones for the ultimate glow.” There are eight shades available, and this is the only shade I’ve tried, so I can’t weigh in on any of the other shades. The texture is incredibly soft and finely-milled, yet a little powdery and I can definitely feel that it’s a “thin” formula. It seemed almost dry, because it was thin, but it’s a blush that looks better applied on the face as a true blush than merely swatched, as it melds as it is blended and applied so it looks more like a second-skin tint of color–even over bare skin (and I have normal-to-dry skin, for reference). I found the pigmentation to be semi-opaque at most, buildable to that point with two light layers. The sparkle is visible in the pan, barely visible when heavily swatched, and on the cheeks, it looks like a subtle, soft sheen–not quite luminous, somewhere between matte and satin. The blush wore well for eight hours on me, which is about average, before it started to fade.
Daybreak (503)
PPermanent. $46.00.
Giorgio Armani Daybreak (503) Cheek Fabric Blush
Giorgio Armani Daybreak (503) Cheek Fabric Blush
Giorgio Armani Daybreak (503) Cheek Fabric Blush
Giorgio Armani Daybreak (503) Cheek Fabric Blush
Giorgio Armani Daybreak (503) Cheek Fabric Blush
Giorgio Armani Daybreak (503) Cheek Fabric Blush
Giorgio Armani Daybreak (503) Cheek Fabric Blush
Giorgio Armani Daybreak (503) Cheek Fabric Blush
This was one of my picks from the new formula as well and I received mine last week. I like the colour and how it hovers in that rosy brown zone that doesn’t look like deposited colour on the cheek and very natural. It would be difficult to overdo this blush which is a plus. On the minus side, I wish it were a little more nuanced and ‘special’ at this price point. That being said, it will definitely be part of my regular ‘day’ wear blush rotation. If you like your blush soft, subtle and natural, this can work beautifully.
How did you like the texture? I’m not sold, but I hear so many raves, I want to love it more!
Well, I’m not sold on that either. It is not the easiest blush to apply which surprised me. I was expecting a similar effortless application I enjoy with comparable ‘luxury’ brands so you are not alone in your opinion. It’s not bad, but it’s just not what I would expect for the price.
It feels so good not to be alone! GA has some really lovely powders, so I expected it to feel more like those, but I don’t know – I’m just not in love. Reader Rebekah mentioned that she felt #503 was a little powdery and that #200 felt quite different.
That’s such a pretty shade!
It is! Very natural.
You’re right! Not impressive when swatched but it looks amazing on you. Do want.
Haha! Yes, definitely one you have to try on!
That is definitely the most impressively natural blush I think I’ve seen in a while! I actually quite like it, and of course it looks fabulous on you 🙂 I think I’m still hooked on super pigmented blushes though – a girl’s gotta have options, right?
Options are always good 😀
I love this blush…but I’m pretty light skin tone wise. I really like this new line of blushes and was trying them out at Nordstrom a few days ago. Soft and pretty as opposed to super strong. But I expect those with dark skin tones will be disappointed with some of them (though others are so pigmented).
Will you be reviewing the liquid blush? I got a sample of one and it’s so pigmented! I had to be careful not to apply more than a tiny dot! Of a lighter color! I’d love to hear your thoughts…
Did you try any of the other shades of the Cheek Fabric?
Yes, I tried a bunch of the lighter ones. I wandered into Nordstrom when they had a beauty event going on (and I was trying to avoid finishing a project)…and there was an Armani rep there. I didn’t try the 507 and 509 (darker) but did try the other. I really liked the softer colors… and ability to build without looking overdone. What I didn’t like was that I felt they all looked a little similar on…being so soft and light. But my skin is neutral warm…golden to olive undertones but barely…so I’m prone to that more neutral look… I was deciding between this one and 502…even more nuanced…. Since I’m into a more natural look right now I got one and really like it. 503 seemed the most unusual of the lot.
What I really loved were the CC cream and Rouge Ecstasy lipstick in 400. Love! And I’m curious about the new liquid blushes. They were so pigmented I’ve had to practice applying them with the sample they gave me (so I don’t look like a clown). Gorgeous color…500 I think…but wow! Hope you review it and share some pointers on application!!!!
Oops …the liquid blush was/is shade 6, not 500. Deep rose and so very pigmented but lovely. The Rouge Ecstasy 400 is my new favorite red. Great sheen and softer than many so more wearable.
Good to hear that the liquid blushes are pigmented, at least! It’s too bad that so many of the lighter shades looked alike on you, though!
This looks lovely on you!
Thanks, Fancie!
I like thin natural-looking blush, so I think I might like this one!
Yay!
Such a pretty shade. Love it!
It’s a nice, everyday kind of color!
It’s very subtle but pretty!
Agreed!
i know you only gave it a b+, but this looks like a blush i would love. i have so much redness, that i tend to were pretty muted colors for blush-if any at all. this looks gorgeous on you, like its become one with your skin! i will have to check these out. what brush did you use to apply it?
I used Tom Ford’s Cheek Brush!
I’m eager to check out this new formula, although it would be nice if it could be made a little brighter without a lot of layers. I remember that the Guerlain Rose aux Joues blushes were awful when swatched, but I love them in use. I guess that’s where it matters, although it makes them harder to sell.
It is always really weird when products swatch horribly, apply beautifully (and vice versa, though the latter is more disappointing!).
Love the shade! It looks very natural and seems like it will go with a lot of makeup looks!
It definitely will!
Thats a nice everyday blush! But I am not sold on the overall texture and finish! 🙁
Me neither 🙁
Hi Christine, this looks beautiful on you! Thanks so much for your review on this. I was really curious about this product and was so tempted to buy it this weekend but held off in case you might post a review as I wanted to hear your thoughts on it first! Your review has tempered my excitement and possibly saved my wallet from yet another beauty purchase :). Hope you had a great weekend!
Hi Christine, I posted my last comment too soon as I forgot to include my question as well! Based on your rating, it seems like you were more impressed by Hourglass blushes and some of the NARS Final Cut blushes? I know that these are all very different blushes, but I just wanted to check with you that you think the other products I mentioned are of higher quality or more “special”? I purchased the Hourglass blushes and the NARS Final Cut blushes and have been happy with them. I guess I’m trying to justify not needing to add another blush to my already-large blush collection! Thanks :)!
Yes, I definitely liked those better! 🙂 The ratings are always based on quality metrics only, so even if they’re super, super easily duped or we’ve seen the same shade twenty times before, none of that will make a difference to the rating. I think the quality of Hourglass’ blushes and NARS recent Final Cut ones were better overall!
Glad you mentioned those two brands, Christine!
Thank you, Christine!!
Always my pleasure, Carolyn! 🙂
Hope your week is off to a good start!
I have this and adore it. It’s been my go-to for when I’ve got neutral eyes but don’t know what to pair them with. I usually skip bronzer with this because I find it gives my face all the dimension I need, without going overboard.
It looks great on you as well. I know the shimmer doesn’t translate onto the skin but it still looks lovely and multidimensional, not flat or powdery on you at all.
Happy to hear you’re loving yours, Adriana! How does the texture compare to other blushes for you?
Aside from the shade itself being perfect, I just really enjoy the texture. From reading the comments it seems like not everyone is into them but it just works for my particular skin situation. I don’t wear blushes that are overly luminous because my cheeks have slight uneven texture, like blocked comedones, right on top of my cheekbones and highlight always makes them look more obvious… ergo, I’m forced to use mostly matte blushes and bronzers without luminosity, so I always struggle with the disparity in texture between my dry, flat cheeks and a naturally dewy t-zone (thanks, combination skin!)
A blush this light and non-shimmery would normally look very powdery on my skin but this one doesn’t. And almost all matte blushes look dry/powdery for the first hour or two, then disappear entirely. This one doesn’t do that. It looks like it’s sunk into the skin (that “glowing from within”) and it’s so sheer I can layer it to make it last longer than I usually am able to get from other blushes.
Hey, if it works, I’m happy for ya! 🙂 I might have to try another shade and see if I like another one better!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience in more detail!
this shade is so pretty!
It sure is!
I own MAC At Dusk and I reach for it when I want that “barely there” look. This Armani one is pretty, but way too expensive. Glad I have something similar.
Glad to save ya some money!
So sad this only got a B+! I ordered this 502 / 503 / 305 from Nordstrom and were eagerly awaiting the arrival!!!
Hey Alia!
Reader Rebekkah felt like this shade wasn’t as nice as another shade, so maybe this one is just below!
I have this shade and also #200 Androgino (which on some blogs I’m seeing listed as bronzer but it’s definitely a Cheek Fabric shade). I found 503 a tad powdery as well, and you nailed it when you said it’s better worn as a true blush because I adore it on my cheeks…but was skeptical at first swatch. I found #200 totally different! MUCH more pigmented, smooth, and softer in texture. It’s a gorgeous warm Terracotta with very very fine micro glitter and a beautiful satin finish. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on #200 as well as the rest of the line!
Thanks, Rebekah! I might have to buy another shade to try.
Why why WHY do the most expensive brands continue to use such crappy ingredients? TALC, first thing on the label. I’d far rather buy a blush from theBalm, a company which makes quality, talc-free products.
Cheaper, too!
Christine, do you have Armani Sheer Blush #10 to compare with this? I love that one madly but it’s being DC-ed!
I don’t think I do 🙁
I don’t care too much for shimmery blushes, but I love the colour.
It’s a very subtle shimmer, at least!
That’s so lovely and delicate!
Agreed!
I never really “wow” at blushes, but this shade is sooo lovely.
It’s perfect for everyday!
I love ur blogs n look forward to getting them in my emails. They r very detailed n love to c the pics n swatches. Thank u for doing this for us.
Aww, thank you Tina!
It looks lovely one you 🙂
Thanks, Elana!