Kat Von D Piaf + Poe Shade + Light Blush Duo ($25.00 for 0.317 oz.) is a muted, rosy pink set of shades, one lighter and one darker. The blush formula is supposed to “stay vibrant for a full 24 hours of wear” with “silky powders” that “blend effortlessly into skin for a flawless, buildable finish.” The marketing makes it unclear what level of pigmentation these should be on Sephora, but per the brand’s Instagram, they are “highly pigmented.” I think that this particular duo was one of the better-applying shades and required slightly less effort to apply, but it still had a drier, chalkier consistency that made it hard to get more than semi-sheer color out of it. That drier texture seemed to give me trouble when blending, as the color would stick on some places more noticeably than others, but it would be hard to diffuse or blend, even when I reached for a really dense, buffing brush. The blush is actually easier to use when mixed, because the more powdery (but less chalky) consistency of the light shade helps the darker shade to blend out, while the darker color gives a little more oomph to the color overall such that it is easier to see on more complexions.

From previous review(s): The packaging had issues (across all seven): 1) two of seven compacts had pans that fell out of the plastic compact; 2) the remaining five had loose pans that wobbled and moved (some more than others) within the compact; and 3) all seven were covered in blush residue (not sure why, nothing was broken).

Piaf (Shade) is described as a “chestnut rose.” It’s a soft, medium coral-rose with warm undertones and a matte finish. It had sheer coverage, which was buildable to semi-sheer after three layers. The texture was moderately dry and a little chalky, as the powder came off the surface but felt firm, and the loose powder seemed to clump together in a way. It could have been easier to work with and blend, and it was hard to eliminate all patchiness both times I applied (once for photos, once to wear). It started to fade noticeably after seven and a half hours. MAC Wall of Desire (LE, $24.00) is lighter, brighter (95% similar). Estee Lauder Lover's Blush (P, $34.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar). MAC I'll Hold My Breath #2 (LE, ) is more shimmery, brighter (90% similar). Urban Decay Fetish (DC, $26.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Why, Hello (DC, $12.00) is cooler (90% similar). MAC Mocha (P, $24.00) is darker (90% similar). Becca Wisteria (LE, $32.00) is darker, more pigmented, cooler (90% similar). MAC Sweet Enough (P, $29.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Patrick Ta She's Passionate (P, $32.00) is lighter (90% similar). NARS Blasphemy (LE, $30.00) is cooler (90% similar). bareMinerals Golden Gate Matte (LE, $22.00) is more muted (90% similar). NARS Day Dream (LE, $30.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). ColourPop To the 10 (P, $12.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Hourglass Radiant Magenta (P, $40.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Tarte Love (LE, $29.00) is cooler (85% similar). Urban Decay Streak Blush (-, ) is brighter, warmer (85% similar). Hourglass Mood Flush (P, $40.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). NARS Orgasm (P, $30.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar). Too Faced Stardust (LE, ) is darker, brighter (85% similar). Tarte Bashful (LE, $29.00) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Poe (Light) is described as a “soft peach.” It’s a light, pastel pink with warm, yellow undertones and a matte finish. It had sheer pigmentation that was buildable to semi-sheer. It was softer in the pan with less chalkiness (it is interesting how the lighter shades are easier to use, while the darker shades have a drier, chalkier feel) that made it easier to apply to the skin. I had only a little trouble getting this one to blend out, though it is one of the harder-to-apply blushes I’ve tried in this color family. The color started to disappear after seven and a half hours. MAC What I Fancy (LE, $24.00) is warmer (95% similar). Make Up For Ever B206 (P, $23.00) is cooler (95% similar). KIKO 109 Candy Rose (P, $12.00) is darker (95% similar). MAC Lesson in Love (LE, $24.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Dior Intemporalle (LE, $65.00) is lighter (90% similar). Benefit Dandelion (PiP, $29.00) is warmer (95% similar). Chantecaille Bliss (LE, $44.00) is darker, more muted (90% similar). MAC Lotus Blossom (LE, $40.00) is brighter (90% similar). MAC Launch Away (LE, $24.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Zoeva Gentle Touch (P, $11.80) is cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Enchanted Mirror (LE, $12.00) is darker (90% similar). NARS Myth (LE, $30.00) is lighter (90% similar). Makeup Geek Spell Bound (P, $10.00) is darker (85% similar). Chanel Sakura (87) (LE, $45.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar). Make Up For Ever B208 (P, $23.00) is more shimmery, cooler (85% similar). Smith and Cult Cool Pink (P, $24.00) is cooler (85% similar). Makeup Geek Spell Bound (DC, $9.99) is more shimmery, warmer (85% similar). Glossier Puff (P, $18.00) is darker (85% similar). Too Faced Sweet Pink (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (80% similar). KVD Beauty Mallory (Light) (DC, ) is lighter, warmer (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Kat Von D Piaf + Poe Shade + Light Blush Duo

Kat Von D Piaf + Poe Shade + Light Blush Duo

Kat Von D Piaf + Poe Shade + Light Blush Duo

Kat Von D Piaf + Poe Shade + Light Blush Duo

Kat Von D Piaf + Poe Shade + Light Blush Duo

Kat Von D Piaf + Poe Shade + Light Blush Duo

Kat Von D Piaf Shade + Light Blush

Kat Von D Piaf Shade + Light Blush

Kat Von D Piaf Shade + Light Blush

Kat Von D Poe Shade + Light Blush

Kat Von D Poe Shade + Light Blush

Kat Von D Poe Shade + Light Blush

Kat Von D Piaf + Poe Shade + Light Blush Duo (Mixed)

Kat Von D Piaf + Poe Shade + Light Blush Duo (Mixed)