MAC Burnt Pepper Blush ($17.00 for 0.21 oz. pan-only) is described as a “warm rich terracotta.” It’s a medium-dark reddish-copper with warm undertones and a mostly matte finish. MAC Flirting with Danger (P, $29.00) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Hidden Treasure (LE, $24.00) is darker (90% similar). NARS Vengeful (Right) (LE, ) is more shimmery, cooler (95% similar). Milani Bronze Burst #3 (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). MAC A Little Lusty (LE, $24.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Milani Bronze Burst #4 (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar). Dior Galactic Red (826) (LE, $48.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar). Chanel Rouge Profond (320) (P, $45.00) is cooler (85% similar). Zoeva Underneath the Gold (LE, ) is cooler (90% similar). NARS Savage (P, $30.00) is lighter, brighter (85% similar). Bite Beauty Almond (P, $24.00) is darker, cooler (80% similar). Pat McGrath Paradise Venus (P, $38.00) is less shimmery, darker (80% similar). MAC Taraji Glow (LE, $34.00) is darker, more muted (80% similar). NYX Crimson (P, $6.50) is lighter, brighter (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

MAC’s Powder Blush formula is supposed to be easy to apply, long-wearing, and have “fantastic colour.” It’s hard to generalize for MAC’s blush formula, because it varies a lot from shade to shade, even within different types of finishes! Some of them are very good, others are so-so, and a few are complete misses. The more frosted/shimmery shades tend to have the softest and smoothest textures and are easier to apply and blend out on the skin, while more satin and matte shades can sometimes be powdery, firm, or stiff, which makes blending more challenging. The wear is typically between six and nine hours but closer to seven to eight hours on average. Burnt Pepper was incredibly pigmented–a little goes a very, very long way, so definitely use less than you think you may need!–with a soft, silky consistency that blended out easily, which is a real must for something this rich in pigment. I found that the finish had a “natural matte” sheen to it–it looked like skin and never flat, but it wasn’t shimmery or even satiny. It wore well for nine hours on me before fading.

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MAC Burnt Pepper Blush

MAC Burnt Pepper Blush

MAC Burnt Pepper Blush

MAC Burnt Pepper Blush

MAC Burnt Pepper Blush