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MAC Never Say Never Blush Review, Photos, Swatches

MAC Never Say Never Blush
MAC Never Say Never Blush

MAC Never Say Never Blush ($16.00 for 0.05 oz.) is described as a “deep scarlet red [with a Matte finish].” It’s a medium-dark pink-red with subtle, cool undertones and a mostly matte finish. Urban Decay Quiver (DC, $26.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Surratt Beauty Classique (P, $32.00)(100% similar). Viseart Coral #3 (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). MAC Frankly Scarlet (P, $24.00) is warmer (90% similar). Haus Labs Watermelon Bliss (P, $38.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). MAC Oh My! (LE, $24.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Chanel Chamade (67) (DC, $38.00) is glossier (90% similar). MAC Red Envy (LE, $24.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Silence (LE, $12.00) is warmer (90% similar). Bite Beauty Mochi (P, $24.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). MAC Apple Red (P, $24.00) is darker (85% similar). Urban Decay Dracarys (LE, $26.00) is lighter, less pigmented, warmer (85% similar). Viseart Plum #3 (PiP, ) is darker, more muted (85% similar). NARS Queen (LE, $30.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). Rare Beauty Nearly Berry (P, $21.00) is darker, less pigmented, cooler (85% similar). Lethal Cosmetics Sanguine (P, $15.50) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar). Coloured Raine Prove My Loyalty (Blush) (LE, ) is darker, more muted, warmer (85% similar). Rose Inc Dahlia (P, $18.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (80% similar). ColourPop Petal Up (LE, $7.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

This is one of five new blush shades being added to the permanent range, but worth noting is that they are being added as a Small Powder Blush (the same size as MAC’s eyeshadows). I’m not sure if it will be available in pan-form or not (my guess is yes, since it is permanent) at this time. The formula is the same as their regular Powder Blush range, though, other than the size (and price). The new five are supposed to be pigmented with an even, smooth texture. Never Say Never had good pigmentation, where a little went a long way, but despite that richness, it was still easier to work with than one might expect. You’ll definitely want to use a lighter hand and build up color gradually, as it’s always easier to build up than to totally diffuse, but it is forgiving enough to sheer and buff out if you feel like you’ve over-applied the color. The texture sat well on the skin without looking dry but did not have any shimmer. It wore well for eight and a half hours on me.

MAC Never Say Never Blush
MAC Never Say Never Blush

MAC Never Say Never Blush
MAC Never Say Never Blush

MAC Never Say Never Blush
MAC Never Say Never Blush

MAC Never Say Never Blush
MAC Never Say Never Blush

MAC Never Say Never Blush
MAC Never Say Never Blush

MAC Never Say Never Blush
MAC Never Say Never Blush

Makeup Look
On face:
  • Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Foundation
  • Guerlain Les Voilettes Loose Setting Powder
On eyes:
  • NARS Antares Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow
  • NARS Rigel Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow
  • NARS Arcturus Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow
  • NARS Kaliste Velvet Liner
  • NARS Darklight Velvet Liner
On lips:
  • Tom Ford Velvet Orchid Lip Color

30 Comments

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Tammy B Avatar

Christine, this blush is beautiful! I have a question about the Nars eyeshadow you are wearing in this pic: do you apply wet or dry? What type of brush?

chelsea Avatar

Wow! This one is gorgeous! I know there is a lot of excitement surrounding the lip and eye shadows released under Bangin’ Brilliant, but I’m most excited about the blushes! I can’t wait to grab a couple.

Anne Avatar

You’re entire look here is right up my alley. I love your ‘tuxedo’ eyeshadow. I have Chamade and love it. Milani Bella Rosa is similar, but a touch pinker and more shimmery. Tarte’s Natural Beauty might be the exact same color! Oh, heck, I bet I have 4 or 5 blushes that are in the same family. Yes, a light hand is necessary, but I love these shades! Good for MAC to include this in their permanent line, and at an A- rating!!!

kellly Avatar

Too bad they’re putting it in that little bitty case. It’s hard to apply a blush if you can’t put a decent sized brush on it (at least for me it is!) It’s a great color and I’ve always thought red blushes can look very natural – after all, your blood is red and if you apply it carefully and blend it out well, it looks very natural.

Nifer Jones Avatar

This would be a perfect blush to go with that red lip. I often don’t have the right shade of blush to go with my red lipstick, so I will just use the lipstick itself as a cream-type blush. The swatch above looks very similar to my end result using the lipstick.
My interest is piqued!!

Trish Avatar

Looks pinker than Nars Exhibit A, which for me, is my all time favorite red blush. I really like these small pans and the super pigments. It’s a beautiful look on you Christine along with that TF Velvet Orchid lippie. It’s kinda a sweater weather look, but so pretty!

Erin Avatar

Wow, I like it. I think I’ve come to terms with matte blush. I have a sample of Becca’s backlight primer, I’m pretty sure if I ever buy matte blush again, I’ll be popping it underneath every time I use it. I find the primer way too luminous so far with my foundations as most of them are satin to luminous.

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