MAC Sunset Beach Blush Ombre ($30.00 for 0.49 oz.) is described as a “pink ombre into beige.” It’s a medium-dark, cool-toned pink with a satin-matte finish. NARS 413 BLKR (P, $29.00) is warmer. Clinique Plum Pop (04) (P, $21.00) is lighter, more shimmery. Clinique Berry Pop (03) (P, $21.00) is brighter, more shimmery. Milani Bella Rosa (11) (P, $7.99) is brighter, slightly warmer. NYX Bourgeois Pig (P, $5.00) is a touch lighter. NARS Mata Hari (P, $29.00) is darker. MAC Whole Lotta Love (P, $23.50) is a touch warmer. MAC Prom Princess (LE, $21.00) is darker. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

The texture of this shade was extremely disappointing, as it was stiff and dry. To get any visible color payoff, I had to take my trusty metal spatula and scrape off layers, as the powder just wasn’t dislodging from the surface. When I went to apply it to cheeks, I had to layer the color on five times to get marginal color payoff. From there, it was difficult to blend, as it tended to stay wherever it landed initially, so it looked uneven. With a buffing brush, I was able to finagle it to resemble something not-awful, but this blush required far too much work to merit a purchase. The color wore well for eight hours, though, before it started to fade along the edges.

P.S. — Readers are reporting that they received the opposite blush than they ordered. I ordered one of each, and I received one of each, but it’s hard to say if they were technically “switched” when packed.

MAC Sunset Beach Blush Ombre

MAC Sunset Beach Blush Ombre

MAC Sunset Beach Blush Ombre

MAC Sunset Beach Blush Ombre

MAC Sunset Beach Blush Ombre

MAC Sunset Beach Blush Ombre