Makeup Geek Valentine Blush ($10.00 for 0.15 oz.) is a muted, medium pink with cooler undertones and a mostly matte finish. Urban Decay Nooner (Blush) (PiP, ) is darker (95% similar). Bite Beauty Lotus (P, $24.00) is brighter (95% similar). Too Faced Skyline (LE, ) is lighter (85% similar). Benefit Hervana (P, $29.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar). Milani Pink Play #3 (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). ColourPop At Frost Sight (LE, $12.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Tarte Flush (P, $29.00) is lighter (90% similar). ColourPop Noodle (DC, $12.00) is lighter (90% similar). Make Up For Ever B212 (P, $23.00) is more shimmery, lighter, brighter (90% similar). theBalm Down Boy (P, $21.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). Make Up For Ever S214 (P, $23.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). MAC Pink Sprinkles (LE, $24.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). Tarte Dollface (P, $29.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). Urban Decay Native Blush (-, )(85% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Pink Ombre (LE, $55.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). Tarte Whimsy (LE, $29.00) is lighter, brighter, warmer (85% similar). Bobbi Brown Nude Pink (P, $30.00) is cooler (85% similar). Zoeva PK030 (P, ) is lighter (85% similar). KIKO 110 Bright Pink (P, $12.00) is lighter, brighter (85% similar). Too Faced Sweet Pink (LE, ) is lighter (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

The new blush formula is supposed to have “rich pigmentation,” “a fade-resistant formula,” and a “smooth, buttery feel.” In the same sentence as “rich pigmentation,” they also say “buildable, long-lasting color,” though “buildable” is more that it can be used lightly and gradually built-up based on watching the launch video/reading through the brand’s Instagram (as well as routinely mentioning how pigmented the blushes were). The new formula definitely kicks up less powder with a thinner consistency and a firmer press, and they seem even more matte than before (this is by design/was intentional per the brand), so some shades can look somewhat flat on the skin. As the brand mentioned, it is by design so that they’ll pair easily with your favorite highlighters if you want a more shimmery finish. The line, in general, also got desaturated; the color range seems a lot more muted, and the shades that were kept (at least by name), seem to have undergone slight color changes to make them softer/more muted as well. I think the more skin-like, semi-matte to satin finish of the original formula is actually what made it standout in a sea of blush formulas, so I’m personally bummed that they didn’t retain that element in most of the shades. I think a lot of it will come down to personal preference which formula is better to you, but the new formula, so far, has been good. The new compacts are definitely an upgrade from the last iteration, though–much sleeker with more heft.

Valentine had good color payoff with a soft, smooth, and very lightly dusty consistency; it had a thinner feel but wasn’t so thin that it lost its ability to blend out or stay true-to-color on the skin (it didn’t sheer out immediately). I didn’t have any trouble diffusing and sheering out the color on the cheeks, and the color wore well for eight hours before fading slightly.

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Makeup Geek Valentine Blush

Makeup Geek Valentine Blush

Makeup Geek Valentine Blush

Makeup Geek Valentine Blush

Makeup Geek Valentine Blush

Makeup Geek Valentine Blush

Makeup Geek Valentine Blush

Makeup Geek Valentine Blush

Makeup Geek Valentine Blush

Makeup Geek Valentine Blush