Melt Cosmetics Monarca Blush Palette Review & Swatches
Monarca
Melt Cosmetics Monarca 6-Pan Blush Palette ($58.00 for 0.56 oz.) is a new, limited edition blush palette that was warmer-toned and more coral/orange leaning overall. There was more overlap within the palette than seems necessary for a color grouping, so I wish they had differentiated by finish more, though greater variety of actual color/depth likely would have made it a more versatile palette. The blushes were very pigmented (but are marketed as buildable), blendable, and lasted around eight hours.
Ingredients
Monarca
LELimited Edition. $58.00.
Milagritos
Milagritos is a darker peach with moderate, warm undertones and a satin finish. There was a subtle sheen to it, though it didn’t appear overtly shimmery. The consistency was lightly powdery in the pan but picked up evenly with a dry brush and blended out well. It had opaque color payoff, which was more than marketed, that lasted well for eight hours before fading a bit.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Sugarpill Retrograde (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Essence Satin Coral (P, $2.99) is cooler (90% similar).
- Tarte Beat (-, ) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Too Faced Apricot in the Act (Blush) (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Shook to the Coral (LE, $12.00) is darker (90% similar).
- NARS Spark Got Hot (LE, $30.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Persona Georgia (P, $22.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Love Lust (P, $60.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Chanel Peche Rosee (LE, $70.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Cover FX Soft Peach (Right) (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$22.00/0.17 oz. - $129.41 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have "buildable" coverage that "melts into skin flawlessly." They were quite pigmented--opaque in one layer--where less was more, particularly if you actually desired buildable coverage out of the product. The texture was thin, smooth, and silky with moderate powderiness in the pan. The blush blended out well on my skin and didn't appear dry nor were they prone to emphasizing my skin texture. They lasted eight hours on me before fading visibly.
Browse all of our Melt Cosmetics Blush swatches.
Ingredients
BORON NITRIDE, MICA, ZINC STEARATE, CETYL DIMETHICONE, SILICA, GLYCERIN, NYLON-12, MAGNESIUM CARBONATE, PHENOXYETHANOL, DIMETHICONE, LAUROYL LYSINE, TALC, TRIETHYLHEXANOIN, DIMETHICONE/VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER.
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Milagritos
LELimited Edition. $22.00.
Vida
Vida is a light coral with moderate, warm undertones and slightly lighter, peachy-gold pearl woven throughout that gave it a satin finish. The blush had opaque color coverage, though the texture was lightly powdery, so it could be used with a lighter hand to achieve more medium coverage that could be built up, which would have been closer to the marketing. It stayed on well for eight hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Laura Mercier Peach (P, $30.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Tarte Beat (-, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Chanel Voyage de Chanel (LE, $70.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- MAC Just a Pinch (P, $31.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
- MAC Sippin' on Stars (LE, $31.00) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- MAC Oh My, Passion! (LE, $34.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Hourglass Luminous Glow (LE, $40.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (80% similar).
- Tarte Seek (LE, $29.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (80% similar).
- NARS Vu (LE, ) is more shimmery, warmer (80% similar).
- Natasha Denona Alba (P, $38.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (80% similar).
Formula Overview
$22.00/0.17 oz. - $129.41 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have "buildable" coverage that "melts into skin flawlessly." They were quite pigmented--opaque in one layer--where less was more, particularly if you actually desired buildable coverage out of the product. The texture was thin, smooth, and silky with moderate powderiness in the pan. The blush blended out well on my skin and didn't appear dry nor were they prone to emphasizing my skin texture. They lasted eight hours on me before fading visibly.
Browse all of our Melt Cosmetics Blush swatches.
Ingredients
MICA, CETYL DIMETHICONE, ZINC STEARATE, SILICA, TALC, GLYCERIN, NYLON-12, SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE, PHENOXYETHANOL, LAUROYL LYSINE, TIN OXIDE, DIMETHICONE, BORON NITRIDE, MAGNESIUM CARBONATE, TRIETHYLHEXANOIN, DIMETHICONE/ VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER. MAY CONTAIN: ULTRAMARINES CI 77007, MANGANESE VIOLET CI 77742, RED 30 LAKE CI 73360, RED 6 LAKE CI 15850, YELLOW 5 LAKE CI 19140, RED 7 LAKE CI 15850, IRON OXIDES CI 77491, CI 77492, YELLOW 6 LAKE CI 15985, TITANIUM DIOXIDE CI 77891, RED 21 LAKE CI 45380, RED 40 LAKE CI 16035.
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Vida
LELimited Edition. $22.00.
Flor
Flor is a vibrant, deeper pink with subtlew, warm undertones and a semi-matte finish. It was richly pigmented with a soft, lightly powdery texture that wasn’t too firmly nor too softly-pressed into the pan, which ensured I could control the amount picked up while keeping the product spreadable and blendable on bare skin. It wore well for nine hours before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Makeup Geek XOXO (P, $10.00) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Woo Me (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Happy-Go-Rosy (P, $29.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Moira Ruby Flush (P, $9.50) is darker (90% similar).
- Moira I Adore You (P, $8.50) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Anastasia Pink Dahlia (P, $32.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Tower 28 Happy Hour (P, $20.00) is darker, warmer, glossier (90% similar).
- Essence Bold Heart (P, $5.99) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Flush (P, $60.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Coloured Raine Damage Control (Blush) (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$22.00/0.17 oz. - $129.41 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have "buildable" coverage that "melts into skin flawlessly." They were quite pigmented--opaque in one layer--where less was more, particularly if you actually desired buildable coverage out of the product. The texture was thin, smooth, and silky with moderate powderiness in the pan. The blush blended out well on my skin and didn't appear dry nor were they prone to emphasizing my skin texture. They lasted eight hours on me before fading visibly.
Browse all of our Melt Cosmetics Blush swatches.
Ingredients
BORON NITRIDE, MICA, ZINC STEARATE, SILICA, DIMETHICONE, CETYL DIMETHICONE, DIMETHICONE/ VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, PHENOXYETHANOL, NYLON-12, MAGNESIUM CARBONATE, GLYCERIN, LAUROYL LYSINE, TALC, TRIETHYLHEXANOIN. MAY CONTAIN: ULTRAMARINES CI 77007, MANGANESE VIOLET CI 77742, RED 30 LAKE CI 73360, RED 6 LAKE CI 15850, YELLOW 5 LAKE CI 19140, RED 7 LAKE CI 15850, IRON OXIDES CI 77491, CI 77492, YELLOW 6 LAKE CI 15985, TITANIUM DIOXIDE CI 77891, RED 21 LAKE CI 45380, RED 40 LAKE CI 16035.
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Flor
LELimited Edition. $22.00.
Feliz
Feliz is a bright, light-medium orange-coral base with lighter, golden pearl throughout that gave it a more pearl-like sheen. It had opaque color payoff paired with a soft, smooth consistency that was thin without being stiff or too powdery. It applied evenly to bare skin and lasted nicely for eight hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Sydney Grace Pumpkin Spice Latte (P, $9.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Anastasia Daydream (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Kevyn Aucoin Sunset #1 (PiP, ) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Pumpkin Spice Latte (P, $8.00) is more shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
- bareMinerals Joy (P, $29.00) is lighter (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace First Date (P, $9.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- ColourPop Wayfarer (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
- MAC Shimmy Peach (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Kill (PiP, ).
Formula Overview
$22.00/0.17 oz. - $129.41 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have "buildable" coverage that "melts into skin flawlessly." They were quite pigmented--opaque in one layer--where less was more, particularly if you actually desired buildable coverage out of the product. The texture was thin, smooth, and silky with moderate powderiness in the pan. The blush blended out well on my skin and didn't appear dry nor were they prone to emphasizing my skin texture. They lasted eight hours on me before fading visibly.
Browse all of our Melt Cosmetics Blush swatches.
Ingredients
MICA, BORON NITRIDE, TRIETHYLHEXANOIN, ZINC STEARATE, SILICA, PHENOXYETHANOL, MAGNESIUM CARBONATE, NYLON-12, DIMETHICONE, LAUROYL LYSINE, TALC, CETYL DIMETHICONE, DIMETHICONE/VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, GLYCERIN. MAY CONTAIN: ULTRAMARINES CI 77007, MANGANESE VIOLET CI 77742, RED 30 LAKE CI 73360, RED 6 LAKE CI 15850, YELLOW 5 LAKE CI 19140, RED 7 LAKE CI 15850, IRON OXIDES CI 77491, CI 77492, YELLOW 6 LAKE CI 15985, TITANIUM DIOXIDE CI 77891, RED 21 LAKE CI 45380, RED 40 LAKE CI 16035.
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Feliz
LELimited Edition. $22.00.
Sonrisa
Sonrisa is a rich, medium-dark orange with strong, warm yellow undertones and a matte finish. The texture felt soft, lightly powdery in the pan, but it was blendable and easy to work with on bare skin. The blush had opaque color coverage–definitely not buildable by default–that applied evenly and stayed on well for eight and a half hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Dior Autumn Mood (332) (P, $48.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Underclassman (LE, $8.00) is darker (95% similar).
- REFY Citrine (P, $20.00) is lighter, glossier (90% similar).
- ColourPop Lunar Has It (DC, $12.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- ColourPop Dash Zero (P, $8.00) is lighter, glossier (85% similar).
- Benefit Butterfly (P, $29.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (80% similar).
- Viseart Orange #1 (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (80% similar).
- ColourPop 2 Cool 4 School (LE, $8.00) is lighter, cooler (80% similar).
Formula Overview
$22.00/0.17 oz. - $129.41 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have "buildable" coverage that "melts into skin flawlessly." They were quite pigmented--opaque in one layer--where less was more, particularly if you actually desired buildable coverage out of the product. The texture was thin, smooth, and silky with moderate powderiness in the pan. The blush blended out well on my skin and didn't appear dry nor were they prone to emphasizing my skin texture. They lasted eight hours on me before fading visibly.
Browse all of our Melt Cosmetics Blush swatches.
Ingredients
ZINC STEARATE, BORON NITRIDE, MICA, SILICA, DIMETHICONE, TRIETHYLHEXANOIN, PHENOXYETHANOL, MAGNESIUM CARBONATE, NYLON-12, LAUROYL LYSINE, TALC, CETYL DIMETHICONE, DIMETHICONE/ VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, GLYCERIN. MAY CONTAIN: ULTRAMARINES CI 77007, MANGANESE VIOLET CI 77742, RED 30 LAKE CI 73360, RED 6 LAKE CI 15850, YELLOW 5 LAKE CI 19140, RED 7 LAKE CI 15850, IRON OXIDES CI 77491, CI 77492, YELLOW 6 LAKE CI 15985, TITANIUM DIOXIDE CI 77891, RED 21 LAKE CI 45380, RED 40 LAKE CI 16035.
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Sonrisa
LELimited Edition. $22.00.
Conmigo
Conmingo is a deep, reddish-orange with subtle, warm red undertones and a matte finish. It had a slightly thinner, firmer consistency compared to the other shades but still yielded opaque color coverage that blended out without too much effort. It wore well for eight hours before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Bite Beauty Praline (P, $24.00) is warmer, glossier (90% similar).
- Giorgio Armani Brick Red (45) (P, $38.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Laura Mercier Corsica (P, $28.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- ColourPop She's in Bold (LE, $8.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Makeup Geek Summer Fling (P, $10.00) is lighter, warmer (80% similar).
- ColourPop Aloha (P, $8.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (80% similar).
Formula Overview
$22.00/0.17 oz. - $129.41 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have "buildable" coverage that "melts into skin flawlessly." They were quite pigmented--opaque in one layer--where less was more, particularly if you actually desired buildable coverage out of the product. The texture was thin, smooth, and silky with moderate powderiness in the pan. The blush blended out well on my skin and didn't appear dry nor were they prone to emphasizing my skin texture. They lasted eight hours on me before fading visibly.
Browse all of our Melt Cosmetics Blush swatches.
Ingredients
TALC, TRIETHYLHEXANOIN, MICA, ZINC STEARATE, PHENOXYETHANOL, BORON NITRIDE, NYLON-12, SILICA, MAGNESIUM CARBONATE, LAUROYL LYSINE, DIMETHICONE, CETYL DIMETHICONE, DIMETHICONE/VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, GLYCERIN. MAY CONTAIN: ULTRAMARINES CI 77007, MANGANESE VIOLET CI 77742, RED 30 LAKE CI 73360, RED 6 LAKE CI 15850, YELLOW 5 LAKE CI 19140, RED 7 LAKE CI 15850, IRON OXIDES CI 77491, CI 77492, YELLOW 6 LAKE CI 15985, TITANIUM DIOXIDE CI 77891, RED 21 LAKE CI 45380, RED 40 LAKE CI 16035.
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
….and this is what I meant about my personal difficulty with blush palettes (and cheek ones or highlight ones too) – of the 6 shades in this, there’s only 1 (or possibly 2) that I would actually wear and which would flatter me or look natural for my skin colouring.
The shades ARE pretty similar, but if you like this narrow slice of the blush color pie, it could be just the thing.
A cool blush palette named Luna…for the moth, not that dear bat..would also fit in this collection.
Definitely not a palette for cool-toned blush lovers!
Just a bit too much orange for my taste. I could see this one giving me a jaundiced look, especially with Sonrisa. Very nice quality to all 6 shades, though.
It’s soo nice! I’m really reay intrugued by this little gem! But it also so worthlessy an expensive checks palette. Dozen of blushes in my collection touched a dozen of time in almost 2yr😥
It’s super pretty but it’s just too one dimensional for me to shell out for it (and I just got Nars High Profile anyway) with 3 peach shades and Feliz is BEAUTIFUL but yeah, there needs to be some mauve, plum or raspberry in here, even a neutral brown toned matte blush or bronzer would have given it more variety.
It is beautiful to look at though!
I was disappointed by this; 5 out of the 6 blushes are very warm peaches of varying depth. With a butterfly themed collection, this was a missed opportunity to create a blush palette with 6 very different colors.
It is more specifically a Monarch butterfly-themed collection, so the shade selection is appropriate. Plus, the orangey tone are very “on-brand” for Melt Cosmetics, so it’s not very surprising… That said, I would personally love to see the brand expand their range of permanent products, powder & cream, to include tones other than orange…
It is very warm, but has more variety than I thought judging by how the blushes look in the pan. I’m going to pass, as I don’t think the two darkest would work on me. Too bad they didn’t offer these as singles instead.
The layout of this one reminds me a bit of Jaclyn Hill’s new Bougie Rouge blush palettes. Any plan to review products from her line as she continues to expand?
I did pick this up, and while the shades are out of my comfort zone, I have no regrets. Aside from my cream blush products from the brand, which I’ve actually been getting more comfortable with in terms of color, this palette does fill a gap in my collection.
I was never going to buy this – ingredients keep me from being able to use it – but I’m not missing out on much as these colors aren’t for me anyway… they look a little dry too? Or like there is too much white in the mix?