NARS Afterglow Cheek Palette Review & Swatches
Afterglow
NARS Afterglow Cheek Palette ($59.00 for 0.42 oz.) is a new, limited edition six-pan cheek palette that included three matte blushes, two shimmery blushes, and one highlighter. They were semi-opaque to opaque in coverage, fairly blendable, and longer-wearing, though they were a thinner, somewhat drier formula overall.
Ingredients
Afterglow
LELimited Edition. $60.00.
Breathless
Breathless is a light-medium peach with warmer, more orange undertones and a metallic sheen. The powder was finely-milled, smooth, and blendable on bare skin, while yielding mostly opaque, buildable pigmentation in one layer. It stayed on well for eight hours before fading a bit.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Hourglass Euphoric Strobe Light (LE, $40.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop On the Cusp (LE, $10.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Privilege (P, $26.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Chanel Or Rose (LE, $70.00) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- bareMinerals The Soiree (LE, $26.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Kosas Contrachroma (Highlighter) (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Cover FX Moonlight (P, $34.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace PSL Extra Whip (P, $9.00) is lighter (85% similar).
- NARS Last Call (LE, $30.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Too Faced Starlight (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$30.00/0.16 oz. - $187.50 Per Ounce
From NARS’ website, their blush formula is described as “beautifully pigmented” and “soft [and] blendable.” NARS' blushes, since they've been released in such a massive range of shades over the years, can vary from shade to shade to some degree. Most shades are pigmented with firmer, slightly stiffer consistencies that can also run on the thinner side, which allows greater control when picking up product but some of the more matte shades could be a bit more blendable or easier to work with.
Some of the more newly-released shades have softer, more yielding textures that are a bit creamier and are easier to blend out, though most of NARS' blushes are fairly blendable. The wear typically ranges from eight to nine hours with a few shades falling above or below this range.
Browse all of our NARS Powder Blush swatches.
Look Using this Product
Breathless
LELimited Edition. $30.00.
Devotion
Devotion is a medium-dark pink with moderate, warm undertones and a matte finish. It was richly pigmented in a single layer, while the consistency was soft, lightly powdery but blendable. It wore well for eight hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Pat McGrath Nude Venus (P, $38.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (95% similar).
- Clinique Peach Pop (02) (P, $21.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Picnic Time (LE, $8.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Shell Out (LE, $8.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Ciate Matchmaker (P, $26.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Clinique Ruby Pop (05) (P, $26.50) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- ILIA Temptation (P, $32.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Makeup by Mario Dusty Rose (P, $28.00) is lighter, warmer, glossier (85% similar).
- Smith and Cult Universal Peach (P, $24.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (80% similar).
Formula Overview
$30.00/0.16 oz. - $187.50 Per Ounce
From NARS’ website, their blush formula is described as “beautifully pigmented” and “soft [and] blendable.” NARS' blushes, since they've been released in such a massive range of shades over the years, can vary from shade to shade to some degree. Most shades are pigmented with firmer, slightly stiffer consistencies that can also run on the thinner side, which allows greater control when picking up product but some of the more matte shades could be a bit more blendable or easier to work with.
Some of the more newly-released shades have softer, more yielding textures that are a bit creamier and are easier to blend out, though most of NARS' blushes are fairly blendable. The wear typically ranges from eight to nine hours with a few shades falling above or below this range.
Browse all of our NARS Powder Blush swatches.
Devotion
LELimited Edition. $30.00.
Exhibit A
Exhibit A is a vivid, deep orange-red with moderate, warm undertones and a matte finish. It had a slightly thinner, drier texture, though it had full color coverage in one layer–a little went a long way. The product could have been slightly more blendable in practice. It stayed on nicely for eight and a half hours before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Urban Decay Slowburn (LE, ) is darker (95% similar).
- Kevyn Aucoin Fira (P, $37.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Sephora Oh My Gosh (10) (P, $14.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Viseart Orange #3 (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Urban Decay Bang (DC, $26.00) is cooler (85% similar).
- NARS Siam (P, $39.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Flesh Beauty Fever (P, $26.00) is lighter, more muted (85% similar).
- Make Up For Ever S742 Tomato (DC, $21.00) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- Kevyn Aucoin Sunset #3 (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- MAC All Year Red (LE, ) is cooler (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$30.00/0.16 oz. - $187.50 Per Ounce
From NARS’ website, their blush formula is described as “beautifully pigmented” and “soft [and] blendable.” NARS' blushes, since they've been released in such a massive range of shades over the years, can vary from shade to shade to some degree. Most shades are pigmented with firmer, slightly stiffer consistencies that can also run on the thinner side, which allows greater control when picking up product but some of the more matte shades could be a bit more blendable or easier to work with.
Some of the more newly-released shades have softer, more yielding textures that are a bit creamier and are easier to blend out, though most of NARS' blushes are fairly blendable. The wear typically ranges from eight to nine hours with a few shades falling above or below this range.
Browse all of our NARS Powder Blush swatches.
Exhibit A
PPermanent. $30.00.
Liberte (2022)
Liberte (2022) is a muted, medium-dark coral-orange with strong, warm undertones and a matte finish. The blush had semi-opaque, buildable pigmentation paired with a soft, lightly powdery texture that darkened and warmed up on my skin tone (looked pinker in the pan). This shade showed signs of fading after eight hours of wear.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Pinch Me (P, $24.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Thinking of You (P, $9.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Laura Mercier Sun Drenched (P, $28.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Overdramatic (LE, $8.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Flush'd (LE, $8.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Retro (LE, $12.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Quarters (P, $8.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Coral (PiP, ) is lighter, brighter (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Nude Glow (Center) (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Pretty Vulgar Hush Blush (P, $26.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$30.00/0.16 oz. - $187.50 Per Ounce
From NARS’ website, their blush formula is described as “beautifully pigmented” and “soft [and] blendable.” NARS' blushes, since they've been released in such a massive range of shades over the years, can vary from shade to shade to some degree. Most shades are pigmented with firmer, slightly stiffer consistencies that can also run on the thinner side, which allows greater control when picking up product but some of the more matte shades could be a bit more blendable or easier to work with.
Some of the more newly-released shades have softer, more yielding textures that are a bit creamier and are easier to blend out, though most of NARS' blushes are fairly blendable. The wear typically ranges from eight to nine hours with a few shades falling above or below this range.
Browse all of our NARS Powder Blush swatches.
Liberte (2022)
LELimited Edition. $30.00.
Flirt
Flirt is a medium-dark plum with warmer undertones and cooler, fine lavender pearl. It had rich pigmentation that applied well to bare skin and diffused easily along the edges. The texture was thin, more emollient to the touch, and needed to be used with a denser brush to pick up product evenly. It lasted well for eight hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- KIKO 104 Pastel Pink (P, $12.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Benefit Moone (P, $29.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Buxom Goa (P, $22.00) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar).
- NARS Aroused (P, $30.00) is less shimmery, cooler (85% similar).
- Huda Beauty Berry Juicy (03) (P, $21.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Black Up NBL 03 (P, $26.50) is cooler (85% similar).
- Giorgio Armani Mystery (60) (P, $38.00) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar).
- ColourPop Pretty Thing (P, $8.00) is less shimmery, cooler (85% similar).
- Anastasia Exotic (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar).
- NARS Goulue (LE, $30.00) is lighter (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$30.00/0.16 oz. - $187.50 Per Ounce
From NARS’ website, their blush formula is described as “beautifully pigmented” and “soft [and] blendable.” NARS' blushes, since they've been released in such a massive range of shades over the years, can vary from shade to shade to some degree. Most shades are pigmented with firmer, slightly stiffer consistencies that can also run on the thinner side, which allows greater control when picking up product but some of the more matte shades could be a bit more blendable or easier to work with.
Some of the more newly-released shades have softer, more yielding textures that are a bit creamier and are easier to blend out, though most of NARS' blushes are fairly blendable. The wear typically ranges from eight to nine hours with a few shades falling above or below this range.
Browse all of our NARS Powder Blush swatches.
*sigh* sometimes Nars’s blush formula contains silicones, sometimes it doesn’t. Not an issue if you don’t experience skin reactions to them…but I do and it sucks that some cheek palettes are free of them and some aren’t. You’d think with a brand’s offering the formula would be standard.
Silicone is non-comedogenic and allergies are very rare; what type of reaction do you experience? I have ultra sensitive, reactive and acne prone skin with occasional eczema flare ups (it’s as fun as it sounds) and I’m currently dealing with a reaction right now but can’t pinpoint the cause as I’m hypervigilant abt ingredients since I know what to avoid based upon past reactions.
Thanks again as always! I love the shade in this.
Also, there seems to be something strange about the dupes for the color Savage? I’m showing the NARS blush being a brown blush, but all the dupes being corals. Is that right?
Fixed – it should be the Savage from 2020! https://www.temptalia.com/product/nars-cosmetics-powder-blush/savage-2020/
This is really a solid performing blush palette, and I really do love it. Might be a a more utilized palette, because cheeks, than the Huda Rose Quartz Palette for me as I’m pretty sure I can easily dupe that across many palettes and singles in my possession…hmm.
I’m drowning in blush and holiday blush palettes, so I needed this like a hole in the head, especially as I bought the baked gelee holiday palette from Nars but this caught my eye immediately because it contains 5 blushes I can make work instead of the usual Nars cheek palette that includes at least 3 highlighters that are too dark for me. I kept resisting it’s siren song but I had a gift card burning a hole in my wallet so I broke down yesterday and ordered it. I’m glad it got a good review and although I’m vampire pale, I can usually make any blush work by applying a little or building. This addition now brings my cheek palette purchases to 3 since December and it joins the other one from Nars and the Patrick Ta holiday palette in my overflowing blush drawer. Guess it’s time for a declutter
*takes a deep breath* I don’t need this, I don’t need this, I don’t need this…
As blush palettes go, this is a fairly good one – the only shade that I think is out of sync with the rest is Exhibit A – the deep orange red doesn’t seem to go with the rest of the pinky, coral, plum tones.
I have this palette (and really love it). I have light/medium skin and Exhibit A pulls pinky on me rather than orange. It’s so funny how that works.
I love Nars blush palettes but I’m tired of them putting Exhibit A in…I have a full size and already in another one I just purchased.