NARS Despair Cheek Palette Review, Photos, Swatches
NARS Despair Cheek Palette
NARS Despair Cheek Palette ($65.00 for 0.48 oz.) includes four blushes (three new, one part of the permanent line) and a travel-sized ITA kabuki brush. The palette contains $90 worth of blush, so it is a good deal for those who enjoy NARS’ blush formulas, and what’s nice is that three are totally new (though not without their dupes, of course!). I’m not a fan of the ITA in any shape or form, let alone the travel-sized version, which is just rougher and scratchier than the full-size. NARS’ blush palettes like this one seem bulkier than they need to be, but it should still travel well.
Nico is a light beige with a satin shimmer. It had good color coverage with a lightly powdery texture, but it was very smooth and blendable on the skin. This doesn’t show up much on me; it’s more like a very, very subtle highlighter on my skin tone, and I’m not sure if it’ll work at all on deeper skin tones, but it may be something you could mix with one of the other shades to lighten then. On me, it lasted for seven hours. This is part of the permanent range. By Terry Light & Tan Vibes #4 (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar). MAC Star! (LE, ) is darker (95% similar). By Terry Tan & Flash Cruise #4 (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). NARS Paloma Highlight (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar). MAC Soft & Gentle (P, $34.00) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Savage is a medium, coral-red with warm undertones and a matte finish. It had semi-opaque color payoff with a lightly dusty, thinner texture that applied without too much trouble, but it could have been easier to blend out on the skin. It wore well for eight hours before fading along the edges. ColourPop Never Been Kissed (LE, $8.00) is warmer (95% similar). MAC Painted Canyon (LE, $24.00) is more shimmery, lighter (95% similar). KIKO 107 Tomato (P, $12.00) is more shimmery, lighter (95% similar). ColourPop Fruit Stand (DC, $8.00) is cooler (95% similar). ColourPop Luv Me Not (LE, $12.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Viseart Orange #3 (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Natasha Denona Coral (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Ex (LE, $5.00) is lighter (90% similar). ColourPop RomCom (DC, $12.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Chanel Duo N. 02 (Bottom) (LE, ) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). Surratt Beauty Brillante Idée (P, $32.00) is warmer (90% similar). By Terry Tan & Flash Cruise #2 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Anastasia Scorching (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). MAC Burnt Pepper (P, $24.00) is darker, more muted (85% similar). Too Faced Cherry Bomb (Blush) (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar). Tom Ford Beauty The Afternooner (Blush) (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). NARS Boys Don't Cry (LE, $41.00) is brighter, more pigmented, better quality (85% similar). Viseart Coral #2 (PiP, ) is lighter, brighter, cooler (85% similar). KVD Beauty Sid (Shade) (DC, ) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). Make Up For Ever B316 (P, $23.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Esoteric is a soft, medium orange with warm, yellow undertones and fine gold shimmer. It had semi-opaque pigmentation with a very easily blended texture, though it was noticeable dusty and kicked-up excess in the pan. On me, the color wore well for seven and a half hours. MAC Style Cast (LE, $24.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). MAC Blazing Haute (LE, $31.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Milani Coral Beams #1 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, more muted (95% similar). NYX Synthetica (P, $7.99) is darker (90% similar). ColourPop Most Necessary (P, $8.00) is more shimmery, better quality (90% similar). YSL Rebelle (7) (P, $47.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Too Faced Luminous Peach (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar). Guerlain Pause d'Ete (LE, $82.00) is darker, more muted, cooler (90% similar). NARS Luster (P, $30.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). NARS Ambition (LE, $30.00) is cooler (90% similar). MAC Linda (LE, $24.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Becca Tigerlily (DC, $34.00) is darker (90% similar). MAC Honey Jasmine (LE, $24.00) is less shimmery, darker, brighter (90% similar). NARS Jubilation (Right) (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). MAC Perfectly Poised (Outer) (LE, $34.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Anastasia Daydream (LE, ) is more shimmery (90% similar). MAC Bright Response (P, $16.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). MAC Freshen Up (LE, $35.50) is less shimmery (90% similar). MAC Fresh Honey (LE, $29.00) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar). ColourPop So Retrograde (DC, $12.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Ferocious is a muted, medium-dark plum with cooler undertones and a pearly sheen. It had good pigmentation with a soft, smooth, and blendable texture–it was the best shade in the palette–that lasted for eight hours on the skin. MAC Sweet Samba (LE, $29.00) is warmer (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Sublimate (Shade) (LE, ) is less shimmery, less pigmented, warmer (90% similar). IT Cosmetics Radiant in Rose (P, $24.00) is warmer (90% similar). Melt Cosmetics Fire Fury (P, $22.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). MAC Petulant (LE, $22.00) is less shimmery, glossier (90% similar). Buxom Goa (P, $22.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Fenty Beauty Cool Berry (P, $20.00) is less shimmery, darker, more muted (90% similar). MAC Plum Foolery (P, $24.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). MAC All Aflush (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, less pigmented (90% similar). Merit Raspberry Beret (P, $28.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). theBalm Pinstripe (P, $22.00) is warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Brut Flute (LE, $8.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). IT Cosmetics Magical in Mauve (P, $24.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Burberry Silk and Bloom (LE, $68.00) is more shimmery, lighter, more muted (90% similar). NARS Goulue (LE, $30.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). NARS Blissful (P, $30.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar). Smith and Cult Cool Plum (P, $24.00) is warmer (85% similar). MAC Call Me Sugar (LE, $42.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar). Bobbi Brown Island Plum (P, $36.00) is lighter, less pigmented, warmer (85% similar). Patrick Ta Oh She's Different (Crème) (PiP, ) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Despair
LELimited Edition. $65.00.
Nico
PPermanent. $30.00.
Savage
PPermanent. $30.00.
Esoteric
LELimited Edition. $30.00.
Ferocious
LELimited Edition. $30.00.
See more photos & swatches!
NARS Despair Cheek Palette
NARS Despair Cheek Palette
NARS Despair Cheek Palette
NARS Despair Cheek Palette
NARS Despair Cheek Palette
NARS Despair Cheek Palette
NARS Despair Cheek Palette
NARS Nico Blush
NARS Nico Blush
NARS Nico Blush
NARS Savage Blush
NARS Savage Blush
NARS Savage Blush
NARS Esoteric Blush
NARS Esoteric Blush
NARS Esoteric Blush
NARS Ferocious Blush
NARS Ferocious Blush
NARS Ferocious Blush
This is definitely going on my christmas list! I LOVE that they actually did some new colors this year! I don’t have Nico so it’s really 4 new shades for me which is great–the only one I probably wouldn’t wear much is Ferocious, but the coral and orange ones are so pretty it would still be worth it!
Enjoy the palette if you get it, Shana!
Christine, would you say this cheek palette has more color pay off than last holiday’s Nars cheek palette?
I purchase Nar’s holiday cheek palette and Kat Von D’s holiday eyeshadow palette every year except for last holiday season. They both were such a swing and a miss IMO
About the same or little less, I think.
Pretty as it is, I think I have a pretty good dupe for this from e.l.f.
Phew 🙂
I think I have to buy this just to reward Nars for producing a blush palette without Orgasm or Laguna!
Haha!
Bing-Go! Tell it like it is!
Hahaha, same here!!! Plus I love Savage and Ferocious.
I was thinking the exact same thing!
Nico is a strange beast but it’s one of my all time favorite products. If you are fair and want to warm up the perimeter of your face but aren’t into the contour thing, Nico is the ticket. I use it around the hair line and backs of cheekbones. It makes my forehead look smaller. It’s slightly luminious but won’t emphasize skin texture and the shimmer does not build up.
I like it for setting under eye concealer!
Thanks Ginny & Christine for the suggestions! I wouldn’t have thought of either for Nico!
You’re right; Nico is a difficult one to categorize.
How well does a normal blush brush fit into the pans? This seems to be the year of tiny blush palettes.
I didn’t have any issues 🙂
I just don’t understand this palette. I looked at it on the NARS site, but decided to pass. I simply don’t understand mixing these shades together. Reasonably, how many people can actually wear all of the shades? I know I can’t. So while as a quad with a brush it might be a good deal for some, for me, it just seemed like a waste of money regardless of how collectible the packaging may be. I hate to say that I’m glad it didn’t get a stellar review from you, but honestly I am…it helps me not have pass-up-remorse!
These didn’t stick out as hard to wear to me, but I’m bummed they’re not shades you feel you can wear!
Thanks. The warmer tones aren’t the best look for me. I do like UD Score but that’s about as warm as I can go. I hope everyone that gets this palette enjoys it!
Michelle, I tried the Farmacy Sleep Tight Firming Balm last night. It’s a solid but bouncy gel, you swipe your finger across it, and put on your face, it melts on contact with skin. It has a clean herbal medicinal smell from the natural flower extracts and plant oils, but the smell doesn’t linger. At first it feels kind of oily, but most of it sinks in, with a little film left over. I like to put it over a moisturizer, and I like the film, because it seals in all the moisture while you sleep. But it didn’t feel like my pores were clogged. It has a lot of sunflower and jojoba oils, and I read somewhere that those oils are very similar to the natural oils in your skin, so less chance of clogging pores. When I woke up, my skin was soft , nicely hydrated, and bright. Since I also use other moisturizers and retinols, I can’t tell if it’s just from the Farmacy balm itself, but I think it’s nice, especially for winter, and I plan to keep using.
Katherine, Thank you for the update! Right now I use a serum, vitamin C cream and a retinol eye cream before bed. It sounds like this might be safe to add as an extra boost especially in the cooler weather. I think I may give it a shot. 🙂
You’re welcome! Glad to help, hope you enjoy !
I can’t believe they are calling Nico a blush, looks more like a setting powder, I don’t think it would even show up on a vampire. But the other 3 are really pretty
Very fair skin tones use it as a bronzer or every day blush 🙂
I like this palette, how do you think it compares to the Tarte Holiday blushes palette? Is this one better?
I like this a little better, but I’m not a big fan of Tarte’s blushes.
I like these shades. But, I will want to check out the Sephora exclusive one first too before I decide. I wish he would have just put Ferocious on it’s own. I’m a little concerned about the others not working on my dry-ish skin in the winter. Any opinion on that Christine?
I think they should be okay on dry skin, but if it is very dry, then you might pass!
It’s not too bad. I noticed the comment about these possibly selling out. Are they not going to be available in November when the collection releases to other retailers? I thougt it was just NARS.com that was selling this stuff now. Nov for other retailers? Am I missing something?
It should be per the press release!
Whew! Ok..I had to check out Nordstrom. Didn’t see anything. But, I had to get some sleep and didn’t have time to check other places. This is a big collection. I’m not ready to choose yet! I’m so grateful to have you to these things to us upfront! Otherwise, I would pass or buy it all!
I’m glad and sad it got a good grade. Glad because it’s so beautiful. Sad because I don’t know if I can snag one before they sell out. And the image on it is one of the prettier ones.
I hope you’re able to grab it!
These are some rather beautiful shades ( and no Orgasm! ), but VERY dupable though. I’m thinking it would make a lovely gift for someone who really doesn’t have many blushes, or for oneself if they are lacking these shades. But Nico wouldn’t even show on me I know, and I already have dupes for all but Esoteric. Time to get CP Most Necessary!
Definitely dupable!
Its beautiful, are you planning on doing a review on the other cheek pallete from this collection ??
Sorry, I do not have that!
I still think Ferocious is gorgeous. Not sure just how much I would use the other colours. I probably would, maybe, apart from Esoteric. Just not a colour that would suit me. Hmm…not sure I could justify the purchase. :/
Oh, that is too bad 🙁
I can skip this. As much as I like Ferocious it’s too expensive for only one shade I really want.
Good for your wallet!
This is nice and I like the idea of having the brush right there, but I’m holding out for the Sephora exclusive palette. I know the pans will be smaller but I’ve barely made a dent in the Digital World palette from last year. They did manage to give a nice range of colors with this palette!
I know the artwork is off-putting for quite a few people but it does at least make it unique!
Here’s hoping that one is good!
Ferocious is so pretty!! I’m still trying to decide if I *need* this palette…
Tough call! What are you leaning towards?
I guess it’ll ultimately come down to availability and pricing in Canada. Since I refuse to buy it from the Nars website. $65 USD + $17 shipping makes this ~$107 CAD, which wouldn’t be worth it =(
I’m so jealous you can even rock a straight orange blush and look stunning! That’s some primo DNA you have 🙂 I really wanted this but after seeing the colors in action it would be all kinds of bad for my skin tone. Plus I’m not sure how I feel about the art on the packaging. On a different note, I really need to change my picture lol my nephews don’t look anything like that anymore ❤❤❤
Aw, thanks a lot, Bonnie! 🙂
PS thank you for having the BEST dupes!! I love the Ferocious shade but have plum foolery and pinstripe. I would have mourned missing out on ferocious if not for the dupes bc apparently I can’t figure these things out on my own. You ROCK!!!
Yay! Glad I could help 😀
what interesting packaging! I heard some of the packaging for the gift sets are quite naughty lol. I like this palette a lot and I have never bought a nars pallette. the only problem is I own multiple dupes of every color….
The brush set is on the full frontal side, though not naked!
Personally, I am not a fan of these kinds of blush as I prefer the mosaic kind. But the colours look really good and wearable for most complexions. It helps that it rated pretty well too.
Easy skip!
Christine, will the new blushes be available for purchase individually? I’m confused since each one is listed as permanent in the glossovers.. I’m not a big fan of the art on the cover but if this is the only way they’ll be available then I may go ahead and pick this up! 🙂 Thanks for your reviews!
Sorry, my mistake! Not sure how I entered them as permanent – Nico is permanent, the others are LE.
This one is the Nars.com rendition, right? No way it’ll ever last ’til the f&f. Ferocious is my general favorite blush tone family. And I adore the contrast of oranges. Plus, I’ve been hankering to get Burnt Pepper. Guess I’ll just have to learn to understand Nico. This one has my name on it…..not to mention my fingerprints. It is one of the rubberized cases, right? They survive so poorly at my house.
Erin: cruise Hautelook until they do theBalm @50% & get Pinstripe.. Since it’s 50%, snag Cabana Boy as well. I believe both would suit you.
Yep, it is the NARS’ site one!
Really not interested in this one – the fourth shade is the only one I like, and happily I’ve just bought one of its dupes! (Pinstripe, theBalm.)
Pinstripe is so nice! You will love it!
How does Ferocious compare to Nars Sin? Thanks!
http://www.temptalia.com/side-by-side?sbs_1_search=Ferocious&sbs_1=209493&sbs_2_search=Sin&sbs_2=111354
Finally a blush palette without bronzer! I’m excited that these are new colors and that they all seem to work well on WOC minus Nico. I knew that one wouldn’t do much for me but I’m still looking forward to getting my hands on this
I love the name of this. DESPAIR. So dramatic, NARS.