NARS Free Lover Holiday 2019 Cheek Palette Review & Swatches
Free Lover
NARS Free Lover Cheek Palette ($41.00 for 0.42 oz.) is a new, limited edition palette that features one highlighter and five blushes, which is exclusive to Sephora. It’s a warmer mix of corals, so if you’re a big fan of coral blushes and aren’t already stocked up, it might be worth considering. I think that NARS’ satin and matte blush shades tends to be best suited to those who pair them with a drier base (like drier skin types for bare skin application or over lightly-powdered/set foundations)–I had a bit of sticking with Amour.
Ingredients
Free Lover
LELimited Edition. $60.00.
Disco Nights
Disco Nights is a light gold with warmer undertones and a soft, metallic sheen. It had opaque pigmentation with a soft, lightly powdery consistency that picked up well with a brush and blended out without issue. It wore well for eight hours on me before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Sydney Grace Radiant Glow (P, $8.00) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Tarte Spotlight (LE, ) is cooler (95% similar).
- Tarte Authentic (LE, $28.00) is more shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Iconic London Coral Glow (Right) (PiP, ) is cooler (95% similar).
- Bobbi Brown Golden Hour (LE, $50.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Strobe Globe (P, $7.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- ColourPop A Smile and a Song (LE, $10.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Tarte Frosty (LE, $28.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- NARS Fort de France (P, $38.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- LORAC Twilight (P, $23.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$38.00/0.49 oz. - $77.55 Per Ounce
The new powder highlighter formula is supposed to "melt seamlessly into skin to enhance your natural glow" with "buildable radiance." The texture had a smooth feel that was finely-milled but firmer, almost stiff in a way, in the pan (not in a bad way), and it was not at all powdery. There was a dryness and thinness present in the texture that made it less like traditional powder highlighter formulas (including the brand's original range of highlighting powders), and none of that translated into poor performance.
That being said, all of the shades applied better on the cheeks than the they did applied to my arm. I also noticed that finish became more and more luminous--almost blindingly at times!--as the powder was buffed and blended on my cheeks. They were very reflective and shiny on my cheek bones with semi-opaque, buildable pigmentation. I had no trouble blending and diffusing any of the shades on my skin, and despite having a firmer feel in the pan, I could use fan brushes and other feathery brushes to pickup product. The powders lasted between eight and nine hours on me.
Browse all of our NARS Highlighting Powder (2018) swatches.
Disco Nights
LELimited Edition. $38.00.
Final Cut
Final Cut is a brighter, medium coral with warm, orange undertones and a matte finish. It had semi-opaque, buildable color coverage with a soft, lightly dusty texture that had some excess product kicked up in the pan. I found that the color darkened and leaned slightly warmer when applied than it did in the pan. It lasted well for seven and a half hours before fading a touch.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Sleek MakeUP OC (PiP, ) is glossier, lighter (95% similar).
- Give Me Glow Havana Cabana (P, $14.00) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop She Devil (LE, $8.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Fyrinnae Nordic Angel (P, $10.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Cali Dream (P, $22.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Makeup Geek Summer Fling (DC, $9.99) is darker (90% similar).
- Giorgio Armani Coral Bliss (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Peach Poison (Left) (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Passion for Colour (LE, $24.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Surratt Beauty Parfait (P, $32.00) is more shimmery, lighter, more muted (90% 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.
Final Cut
PPermanent. $30.00.
Amour
Amour is a medium pink with subtle, warmer undertones and a matte finish. The blush had excellent pigmentation paired with a soft, finely-milled texture that wasn’t too powdery nor too firmly pressed in the pan. I had a bit of trouble applying the color evenly and spreading it out for a gradual, more seamless blend, as it seemed to stick more heavily to certain areas; I’d recommend applying over a matte finish foundation or a set foundation/base. This shade stayed on well for eight hours before showing signs of fading.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Tarte True Love (P, $29.00) is lighter, more muted (95% similar).
- Guerlain Coral Blush (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- MAC Simmer (LE, $29.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Too Faced Cherry Bomb (Blush) (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- NARS Peep Show (LE, $30.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar).
- theBalm Toile (P, $22.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Sid (Shade) (DC, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- NARS Realm of the Senses #1 (LE, $30.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- NARS Realm of the Senses (Together) (LE, $30.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Makeup Geek Love Affair (DC, $9.99) is cooler (95% 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.
Amour
PPermanent. $30.00.
Luster
Luster is a light-medium peach with warmer undertones and a fine, golden pearl woven throughout. The texture was soft, a little on the dusty side, but it applied well to bare skin and blended out without losing its intensity (where wanted). It had semi-opaque, buildable pigmentation that wore nicely for seven and a half hours on me before I noticed any fading.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Extra Sprinkles (PiP, $10.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Anastasia Peach Nectar (DC, $28.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- elf Candlelit (P, $9.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- NARS Frenzy (Right) (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- NARS Esoteric (LE, $30.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- MAC Peaceful (LE, $22.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- MAC Cheeky Bronze (P, $34.00) is darker, cooler (95% similar).
- MAC Perfectly Poised (Outer) (LE, $34.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Too Faced Luminous Peach (LE, ) is lighter (85% similar).
- MAC Trace Gold (P, $24.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% 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.
Luster
PPermanent. $30.00.
Crave
Crave is a bright, medium-dark pink-coral with warm undertones and a matte finish. It had good color coverage that was buildable to full coverage with less than half of a layer. The consistency was soft, lightly dusty in the pan, and blendable on my skin. It lasted well for eight and a half hours before starting to fade noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Pat McGrath Electric Bloom (P, $38.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Virtual Reality (LE, $8.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Zoeva CR010 (P, ) is darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Ex (LE, $5.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Flower Beauty Melon (P, $9.99) is darker, warmer, glossier (90% similar).
- ColourPop Luv Me Not (LE, $10.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- LYS Beauty Unforgettable (LE, $16.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- NYX Tuscan (P, $6.50) is darker (90% similar).
- Lethal Cosmetics Calyx (P, $15.50) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Chanel Foschia Rosa (430) (P, ) is darker (90% 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.
Crave
PPermanent. $30.00.
Loves Me
Loves Me is a bright, raspberry pink with subtle, cooler undertones and warmer, golden pearl throughout. The texture felt drier, a little grainy to the touch, but it applied nicely to bare skin and blended easily along the edges. The more I buffed the product onto my skin, the glower the finish became. It had nearly opaque color payoff in a single layer that wore well for nine hours before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Anastasia Breeze (LE, ) is more muted (95% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Lavender Lure (Bottom) (LE, ) is brighter (95% similar).
- Sephora Love Sick (22) (P, $14.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Becca Hibiscus Bloom (DC, $34.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Blush (Original) (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Too Faced Pink Wink (PiP, ) is brighter (90% similar).
- MAC Perfect Bronze (Left) (LE, $29.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Makeup Geek XOXO (P, $10.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- MAC Red Water Lily (LE, $40.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Paradiso (LE, $68.00) is glossier (90% 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.
It’s a maybe? Since I am head over heels for Crave, Loves Me and Amour, I’m just asking myself if 3 out 6, plus 1 like for Disco Nights is enough to warrants purchase or not. ?♀️
I really like the first four shades, as they would work well on my complexion, but the last two would be too bright/dark for me.
It is a lovely blush palette nonetheless.
I don’t know what it is but I am not feeling this palette. Maybe my monitor isn’t reproducing the shades accurately but just not appealing to me and especially in competition with the Hourglass palettes. Of the two, Hourglass wins hands down for me. My daughter might like it so I will have to have her check it out while she is in California. She is flying there now to see “The Jonas Brother’s” concert in Sacramento. They were the first band that her and her best friend saw in grade school or middle school and they are going together to relive the experience. At 25, I wasn’t thinking about reliving anything. I was trying to have the original experiences and didn’t have the money to do so. My daughter has a privileged life and I am just thankful that she appreciates it so much. I am jealous that she is in a town with a real “Sephora” and can actually expect to see most of the inventory!!
I just went and ordered this off Mecca – I saw it pop up as available this morning and chucked it on my wishlist and then I saw your review just now, clicked through and saw there was only 1 left in stock, so…
Good thing I get paid tonight, LOL.
FYI Christine you have the price listed as $41. On Sephora’s website it’s $59. Thanks for reviewing this. I’ve avoided the last two holiday blush palettes from NARS, as at least two of the colors wouldn’t work for me. I think this one is a winner!
It’s very pretty, but it’s not calling to me like Hot Tryst did. I think I’ll pass on this one.