NARS High Profile Cheek Palette Review & Swatches
High Profile
NARS High Profile Cheek Palette ($59.00 for 0.42 oz.) is a new, limited edition holiday cheek palette that includes six shades designed to have buildable coverage and layerable, luminous finishes. The “downside” was really that most shades were more semi-opaque to opaque, though the gel-powder formula absolutely lends itself to being used with a lighter hand or less-dense brush for sheerer, more buildable coverage as there was no powderiness to be found.
Gel-powder formulations, like the one in the palette, tend to require a moderately-dense brush to pick up product as the powders have a firmer feel, but the products go on seamlessly and really meld with skin, so they are often more forgiving of skin texture and imperfections as a result. All six shades performed similarly: blendable, easy to use, and long-wearing. I felt like the formula in this palette was a little more yielding than it would have been a few years ago–in a good way.
Ingredients
High Profile
LELimited Edition. $60.00.
Nude Revue
Nude Revue is a light-medium, golden copper with warm undertones and a metallic sheen. The texture was moderately-dense, smooth without being powdery or too firmly-pressed into the pan, so it picked up readily with a moderately-dense brush and blended out well on bare skin. It had opaque pigmentation in a single layer and seemed a smidgen softer than the other shades in the palette. It wore well for nine hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Estee Lauder Solar Crush (LE, $47.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Dose of Colors Chasing the Sun (LE, $28.00) is darker (95% similar).
- MAC Dima's Glow (LE, $44.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- Dior Bronze (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Miel de Azhar (LE, $44.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Inglot J203 Luminous (LE, $23.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Desire Fire (LE, $44.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- NARS Galet (LE, ) is cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop On a Streak (LE, $10.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Anastasia Sunset Aura (P, $25.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$30.00/0.16 oz. - $187.50 Per Ounce
From NARSā website, their blush formula is described as ābeautifully pigmentedā and āsoft [and] blendable.ā 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.
Ingredients
CETEARYL ETHYLHEXANOATE Ā· HDI/TRIMETHYLOL HEXYLLACTONE CROSSPOLYMER Ā· SQUALANE Ā· OCTYLDODECYL STEAROYL STEARATE Ā· GLYCERIN Ā· POLYSORBATE 20 Ā· ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN Ā· CAPRYLYL GLYCOL Ā· TIN OXIDE Ā· 1,2-HEXANEDIOL Ā· PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE Ā· XANTHAN GUM Ā· CHONDRUS CRISPUS EXTRACT Ā· SILICA Ā· DICALCIUM PHOSPHATE Ā· SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE Ā· [+/-(MAY CONTAIN/PEUT CONTENIR): IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) Ā· MICA Ā· TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891)] Ā·
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.
Nude Revue
LELimited Edition. $30.00.
Spin Off
Spin Off is a medium, peachy brown with warmer undertones and a satin finish. This was the least shimmery shade in the palette, though it still had a very soft sheen once applied and diffused along the edges on my skin.
It had nearly opaque color payoff in one pass, so one had to use a lighter hand or a less-dense brush to pick up product and deliver a sheerer, more buildable application of color (if desired). The blush had a soft, smooth consistency that was moderately-dense but not too stiff, so I could use even feathery brushes, like a fan brush, to pick up product, but there was no powderiness at all. It lasted well for nine hours on me before fading a bit.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- NARS Dream Place (LE, $30.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- The Estee Edit First Lover (01) (P, $28.00) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- KIKO 106 Beige Rose (P, $12.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- By Terry Tropical Sunset #6 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Makeup Geek Infatuation (P, $10.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC I'm Not Blushing (Bottom) (LE, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Surratt Beauty Chaleur (P, $32.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Zoeva Burning Up (P, $11.80) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
- MAC Pleasure Model (LE, $31.00) is more shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
- By Terry Tan & Flash Cruise #6 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$30.00/0.16 oz. - $187.50 Per Ounce
From NARSā website, their blush formula is described as ābeautifully pigmentedā and āsoft [and] blendable.ā 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.
Ingredients
DIMETHICONE Ā· SILICA Ā· SORBITAN ISOSTEARATE Ā· PHENYL TRIMETHICONE Ā· PEG-12 DIMETHICONE Ā· POLYSORBATE 20 Ā· GLYCERIN Ā· HYDROGENATED LECITHIN Ā· ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN Ā· CAPRYLYL GLYCOL Ā· 1,2-HEXANEDIOL Ā· XANTHAN GUM Ā· CHONDRUS CRISPUS EXTRACT Ā· [+/-(MAY CONTAIN/PEUT CONTENIR): IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) Ā· MICA Ā· RED 30 LAKE (CI 73360) Ā· TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891)] Ā·
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.
Spin Off
LELimited Edition. $30.00.
High Demand
High Demand is a medium-dark, reddish-copper with warm undertones and a satin sheen. The finish became more luminous as I applied and blended out the product on my skin. It had mostly opaque color coverage in a single layer, though it wasn’t at all powdery due to the smooth, denser texture, so it could be used with a lighter hand for sheerer coverage if necessary. It stayed on well for nine hours before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Hourglass At Night (P, $40.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Independence (P, $26.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Beach Bum (P, $25.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Cover FX Spiced Cinnamon (Right) (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- ColourPop Drop of a Hat (LE, $8.00) is more shimmery, cooler (85% similar).
- NARS Spark Got Hot (LE, $30.00) is lighter, warmer (80% similar).
- Jouer Marigold (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (80% similar).
- Becca Watermelon/Moonstone (P, $27.00).
- Clinique Fig Pop (P, $21.00).
Formula Overview
$30.00/0.16 oz. - $187.50 Per Ounce
From NARSā website, their blush formula is described as ābeautifully pigmentedā and āsoft [and] blendable.ā 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.
Ingredients
SILICA Ā· SORBITAN ISOSTEARATE Ā· PHENYL TRIMETHICONE Ā· PEG-12 DIMETHICONE Ā· POLYSORBATE 20 Ā· GLYCERIN Ā· HYDROGENATED LECITHIN Ā· ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN Ā· CAPRYLYL GLYCOL Ā· 1,2-HEXANEDIOL Ā· XANTHAN GUM Ā· CHONDRUS CRISPUS EXTRACT Ā· [+/-(MAY CONTAIN/PEUT CONTENIR): IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) Ā· MICA Ā· RED 30 LAKE (CI 73360) Ā· TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891)] Ā·
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.
High Demand
LELimited Edition. $30.00.
Hit It Off
Hit It Off is a brighter, medium-dark orange-leaning coral with a pearly sheen. It had semi-opaque, buildable pigmentation that adhered evenly to bare skin and diffused with ease while “melting” as I buffed it on for a seamless sheen. The consistency was moderately dense but smooth and picked up well with a moderately-dense blush brush. It wore nicely for nine hours before fading a bit.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Totes (P, $8.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Vibrant Coral & Golden (PiP, $38.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Jouer Marigold (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- MAC Oh You Pretty Things (LE, $24.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Shiseido Alpen Glow (06) (P, $29.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Sugarpill Retrograde (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Summer Love (P, $9.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Beach Bum (P, $25.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
- ColourPop Georgette (LE, $8.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Tarte Beat (-, ) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$30.00/0.16 oz. - $187.50 Per Ounce
From NARSā website, their blush formula is described as ābeautifully pigmentedā and āsoft [and] blendable.ā 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.
Ingredients
CETEARYL ETHYLHEXANOATE Ā· DIMETHICONE Ā· NYLON-12 Ā· SQUALANE Ā· OCTYLDODECYL STEAROYL STEARATE Ā· GLYCERIN Ā· POLYSORBATE 20 Ā· ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN Ā· CAPRYLYL GLYCOL Ā· 1,2-HEXANEDIOL Ā· PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE Ā· XANTHAN GUM Ā· CHONDRUS CRISPUS EXTRACT Ā· HDI/TRIMETHYLOL HEXYLLACTONE CROSSPOLYMER Ā· SILICA Ā· [+/-(MAY CONTAIN/PEUT CONTENIR): CARMINE (CI 75470) Ā· IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) Ā· MICA Ā· RED 30 LAKE (CI 73360) Ā· TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891) Ā· ULTRAMARINES (CI 77007)] Ā·
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.
Hit It Off
LELimited Edition. $30.00.
Showdown
Showdown is a bright, medium-dark pink-coral with a soft sheen. The blush had semi-opaque, buildable color coverage, which was more than marketed, but likely won’t be a deal-breaker for most as the formula could be used with a lighter hand or a fan brush to achieve sheerer, buildable coverage with little extra effort.
The powder had a moderately-dense, slightly firmer feel to the touch, but the powder applied evenly to bare skin and blended out beautifully. This shade lasted well for nine hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Clinique Peach Pop (02) (P, $21.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Estee Lauder Wild Sunset (P, $34.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever B316 (P, $23.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Chanel Fleurs de Printemps (Blush) (LE, $80.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Milani Coral Crush (P, $8.99) is less shimmery, glossier (90% similar).
- Sephora Fascinated (P, $14.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop My Sun and Stars (DC, $10.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Sweet Sweet Fantasy (LE, $24.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Picnic Time (LE, $8.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- NARS Deep Throat (PiP, $30.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$30.00/0.16 oz. - $187.50 Per Ounce
From NARSā website, their blush formula is described as ābeautifully pigmentedā and āsoft [and] blendable.ā 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.
Ingredients
DIMETHICONE Ā· SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE Ā· SILICA Ā· PHENYL TRIMETHICONE Ā· SORBITAN ISOSTEARATE Ā· PEG-12 DIMETHICONE Ā· GLYCERIN Ā· POLYSORBATE 20 Ā· HYDROGENATED LECITHIN Ā· ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN Ā· CAPRYLYL GLYCOL Ā· 1,2-HEXANEDIOL Ā· SODIUM CITRATE Ā· XANTHAN GUM Ā· CHONDRUS CRISPUS EXTRACT Ā· ALUMINA Ā· [+/-(MAY CONTAIN/PEUT CONTENIR): IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) Ā· MICA Ā· RED 30 LAKE (CI 73360) Ā· TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891)] Ā·
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.
Showdown
LELimited Edition. $30.00.
Just Lust
Just Lust is a darker pink with subtle, warm undertones and lighter, warmer gold pearl that gave it a luminous finish. It had medium, buildable color coverage, which made it more in line with the brand’s marketing on coverage.
The consistency was moderately dense without being stiff, so while it needed a denser brush to pick up product evenly, it deposited it well onto bare skin and blended out effortlessly. This shade showed signs of fading after eight and a half hours of wear.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Smith and Cult Cool Pink (P, $24.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Mali'booze (LE, $20.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- LYS Beauty Self Love (P, $16.00) is less shimmery, glossier (90% similar).
- Tower 28 Office Hours (P, $20.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Kevyn Aucoin Rose Cliff #2 (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Cover FX Mojave Mauve (Right) (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Court of Miracles (LE, $10.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Essence Befitting (P, $2.99) is less shimmery (85% similar).
- ILIA At Last (P, $34.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Coloured Raine Stiletto Rose (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$30.00/0.16 oz. - $187.50 Per Ounce
From NARSā website, their blush formula is described as ābeautifully pigmentedā and āsoft [and] blendable.ā 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.
Ingredients
CETEARYL ETHYLHEXANOATE Ā· DIMETHICONE Ā· NYLON-12 Ā· ZINC STEARATE Ā· SQUALANE Ā· OCTYLDODECYL STEAROYL STEARATE Ā· GLYCERIN Ā· POLYSORBATE 20 Ā· ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN Ā· CAPRYLYL GLYCOL Ā· 1,2-HEXANEDIOL Ā· PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE Ā· XANTHAN GUM Ā· CHONDRUS CRISPUS EXTRACT Ā· HDI/TRIMETHYLOL HEXYLLACTONE CROSSPOLYMER Ā· SILICA Ā· [+/-(MAY CONTAIN/PEUT CONTENIR): CARMINE (CI 75470) Ā· IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) Ā· MICA Ā· TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891)] Ā·
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.
Do I need this? Absolutely not. Do I want it? YES.
Exactly. I need it like I need a herd of dragons and have far too many Nars blush palettes already.šŖ. But, only one shade is duped AT ALL, which astounds me. So, š¤¤ salivating. I doubt I can resist, despite superb resistance so far this year for everything. Mmmmm.
Weellll, a herd of dragons would be nice!
.. herd of dragons at top of my Christmas wishlist š
ikr?
SAME!!! I love the entire look of this and the design on the pans. As much as I like how this looks and really love the look of Just Lust, the other colours wouldn’t really work for my cool, pale skin so it wouldn’t be the most justifiable of purchases!
She’s a warm and toasty one! Which is actually a good thing for me. I probably ought to check out each shade for dupes before commenting, but I will afterwards.
Marlena (MUG) always said that blush was best when it contrasted with your skin tone. Iāve found that to be true. Cool blushes in the light/light medium range disappear. I favor warms, too. No matter how light vs deep a warm one is, it shows up. I think Iām in trouble here.
I considered this but all of the shades have shimmer which is really noticeable on my very fair skintone. I recently picked up the Patrick Ta blush palette so I’m set with cheek palettes for now.
Such pretty colors – I need more blush like a hole in the head, but I am seriously considering this one.
This is a pretty darn good blush/bronzer kind of palette from Nars and I think if the majority of the shades work for you, it would be a good one to have.
check palettes rarely catch my eye (with the exception of hourglass holidays) but this one is gorgeous and an interesting mix of colors. i may have to consider it during the sephora sale
Nars has an f&f, usually right after Sephora, in case you decide on this late, or would like other Nars products that S does not carry. (Like the UD lipsticks that had some at S, some at U, and some exclusive to site. Maddening.)Most, but not all holiday sets from Nordieās, etc. are on the N site. So N site may be the most comprehensive place to look. In the past, 20% for winter holiday.
thanks for the thorough run down!
This would be perfect for my daughter but she doesn’t like blushes with any shimmer or shine at all. She is a strictly matte blush person. I am the opposite and like at least a satin finish. This would be great for me but the shades are not my favorite with the exception of Just Lust which I am lusting after. I don’t know. Juries out on whether I can resist or not!
OMG I have so many blushes but I still want this one too (maybe selling to myself…i don’t have many gel like blushes :)) who am I kidding š !!! You’ll I still want it though
And not an Orgasm in sight! A good thing, for once š
šš
I just ordered this 2 days ago, it looks really pretty! I do love a good Nars blush…
Also, your skin looks incredible š
Thank you, CeeBee!
I’ve never bought a blush palette but this is seriously tempting! So many pretty colours. Like a few others have mentioned, I need more blush like I need a herd of dragons!
I think I Will get this one, I got the OOTB and loved It, It was my first Nars palette, and first baked gelee blush. It is superior, and I didn’t think It was too shimmery, I am a matte blush girl, and the finish is definitely satin.
I love your blog Christine, too bad that we don’t get most products you review in my country.
I have a question, I notice you apply blush very strong as in a dot on your cheeks. Is It to show the color better?
Really thankful for the reviews š
Yes, it’s to show color, undertone, finish, and level of pigmentation!
Great review. What brush do you recommend using /did you use for this harder baked gelee formula? I have this palette and am having trouble picking up color with the brush Iām using (Rephr #24). Thanks!