NARS Liberation Dual Intensity Blush Duo ($45.00 for 0.21 oz.) is a new, limited edition duo for summer. Both shades had sheerer, softer color and shimmer applied dry and richer, deeper, and more metallic color when applied damp. The shades work well together, if one wants to layer or use the lighter shade as more of a highlighter and the darker shade to define the cheek. It was very similar to Fervor, which is just a little darker across the board and doesn’t seem quite as warm-toned (but it’s still warm-toned).

I noticed something interesting on the packaging, which says: “apply dry for sheer color or with a dampened brush for high-impact finish.” The reason this is interesting is because this is the exact opposite of the formula when it initially launched (see original press release verbiage here) that stated “sweeps on dry for a bold flush or wet for a translucent wash of color.” It was an issue, because they are pigmented both wet and dry, but they darken, intensify, and become more metallic when used damp (by no means translucent!). It was also odd, even at the time, as the Dual Intensity Eyeshadows are described as dry application resulting in sheer coverage and damp application resulting in more opaque coverage (in fact, the copy for the eyeshadows is the exact copy printed on the boxes for the blushes in this launch). NARS’ website copy sounds different to me than when the formula debuted (I’d say it’s almost more confusing), though is still mentions to apply it “wet for translucent, second skin finish.” Anyway, since the boxes for the blush duos in the launch specifically say one thing, that’s what I’ll be rating on — but they should decide once and for all what they want these to be!

Liberation (Left) is described as a “shimmering light pink.” It’s a light-medium pink with warm, yellow undertones and a frosted sheen. Applied dry, it had semi-sheer coverage that was somewhat buildable, but this is one that you’ll want to dab on with a damp brush if you prefer richer coverage. The finish becomes more metallic and noticeably shimmery when applied damp, but it didn’t seem to emphasize pores or my skin’s natural texture. It lasted for seven and a half hours when applied dry and eight hours when applied damp. It was blendable both dry and damp, which was an upside, as I haven’t found this formula to be as blendable damp as dry in the past. Estee Lauder Peach Passion (P, $34.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Benefit Dandelion (PiP, $29.00) is lighter (90% similar). NARS Fervor (Left) (PiP, ) is more shimmery, brighter (90% similar). Catrice La Vie En Rose (P, $5.99) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Giorgio Armani Eccentrico (LE, $88.00) is more shimmery, brighter (90% similar). MAC Cheeky Devil (LE, $30.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Clinique Pink Honey Pop (P, $21.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Hourglass Incandescent Electra (LE, $40.00) is less shimmery, lighter, brighter (90% similar). By Terry Savannah Love #1 (LE, ) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Hourglass Sublime Flush (P, $40.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Smashbox Carnation (LE, ) is darker (90% similar). LORAC Wavelength (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). MAC Mother o' Pearl (LE, $34.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar). NARS Loves Me Not (LE, $30.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). CoverGirl Medium Rose (DC, $9.99) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar). Too Faced Peach Dream (P, $30.00) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Guerlain Smile (Right) (LE, $52.00) is brighter, cooler (85% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Frantic Pink (P, $60.00) is less shimmery, brighter (85% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Liberation (Right) is described as a “caramel rose.” It’s a medium, rosy bronze with warm undertones and a soft, frosted shimmer-sheen finish. It is a little lighter applied dry, and then it becomes more medium-dark and has a stronger orange tone (along with a smoother sheen) when applied damp. The finish on this shade never translates to emphasized pores, which is nice, and so it is more forgiving and easy to use. Applied dry, it had medium, buildable coverage that was easy to blend out and wore for seven hours. Applied damp, it was intensely pigmented and a little went a long way, but it wasn’t as easy to blend out the edges–my trick is to use it dry to buff out the edges, which helps a lot. It lasted for eight and a half hours when applied damp, though. Stellar Beauty Eclipse (P, $25.00) is lighter (95% similar). Buxom Seychelles (P, $22.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Charlotte Tilbury The Climax (P, $40.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). NARS Savage (2020) (P, $30.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). NARS Takeover (LE, $30.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). NYX Bronzed (P, $6.50) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). NARS Cheek Studio III (LE, $30.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). NARS Fervor (Right) (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). MAC Perfectly Lit (LE, $34.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). MAC Love Joy (P, $29.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Laura Mercier Spellbound (LE, $45.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Becca Blushed Copper (LE, $38.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Dior Charnelle (459) (P, $48.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Pat McGrath Desert Orchid (P, $38.00) is less shimmery, cooler (85% similar). Chanel Alezane (260) (P, $45.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar). MAC Cheek Pollen (LE, $24.00) is darker, more muted, warmer (85% similar). Black Opal Rose Gold (P, $8.95) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). Becca Songbird (P, $32.00) is darker, brighter, warmer (85% similar). MAC Glow With It (P, $42.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Lissome (Top) (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

This blush will launch on narscosmetics.com on April 15th.

See more photos & swatches!

NARS Liberation Dual Intensity Blush Duo

NARS Liberation Dual Intensity Blush Duo

NARS Liberation Dual Intensity Blush Duo

NARS Liberation Dual Intensity Blush Duo

NARS Liberation Dual Intensity Blush Duo

NARS Liberation Dual Intensity Blush Duo

NARS Liberation (Left) Dual Intensity Blush

NARS Liberation (Left) Dual Intensity Blush

NARS Liberation (Left) Dual Intensity Blush

NARS Liberation (Left) Dual Intensity Blush

NARS Liberation (Left) Dual Intensity Blush

NARS Liberation (Right) Dual Intensity Blush

NARS Liberation (Right) Dual Intensity Blush

NARS Liberation (Right) Dual Intensity Blush

NARS Liberation (Right) Dual Intensity Blush

NARS Liberation (Right) Dual Intensity Blush