NARS Overlust Cheek Palette Review & Swatches
Overlust
NARS Overlust Cheek Palette ($59.00 for 0.42 oz.) features a new highlighter formula (first row), which is supposed to be a “gel-to-powder” formula that “applies like a second-skin” and “allows for easy layering or blending under or over” the blushes (which were described as having “sheer buildable color”).
The new highlighter formula seemed to lean too much to the powder side, rather than gel, and was thin, almost like a dried-out cream highlighter, which made it difficult to pick up with brushes or sponges. I only had success using fingertips, but the product had a tendency to get pressed in and further firmed up from that (due to greater pressure when using fingertips over a brush). There was nothing in the official press release or on the retailer’s description that indicated that the highlighters were to be used with fingertips (Sephora recommends a brush).
I didn’t find that the highlighter formula worked as well as other gel-powders I’ve tried, as attempting to build up the color and get it to transfer off my fingertip and onto my skin meant more pressure and a higher likelihood of it moving around my base products. They looked best and were easiest to use over bare skin. The blushes were more pigmented than described–more semi-opaque to opaque–but applied evenly, blended out well, and lasted for eight hours.
This palette launches December 30th exclusively at Sephora.
Ingredients
Overlust
LELimited Edition. $60.00.
Tied Up
Tied Up is a light-medium, peachy gold with warm undertones and a pearly sheen. It had sheer coverage when I tried to use it with a brush, so I had to use my fingertip for application–both for swatches as well as for application to my face–to get visible coverage as it just did not pick up well with a brush (I jabbed and jammed and pushed different brushes to dismal results).
With fingertips, I could get nearly opaque coverage applied to my arm, but it was harder to achieve the same on my skin due to the amount of pressure needed to get the product off of my fingertip. This level of pressure would move and push base products around, so it was a formula that was easier to use over bare skin. The texture felt barely emollient, a little thin and was quick to turn to powder, which I imagine was why it was harder to get the product to transfer from tool to skin.
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Minted (LE, $10.00) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Becca Champagne Pop (LE, $42.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- NARS Moana (LE, $30.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Tarte Exposed (P, $29.00) is more shimmery, glossier (90% similar).
- rms beauty Grande Dame (P, $38.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Scintillate (Illuminate) (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Cover FX Sunlight (P, $34.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Frosted (LE, $10.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Makeup Revolution Liquid Euphoric Gold (P, $9.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Anastasia Perla (P, $25.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
Ingredients
Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene, Talc, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Zinc Stearate, C10-18 Triglycerides, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Silica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Polyethylene, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Dimethicone, Tin Oxide, Hexylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- (May Contain/Peut Contenir): Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891)].
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.
Tied Up
LELimited Edition.
Deep Down
Deep Down is a soft, golden bronze with warm undertones and a barely-there sheen. It had sheer coverage that was hard to detect against my skin tone when applied with a brush. I would recommend using fingertips to get more medium, buildable coverage with this formula as brushes did not pick up product well; I felt like I jammed and swirled my brush aggressively and could barely detect product on my skin.
The product blended out well over bare skin but was more prone to pushing around base products due to how sheer and thin the texture was. It lasted for seven hours before fading noticeably on me.
Top Dupes
- Dior Coral Cruise (002) (LE, $50.00) is more shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- Moira Golden Glow (P, $12.00) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- Giorgio Armani No. 03 (P, $62.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- YSL Bronze Gold (P, $42.00) is more shimmery, darker, glossier (90% similar).
- Flesh Beauty Twitch (P, $18.00) is more shimmery, warmer, glossier (90% similar).
- MAC Golden Bronze (LE, $29.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Tantalize (54) (P, $45.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Bronze FX (LE, $31.00) is more shimmery, darker, glossier (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Glacial Rose (LE, $50.00) is more shimmery, darker, glossier (85% similar).
- MAC Pearl Sunshine (LE, $22.00) is darker, cooler, glossier (85% similar).
Ingredients
Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene, Talc, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Zinc Stearate, C10-18 Triglycerides, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Silica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Polyethylene, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Dimethicone, Hexylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- (May Contain/Peut Contenir): Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891)].
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.
Deep Down
LELimited Edition.
Drift
Drift is a light, rosy copper with warm undertones and a pearly sheen. With a fingertip, I could achieve more medium to opaque coverage in a single layer, whereas brushes seemed to pick up almost no product at all.
The texture was barely emollient to the touch, thin, and very quick to harden/dry against my fingertips, so I had to use greater pressure to get the product to translate onto my face. I found it was easier to do so on my arm (for a swatch) but was less comfortable/practical on my face–especially with base products, as this resulted in them migrating/lifting. This shade lasted for seven hours before fading visibly.
Top Dupes
- Tom Ford Beauty Intensity 2 (Highlight) (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Courchevel (Highlighter) (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Magpie (LE, $10.00) is more shimmery, lighter, glossier (90% similar).
- NARS Orgasm (P, $28.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Dior Coral Cruise (002) (LE, $50.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Glacial Rose (LE, $50.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Dior Bronze Glow (004) (P, $50.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- NARS Maldives (P, $38.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Laura Geller Ballerina (P, $26.00) is less shimmery, cooler, glossier (85% similar).
- Pat McGrath Bronze (Highlighter) (PiP, ) is more shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
Ingredients
Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene, Talc, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Zinc Stearate, C10-18 Triglycerides, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Silica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Polyethylene, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Dimethicone, Hexylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- (May Contain/Peut Contenir): Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891)].
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.
Drift
LELimited Edition.
Let It Burn
Let It Burn is a light-medium pink with strong, warm undertones and a pearly sheen. It had nearly opaque color payoff in a single layer, though the thin, slightly dusty texture made it practical to use a lighter hand with it to achieve more buildable coverage if preferred. It applied evenly and blended out without difficulty. I noticed slight fading after eight hours of wear.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Mother o' Pearl (LE, $34.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Mauve Delight (P, $9.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Iced (LE, $8.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- LORAC See Beyond (LE, $23.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Smith and Cult Warm Pink (P, $24.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Sephora Self-Made (P, $14.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- By Terry Savannah Love #1 (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Pat McGrath Fleurtatious (P, $38.00) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- Dior Rose Baiser (361) (P, $48.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
- MAC Blush Please (LE, $30.00) is less shimmery, darker (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.
Let It Burn
LELimited Edition. $30.00.
Get Lost
Get Lost is a medium-dark, orange-brown with a semi-matte finish. There seemed to be very, very minute micro-shimmer through it that gave it a less-than-matte finish when applied and blended out. It had opaque pigmentation in a single layer, but the thin consistency made it easy to pick up less product for more buildable coverage if desired.
The product darkened slightly when applied to my skin, which is more normal than dry, and was more prone to reacting (e.g. by darkening) to any natural oils on the face. It blended out nicely and lasted for eight hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Benefit Butterfly (P, $29.00) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Kiss Kiss (P, $7.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop Spot Me (LE, $8.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Dash Zero (P, $8.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Kosas Tropic Equinox (Blush) (PiP, ) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Dior Autumn Mood (332) (P, $48.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Makeup Geek Infatuation (P, $10.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Perk Up (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Laura Mercier Earth (LE, $24.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Melon Pink (Top) (LE, $24.00) is more shimmery, lighter (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.
Get Lost
LELimited Edition. $30.00.
Body Talk
Body Talk is a muted, medium-dark rosy brown with moderate, warm undertones and a satin sheen. It had semi-opaque, buildable pigmentation with a soft, thin texture that wasn’t too powdery nor was it stiff to work with. 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
- NARS Guitly Pleasure (LE, $30.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Lissome (Top) (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Milani Sunset Passione (P, $7.99) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Surratt Beauty La Rosée du Soir (P, $32.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Dior Charnelle (459) (P, $48.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Desert Orchid (P, $38.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Too Faced Pink Sand (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Essence Satin Love (P, $2.99) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Kosas Contrachroma (Blush) (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Kissin' a Frog (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery, darker, 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.
Body Talk
LELimited Edition. $30.00.
NARS Overlust Cheek Palette
NARS Overlust Cheek Palette
NARS Overlust Cheek Palette
NARS Overlust Cheek Palette
NARS Overlust Cheek Palette
NARS Overlust Cheek Palette
NARS Overlust Cheek Palette
NARS Overlust Cheek Palette
NARS Tied Up Gel-to-Powder Highlighter
NARS Tied Up Gel-to-Powder Highlighter
NARS Tied Up Gel-to-Powder Highlighter
NARS Tied Up Gel-to-Powder Highlighter
NARS Deep Down Gel-to-Powder Highlighter
NARS Deep Down Gel-to-Powder Highlighter
NARS Deep Down Gel-to-Powder Highlighter
NARS Deep Down Gel-to-Powder Highlighter
NARS Drift Gel-to-Powder Highlighter
NARS Drift Gel-to-Powder Highlighter
NARS Drift Gel-to-Powder Highlighter
NARS Drift Gel-to-Powder Highlighter
NARS Let It Burn Powder Blush
NARS Let It Burn Powder Blush
NARS Let It Burn Powder Blush
NARS Let It Burn Powder Blush
NARS Get Lost Powder Blush
NARS Get Lost Powder Blush
NARS Get Lost Powder Blush
NARS Get Lost Powder Blush
NARS Body Talk Powder Blush
NARS Body Talk Powder Blush
NARS Body Talk Powder Blush
NARS Body Talk Powder Blush
Disappointing but $$$ saved. Only 1 shade in this is a colour I could see myself wearing but that poor rating – come on, Nars – you can do better!
2 dupes of #6. This one is too dreadful to consider, even if I liked it. Thanks for saving me from Kissin’ a Frog, which I was still considering, as frog is my totem animal.
I thought for sure that this one would be much better than this. The shades are right up my alley, too. Feeling pretty sad over its less than passable performance.
Let It Burn is the only shade I like in this fairly dismal palette. I thought NARS was better than this in terms of the brand’s blush/bronzers.
At least your eye look is gorgeous! I like the idea of gel-to-powder. Might have to look into other formulas.
I love this palette.. the highlighters remind me of colourpop’s shock highlighters.
So glad you reviewed this. Money saved. I was thinking about getting this one because it looked pale skin friendly.
I’m so glad I found your site. You’ve saved me tons of money and introduced me to many products I love that I would have missed otherwise ❤️