NARS Reckless Blush ($30.00 for 0.16 oz.) is described as a “sheer pink shimmer.” It’s a very light, pink-tinged beige with warm undertones and a frosted sheen. Bobbi Brown Pink Glow (LE, $45.00) is darker, warmer. Cle de Peau Delicate Pink (14) (P, $55.00) is cooler-toned. Urban Decay Streak Highlighter (P) is pinker. Urban Decay Highlighter (P) is pinker. NARS Devotee (LE, $29.00) is a smidgen warmer. Urban Decay Luminous (P, $29.00) is lighter. Kevyn Aucoin Candlelight (P, $44.00) is warmer, less shimmery. MAC Light Sunshine (LE, $24.00) is less shimmery. Chanel Poudre Signee de Chanel Illuminating Powder (LE, $68.00) is pinker. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

I’m genuinely puzzled why NARS didn’t make this a “Highlighting Blush,” since they have that designation for other shades like this in their range. I’m not even sure it will be a blush on very fair skin tones–maybe just barely–because it is, by description, sheer, and then it’s very light. Functionally, it just seems far more like a highlighter than a blush. It is sheer, as described. The powder’s consistency is soft, blendable and doesn’t emphasize pores as it tended to give more sparkle than outright sheen. On that note, there is a fair amount of iridescent sparkle in it, which some may find dazzling while others will want to steer clear from–they are noticeable on the skin, and the sparkles travel all-over the face. On me, the effect of the sheen lasts seven hours before fading/turning patchy.

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NARS Reckless Blush

NARS Reckless Blush

NARS Reckless Blush

NARS Reckless Blush

NARS Reckless Blush

NARS Reckless Blush