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NARS Sexual Content Dual Intensity Blush Review, Photos, Swatches

NARS Sexual Content Dual Intensity Blush Duo
NARS Sexual Content Dual Intensity Blush Duo

NARS Sexual Content 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.

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!

Sexual Content (Left) is described as a “sandy peach.” It’s a light, muted peach with warm, rosy tones and a frosted sheen. Applied dry, it had semi-sheer coverage and had less warmth and depth, while the color lasted for seven and a half hours before fading. Applied damp, it was mostly opaque with a stronger sheen (but less obvious shimmer particles) that wore eight hours on me. I had no trouble blending the blush whether it was with a dry or damp brush. Wet 'n' Wild Rose Champagne (P, $2.99) is cooler (95% similar). Milani Rosa Romantica (P, $7.99) is lighter (95% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Norman Parkinson (LE, $32.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). MAC Perfect Topping (2014) (LE, $34.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Jouer Hold Me (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). MAC Nuanced (LE, $34.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Benefit CORALista (Palette) (PiP, $29.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Benefit Peachin' (P, $29.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Kevyn Aucoin Starlight (P, $44.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). NARS Cheek Studio II (LE, $30.00) is darker, more pigmented, cooler (85% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Shameless (220) (P, $30.00) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). Clinique Opal Pop (01) (P, $26.50) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Clinique Nude Pop (P, $21.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar). MAC Fairly Precious (LE, $44.00) is more shimmery, warmer (85% similar). Chanel Metal Peach (LE, $80.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Flesh & Fantasy (506) (P, $42.00) is brighter (85% similar). Chanel Espiegle (DC, $45.00) is darker (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Sexual Content (Right) is described as a “soft raspberry.” It’s a soft, medium-dark rosy pink with subtle, warm undertones and a frosted sheen. Applied dry, it had medium, buildable coverage with a sparkling, frosted sheen, with a soft, lightly dry texture that was blendable and lasted for seven and a half hours on me. With a damp brush, it was opaque and more metallic–this shade did emphasize pores slightly–and was a little more challenging to blend out damp, though it seemed easier to use than past iterations of this formula. It wore well for eight and a half hours when applied with a damp brush. MAC Buddy (Shimmer) (LE, $24.00) is warmer (95% similar). MAC Plum Foolery (P, $24.00) is warmer (90% similar). Makeup Revolution Loved Me the Best (P, $5.00) is warmer (90% similar). MAC Call Me Sugar (LE, $44.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Sydney Grace Stiletto (LE, $9.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). Makeup Revolution All I Think About is You (P, $5.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Sephora + Pantone Universe Bridal Rose (LE, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Zoeva Supreme (P, $26.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar). Essence Goldy Cassis (P, $5.99) is warmer (90% similar). Tarte Embraced (LE, $29.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Smith and Cult Cool Pink (P, $24.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Bite Beauty Hibiscus Slush (P, $32.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). MAC All Aflush (LE, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Burberry Silk and Bloom (LE, $68.00) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar). Clinique Heather Pop (P, $21.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). ColourPop Brut Flute (LE, $8.00) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar). Urban Decay Rapture (DC, $26.00) is less shimmery, cooler (85% similar). Urban Decay Cheap Shot (DC, $26.00) is less shimmery, cooler (85% similar). Makeup Revolution Bang Bang You're Dead (P, $5.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar). NARS Ferocious (LE, $30.00) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

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

See more photos & swatches!

NARS Sexual Content Dual Intensity Blush Duo
NARS Sexual Content Dual Intensity Blush Duo

NARS Sexual Content Dual Intensity Blush Duo
NARS Sexual Content Dual Intensity Blush Duo

NARS Sexual Content Dual Intensity Blush Duo
NARS Sexual Content Dual Intensity Blush Duo

NARS Sexual Content Dual Intensity Blush Duo
NARS Sexual Content Dual Intensity Blush Duo

NARS Sexual Content Dual Intensity Blush Duo
NARS Sexual Content Dual Intensity Blush Duo

NARS Sexual Content Dual Intensity Blush Duo
NARS Sexual Content Dual Intensity Blush Duo

NARS Sexual Content (Left) Dual Intensity Blush
NARS Sexual Content (Left) Dual Intensity Blush

NARS Sexual Content (Left) Dual Intensity Blush
NARS Sexual Content (Left) Dual Intensity Blush

NARS Sexual Content (Left) Dual Intensity Blush
NARS Sexual Content (Left) Dual Intensity Blush

NARS Sexual Content (Left) Dual Intensity Blush
NARS Sexual Content (Left) Dual Intensity Blush

NARS Sexual Content (Left) Dual Intensity Blush
NARS Sexual Content (Left) Dual Intensity Blush

NARS Sexual Content (Right) Dual Intensity Blush
NARS Sexual Content (Right) Dual Intensity Blush

NARS Sexual Content (Right) Dual Intensity Blush
NARS Sexual Content (Right) Dual Intensity Blush

NARS Sexual Content (Right) Dual Intensity Blush
NARS Sexual Content (Right) Dual Intensity Blush

NARS Sexual Content (Right) Dual Intensity Blush
NARS Sexual Content (Right) Dual Intensity Blush

NARS Sexual Content (Right) Dual Intensity Blush
NARS Sexual Content (Right) Dual Intensity Blush

Makeup Look
On face:
  • Giorgio Armani Maestro Glow Foundation
  • Guerlain Les Voilettes Loose Setting Powder
On eyes:
  • Too Faced Sweet Peach Eyeshadow Palette
On lips:
  • Tom Ford Scandola Moisturecore Lip Color

47 Comments

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Comments on this post are closed.
Katherine T. Avatar

The colors are really pretty, but too shimmery/frosty for me, kind of worried it will emphasize my pores. I prefer blushes with a more luminous sheen or subdued shimmer

Bengisu Avatar

This is like, “all the blushes you’ll ever need” when you add MAC-Harmony. The perfect pink+the perfect peach+the perfect brown. And I’d never need any other blush, at all.

Gillian Avatar

I was waiting to see how this performed and I’m glad it did well because I had my eye on it from the beginning! Both sides look nice and I think I could make it work on my skin tone no problem. I’m starting to use warmer blushes as the weather gets nicer (well, as nice as it can get in Scotland) so the peachy side looks like it would be ideal. ?

Bonnie Avatar

I totally in love with this duo. So beautiful and unique looking. Sure there are dupes for each shade, but I’ve never seen a blush duo like this before (as is the case with all the dual-intensity blushes I suppose!) I just think it’s a gorgeous combo! Def will be buying!!!

Bonnie Avatar

I forgot to say thank you for showing all the shades both wet AND dry on you!! Super thorough and amazing, as always Christine!!!
Ps – do you know if this will be in-stores like in Nars boutiques this Friday or just online or??

Meredith Avatar

Your lipstick is gorgeous on you for a neutral. It doesn’t wash you out, like so many neutrals do to women. I wish I could find something that doesn’t make me look like a ghoul or like I don’t have any lips at all.

Sadra Avatar

Hmmm, I am looking all over for the “sexual content”, but I only see powder blush…..did I mention how much I hate pointless sexual innuendo in makeup names?

Pami Avatar

I absolutely love the boxes on this collection. It would have been great if they were printed on the item itself.
The right side applied wet is really pretty! I like the left side of Liberation, and the right side of this one, so I’m glad it wasn’t those two shades in one duo as I really don’t need more blushes! I’m at the point where I’m really happy with what I have, and unless it’s a unique shade or on a super great sale of something I’d like to try (like the $9 Illamasqua blushes in shades I’m not sure about on HauteLook). I just looked at your dupes, and both Clinique Heather Pop and UD Rapture have been on my wishlist, so I guess that’s why I was drawn to this one!

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