NARS Sexual Content Dual Intensity Blush Review, Photos, Swatches
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). Kevyn Aucoin Starlight (P, $44.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Benefit Peachin' (P, $29.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). MAC Fairly Precious (LE, $42.00) is more shimmery, warmer (85% similar). Clinique Opal Pop (01) (P, $26.50) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Chanel Metal Peach (LE, $80.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% 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). Half Magic Pink Mushroom (P, $22.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar). Clinique Nude Pop (P, $21.00) is darker, 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). 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). 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, $42.00) 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). 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.
Sexual Content
LELimited Edition. $45.00.
Sexual Content (Left)
LELimited Edition.
Sexual Content (Right)
LELimited Edition.
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 (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
Two very pretty shades!
They are!
Oooh,love this one a little better than yesterday’s. I’m happy that this collection is rolling out a bit later so my wallet can recover. Lol
Phew 🙂
I love the raspberry side. Raspberry blushes can so easily look overdone and lend themselves to fever or doll cheeks.. this look really pretty and soft. I like the shimmer too.
That’s my favorite side, too!
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
I can understand that!
To whom is the art work credited? Is it on the blush cover as well as the packaging? With Nars, it could go either way.
The press release said Konstantin Kakanias is the artist. It’s just the cardboarod packaging.
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.
There ya go 🙂
Gorgeous shades!!! I love it! Although I definitely don’t need it because I already own UD Rapture, it is tempting me, though!
I must resist. I must.?
You can resist!
Oh, this looks gorgeous on you! :3
Thank you!
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. ?
This should be beautiful on you, Gillian!
Rats! With this duo, I like the right side, but not the left (for wearing in my own cheeks, that is)… these really are pretty blushes.
Oh, that is too bad, Fran! 🙁 That is the problem with duos… you may not love both shades!
Beautiful! Again, love the picture on the packaging. I think the right shade is very flattering on you, Christine.
Thank you, Rachel!
Aw man! I really wish the artwork was featured on the packaging itself. 🙁
That would have been really cool!
Me too!
Your eye makeup is so beautiful!! This duo is also very pretty. The colors seem to work together well and I like that they’re suitable for everyday wear. I need it in my life!
Thank you, Fancie!
Oh I love this too!
Yay!
I think NARS goes a little overboard with their names 🙁 For some reason I’m liking these two colours better than the one from yesterday – definitely look a lot more wearable 🙂
I totally understand!
I was thinking the same thing about the name! How many ways can we say Orgasm, lol.
I adore this but already have dupes for the raspberry shade. Ooh, decisions, decisions!
How many dupes? More than two, maybe a skip!
Love the shades – but why does Nars insist on giving their products names like this one? It is just crass – it really turns me off the product….
Hopefully another brand has something similar with a more palatable name for you 🙂
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!!!
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??
Should be at NARS boutiques as well but you might want to give ’em a ring just to be doubly sure!
Enjoy, Bonnie!
Pretty colors for summer! And I love the box, too bad the picture isn’t on the compact ! This could be my first Nars intensity blush. I’ve been wanting to try one.
Super pretty shades! I have dupes though 🙂
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.
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?
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!
I picked up the last one of these at my local Sephora, and it is so gorgeous. The pink one especially needs to be permanent. Flush and luscious for summer.
Nice! Happy to hear you’re enjoying it, Kira!