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). 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). 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). 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). 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). 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 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). 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). 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). 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). NARS Blissful (P, $30.00) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar). Stila Berry Shimmer (LE, ) is darker, brighter, cooler (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 (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