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NARS Unfiltered II Cheek Palette Review, Photos, Swatches

1 of 7
NARS Unfiltered II Spring 2017 Cheek Palette
NARS Unfiltered II Spring 2017 Cheek Palette
NARS Unfiltered II Spring 2017 Cheek Palette
NARS Unfiltered II Spring 2017 Cheek Palette
NARS Unfiltered II Spring 2017 Cheek Palette
NARS Unfiltered II Spring 2017 Cheek Palette
NARS Unfiltered II Spring 2017 Cheek Palette
NARS Unfiltered II Spring 2017 Cheek Palette
NARS Unfiltered II Blush Palette | Ingredients List
NARS Unfiltered II Blush Palette | Ingredients List
NARS Unfiltered II Spring 2017 Cheek Palette
NARS Unfiltered II Spring 2017 Cheek Palette
NARS Unfiltered II Spring 2017 Cheek Palette
NARS Unfiltered II Spring 2017 Cheek Palette
NARS Unfiltered II Spring 2017 Cheek Palette
NARS Unfiltered II Spring 2017 Cheek Palette
NARS Unfiltered II Spring 2017 Cheek Palette
NARS Unfiltered II Spring 2017 Cheek Palette
NARS Unfiltered II Blush Palette | Ingredients List
NARS Unfiltered II Spring 2017 Cheek Palette
NARS Unfiltered II Spring 2017 Cheek Palette

Unfiltered II

NARS Unfiltered II Cheek Palette ($59.00 for 0.72 oz.) includes six shades of blushes with a mix of finishes (matte, high shimmer, and satin) and colors (pinks, peaches, and plum). I think that the shades in this palette are a little more dupable compared to Unfiltered I, and they run light to medium (though one shade is deeper) and will show up better on fair to medium complexions. Overall, the palette was pigmented, long-wearing, and fairly blendable.

Unfiltered II

LELimited Edition. $59.00.
B+
B+
9
Product
9.5
Pigmentation
8.5
Texture
8
Longevity
4.5
Application
88%
Total

1 of 3
NARS Conquest Powder Blush
NARS Conquest Powder Blush
NARS Conquest Powder Blush
NARS Conquest Powder Blush
NARS Conquest Powder Blush
NARS Conquest Powder Blush
NARS Conquest Powder Blush
NARS Conquest Powder Blush
NARS Conquest Powder Blush

Conquest

Conquest is a light, milky pink with warm, yellow undertones and a matte finish. The color darkened slightly on my cheeks, which aren’t as dry as my forearms, which wasn’t unexpected given the very matte finish. If you have drier skin, it may remain true-to-pan when applied. You could also apply finishing or setting powder first, and then the blush, to maintain the lightness of the hue. The texture was soft, lightly dusty but smooth and blendable. It had mostly opaque coverage, though it is a very light shade and will not show up on all skin tones. On me, it wore well for seven and a half hours.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

Possible Dupes
These are likely to be very similar shades based on our duping algorithm.

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.

Conquest

LELimited Edition. $30.00.
A-
A-
9
Product
9.5
Pigmentation
9
Texture
8
Longevity
5
Application
90%
Total
1 of 3
NARS Undefeated Powder Blush
NARS Undefeated Powder Blush
NARS Undefeated Powder Blush
NARS Undefeated Powder Blush
NARS Undefeated Powder Blush
NARS Undefeated Powder Blush
NARS Undefeated Powder Blush
NARS Undefeated Powder Blush
NARS Undefeated Powder Blush

Undefeated

Undefeated is a light-medium pink with a shimmering, almost metallic finish and subtle, warm undertones. It had good color payoff with a soft, smooth texture that was a bit firmer in the pan but not difficult to pickup color on a brush nor was it a challenge to diffuse and blend on the skin. This shade lasted for eight hours on me.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

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.

Undefeated

LELimited Edition. $30.00.
A-
A-
9
Product
10
Pigmentation
9
Texture
8
Longevity
5
Application
91%
Total
1 of 3
NARS Power Play Powder Blush
NARS Power Play Powder Blush
NARS Power Play Powder Blush
NARS Power Play Powder Blush
NARS Power Play Powder Blush
NARS Power Play Powder Blush
NARS Power Play Powder Blush
NARS Power Play Powder Blush
NARS Power Play Powder Blush

Power Play

Power Play is a bright, cotton candy pink with cool, blue undertones and a matte finish. The consistency was thinner and a little dusty, so it was more prone to sheering out and only had semi-opaque coverage, which did not build up as well as other NARS’ blushes typically have for me. I had trouble diffusing and evening the color out, as it clung to where it was initially applied and did not spread as well from there. It lasted for seven and a half hours before fading.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

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.

Power Play

LELimited Edition. $30.00.
B-
B-
8
Product
8.5
Pigmentation
8
Texture
8
Longevity
4.5
Application
82%
Total
1 of 3
NARS Hot Sand Powder Blush
NARS Hot Sand Powder Blush
NARS Hot Sand Powder Blush
NARS Hot Sand Powder Blush
NARS Hot Sand Powder Blush
NARS Hot Sand Powder Blush
NARS Hot Sand Powder Blush
NARS Hot Sand Powder Blush
NARS Hot Sand Powder Blush

Hot Sand

Hot Sand is a light-medium peachy orange with warm, yellow undertones and a metallic sheen. The shimmer was finer, so it translated into a very reflective sheen that did not emphasize my skin’s natural texture. The blush had great color payoff, and the texture was soft, smooth, and blednable on the skin. I noticed the edges started to fade after eight hours of wear.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

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.

Hot Sand

PiPPermanent in Palette. $30.00.
A
A
9.5
Product
10
Pigmentation
9.5
Texture
8.5
Longevity
5
Application
94%
Total
1 of 3
NARS Fame Powder Blush
NARS Fame Powder Blush
NARS Fame Powder Blush
NARS Fame Powder Blush
NARS Fame Powder Blush
NARS Fame Powder Blush
NARS Fame Powder Blush
NARS Fame Powder Blush
NARS Fame Powder Blush

Fame

Fame is a muted, light-medium coral with warm undertones and a fine, golden shimmer. It had more of a satin finish, which gave the skin a natural glow that wasn’t too shiny or shimmery. The texture was dustier, so it did sheer out somewhat when applied, but it was buildable with a few layers. It had good color payoff and lasted well for seven hours on me.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

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.

Fame

LELimited Edition. $30.00.
B
B
8.5
Product
9.5
Pigmentation
7.5
Texture
7.5
Longevity
4.5
Application
83%
Total
1 of 3
NARS Candid Powder Blush
NARS Candid Powder Blush
NARS Candid Powder Blush
NARS Candid Powder Blush
NARS Candid Powder Blush
NARS Candid Powder Blush
NARS Candid Powder Blush
NARS Candid Powder Blush
NARS Candid Powder Blush

Candid

Candid is a muted, medium-dark plum with cooler undertones and a satin sheen. It had good color payoff, which was buildable from mostly opaque to fully opaque coverage in two layers. The texture was firmer and stiffer in the pan, though, so you might find a heavier touch necessary to get product onto the brush. Luckily, it still blended out fairly easily on the skin for me, which is where firmer/stiffer textures often become difficult to deal with. It lasted for eight hours on me.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

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.

Candid

LELimited Edition. $30.00.
B
B
8.5
Product
9
Pigmentation
8
Texture
8.5
Longevity
4.5
Application
86%
Total
Makeup Look
On face:
  • Dior Star Foundation
  • Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder
On eyes:
  • LORAC Dance 'Til Dawn Eye & Cheek Palette
On lips:
  • Too Faced Honey Bear La Crème

48 Comments

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Comments on this post are closed.
kjh Avatar

Thanks for the prompt review. It’s not often that you see a product that is not highly duped in stash. I say all the time that I’m not a pink, and even less a coral person. The only one I truly like is duped by chic in the first palette. Much as, due to aging, I try to get back into pink, seeing the swatches helped me rule this one out, despite being a NARS blush ho. Big time NARS blush ho. Big, big time…. Thanks, as is often true for saving me $. That said, I’ve been cruising Sephora with an eye towards what else (other than NARS 1) to spend the 25$ on… I’m pretty sure that the new NARS and new Smashbox eyes will not return until after the annual reward. They def do that, esp for stuff that is online only. Mildly annoying, but there’s always something to get.

kjh Avatar

Yes. I am so skeptical at times. I got 1. Also, Ulta has the smashboxes as well. Yay 1. Flamin’exhibit A! Does anyone know if these or the smashboxes will eventually get to store? Of all your listed dupes for this palette, I only have cabana boy. Wanted TMI and the It mauve, but with Chic and cabana boy, prob won’t need either. Bet if I look at cabana boy’s review, I have ~3. You like what you like……. And the rest of these pinks I clearly do not like well enough.

kjh Avatar

Checked. It’s 5, but I don’t see them as very close. And still want to get sticky sweet and kick myself for missing animal instinct. Guess that’s my comfort zone… that and the cola pop/infrared/burnt pepper family. Blush can do such wonders.

Deborah S. Avatar

These are really pretty shades also. I am torn because I usually gravitate towards cooler shades and these appear cooler than the other palette but I really love a couple of the shades in the other palette. The other palette looks like my daughter so may purchase one of each and then can determine if the warmer palette would work for me. This palette is a little more subtle and the other seems more in your face which would mean I would need to use it very lightly.

Ester Avatar

I broke down and bought this! I had the $25 reward card from Sephora and also a $50 giftcard, so I also got my boyfriend a few stocking stuffers. I think I will really love this palette! The reviews helped me decide to buy since it seems less cool than it originally appeared. I am very pale with warmish undertones, dark eyes, and dark hair.

I love NARS Sex Appeal (especially when I can say “Just going to put on a little Sex Appeal,” lol) and have hit major pan on that blush, so I’m happy to have a Conquest. I am really excited for the shade Undefeated since I had my eye on Becca’s Camellia for quite some time. The fact that Undefeated is lighter is even better for my skin tone.

Power Play reminds me of NARS Gaiety (not sure if I spelled that right), which I already own and like a lot. It’s a good “just got in from the cold” blush and the sheerness doesn’t bother me, it gives a subtle fresh pop of pink that I love.

I don’t own any blushes like Hot Sands or Candid (which seems like it might be too dark for me), and Fame seems a bit dupe-able. So overall I am really excited for this palette and can’t wait to try it out!

Fran Avatar

This seems like an interesting mix of shades, at least for people with light-to-medium skin tones who look good in both warm and cool blushes. But, I don’t think either Fame or Conquest would look very good on me, Hot Sand looks a bit too metallic for my cheeks, Power Play seems much too fussy to apply, and, of course I have dupes for my two favorite shades, Undefeated (Give In Take Blush III) and Candid (Magical in Mauve). I really wanted to like this palette, but it doesn’t have shades that I both love and need. My wallet thanks you, Christine!

DahmerDoll Avatar

I’m so glad I got both of these! I usually wait until you review the product, but since these were only available for a day (and the F/F sale FINALLY made me a VIB Rouge!), I went ahead and pulled the trigger early. I’d be anxiously awaiting these beauties if I hadn’t taken a chance this time, but usually it doesn’t work out in a poisitive way; your reviews are solid GOLD, Christine; you’ve saved me from wasting so much money!

Cindy Avatar

Absolutely stunning collection of peaches, pinks and plummy rose tones in this pallete!! I’m really struggling to choose between the Unfiltered II (C$76) and Sarah Moon: True Story Cheek one (C$74). This one gives me a better value, but I really like that Myth is a warmer shade compared to Conquest. I’m also in love with Unwritten and Outlaw! I’ve always been more of an eyeshadow and lipstick lover, so I don’t own many blushes. Please help me decide, Christine!

Cindy Avatar

Thank you for the tip! Your thorough review and swatches truly helped a lot 🙂 I’m so excited to use my Sephora VIB discount on one of these palettes.

I think I’m currently leaning towards True Story more because I know I love all the shades equally and have nothing like them. Whereas for the Unfiltered II, I already own Milani’s Luminoso (dupe for Fame) and have no idea what to do with Hot Sand because of my neutral-yellow based, light complexion!! It’s too dark for a highlight, but I suppose as a blush topper? I’m afraid of it looking too orange on my cheeks.. But the decision is mainly because this palette is currently sold out on Sephora’s website!

Lastly, Christine, would you say Impudique by NARS is also quite similar to Outlaw? Would you say they’re different enough to own both of them? I originally had my eye on Impudique before any of these two blush palettes, but I already have Becca’s Pamplemousse (even though I love the NARS better). So I’m trying to ease myself from getting both of them by compromising this way! 😛

Bonnie Avatar

Have this and love it! ? I’m fair, so no issues with the colors being too light. I think I’ll use every color. Hot Sand and Undefeated are my faves, which is a little unusual – in the past I’ve usually preferred their matte blushes.

Alex Ben Avatar

Aren’t the colors in this palette somewhat reminiscent of the colors in the UD Gwen Stefani blush palette? Trying to pick between the Unfiltered I and II is too hard, so I’m looking at the rest of my collection to see what would be the best option for me!

jel888 Avatar

Hello! I just purchased both Spring palettes on a whim (before reading any reviews, so not like me), but after seeing your review I feel a sigh of relief! And by the way you so look good with Hot Sand and Fame in this palette. Thanks for your efforts!

Liz Avatar

I know I’m late to the bandwagon as I’m only starting to build up my makeup supply. NARS is normally way out of my price range but for the price of 2 blushes I was able to get six. I am so happy I did as I enjoy how the blushes easily build up to the intensity, and I love using the shimmery shades as a highlighter or over the darker shades. I’m about to travel and with the sturdy packaging and great mirror I’m definitely taking this with me!

We try to approve comments within 24 hours (and reply to them within 72 hours) but can sometimes get behind and appreciate your patience! 🙂 If you have general feedback, product review requests, off-topic questions, or need technical support, please contact us directly. Thank you for your patience!