NARS Unfiltered II Cheek Palette Review, Photos, Swatches
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.
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).
Top Dupes
- LORAC Luma (LE, $23.00) is more shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- KVD Beauty Mallory (Light) (DC, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- NARS Sex Appeal (PiP, $30.00) is darker (95% similar).
- MAC Blush Pink (LE, $35.50) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Guerlain Gold Palette #8 (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Nancy (Light) (DC, ) is darker (90% similar).
- NARS Myth (LE, $30.00) is darker (85% similar).
- Zoeva Yet to Come (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (80% similar).
- Sydney Grace Belle of Georgia (LE, $9.00).
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.
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).
Top Dupes
- Haus Labs Rose Quartz (P, $40.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Boba (DC, $8.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- Becca Camellia (DC, $34.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Keep It a Secret (P, $9.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Into the Pink (P, $31.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Coloured Raine Cutie Pie (P, $25.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Wet 'n' Wild Don't Flutter Yourself (LE, $4.99) is lighter (90% similar).
- Kevyn Aucoin Pink Sand #1 (PiP, ) is lighter, brighter (90% similar).
- Giorgio Armani Euphoric (50) (P, $38.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- NARS Give In Take Blush III (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
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.
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).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Thumper (P, $8.00) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Flower Power (LE, $12.00) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- Sleek MakeUP Pixie Pink (P, $6.99) is brighter (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Native Blush (-, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- Tower 28 Dream Hour (P, $20.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- Anastasia Babe (PiP, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Meow (LE, $12.00) is darker (95% similar).
- MAC Bubbles, Please (P, $29.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Natural World (LE, $7.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- ColourPop Petal Pusher (DC, $12.00) is cooler (95% similar).
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.
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).
Top Dupes
- Sephora Jubilant (21) (P, $14.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Surratt Beauty Coup de Genie (P, $32.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Physicians Formula Natural Glow (P, $12.99) is more muted, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Highly Waisted (P, $10.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Warm (Winter 2016) Highlighter (LE, $60.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- NARS Tribulation (LE, $30.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Illamasqua Rush (P, ) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- NYX Narcissistic (P, $9.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Glow (Original) (PiP, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Cover FX Sunlight (P, $34.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
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.
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).
Top Dupes
- Giorgio Armani Coral Bliss (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Black Opal Hibiscus (P, $8.95) is darker (95% similar).
- MAC Love & Laughter (LE, $24.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- NYX Pink the Town (P, $6.50) is lighter, brighter (90% similar).
- Milani Luminoso (P, $7.99) is warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Marvelous (LE, $22.00) is cooler, glossier (90% similar).
- Tarte Moment (LE, $29.00) is more muted (90% similar).
- Estee Lauder Sensuous Rose (P, $34.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Hourglass Dim Infusion (P, $40.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Too Faced Pinch My Peach (P, $30.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
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.
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).
Top Dupes
- Tarte Authentic (LE, $29.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- ILIA Sing (P, $32.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Happiest Cruise (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- theBalm Cabana Boy (P, $21.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Bite Beauty Mauvember 2017 (LE, $24.00) is brighter (90% similar).
- NARS Chic (LE, $30.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Milani Blushing Berry (P, $8.99) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Smashbox Bitten (LE, ) is cooler (90% similar).
- Urban Decay NOHO (DC, $26.00) (90% similar).
- Lethal Cosmetics Morphology (P, $15.50) is darker (90% similar).
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.
This is pretty, but I like the mix of colors in the other one more
I hear ya! 🙂
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.
The NARS Cheek palettes went back online today 🙂 As did the Smashbox palettes!
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.
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.
I bought this as soon as I got the “back in stock” email from Sephora. I’m so glad that it came out during the coupon period!
Yayy!
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.
That is a good way to try – one for each and then see who they work best for!
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!
I was surprised at how close Conquest was to Sex Appeal! I am glad that a lot of the shades will work well for you in this palette!
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!
It is true – it isn’t strictly cool or strictly warm, so it might not work for all lighter skin tones!
To be perfectly honest, I did not think I would like this one in the least. But now that I’ve seen how this applies I actually love 4 of the 6 shades here! Although that many $’s for just 4 shades may well be a ridiculous expenditure.
Maybe you have dupes for the four you love and then you can bring it down to one or two and therefore an easy skip?!
Do you happen to know if this is coming to Nordstrom?
http://www.temptalia.com/nars-unfiltered-cheek-palettes-at-sephora/
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!
I hope you enjoy both your palettes! 🙂
Very, very pinky for those who wear this colour on their cheeks, would love this little palette.
I agree!
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!
Which one has shades you’d wear the most? Or maybe which one is least duped in your stash?
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! 😛
I think if you have Pamplemousse, I might skip Impudique. They are in the same vein. I think Outlaw appears more subdued, a bit more plum on the skin whereas Impudique is brighter and more shimmery overall.
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.
Glad you are enjoying it, Bonnie! I am unfortunately the wrong skin tone to show this palette off!
I prefer the Unfiltered I palette. Though I must say these swatches also look lovely.
Both of them are nice, just depends on what one wears, I think!
I am not sure how these would work with my complexion, but I do think NARS gave a nice variety of colors here!
Yeah, this is not a palette I’d reach for myself due to my skin tone!
Hm, I would probably get more use out of this palette, but the other ones is prettier.
The one that you’d use most would probably be the better bet, though!
I like this a lot. Undefeated is a star in my book, or would be on my cheeks. Will wait and see if it will arrive here or not.
I will have to do some prioritizing next year, starting now as my no buy year really didn’t work out toward the end of the year 🙂
Fingers crossed it arrives!
when is this supposed to launch? I am very interested after your swatches Christine!
They are online at Sephora now!
ok, thank you so much!
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!
Conquest and Candid were my fave. I really should just get Sex Appeal.
Which one will you chose between nars unfiltered II & hourglass strobe lighting blush palette?
NARS.
Do you think Ulta will get this palette? I’ve been really wanting a cheek palette and I got a ulta gift card for Christmas!
This is a Sephora exclusive!
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!
Thank you, Jel! 🙂 Hope you love your palettes!
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!