theBalm Argyle Instain Long-Wearing Powder Staining Blush ($22.00 for 0.20 oz.) is described as a “petal pink.” It’s a bubblegum pink–a light-medium, blue-based pink–with a matte finish. NYX English Rose is more shimmery, darker. MAC Stay Pretty is warmer. MAC I’m the One is brighter. Chanel Pink Explosion is slightly darker. Bobbi Brown Pastel Pink is a bit darker. See comparison swatches.

It had rich, true-to-pan color payoff. It packs quite a punch, so I’d recommend using a light hand to build up the color to your desired intensity. The texture is soft, finely-milled but not powdery. It blends well if you use a light touch, but I noticed that it has a tendency to stick where it’s placed once it is buffed into the skin to a degree. Argyle lasted well without fading or becoming patchy for a solid ten hours, so it is indeed long-wearing. It removed easily, though, with makeup remover, whereas a traditional stain would still leave something behind, so I wouldn’t describe this as a cheek stain, but it was an exceptionally long-wearing powder blush.

theBalm Argyle Instain Long-Wearing Powder Staining Blush

theBalm Argyle Instain Long-Wearing Powder Staining Blush

theBalm Argyle Instain Long-Wearing Powder Staining Blush

theBalm Argyle Instain Long-Wearing Powder Staining Blush

theBalm Argyle Instain Long-Wearing Powder Staining Blush

theBalm Argyle Instain Long-Wearing Powder Staining Blush

theBalm Argyle Instain Long-Wearing Powder Staining Blush