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Urban Decay x Gwen Stefani Blush Palette Review, Photos, Swatches

Urban Decay x Gwen Stefani Blush Palette
Urban Decay x Gwen Stefani Blush Palette

Urban Decay x Gwen Stefani Blush Palette ($45.00 for 0.54 oz.) includes six shades of blushes from a pop of pink to a matte bronze. The Afterglow formula is supposed to last for eight hours, sheer coverage. The funny thing about the Afterglow formula is that I don’t really think it’s sheer; it’s more of a medium, buildable coverage formula, which I imagine is something that a lot of people like about it, but just keep in mind that that is how pigmentation is judged from: sheer coverage. The products performed well overall with the only “flaw” being that pigmentation tended to be semi-opaque to opaque rather than sheer. The palette contains $61.04 worth of Afterglow blush.

Cherry is described as a “light pink satin.” It’s a light, cool-toned pink with a soft, pearly sheen. It had semi-sheer coverage with a blendable consistency that was a smidgen powdery to work with. It seems to darken slightly applied compared to how it appears in the pan. This shade wore for seven hours on me. Burberry London With Love (LE, $68.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar). MAC Totally Synched (LE, $30.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). MAC Lazy Sunday (P, $22.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). MAC First Waves (LE, $34.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Too Faced Better Together (LE, $26.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Smashbox Prism (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Pink Buttercream (LE, $34.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Velvet Bloom (LE, $80.00) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). NYX Baby Doll (P, $6.50) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). NARS Robotic (LE, $30.00) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). MAC Unconventional (LE, $24.00) is cooler (85% similar). Makeup Geek Head Over Heels (DC, $9.99) is less shimmery, darker (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Easy is described as a “deep rose with gold shimmer.” It’s a muted, medium-dark rosy plum with cooler undertones paired with warm, gold frost. It had semi-opaque color payoff (it’s not what I’d call sheer!) that blended out nicely on the skin without emphasizing pores. This shade wore well for eight hours. Tarte Embraced (LE, $29.00) is cooler (90% similar). MAC Under My Plum (LE, $31.00) is warmer (90% similar). CoverGirl Deep Mauve (DC, $9.99) is less shimmery, darker, brighter (90% similar). Buxom Goa (P, $22.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). Clinique Heather Pop (P, $21.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). NARS Ferocious (LE, $30.00) is darker (85% similar). MAC Sweet Samba (LE, $29.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar). NARS Outlaw (P, $30.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar). IT Cosmetics Radiant in Rose (P, $24.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar). LORAC Chroma (P, $23.00) is less shimmery, cooler (85% similar). Fenty Beauty Bordeaux Brat (P, $25.00) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). MAC Plum Foolery (P, $24.00) is cooler (85% similar). Sydney Grace Stiletto (LE, $9.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar). MAC Wrapped Candy (P, $31.00) is darker, brighter (85% similar). theBalm Pinstripe (P, $22.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar). Fenty Beauty Cool Berry (P, $20.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar). MAC Justine Skye (LE, $26.00) is cooler (85% similar). Melt Cosmetics Fire Fury (P, $22.00) is more shimmery, darker (80% similar). Kaja Spoils of Mars (P, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (80% similar). Merit Raspberry Beret (P, $28.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (80% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Angel is described as a “champagne-nude shimmer.” It’s a light-medium, golden champagne with warm undertones and a frosted sheen. It had good pigmentation–not sheer–with a smooth, blendable texture that didn’t emphasize pores when applied. On my skin tone, this is a highlighter and not a blush, for reference, but on very fair skin tones, it may act as a highlighting blush (and add warmth without adding orange tones). It wore well for eight hours before fading. Dior Glowing Nude (002) (LE, $58.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer (PiP, $24.00) is lighter (95% similar). Becca Opal (P, $41.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Illamasqua Rush (P, ) is more shimmery (90% similar). Becca Opal (P, $38.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Makeup Geek Midnight Sun (P, $20.00) is cooler (90% similar). NARS Noctum (LE, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Laura Geller Gilded Honey (P, $26.00) is darker (85% similar). Surratt Beauty Coup de Genie (P, $32.00) is darker, brighter (90% similar). MAC Whisper of Gilt (P, $44.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). NARS Tribulation (LE, $30.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Golden Flower Crown (P, $4.99) is darker (90% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Sun Light (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar). NARS Hot Sand (PiP, $30.00) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar). MAC Oh, Darling! (P, $44.00) is darker (85% similar). Becca Opal (DC, $38.00) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). ColourPop Electric Slide (DC, $10.00) is darker (85% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Lo-Fi is described as a “soft bronze matte.” It’s a soft, medium brown with warm, orange undertones and a matte finish. It had semi-sheer coverage, and the texture of this one was firmer and thinner–a little dusty in a way–and didn’t blend out as well on the skin as the Afterglow formula typically does. This shade wore well for seven and a half hours on me. KIKO 100 Cookie (P, $12.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Contour (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Zoeva ND020 (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Matte Bronze (LE, $70.00) is darker (90% similar). Viseart Bronze #1 (PiP, ) is more shimmery (90% similar). ColourPop Skinny Dip (P, $8.00) is darker (90% similar). Benefit Hoola (P, $30.00) is darker (90% similar). By Terry Tan & Flash Cruise #5 (LE, ) is darker (85% similar). Illamasqua Disobey (P, $26.00) is darker (85% similar). Flower Beauty Cinnamon (P, $9.99) is less shimmery, warmer, glossier (85% similar). Urban Decay Jawbone (LE, $26.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar). Tarte Sensual (P, $29.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Kevyn Aucoin Desert Nights (P, $48.00) is darker (85% similar). NARS Zen (P, $30.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (80% similar). MAC Hibiscus Kiss Bronzer (LE, $28.00) is darker (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Hush is described as a “medium pink with gold shimmer.” It’s a light-medium, rosy copper with warm undertones and a frosted finish. It had semi-sheer, buildable coverage with a soft, smooth, and slightly powdery texture as the powder was so soft that it kind of crumbled at the touch of a brush. It tended to sheer out a lot applied, so sustained coverage was difficult unless applied over damp foundation or with a slightly dampened brush. On me, the color lasted for eight hours. Le Metier de Beaute Whisper (P, $30.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Laura Mercier Indiscretion (P, $45.00) is warmer (90% similar). Benefit CORALista (Palette) (PiP, $29.00) is warmer (90% similar). Kevyn Aucoin Starlight (P, $44.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Sephora + Pantone Universe Marsala (LE, $25.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Becca Rose Gold (LE, $38.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Becca Fig/Opal (P, $27.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar). MAC Pearl Sunshine (LE, $22.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Too Faced Papa Don't Peach (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). Smashbox Shimmer (LE, ) is lighter (85% similar). By Terry Tropical Sunset #5 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Laura Geller Ballerina (P, $26.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar). Becca Rose Gold (P, $41.00) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). ColourPop Parasol (LE, $10.00) is warmer (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

OC is described as a “soft pink with peach shift.” It’s a light-medium, yellowed peach with warm undertones and a pink duochrome shift paired with a satiny sheen. It had semi-sheer color payoff that was buildable to medium coverage. This one will be interesting to see how readers enjoy it, as it looks like a green-leaning yellow straight on, but when it catches the light, you get the pink shift, which is lovely, but it doesn’t always look that way. It lasted for eight hours on me. It reminded me a lot of a long-ago MAC Blush, Spaced Out, which was so long ago that I don’t have a regular swatch of it. Anastasia Hard Candy (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (95% similar). Makeup Geek Mai Tai (DC, $6.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Urban Decay Fireball (DC, $19.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Urban Decay Fireball (P, $26.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). MAC Motif (P, $17.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). ColourPop Highly Waisted (P, $10.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Urban Decay x Gwen Stefani Blush Palette
Urban Decay x Gwen Stefani Blush Palette

Urban Decay x Gwen Stefani Blush Palette
Urban Decay x Gwen Stefani Blush Palette

Urban Decay x Gwen Stefani Blush Palette
Urban Decay x Gwen Stefani Blush Palette

Urban Decay x Gwen Stefani Blush Palette
Urban Decay x Gwen Stefani Blush Palette

Urban Decay x Gwen Stefani Blush Palette
Urban Decay x Gwen Stefani Blush Palette

Urban Decay x Gwen Stefani Blush Palette
Urban Decay x Gwen Stefani Blush Palette

Urban Decay x Gwen Stefani Blush Palette
Urban Decay x Gwen Stefani Blush Palette

Urban Decay x Gwen Stefani Blush Palette
Urban Decay x Gwen Stefani Blush Palette

Urban Decay Cherry Afterglow Blush
Urban Decay Cherry Afterglow Blush

Urban Decay Cherry Afterglow Blush
Urban Decay Cherry Afterglow Blush

Urban Decay Cherry Afterglow Blush
Urban Decay Cherry Afterglow Blush

Urban Decay Easy Afterglow Blush
Urban Decay Easy Afterglow Blush

Urban Decay Easy Afterglow Blush
Urban Decay Easy Afterglow Blush

Urban Decay Easy Afterglow Blush
Urban Decay Easy Afterglow Blush

Urban Decay Angel Afterglow Blush
Urban Decay Angel Afterglow Blush

Urban Decay Angel Afterglow Blush
Urban Decay Angel Afterglow Blush

Urban Decay Angel Afterglow Blush
Urban Decay Angel Afterglow Blush

Urban Decay Lo-Fi Afterglow Blush
Urban Decay Lo-Fi Afterglow Blush

Urban Decay Lo-Fi Afterglow Blush
Urban Decay Lo-Fi Afterglow Blush

Urban Decay Lo-Fi Afterglow Blush
Urban Decay Lo-Fi Afterglow Blush

Urban Decay Hush Afterglow Blush
Urban Decay Hush Afterglow Blush

Urban Decay Hush Afterglow Blush
Urban Decay Hush Afterglow Blush

Urban Decay Hush Afterglow Blush
Urban Decay Hush Afterglow Blush

Urban Decay OC Afterglow Blush
Urban Decay OC Afterglow Blush

Urban Decay OC Afterglow Blush
Urban Decay OC Afterglow Blush

Urban Decay OC Afterglow Blush
Urban Decay OC Afterglow Blush

Makeup Look
On face:
  • Guerlain Parure Gold
  • Guerlain Les Voilettes
On eyes:
  • Tarte Tartelette Tease Palette
  • Urban Decay Honey Eyeliner
On lips:
  • Urban Decay Ex-Boyfriend Lipstick

89 Comments

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Lacey Avatar

This is actually a nice range of shades, though I’d hardly say they can all be used as blushes across the board. And I definitely do not need more highlighters, which most of these would have to be. I do love Easy, though!

Olivia Avatar

These are all lovely! Except OC… That one has me a little confused but I would like to try it in person. My favorite out of these is Hush. I have Becca Rose Gold but it’s too shimmery for me to use as a blush. Since Hush is lighter, I wonder how I would use it…

Helene Avatar

I suppose the B rating is largely due to their description of the blushes as being sheer.
I must say I’m still very interested in this and having a blush that leans yellow-green in certain angles sound like so much fun. I’m not sure it will be flattering, but honestly sometimes why should one care! It does have the lovliest pink shimmer in certain angles, it will be very interesting.
Thank you Christine for reviewing these so quickly!

Katherine T. Avatar

Oh this is going to be a tough one! I have enough blushes/highlighters already but $45 for 6 Afterglow ones is a great deal, and I love how Angel is dupe for some great highlighters, including that ridiculously expensive Dior Nude Glowing I’ve been eyeing. Not sure about OC, I already have yellow undertones so a yellow green might make me look jaundiced

Claire L Avatar

I am Sooo tempted to get this even though I have bought so many cheek palettes lately! It’s perfect for my fair skin tone though and I don’t have any dupes, or that’s my excuse anyway!

Claire L Avatar

P.s. I do actually have a dupe for Easy in Ferocious from NARS Despair palette but Easy is lighter and not as pigmented, or that’s my justification, anyway lol!

Katie Avatar

OC might be a little strange, but it is what pushes this palette from “oooh, pretty!” to “must have!” I don’t have anything else like it in my collection and I really like the Afterglow formula. I think this is going to be my only buy from the Gwen collection though. Nothing else is really calling my name.

Erin Avatar

Easy is the star for me. I like mid pigment blushes that have a sheer effect to them with a touch of shimmer. It’s perfect for fair skin with Rosacea. I think I’d just get Heather Pop as it’s already on my list though. The rest of the shades are OK but a bit warm and dupeable!

Maggie Avatar

OC “looks like a green-leaning yellow.” I guess I’ll have to see in person. I don’t see the green.

This looks like a lovely palette though I’m not the biggest fan of shimmer on my cheeks. It looks better for fair skin tones.

Susan Dowman Nevling Avatar

I like the colors but only a few seem to be true blush rather than highlighters and subtle bronzers. This seemed less so when you demonstrated the colors. I guess I will have to try them on my complexion.

Quinctia Avatar

I really like this. It feels to me like a blush palette for someone who doesn’t really like blush/bright blush?

I kinda want it, but I don’t know if I can justify it, given I only wear blush a couple times a month. I might wear the highlight quite a bit, though.

Andrea Avatar

These all look great on you Christine. I’m so intrigued by OC, and totally love easy. I have no idea how these will show up on my skin (I wear Mac C8 studio fix), but I’m going to give it a try cuz I love this palette ❤️ I’m sure I can do some layering/mixing if I have to in order to make it work.

Alecto Avatar

I really don’t need any more blush, certainly don’t need a palette, but I don’t have any shadeslike these, with the possible exception of a matte blush pretty close to OC’s base yellow. I’m sold on the palette’s uniqueness (relative to me), but I’m really sold on OC. I might actually get this.

KJH Avatar

Ooh, I LIKE OC! Reminds me of an old UD l/s that was a lighter orange with slight green duo chrome. Loved it and someone swiped it… and no more Rust. OC is different in a good way. I personally like odd and offbeat. The only shade that would be my typical kind of shade is Easy, and I have 3 dupes. The palette looks as if it leans not just warm, but yellow. Love that on others, but it looks muddy on me…like Hoola, just bad and dirty. I think this is a great palette, but I doubt it would suit me at all. Rock it, ladies (and gents).

Reka Avatar

I LOVE blush palettes in general, but this one is so dissapointingly beige 🙁 I’m afraid I’d only be able to wear the two pink ones, so I’m trying to remember that I shouldn’t buy something I’ll only use 1/3 of… But Easy is beautiful and Cherry looks like such a nice high lighter!

Fran Avatar

These colors are very pretty, and I think this palette would work beautifully for fair and light complexions with warm undertones — like Gwen! Only Cherry and Easy would really look good on me with my very cool undertones, though. I can go warmer with eye and lip colors, but orange on my cheeks just does not work. Too bad, because I do think they’re pretty, and OC is really interesting. I suppose people with deep warm complexions might be able to use some of the lighter blushes for highlighters, but I’m not sure how well the whole palette would work for them.

Di Avatar

I’ve been eyeing this since you first posted the sneak peek. I’m on the darker/tanner side of white people (I wear the Naked foundation in 7), so I was worried many of these blushes would be more highlighty on me than blushes. I like the colors, since I’m super duper warm – I’m very yellow-orangey in skin tone. However, after this review I’m really considering getting this one! I don’t wear much blush since I’m really oily and shimmer tends to make it looks worse (plus so many blushes just aren’t oriented to my skin tone). but I loved the Bang afterglow blush.

Maybe this will be nice, but I’m also eyeing the Kat Von D blush duos… so I might have to wait for your review of those!

Mandy Avatar

I can’t seem to find the details on where this will be sold. I know as of right now you can get it at Sephora and the UD website but do you have any idea if it is exclusive to those store, or if eventually Macy’s will get it, or Ulta?

Linda Avatar

OC looks just like MAC’s Motif eye shadow, if they even still make that. I remember using it as a highlighter/blush back in the day 🙂

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