Thursday, November 29, 2012

Bare Blush

After Orgasm, the prospect of more NARS blushes beckoned. I guess you could say I caught the blush bug, and the idea of building a mini NARS collection was suddenly very enticing, despite the high price. A part of me regretted not purchasing more NARS when I was in the US, as out of all the blushes I bought there (Benefit, Illamasqua, Tarte, Revlon), I ended up preferring NARS the most. I didn't want to buy more NARS blushes online (though I contemplated ASOS, Kiss and Makeup or StrawberryNet), so I summoned a friend to buy on my behalf on a recent trip to Hong Kong. The first shade on my list was the much hyped Douceur.






Caution: Do not eat.

l-r: NARS Douceur, Illamasqua Zygomatic, Tarte Exposed


There's not much I can say about Douceur except looovvveeee. New favourite blush, or bronzer hybrid, or whatever it is. Illamasqua Zygomatic is darker, a touch more rosy. Tarte Exposed is about the same lightness, but on me has more of a reddish tone. Douceur doesn't look like a colour I'd ever reach for in the pan, but somehow on the skin it transforms into a really natural, soft, sculpting and warming shade. It's not brown enough and doesn't have any orange in it like a conventional bronzer, but it's not exactly a shade that you'd concentrate on the apples of your cheeks only to lift the complexion. I've been using this in an attempt to add some depth and structure to my plump face, patting the blush down my non-existent cheekbones with a Real Techniques Multi-Task Brush or Ecotools blush brush. It's not super pigmented, but I actually prefer that it's relatively sheer as it makes it easier and more foolproof to apply.

Douceur fills the hole in my blush collection for a more brown-toned, slightly pink nude that adds definition, warmth and a subtle glow to the face, though admittedly Zygomatic is similar enough that you probably don't need both. I'd still pair Douceur with a pink or peach blush on the apples of my cheeks if I wanted more colour, but for days when I want to keep the face mostly neutral, it's perfect on its own.

61 comments:

  1. I love natural looking blush so this looks just perfect!

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  2. Ooh really natural :)
    I think it'd highlight your features really well.

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  3. Beauuuuuutiful! I can tell you're passionate about this one! Nice to know you've gotten sucked into the NARS cult :p I'm going to go to Mecca/Myer tomorrow and get either NARS Orgasm or Illamasqua Hussy/Lover. I totally understand why sculpting blushes work for some people but I don't think I'm up for that sort of skill yet lol.

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    1. LOL NARS cult. I can't afford to be sucked into that one :p I think I'm done with NARS (and makeup in general) for now. Like, really done! No more makeup! For as long as I can summon the willpower, which I'm sure will be, like, 3 days. I've found success in gently and lighting patting on blush, it seems to give me more precision and a better effect overall. Looking forward to your post on which one you pick! First luxe blush buy - very exciting :D

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  4. This looks beautiful! I think I may need to add this one to my blush collection x

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  5. It's gorgeousssss. I have Tarte's Exposed on it's way over to me... Now I'm undecided about whether I should have picked up NARS Douceur instead! Let's hope it lives up to my expectations :P xx

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    1. Tarte is still beautiful, it has a bit more colour so it's a little more easygoing as a blush, whereas Douceur is mainly for a neutral/soft sculpting look and a hint of brownish pink. I find the two really similar in terms of pigmentation and texture, they're both not overly pigmented when you try to swatch them on the arm, but work well with a brush applied to the cheeks. And both give a subtly glowing effect to the complexion :)

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  6. Very lovely colour for the cheeks, your taste in makeup is amazing, flawless! : ) xx

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  7. Oh this colour is gorge, not too pink so good for day wear. FLAWLESS x

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  8. Why, why do you post such things? I want everything you post hehe :) Looks a bit more warm than Exposed though so I should stick to not buying it,somehow.

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  9. such a lovely natural looking blush that is perfect for everyday wear! i absolutely love it!

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  10. This would looks so natural as a lighthanded contour :D Bravo! I use MAC's Careblend Powder in Dark as a contour but hey, this baby looks gorgeous! Come to HK soon! BENEFIT is the newest thing here! and not at an outrageous price hehe! x

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    1. I'd love to go back and visit HK, haven't been in 10 years! Eeek. I did go a little crazy with Benefit while I was in the US because of how much cheaper it was there compared to Australia hehe :)

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  11. Interesting...I like the idea of a natural blush but I think this would be better for a nose contour than blush for me. Out of the three, I'd definitely use expose on my cheeks, the others are too light brown for me. I'm more keen on using darkly pigmented blushes lightly! I see how this would be the slightest bit of definition but I wouldn't be satisfied with this shade x.x

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  12. Such delicate colours, gorgeous! I love your caution comment hehe, xoxo.

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  13. I really like soft the colour looks on you. I haven't mastered how to put blush on properly yet, so this one is right up my alley! Sometime I find that the sheerer and creamier the shade, the more alive I look. The pink and reddish colour, although great to look at when packaged, actually end up making me look like I've got a MASSIVE rash on my face. LOL or maybe I reallllyyyy haven't learnt how to use blush properly!

    I saw the 2 for $20 sale at Chemist Warehouse for Avene's Thermal Spring Water. I was so excited, you have no idea! That's cheaper than me buying it from HK. So glad I found someone who loves it as much as I do. Most people think I'm nuts for buying water in a can!

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    1. I know exactly what you mean, I find it REALLY tricky to apply blush successfully. It takes a lot of experimentation and practice. I try to steer away from more coral shades that have a lot of red in them - I don't really wear full coverage foundation so after foundation my face still has a bit of redness to it, and I find it really clashes with any red-toned blushes, even ones that are a darker pink make me look sunburnt. I think patting on blush (as opposed to brushing it on and swirling) is a bit better, and if you've overdone things, you can always go back with your stippling or buffing brush and soften the edges, or even just cancel out some of the pigmentation of the blush by going over the area with your brush (which may have some remnant foundation as well).

      I'm addicted to that stupid water in can, it's a huge ripoff but I don't care :p So soothing and I can feel with summer coming up, it's going to be very useful!

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  14. Ive heard so much about this blush call organism by nars lol but I never tried any of their brushes before :( Their prices scares me. But I like the color you picked out. It does look like a hybrid of a blush and a bronzer.

    nyuu | lolitium.net

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  15. This looks so effortless. I have 3 nars blushes on the way to me for christmas, I just can't wait to try them out :)
    x

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  16. Hello hun, thanks for commenting on my blog.
    I'm your newest member. Follow back please?:)
    toothfairygardy.blogspot.gr

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  17. Doucer sounds lovely. This blush actually hasn't caught my attention before, but after seeing this, I need to try it out! Thanks for sharing! :) x

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  18. One of my favourites from NARS. Thanks for the comparison swatches, I definitely need to get Zygomatic after seeing those!

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  19. Oh wow, this is absolutely stunning on your cheek! This is also next on my Nars blush list. I recent bought Deep Throat, but I kind f wish that I had gotten this one first...i feel like I would have gotten more use out of it.

    xo Courtney

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  20. I didn't even think that this shade would look nice as a blush colour. It's always been a shade that i have overlooked since there are so many nice pretty pinks and corals in the NARS blush range :) I too love the shade 'orgasm' its so pretty. I like how this colour is really subtle :) This will be perfect for me since i am a student nurse and discrete make-up should be worn. Thanks for the recommendation! and hopefully i will get this for christmas. I love NARS <3 xxx

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    1. Yes, this blush is very work appropriate! It looks really polished and subtle but effective :) I know what you mean about it not looking too attractive in the pan, especially compared to prettier pinks and peaches that are instantly more eye-catching. But it is all about how it looks applied. I am loving NARS too, but their products are just so pricey (but worth it!) :)

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  21. So beautiful! Has a very delicate and natural look. I wish I had all the money in the world to build up a NARS collection!

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  22. LOVE the blush! I love how natural it looks while still giving you a nice flush.

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  23. Oh, this looks nice on you! I am not sure such light colour will suit me though. haha. But I understand how you feel. My NARS blush just grew by two more upon just one visit to the NARS counter.

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  24. This blush is a keeper. It's gorgeous! it looks great in the pan and it looks great on your skintone ^___^

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  25. This is such a gorgeous blush! I have been lusting over it for a while, but I'm afraid it doesn't do well with dark skin tones, it just doesn't show up at all :(


    Black and Vanilla
    xx

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  26. I've never tried NARS before but I'm very tempted to buy myself a little bday gift lol! I really like the Taj Mahal blush, it's an orange blush but I think it';; suit my medium skin tone:)

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  27. What a pretty neutral color! I've been thinking of diving into NARS blushes but I haven't taken the plunge yet! You're swaying me :)

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  28. It´s a beauty. A new adittion on my wishlist! Thanks for the info!

    First giveaway on my blog, Would you like to enter?

    http://mymakeupcompulsion.blogspot.com.es/

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  29. wow this is interesting!! it looks really pale on the pan, but it looks sculpting on your cheeks!!
    I also sometimes prefer sheer blush so I dont have to worry much on the application..
    I really regret the fact that I didnt even visit NARS Counter when I was in London.. Now the only option I have is online which I am not really keen of, esp with germany's(extremely)strict custom + tax T__T
    I am visiting singapore in february, and I hope that NARS is available there..*fingercrossed*

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    1. Awww, there's no NARS in Germany? That sucks :( I am not really keen on online shopping either, it's something I do only if I have no other choice or the saving discount is so significant that I'd be stupid not to buy it online. I'm sure NARS will be plentiful in Singapore - how exciting! :)

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  30. It's so sweet and subtle! Very pretty! :-)

    ~ Yun

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  31. This seems gorgeous. I have Exposed but I could still justify the purchase because this is less pink xx

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  32. I realized with my NARS blushes that the color comes out more intense, once applicated. I fell in love with them just like you & try to build up a collection :) i am eyeing super orgasm & new order right now :D
    Doceur is a pretty color, but for me too nude

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  33. Wow this is a gorgeous shade, I've always worried about this shades suiting my skintone which has put me off Laguna for so long, but are very tempted to try this out :)

    Charlee
    http://charmedcharlee.blogspot.co.uk
    xxxx

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  34. Its really awsome, it's clear why is your new favorite blush <3
    I would love to try soon Nars blushes maybe Desire, is so pinky hehehe
    husg!!

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  35. Douceur looks gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous on you! I just loooooove it in your picture alone. I don't think it would work on me, though, since I'm a bit too dark for it to show up (most likely). LOL at "Do not eat."

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  36. I really wanna try some NARS blushes!!

    chochalistas.blogspot.com

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  37. This is an absolutely gorgeous every day blush. I have Luster and Sin on my Christmas list but I may need to add this one as well.

    Amy, xo

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  38. so pretty!!! I'm loving the shade ^_~

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  39. Ah i'm so glad you reviewed this, this has been on my list for so long!! it looks so perfect <3

    à la foliee

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  40. I really like it! It's the perfect shade of muted peach.

    -Lisa
    The Lovely Memoir

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  41. sighhhh i think i have to stop coming to your blog now because you sort of make me use money ;) LOL, but i must say great minds do think alike because recently i was so sick and tired of my pinks and peaches, I mean thats all i wear and then when i'm like watching korean dramas or whatever everyone seems to have these natural flushed cheeks and i've been wondering what they were using. Lo and behold, you had to do a post with three!!! of those amazing blushes. if you were to buy them in order how would you buy them. i'm thinking just buying the nars and illamasqua because i'm such a sucker for illamasqua blushes- OMG they are sooo soft :) lemme know your thoughts. is the nars one really your all time favvv??!!!!

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    1. Lol sorry to tempt you with my addict behaviours :p Illamasqua blushes are a bit too pigmented for me, then again, I've only bought one (Naked Rose). I find it really hard to work with because the colour is so strong, even though it's not like a shocking pink or anything. I like Benefit Hervana lot, but I don't think it has the lasting power of NARS. Tarte Exposed gets a bit neglected, which is a pity - it is really lovely and perfect for everyday wear. And I love Zygomatic too, but it's a cream blush so it's a bit messier and apply. I prefer powders in the mornings. Zygomatic is nice on the weekends for more low maintenance makeup. I love NARS because of their shades (they're genuinely flattering on the skin, despite how they might look in the pan), the texture and pigmentation make it relatively easy and foolproof to apply, and the lasting power is out of this world.

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  42. I love your blog ^^ I base so many of my beauty purchases on awesome reviews by bloggers like you! I find it especially helpful if the blogger is asian x)
    I ordered Tarte's exposed online recently and i'm really excited to use it, especially after seeing this swatch.

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    1. Thank you so much :) Glad you find my blog in any shape or form even remotely helpful. Though I don't know if I should be happy I am encouraging you to empty your wallet :p But at least it's in exchange for lovely products! Exposed is lovely, a really nice everyday blush :)

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  43. wow, this blush is so sheer and really gorgeous! but i guess you can pack it on. it's so nice that it suits you so well though, feels like you suit any type of blush shade, so lucky! :P i know this shade will not suit me at all, my skin complexion is so hard to please. hehe. thanks for the review hun. :)

    I would like to invite you to my giveaway:
    $500 FIRMOO GIVEAWAY!
    (sunglasses & prescription glasses)


    hope you have a fab day gorgeous! ~ XO

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  44. What an amazing shade! I haven't tried any NARS blushes myself as I can never justify spending so much money on one. This is a gorgeous blush shade that matches beautifully on your skin, love it! It does look similar to the Zygomatic when it is on the skin though... but it never hurts to have more blushes to play around with, right? ;)

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  45. This shade is gorgeous, and looks lovely on you!! Nars is fast becoming my favourite brand right now!


    xoxo

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  46. Weel sweetie, no doubt this blush is so Douceur much soft than Zygomatic, but it´s neutral i thinks looks like a little soft bronzer, an may be you can use like contouring your face because it´s absolutely soft.

    Xoxo

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  47. Nice post! I like the middle one (zygomatic) the most.

    x

    http://candylovecity.blogspot.com

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  48. OMG I absolutely adore this blush. I bought it a few weeks ago and it's quickly become a favorite of mine too! xo

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  49. This looks lovely! Such a nice colour on you! And love the caution! haha :)
    Aimée X
    dress-it-up-6.blogspot.co.uk

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