April 5, 2012

Sephora + Pantone Universe Color of the Year Blush Duo Review & Swatches

Sephora + Pantone Universe Color of the Year Blush Duo is a lovely split design that houses not one but two blushes. This is interesting one as the shades are the same here but the finish is different.

Of course, being me, I have to nit pick everything apart. Maybe a lighter shade and a darker shade would have been nicer rather than including two of the same shades.

Yes?

Just a thought.

Here’s my word on the new Sephora + Pantone Universe Color of the Year Blush Duo.

This is a large square compact with a fully removable lid. The lid is held in place using four magnets which are located on each corner of the compact. It’s done up in a simple white design with a cloudy see through lid. The compact has some weight behind it so it feels very luxe with a modern visual edge. It won’t travel friendly so don’t bother. The lid will probably come off easily in a purse or makeup bag. I suggest using it at home to avoid crying if it breaks in your bag. Yes, I’ve been known to cry over spilled milk and broken makeup.

What’s to say about the color other than stunning? It’s a peachy tangerine that’s vibrant, loud, and gorgeous. I can honestly say there are few shades like this in my stash and I can’t easily think of a dupe of the color in my own collection or from items I don’t own. It reminds me of NARS Orgasm but it has way more peach to it sans any pink. It applies from pan to skin just as is so all that gorgeousness translates and transfers to cheeks and face beautifully and true to shade.

The formula is silky but it kicks up a fair bit of powder when you stroke a brush through. The looser texture is one reason that might be what prevents it from wearing long. It generally fades within a four hour period on my skin. Color is still intact after five to six hours but less vibrant than the original application.

Both shades apply pretty much the same the only difference being the finish. You want to apply one of the two finishes but not both since the blush is pigmented and attempting to apply one than another on top or swirling your blush in both will produce clown cheeks, it’s just too much. So choose one shade and stick to it.

Shimmer…oh baby lots of that here. The shimmer shade is packaged full of it. I was hoping for more of a refined glow but it is discoball shimmer so go lightly, go softly, watch those heavy hands during application because you will end up with a ton of sparkle on your cheeks.

Overall, the color is beautiful, the packaging is visually brilliant, and the blush formula is quite pigmented. I think the formula is gorgeous as well but it the wear time is a little iffy for me particularly since I’m used to my blush wearing for 8-10 hour periods or more. The color isn’t easy to pull off either. It’ll work great for medium fair, olive, and tanned skin but you might have to be a little careful if you’re cooler and fairer as it can be quite loud and in your face.

Needless to say, the shade is unique and Sephora did a wonderful job with it.

Truly a gorgeous piece of makeup.

Did you indulge?

Available now at Sephora and Sephora.com

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Xero

    I love it! I have no idea why, though, since I always have such a hard time wearing blush, I usually just skip it…I have way too many as is. :S

  • Bianca

    Bought it & I love it! I do agree about shimmer! I wish it didn’t have that much… I have huge pores 🙁

  • Andrea P.

    Gorgeous, but yeah I’d be wary of that amount of shimmer, too!

    I’ve always wondered, is there a reason you apply blush in that way? Is it to do with face shape?

    • Majick

      In my opinion, I would use the shimmer version if your were doing a less shimmer eye and vice versa. Or possibly using the matte version and taking a fan brush and using the shimmer version lightly, high on the cheekbone?
      Also, the Day to night thing.

      I think the shade is gorgeous but I have not indulged. i wanted to but I am not a fan of shimmer blushes – a little too aging sometimes for me.

  • Kuz

    I purchased this duo last week and am so in love with it! It gives cheeks a gorgeous coral flush that I just can’t get enough of! 🙂

    ps – It looks lovely on you Muse!

  • Biba

    Oh, my! I love colours like these on my cheeks and on yours of course too 😀

  • Andrea

    The colors are gorgeous, and I’ve almost bought it about 15 times already…but I just know that shimmer is going to be a problem…so I’ve resisted. If the non-shimmery shade was on its own, I’d have it right now.

  • Kim

    I bought it and I like it on me even though I’m fair. It gives me a “back from the beach” look even though I haven’t been to a beach in at least two years. There is a lot of shimmer in the one shade though.

  • Victoria

    I saw this at Sephora today. I absolutely loved the matte shade, but when I swatched the other side, it looked like a coral colored disco ball had shattered all over my hand!

  • Tracy

    I bought this blush and LOVE it ! If you use a light hand for the shimmer one, it can be very nice and the matte version just gives a healthy flush. Hate the packaging though, I have to be super careful when I open the lid !