Natural-Looking Dimension.

NARS –

Contour Blush

“A duo of contouring blush shades to create natural-looking dimension for the face with a lightweight luminous finish. A deeper shade enhances definition while a lighter shade illuminates the high points of the face.” 

– NARS

NARS Paloma Contour Blush (£30) features a highlight and contour shade, and they’re designed to add “natural-looking dimension for the face with a lightweight luminous finish.”  It’s more of a medium, neutral-toned set of shades, relative to the other two duos available (Olympia, which is lighter and Gienah which is darker), though I think the textures and finishes will make each duo more versatile and work for multiple skin tones. The finish is far closer to matte than luminous or satin for both shades, and depending on your skin tone and skin type, the more matte highlighter might not read very illuminating on the skin. The contrast on my skin tone did seem to give a slight illuminating effect without the shimmer or sheen, though. The powders lasted for eight hours on my skin before beginning to fade. The Highlight shade is neutral-to-cool toned, light beige with a matte finish. It had good colour payoff, while the texture was soft, finely milled, and not too powdery.

The Contour shade is a medium-dark, neutral-to-warm-toned brown with a satin finish. Its pigmentation builds and its very natural, which is what I like, however if you prefer a strong contour then you can build it up in no time. The texture too was soft, finely milled, and not too powdery.

Overall I really love this little duo. You may have to use a few layers, depending on how deeply cut you want your contour, because these powders are on the sheer side — which isn’t a bad thing, mind you. I actually think it’s pretty genius. It makes them easy to control and virtually goof-proof. In my experience, it’s much easier (and even quicker) to build up sheer layers of contour colour, as opposed to starting with something darker and trying to buff it down.  Buuuut, even if you do happen to over-apply one of these Contour Blushes — no worries, the buttery formula is easy to blend out.

This duo is just perfect!