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Adventures in Drugstore Makeup: NYX Blush Dupes for Two Icons from MAC and NARS

June 22nd, 2010 by Karen 59 Comments

nyx powder blush review

Bargain hunting, blush loving NYX fans, lend me your ears (and cheeks!). Now, for the mere price of two scoops of fancy shmancy gelato, you can dupe (nearly) two more iconic blushes from MAC and NARS.

Meet Red and Pinched, the new summer additions to the NYX Powder Blush line ($6 each).

Pinched, a shimmery golden peachy pink, reminds me of a slightly pinker version of NARS Orgasm, while matte Red could pass for a clone of MAC Frankly Scarlet.

The newcomers are like summer salsa, spicing up NYX’s already wide range of blushes with a price point bound to make beauty bargainistas wanna dance!


This also makes me wanna dance…

The NYX Powder blushes have been around for a while and have gotten mad love on review sites like Makeup Alley. I can see why. Red and Pinched both feel soft to the touch but pack more pigmentation than I expected from them.

Oh, if you’re particular about texture, this may be something to keep in mind:

nyx powder blush review
NYX Pinched

nyx powder blush review
NYX Red

nyx blush review
NYX Pinched (left), NARS Orgasm (right)

nyx blush review
NYX Red (left), MAC Frankly Scarlet (right)

nyx blush review
Swatches from left on NC35 skin: NYX Pinched, NARS Orgasm, NYX Red, MAC Frankly Scarlet

nyx powder blush review
Swatches from left on NW20 skin: NYX Pinched, NYX Red

I don’t think they’re as finely milled as their pricier counterparts… It’s not a huge deal to me, but when I apply them to my cheeks, I can see the powder sitting on top of the skin. Considering the price, though, I wouldn’t call it a deal breaker. Maybe just something to keep in mind.

As for staying power, that’s where I’d love to see these blushes improve. Pinched and Red have a tougher time staying put on my combination dry/oil skin than their cousins at MAC and NARS, and I find myself having to reapply a little more often with these (about every four hours).

But that price tag makes up for a lot. Dupes like these don’t come along every day, ya know? Available at drugstores and nyxcosmetics.com. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: B+

You might like NYX Powder Blushes if…

  • You’re a self-proclaimed beauty bargainista
  • You’ve been looking for a lookalike for NARS Orgasm and/or MAC Frankly Scarlet
  • You don’t mind having to reapply often throughout the day
  • You’re more concerned with color than texture

Drop Dead Diva!

Okay, if you’re not yet on the Drop Dead Diva train, climb aboard, ASAP! It’s so funny and fresh, kind hearted and interesting (but never preachy); plus, any show that cuts to a dance montage starring Paula Abdul in a jewel-encrusted judge’s robe (and make it look legit) is alright by me!

If you’re already a fan, can I please take a second to gush about Tony in the latest ep? Don’t Tony and Jane have the best chemistry?

I actually “Whooped!” out loud and ran a victory lap around the living room when their cross-examination ended with… Oh, you know what happened. 🙂

Anywho, how’s Tuesday coming along? Quite nicely, I hope. I’m about to have a late lunch and go for a quick walk outside to get my vitamin D on. What have you been up to today?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Adventures in Drugstore Makeup: NYX Blush Dupes for Two Icons from MAC and NARS / Originally published June 22nd, 2010

Categories: Drugstore Beauty Finds, Makeup, Product Reviews Keywords: bargain, mac, nars, nyx

Previous Post: T3 Elevate Heat-Seeking Iron Volumizer: A Haiku Review
Next Post: Bobbi Brown Denim & Rose Fall 2010

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. lexi says

    June 22nd, 2010 at 3:49 pm

    I haven’t watched Drop Dead Diva but if I did it would be for my love of Margaret Cho – is she still on that show?

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 22nd, 2010 at 3:51 pm

      Yes she is, and she’s FABULOUS. I love her!

      Reply
  2. Amanda says

    June 22nd, 2010 at 3:53 pm

    OmGosh, that newsies clip to Bad Romance is SO FUNNY. I loved newsies *so much* back in the day-I remember seeing it in the theater. I think I may have even seen it on the big screen more than once, LOL. awesome.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 22nd, 2010 at 3:58 pm

      Didn’t that make your day? I’ve watched it about 20 times already!

      Reply
  3. ines + cha cha says

    June 22nd, 2010 at 3:59 pm

    pinched just looks like… a blush version of MAC nymphette LG!

    the warm pink with gold sparkles… too bad canada (montreal anyway) doesn’t have NYX, or i’d check them out for sure.

    <3 the blog as always, karen!
    .-= ines + cha cha's last blog post… Le Look Du Jour – Exotic Orchid =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 22nd, 2010 at 9:06 pm

      Hi Ines,

      How are you, girl? Hope things on your end are well!

      Reply
    • Rayanna says

      June 25th, 2010 at 6:53 pm

      I’m from Canada and I just bought Pinched off of http://www.cherryculture.com.

      Reply
  4. Camille says

    June 22nd, 2010 at 4:03 pm

    Hi Karen! I was wondering which NYX blush (if there is one) do you think would be a good dupe for Mac’s Blush Baby??

    Btw, I just started watching DDD and I think I want her to get with Grayson since they were soul mates in her former life..But then sometimes I like her with Tony..Oh well…

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 22nd, 2010 at 9:05 pm

      Hi Camille,

      I’m pretty new to the NYX blush line, so I’m not sure yet, but if I find a dupe I’ll most certainly let you know.

      Can anybody else weigh in on this?

      Reply
    • Katie says

      July 6th, 2010 at 2:12 pm

      Maybe Dusty Rose?

      Reply
  5. Hyzenthlay says

    June 22nd, 2010 at 4:24 pm

    I definitely like Jane with Tony . . . Grayson is losing my favor for dating Kim, UGH! And I totally love that video. I want to know how the person who came up with it actually came up with it!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 22nd, 2010 at 9:05 pm

      Hi Hyzenthlay,

      I like to think Grayson dated her after a bout of temporary insanity!

      What do you think is going on with Fred? Isn’t it odd how they kept putting him on and taking him off?

      Reply
      • Hyzenthlay says

        June 23rd, 2010 at 6:18 pm

        Yes, it’s definitely strange what they’re doing with Fred . . . I wonder why they’ve done that with his character. I hope they make an explanation!

        Reply
  6. Krystle says

    June 22nd, 2010 at 4:44 pm

    I want that Pinched shade, it’s gorgeous! Karen, have you tried NYX’s blush in Terra Cotta? It’s an exact dupe for MAC’s Sunbasque, I’ve heard it’s a dupe for margin but I find it to be a dead on dupe for Sunbasque instead. Oh and I love Drop Dead Diva!
    .-= Krystle’s last blog post… Barbie inspired FOTN =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 22nd, 2010 at 9:05 pm

      Hi Krystle,

      I haven’t tried Terra Cotta! That’s good to know that it’s a dupe for Sunbasque, aka one of my favorite MAC blushes. 🙂

      Have you been watching DDD for a while? What do you think of Fred’s character? For a while there I wasn’t sure if he was staying or going!

      Reply
  7. Tiffany says

    June 22nd, 2010 at 5:13 pm

    Ooooh, I want both these shades! Too bad I can never find this brand in a store 🙁

    Happy Tuesday! My day consisted of work, shopping with the hubs for luggage (so thrilling) and then dinner out 🙂

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 22nd, 2010 at 9:05 pm

      Hi Tiffany,

      It seems to be pretty hit or miss around these parts, too. I’ve seen them at certain CVS stores, but not at others.

      Believe it or not, I get great joy out of luggage shopping. I actually bought a new piece of carryon luggage last year before going to Hawaii and I loooooove it. It’s by Samsonite and it’s frickin’ fantastic. The wheels turn 360 degrees and the luggage body is expandable. Ahh, good times.

      Reply
  8. Nina says

    June 22nd, 2010 at 5:49 pm

    Oh my goodness – ive not jumped on the NYX blush bandwagon (I have and adore their eyeshadows and jumbo eyepencils though) … ill probably pick a couple up when I do my grocery shopping this weekend… So pretty! 🙂

    I love that Bad Romance clip adn I hope to watch DDD soon too!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 22nd, 2010 at 9:04 pm

      Hi Nina,

      Hopefully when you go searching for these blushes you’ll find the new Jumbo Eye Pencils, too. 😀

      Reply
      • Nina says

        June 23rd, 2010 at 5:08 am

        I hope so too. Im so tempted to order `em online already LOL … I honestly get OCD about stuff like this which makes the Hubs shake his head! 😛

        Reply
      • Karen says

        June 23rd, 2010 at 8:37 am

        GURL. Better it’s a drugstore pencil rather than a $400 pair of shoes! Well, at least that’s my justification!

        Reply
        • Nina says

          June 23rd, 2010 at 10:10 am

          I so agree with you! I tell him that all the time too.

          Speaking of shoes, I did find my pair of brown wedges at DSW over the weekend. Its a Kenneth Cole pair called Cabin Days and I got it in the most luscious tan shade ever … its pretty comfy as well, and did not cost $400. They were a tad under 40 bucks with my DSW birthday coupon! Witwoo!

          Reply
  9. Elle says

    June 22nd, 2010 at 6:09 pm

    Umm…that clip MADE my day, Karen. Gotta love C-Bale gettin’ his Gaga on. 🙂

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 22nd, 2010 at 9:04 pm

      Hi Elle,

      Seriously, whoever cooked that shizz up deserves an award! I’ve watched it a billion times today and it still makes me laugh!

      Reply
  10. amy says

    June 22nd, 2010 at 6:47 pm

    Red looks oh so gorgeous, I would love to try a red red blush sometime.
    .-= amy’s last blog post… A Rosy Romantic Evening with Pacifica Egyptian Rose Bergamot Perfume Spray =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 22nd, 2010 at 9:04 pm

      Hi Amy,

      Do it! Do it! 🙂

      Reply
  11. Michelle (LipstickRules) says

    June 22nd, 2010 at 6:57 pm

    Thanks for this Karen! I don’t have many red blushes — might dive in with this one..Now it’s just a matter of finding it at a store near me (NYX is hard to find in my part of Toronto)
    .-= Michelle (LipstickRules)’s last blog post… MAC Sneak Peek: Dare to Wear ‘So Bad’ Lipglass and Alice & Olivia ‘Partylicious’ Pigment =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 22nd, 2010 at 9:04 pm

      Hi Michelle,

      Oh, you need at least one red blush in your stash, fo’ sho’. Do you own a good fan brush? I find it helps make application of brights like Red easier.

      Reply
  12. mill says

    June 22nd, 2010 at 7:00 pm

    wow those are serious dupes!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 22nd, 2010 at 9:03 pm

      Hi Mill,

      Right? Gotta love that they’re just $6.

      Reply
  13. Paris B says

    June 22nd, 2010 at 7:12 pm

    I love NYX blushes – I find that if you buff it in a little, the powder doesn’t sit on the skin so much 🙂 Great choice of colours and quality for the price we pay! I saw the pilot ep of Drop Dead Diva and I’m loving it! Can’t wait till it gets here to where I am
    .-= Paris B’s last blog post… Fenling Fenling Quite Contrary : How does it stack up to Ecotools? =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 22nd, 2010 at 9:03 pm

      Hi Paris B,

      Thanks for the tip regarding buffing. I’ll give that a try. 🙂

      Reply
  14. marisol says

    June 22nd, 2010 at 7:48 pm

    I’ve heard people talk about this show but haven’t seen it. Will have to check if it’s on Hulu.

    I’ve been wanting to try NYX blushes but I can’t seem to find them. I may have to order them online before I go back on my no buy.
    .-= marisol’s last blog post… Haulidays. . . =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 22nd, 2010 at 9:03 pm

      Hi Marisol,

      They had the entire season on Hulu a few weeks ago. I’m not sure if it’s still on there, but you can find it online. If you’re in the mood for something light and fluffy, you might like it.

      Wait… you’re going to go back on the no buy? I thought the embargo was permanently lifted. Nooo!

      Reply
  15. vixen says

    June 22nd, 2010 at 8:03 pm

    I was JUST looking at pinched on the website this morning thinking it was a really pretty colour.. I love Pinky and Natural. Pinky is a very convincing natural flush and natural is a really toned-down neutral blush for heavy eyes/lips.

    I’ll probably love Pinched- i have Springsheen which is pretty similar to Orgasm but find that it’s not pink enough for me lol. This would be perfect!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 22nd, 2010 at 9:03 pm

      Hi Vixen,

      If you’re longing for more pink then you’ll love this shade. Hooray for budget blushes that fit just right! 🙂

      Reply
  16. Molly says

    June 22nd, 2010 at 10:46 pm

    And you just made mine! TWICE!!!! Pinched HERE I COME!
    I’m so excited you liked it so much. I kind of exploded in glee the first time I saw it, and now every time I hear Bad Romance I see Christian Bale dancing around in tweed. It’s glorious!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 23rd, 2010 at 8:44 am

      Hi Molly,

      I’ve watched it so many times in the last 24 hours that I now know the choreography, HA HA HA! Thanks again for sharing it… if you find any other funny vids please send ’em my way. I’m easily amused like that.

      Reply
  17. vixen says

    June 22nd, 2010 at 11:12 pm

    haha I’m such a fan of yours that my eyes totally went O.o when I saw your reply 🙂 tried to find reviews on people who have used it but yours was the only one so far

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 23rd, 2010 at 8:43 am

      Hi Vixen,

      You’re too cute! 🙂

      Well, I hope you like the color. If you have trubs with the powder “sitting” on top of the skin, perhaps try buffing it in with a kabuki brush.

      Happy Wednesday!

      Reply
  18. Agnes says

    June 23rd, 2010 at 12:21 am

    pinched is gorgeousss!! i wished i knew of their new colours earlier so i couldve picked it up along with the other items i got from my cherry culture haul! ive been trying to hold back from visting that site again for awhile because last time i checked.. they had nyx jumbo pencil in milk back to stock and a couple of other products that were out before!! BUTTT.. i need to control myself 🙁
    .-= Agnes’s last blog post… My Cherry Culture Haul !! =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 23rd, 2010 at 8:43 am

      Hi Agnes,

      Makeup self control is highly overrated! Just give in. 😉

      Reply
  19. Kristin says

    June 23rd, 2010 at 2:53 am

    Oh I want NYX pinched:) Looks very sweet:)
    .-= Kristin’s last blog post… Pakke i posten- Strawberrynet =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 23rd, 2010 at 8:43 am

      Hi Kristin,

      It *is* a sweet color. Might be good for casual weekend looks, yes?

      Reply
  20. rachel says

    June 23rd, 2010 at 8:00 am

    ahhh newsies!! i’m in love, my favorite movie of all time

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 23rd, 2010 at 8:43 am

      Hi Rachel,

      Ya know, I only recently realized how many people LOVE that film. Apparently it’s a cult classic!?

      Reply
      • rachel says

        June 23rd, 2010 at 1:29 pm

        Karen, if you haven’t seen it you MUST! Christian Bale & David Moscow at their finest!

        Reply
  21. knownever says

    June 23rd, 2010 at 8:33 am

    Pinched does look like a really nice dupe of Orgasm. I’ve never tried NYX blushes but I have some oftheir shadows and I agree with you about the formula. It’s fine for playing around or neutral base type eye shades to incorporate in with other brands, but stand alone they look too powdery. I think the texture might be hit or miss from one shade to the next on all nyx’s powerder products
    .-= knownever’s last blog post… MAC 101: Painterly Paint Pot =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 23rd, 2010 at 8:42 am

      Hi Knownever,

      Yeah, I hear ya. Have you tried any of their lip products?

      Reply
  22. Jane says

    June 23rd, 2010 at 11:44 am

    OMG..I just ordred NYX blush in Terracotta and Pinched last week..I am soo glad its similar to NARS Orgasm..Woot ! Can’t wait for my order to come home 🙂

    Reply
  23. Paperlamps says

    June 24th, 2010 at 7:00 pm

    I love NYX blushes!! Peach is my fave =D … Karen! I swear you are the most HIGHlarious blogger I read. That video made me weak. /goodjob!

    Reply
  24. Minttu says

    June 25th, 2010 at 4:47 am

    HI!
    I am kind of blush addict:).I live in Finland,no nyx,mac,stila,milani,UD,many others here. Now I am looking for a red blush,I have light skin,dark hair&eyes,a berry colour and “a natural glow” blush and something sheen,like you are not wearing a blush,just glowing..Difficult!
    Hope you have some suggestions and maybe some online store advice.
    I am also obbessed about Macs Natural skinfinish,can`t find it anywear.Any product even close to it? Other msfs are just blushes or highlighters,not all over the face? Any favourites?
    Best Wishes,
    Minttu

    Reply
  25. Kam says

    July 1st, 2010 at 2:53 pm

    Hi Karen! Is NYX Red a dupe for Nars Exhibit A?
    .-= Kam’s last blog post… Make it work- =-.

    Reply
  26. Bernice says

    July 15th, 2010 at 5:38 pm

    Great post !

    Reply
  27. Vivian says

    July 28th, 2010 at 5:41 am

    Hi. Where did you find that PB24 Nyx blush? Everywhere I look it’s a type of brown, not red. And I really WANT IT!!!

    Reply
  28. Janice Silva says

    April 11th, 2012 at 6:04 pm

    Hi, dear!
    Do you know wich Nars or MAC blush powder the Nyx Dusty Rose is a good dupe for?
    TKS.

    Reply
  29. kerry price-haywood says

    October 4th, 2015 at 8:54 am

    Hello Karen! I totally appreciate your reviews and thoughts on all things beautiful! Todays query is ..Any ideas on using mac well behaved shadow…I need ideas to make it work on my eyes..Oh and Im now obsessed with mac waterweight foundation…tried it?

    Reply

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Hi there! I’m Karen, your friendly neighborhood beauty addict, and I’m a Bay Area girl who hoards brown eyeshadow and covets coral lipstick. Every morning, I wake up and say, “I’m going to do something other than a smoky eye today.” Then…I end up doing a smoky eye anyway (most days). When I’m not putting on makeup, taking pictures of makeup or writing about makeup, you’ll find me hanging out with my hubby (“El Hub”), my two-year-old daughter (Connor Claire) and my cat (Tabs).

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