Say the uber-pigmented NARS Lovejoy Blush seems a little too dark and intense for you, but you still want the same two-in-one blush/bronzer effect. Never fear, Luster Blush ($27) is here!
Like Lovejoy, Luster adds color, shimmer and warmth in a single swipe, and the way that it lights up cheeks makes it a good companion for a fading summer tan.
It’s one of those shades that I overlooked for years based on the way it looks in the pan — kinda ordinary and nondescript — but I’m glad I finally gave it a swipe and a chance. When I did, I fell instantly in 
love.
A sheer golden apricot with fine golden shimmer, it’s sheerer than both Lovejoy and Orgasm, and I think that makes it even easier to blend and apply.
NARS blush swatches for comparison from the left: Luster, Lovejoy and Orgasm
Luster sure likes ladies with olive skin tones, but that’s not all. Pale pretties pining for cheeks warmed with a bronzy, peachy flush and subtle golden shimmer might want to take a closer look, as should medium and darker damsels, too, who can wear it on its own for a sheer flush, like I am in these pictures, or even as a highlighter. I think it looks great on the upper cheekbones when partnered with Lovejoy on the apples right below.
The NARS Unsung Heroes series features some of my favorite products from the NARS permanent collection
Okay, okay. I admit it: I dragged El Hub to the movies last weekend to watch Breaking Dawn, the newest installment in the Twilight series, and I (GASP!) kindasorta liked it.
I know! 🙂
I enjoyed all of the books, but I’ve been lukewarm on the movies. This one, though, was the first one I was able to sit through without getting wiggly.
There were still quite a few moments where I felt like I couldn’t roll my eyes far enough back, mostly during the first half around the big wedding scene, but overall I didn’t think it was bad.
After a while, I just started tuning out the tight shots of Bella and Edward staring lovingly into each other’s eyes… To the filmmakers, yes, we get it. They like each other. They really, really like each other.
Oh, and if your partner makes a fuss about seeing it with you, try bribing them with food. A handful of See’s Candies kept El Hub sufficiently entertained.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
The Girlie Blogger says
November 22nd, 2011 at 9:42 pmLove the color. Looks great on you.
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Rads says
November 22nd, 2011 at 9:46 pmHmmm..I think I would like Lovejoy more than Luster…I like color..it needs to show up on my darker skin 😀
Team Jacob yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy 😀 😀 Bella-Edward..not so much 😛
gio says
November 22nd, 2011 at 11:05 pmThat’s very pretty!
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Rae // theNotice says
November 23rd, 2011 at 12:02 amOoh! This looks lovely on you, Karen – very sculpted 😉
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Bun Bun Makeup Tips says
November 23rd, 2011 at 12:23 amI LOL-ed at the ‘AND PLEASE TAKE OFF YOUR SHIRT, THANKS’! I kinda like the movies, maybe because I haven’t read any of the books. I’m embarrassed to say that I’m still reading Harry Potter Globet of Fire….very……slow…..ly……
Marina (Makeup4all) says
November 23rd, 2011 at 12:55 amI am going to watch it with my younger brother’s girlfriend for her Birthday. The things I do for my family 😀
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Vonvon says
November 23rd, 2011 at 1:24 amI think this makes a great everyday blush!
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kiwikiwidragon says
November 23rd, 2011 at 6:13 amThe movies struck me as too much as well. Overkill! Loved the books, gushy romance at it’s best. Wasn’t crazy about the actors chosen for Bella and Edward.
Caitlin says
November 23rd, 2011 at 6:16 amKaren, I’ve been reading some of your older posts and I love the look of your eyes in posts like “12 ways to use evolution revolution” – how were you achieving that look and did it last for most of the day? Eyeliner always seems to be running an smudging on me after just a short time.
peach_ says
November 23rd, 2011 at 6:18 amYou’re killing me with your blush features as of late! Luster looks like it’s an easy, everyday blush. I can’t decide whether to try this or D&G Peach now. Which do you prefer?
Karen says
November 23rd, 2011 at 7:45 amBoth are really great for everyday looks; it depends on what you’re looking for. Luster has a golden shimmer so I think it pops off the cheek more. It feels more fun and casual, and it might be a better choice if you’re a shimmery lipgloss kinda girl. If you want something a little more work-friendly/dressy that still looks natural, D&G peach would probably be a better fit. It looks great with creamy lipsticks. You really can’t go wrong with either color, though.
peach_ says
November 23rd, 2011 at 4:00 pmThanks for your input and pairing suggestions, Karen! I guess they’re not really comparable in terms of color, but I’m always looking for something versatile. Your photos really help because I’m warm-toned, too. 😀
Y. says
November 23rd, 2011 at 6:36 amthank you karen!! i wawaiting for you to do a review of this blush and yu did!! thank you!! do you know what other eye looks go with this? i’ve been doing mostly neutral eye looks and ocassionally if i’m feeling brave then some blue eyeliner. what do you suggest?
Karen says
November 23rd, 2011 at 7:49 amHi Y.,
Glad you enjoyed this review. 🙂 I think because this blush is so neutral you could wear it practically anything, but I think it would especially be pretty with olive green, gold, bronze, teal, brown, and of course, neutral shadows. If you like blue liner, how about trying a teal shade? You could do a neutral wash of a golden beige or brown on the lid, then line your upper lash line with teal to add some pop.
Nina says
November 23rd, 2011 at 6:44 amLOL @ bribing the husband/boyfriend/SO with food … id have to say per my experience, that really, really, really works!
luster is pretty …. i think i want to get back into NARS blushes … 🙂
Karen says
November 23rd, 2011 at 7:40 amHee hee! What snacks are on your bribery list? I bribe El Hub with See’s, movie popcorn and candy. Health food, I know!
Nina says
November 23rd, 2011 at 10:34 amthe movie house we go to has a decent restaurant at the lobby, so i bribe him w/ a meal there, then candy and an icee for inside the moviehouse! it works like a charm!
my strategy might get expensive though … a Sundance theater is opening in town and the hubs has declared that moviehouse is where were going henceforth. i checked the menu and ouch!
Mireya says
November 23rd, 2011 at 9:41 amLuster is my all-time favorite blush, hands down. I can’t bring myself to wear anything else. I have light skin (NW20-ish) and when I apply Luster lightly on the apples of my cheeks, it looks exactly like my own natural flushed tone. It’s very, very natural looking. LOVE IT.
Melissa says
November 23rd, 2011 at 10:13 amI really like this one on you Karen. A really pretty color, and gives your cheeks a pretty glow.
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Chris25 says
November 23rd, 2011 at 10:56 amI have this and it’s really beautiful.
My presentation was yesterday night. I did okay, but most importantly, I’m still alive today. 😛
Robyn says
November 23rd, 2011 at 1:45 pmThis is one of Lauren Conrad’s favorites! I really want to try it!
piapie says
November 24th, 2011 at 4:08 pmI am with Mireya. Best blush for sure–can’t leave the house with out it on. I love it on a range of skin tones too. i love that it goes with so many different looks. Most people would never think twice about it, but don’t sleep on this blush.
Natasha Sanoy says
December 9th, 2011 at 1:37 amI’m just curious to see if you have pictures of you wearing the NARS Blush in Orgasm? I’m thinking about ordering it, but I have dark skin like yours and I’m intrigued to see if it’s ‘pinkness’ shows up on your skin? (Also, what camera do you use? Such stunning pictures!)
Sarah says
January 4th, 2013 at 6:26 pmLovely colour for your skin tone! I have just purchased this 🙂