• Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Makeup and Beauty Blog | Makeup Reviews, Swatches and How-To MakeupMakeup and Beauty Blog | Makeup Reviews, Swatches and How-To Makeup

A beauty blog blooming with fresh makeup reviews, swatches and beauty tips from your friendly neighborhood beauty addict

  • Home
  • About
    • About
    • Contact
    • FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
    • Advertising & Media
  • Categories
    • Product Reviews
    • Makeup
    • Skincare & Fragrance
    • Style & Fashion
    • Hair
    • Nails
    • Tips & Tutorials
    • Just for Fun
  • Brands
  • Store

NARS Unsung Heroes: Luster Blush

November 22nd, 2011 by Karen 24 Comments

nars luster blush (3)

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 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 luster blush (4)

nars luster blush (1)
NARS blush swatches for comparison from the left: Luster, Lovejoy and Orgasm

nars luster blush (2)

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
  • NARS Unsung Heroes: Luster Blush
  • NARS Unsung Heroes: Lovejoy Blush
  • NARS Unsung Heroes: Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
  • NARS Unsung Heroes: Amour Blush
  • NARS Unsung Heroes: Gothika Lipgloss
  • NARS Unsung Heroes: Dolce Vita Lipstick
  • NARS Unsung Heroes: Greek Holiday Lipgloss
  • NARS Unsung Heroes: The Kalahari Eyeshadow Duo

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

NARS Unsung Heroes: Luster Blush / Originally published November 22nd, 2011

There are 24 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Makeup, NARS, Unsung Heroes Keywords: nars, unsungheroes

Previous Post: The Wacoal 854191 Strapless Push-Up Bra: The Best Damn Strapless Bra I’ve Ever Worn
Next Post: Boots and Leaves, Vol. 3

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. The Girlie Blogger says

    November 22nd, 2011 at 9:42 pm

    Love the color. Looks great on you.

    http://www.thegirlieblog.com
    http://www.geekettegazette.com

    Reply
  2. Rads says

    November 22nd, 2011 at 9:46 pm

    Hmmm..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 😛

    Reply
  3. gio says

    November 22nd, 2011 at 11:05 pm

    That’s very pretty!
    gio recently posted … 4 Acne Myths Busted!

    Reply
  4. Rae // theNotice says

    November 23rd, 2011 at 12:02 am

    Ooh! This looks lovely on you, Karen – very sculpted 😉
    Rae // theNotice recently posted … Hair Pad Giveaway: now open to comment entries!

    Reply
  5. Bun Bun Makeup Tips says

    November 23rd, 2011 at 12:23 am

    I 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……

    Reply
  6. Marina (Makeup4all) says

    November 23rd, 2011 at 12:55 am

    I am going to watch it with my younger brother’s girlfriend for her Birthday. The things I do for my family 😀
    Marina (Makeup4all) recently posted … BECCA Cosmetics Balearic Love Collection for Winter 2011

    Reply
  7. Vonvon says

    November 23rd, 2011 at 1:24 am

    I think this makes a great everyday blush!
    Vonvon recently posted … Eyeshadow Swatches: MAC Big Bounce Shadows & Gosh Mono Eyeshadows

    Reply
  8. kiwikiwidragon says

    November 23rd, 2011 at 6:13 am

    The 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.

    Reply
  9. Caitlin says

    November 23rd, 2011 at 6:16 am

    Karen, 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.

    Reply
  10. peach_ says

    November 23rd, 2011 at 6:18 am

    You’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?

    Reply
    • Karen says

      November 23rd, 2011 at 7:45 am

      Both 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.

      Reply
      • peach_ says

        November 23rd, 2011 at 4:00 pm

        Thanks 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. 😀

        Reply
  11. Y. says

    November 23rd, 2011 at 6:36 am

    thank 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?

    Reply
    • Karen says

      November 23rd, 2011 at 7:49 am

      Hi 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.

      Reply
  12. Nina says

    November 23rd, 2011 at 6:44 am

    LOL @ 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 … 🙂

    Reply
    • Karen says

      November 23rd, 2011 at 7:40 am

      Hee hee! What snacks are on your bribery list? I bribe El Hub with See’s, movie popcorn and candy. Health food, I know!

      Reply
      • Nina says

        November 23rd, 2011 at 10:34 am

        the 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!

        Reply
  13. Mireya says

    November 23rd, 2011 at 9:41 am

    Luster 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.

    Reply
  14. Melissa says

    November 23rd, 2011 at 10:13 am

    I really like this one on you Karen. A really pretty color, and gives your cheeks a pretty glow.
    Melissa recently posted … Birchbox – September

    Reply
  15. Chris25 says

    November 23rd, 2011 at 10:56 am

    I have this and it’s really beautiful.

    My presentation was yesterday night. I did okay, but most importantly, I’m still alive today. 😛

    Reply
  16. Robyn says

    November 23rd, 2011 at 1:45 pm

    This is one of Lauren Conrad’s favorites! I really want to try it!

    Reply
  17. piapie says

    November 24th, 2011 at 4:08 pm

    I 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.

    Reply
  18. Natasha Sanoy says

    December 9th, 2011 at 1:37 am

    I’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!)

    Reply
  19. Sarah says

    January 4th, 2013 at 6:26 pm

    Lovely colour for your skin tone! I have just purchased this 🙂

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

About Makeup and Beauty Blog

Welcome to Makeup and Beauty Blog
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, which I’ve been doing daily since 2007 (!), you’ll find me hanging out with my hubby (“El Hub”), my four-year-old daughter (Connor Claire) and my torbie girl cat (Pretty Girl Rosie, a.k.a. PGR).

SHOP THE STORE


Long Live Lipstick Tee 💄



Blush Is My Crush Tee



Mascara & Kitties Tee



Thank You For Being a Friend Tee



You Hair Me Tee


Recent Posts

cat lovers pad

5 Things I’ve Been Loving Lately

cerave healing ointment

It’s a CeraVe Jamboree! CeraVe Healing Ointment Soothes Dry, Cracked Skin

yay for berets

9 Reasons to Love Berets

urban decay stay naked threesome top

Unsung Makeup Heroes: Urban Decay Stay Naked Threesome in Naked

hello monday pond ivc

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 660

Social

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Featured Posts

Lady Unicorn

Weird Things I Like to Do

brows fill out beforehand

Before You Pluck or Wax Your Brows, You Must Do This

current bare skin status

What’s One Thing That Drastically Changed Your Skin for the Better?

red brown smokey eyes tutorial top pic 2

A Glamorously Grungy Makeup Tutorial: Smoky Reddish Brown Eyes and Vampy Matte Lips [MODERATE SKILL LEVEL]

Copyright © 2020 Makeup and Beauty Blog. Get in touch.