Mac Blush Collection 2014 Review: Swatches and Must-Haves

This review dives deep into MAC's 2014 blush collection, offering detailed insights and swatches of fifteen shades. From sheer, buildable options perfect for a natural flush to more intensely pigmented choices for a bolder statement, this comprehensive guide covers a wide range of finishes and colors. Each blush is meticulously examined, highlighting its unique pigmentation, finish (matte, satin, shimmer), and suitability for various skin tones. We explore the pros and cons of each shade, providing helpful comparisons and recommendations to assist you in finding your perfect match.Expect honest assessments, alongside personal experiences and opinions, helping you navigate the vast selection. This review aims to cut through the hype and deliver practical advice, focusing on wearability and versatility. Whether you prefer a subtle glow or a dramatic pop of color, discover which MAC blushes are true must-haves and which ones might be best skipped, saving you time and money in your quest for the perfect blush.

Pros And Cons

Read more: Smashbox L.A. Lights Blush: 5 Must-Have Shades

Well Dressed: A Sheer Satin Finish

Well Dressed is a well-known blush, and while its satin finish is lovely, its sheer pigmentation is a major drawback. It barely shows up on my skin tone, requiring multiple layers for noticeable color. This makes it impractical unless you have very fair skin and want a subtle flush.

I wouldn't repurchase it. The hype surrounding it on YouTube led me to buy it, but realistically, the payoff isn't worth the effort for most skin tones. It’s a pretty shade, but the sheerness makes it less versatile, especially during the summer months.

Dame: A More Pigmented Pink

Dame is a significant improvement over Well Dressed. It's a blue-toned pink with a satin finish, but far more pigmented. The color is richer and more easily noticeable, making it a much more practical blush for everyday use.

I prefer Dame for its versatility. It works better for a variety of skin tones and looks particularly good in fall and winter. The subtle sheen adds a touch of luminosity without being overly shimmery.

Gentle: A Shimmery Blue-Based Pink

Gentle is a MAC Mineralized blush, a blue-based pink with a subtle shimmer. While pretty, the shimmer isn’t my preference for blushes. It’s similar to Dame, but a bit more sheer and pink, less mauve.

I’d likely skip this one if repurchasing. While it’s a lovely shade, I don't gravitate toward shimmery blushes as much anymore. For a blue-based pink, I’d choose Dame.

Blushbaby: A Buildable Mauve Nude

Blushbaby is a sheer, matte mauve nude. It's buildable, allowing for flexible pigmentation, and very easy to wear, even for fair skin tones. The muted color makes it an excellent choice for everyday wear or when pairing it with bolder lip colors.

Its versatility is a huge plus. The subtle, natural look makes it perfect for year-round use, regardless of season or other makeup choices. It is my go-to when I want a simple, yet polished look.

Tenderling: A Sheer Peachy Nude

Tenderling is a sheer blush that, despite its initially underwhelming appearance, looks surprisingly good on the skin. Its peachy nude shade is ideal for achieving a natural, sun-kissed look.

I've been loving sheer blushes this summer. Tenderling is especially easy to work with, allowing for buildable color without appearing overly made up. It's a fantastic choice for those wanting a simple, fresh look.

Buff: A Pinky Matte Nude

Buff is a matte, pinky nude blush. More pigmented than the sheer options, it's best suited for light to medium skin tones. The subtle pink undertones create a natural, healthy flush.

I'm currently wearing Buff, and it provides a very natural, everyday look. The matte finish is clean and prevents any unwanted shine. It’s perfect for those who prefer a minimalist makeup approach, yet still want a hint of color.

Prism: A Mauve Nude

Prism is a matte mauve nude, slightly darker than Buff. It's a versatile shade that offers a natural, effortless flush. This blush is also ideal for light to medium skin tones.

It's a beautiful option for achieving a natural, polished look without appearing overly made up. The matte finish ensures a smooth, even application, perfect for daily use.

JinJuLi: A Peachy Coral

JinJuLi is a stunning peachy coral shade, particularly flattering during the fall season. Its sheer consistency makes it highly blendable, providing a natural-looking color for most skin tones.

I love its blendability and versatility. It’s gorgeous on fair to medium skin tones and creates a warm, sun-kissed glow. It's a great option for those looking for a touch of warmth without being too intense.

Melba: A Light Peach

Melba is a light peach shade that's a recent addition to my collection. Its matte finish and blendability make it perfect for everyday use. The peachy coral undertones give a healthy, natural flush.

It's a cult favorite for a reason! It's a beautiful everyday option. The color is soft yet impactful and creates a lovely, naturally radiant look.

Spring Sheen: A Shimmery Pinky Orange

Spring Sheen is a two-toned shimmer blush reminiscent of NARS Orgasm, but with a pinker, less reddish tone. It's highly blendable and creates a natural, radiant glow.

This is a gorgeous option if you find NARS Orgasm too bold or if it doesn’t show up well on your skin. The gold shimmer is subtle enough to enhance the complexion without being overly glittery.

Peaches: A Sheer True Peach

Peaches is a sheer, true peach blush, highly blendable and easily buildable. It's an excellent option for achieving a soft, natural flush without looking overly bright.

The color is vibrant without being overpowering, perfect for a natural, everyday look. Its sheer nature makes it very versatile and easy to use.

Safflower: A Pinky Coral Satin

Safflower is a pinky coral blush with a satin finish. While highly pigmented, its blendability prevents it from looking harsh. This makes it ideal for those who enjoy a bolder flush.

Use with caution due to its intensity. It’s a great option for those with darker skin tones or those who prefer a more vibrant blush. Its satin finish adds a subtle sheen without being overly shimmery.

Things Food: A Sheer Blue-Based Pink

Things Food is a bright, sheer blue-based pink. Its buildable nature allows for customization, from a subtle flush to a more intense color. It's a great alternative to Well Dressed.

This blush is more pigmented than Well Dressed, making it a much more practical option. Its sheer nature, however, means it is still easy to control and blend.

Pinch of Peach: A Mauve Pink

Pinch of Peach, despite its name, is actually a mauve pink rather than a peachy shade. Its sheer consistency allows for buildable color, making it suitable for those who like a subtler mauve look.

If you're looking for a true peach, this isn't it. However, if you prefer a soft mauve pink, then this is a good choice. Its sheer nature makes it easy to control and blend to your desired intensity.

Conclusion: MAC Blush Favorites

Overall, this MAC blush collection contains a variety of finishes and shades, catering to different preferences and skin tones. Some standouts include Dame for its pigmented blue-toned pink, Blushbaby for its versatile mauve nude, and Melba for its effortless peachy coral.

Sheer blushes like Tenderling and Peaches offer buildable color for a natural flush, while more pigmented options like Safflower provide a bolder statement. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences.