This review dives into the Anastasia Beverly Hills Gradient Flush Kit, focusing on its unique color palette and application. The kit, featuring four shades arranged in a gradient, offers a departure from typical blush palettes with its deeper, autumnal tones, perfect for those seeking a richer, more dimensional flush. We'll explore the individual shades, examining their pigmentation, texture, and blendability, offering detailed swatches to illustrate their appearance.This comprehensive review will cover application techniques, showcasing how each shade can be used to create both subtle and dramatic looks. We'll also investigate the versatility of the palette, demonstrating its unexpected use beyond blush application. Prepare to discover if this luxury blush kit lives up to the hype, considering its price point and overall performance in delivering a seamless, natural-looking finish.
Pros And Cons
- Full pigment blushes
- Buildable intensity
- Seamless finish
- Offers four different blush shades in a single compact
- Formulated without parabens, sulfates, and phthalates
- Shades can be mixed for a custom blush shade
- Easily removed with makeup remover, doesn't stain
- Not super pigmented (some shades)
- Requires building for some shades
Read more: Smashbox L.A. Lights Blush: 5 Must-Have Shades
Unboxing and First Impressions
The Anastasia Beverly Hills Gradient Flush Kit arrived in its sleek, signature packaging. Opening the compact reveals four blush shades arranged in a gradient pattern. I opted for the Gradient kit due to its deeper, more autumnal tones, a departure from my usual blush choices. The overall presentation is luxurious and feels high-end.
The two kits, Radiant and Gradient, offer distinct color palettes. While the Radiant kit leans towards peachy pinks, the Gradient kit features richer, deeper shades perfect for fall and winter. I was drawn to the unique shade combinations, unlike anything I’d encountered before.
Swatch Test and Pigmentation
I began by swatching each shade individually to assess pigmentation and texture. Vegas, a matte corduroy brown, offered subtle color payoff; Dusk, a satin brown taupe, had a more buildable pigmentation; Chocolate, a satin warm copper brown, swatched as a muted maroon; and Blackberry, a deep berry shade, provided a noticeable pop of color with a slight sheen.
The pigmentation is surprisingly buildable, allowing for customizable intensity. The formula isn't overly pigmented, which is a positive for precision application. It’s easy to layer for a more dramatic effect. The shades blend seamlessly, creating a natural-looking flush.
Full Face Application
I applied the blushes following the suggested usage: Vegas for contour, Dusk on the upper cheekbones, Chocolate on the apples of my cheeks, and Blackberry as a subtle highlight. The shades blended beautifully, adding depth and dimension to my complexion. The seamless finish was particularly impressive.
The buildable nature of the blushes is great for creating both subtle and more intense looks. I found the shades worked well with my foundation and other makeup products, complementing my overall makeup look without overpowering it.
Eyeshadow Application and Final Thoughts
Extending the versatility of the palette, I used Blackberry as an eyeshadow. The pigment worked seamlessly with my eyeshadow base and other eyeshadows, enhancing the eye look without being overpowering. This unexpected use of the blush only added to the value of the kit.
Overall, the Anastasia Beverly Hills Gradient Flush Kit is a highly versatile product. The blendability, buildable pigmentation, and overall finish are outstanding. While not overly pigmented, this allows for precise application and prevents accidental over-application. The price point is reasonable, especially considering its multi-use capabilities. Definitely a worthwhile purchase.