This review dives into Pat McGrath's Holiday 2022 collection, focusing on two key products: the Nude Venus II blush and the Venusian Nude highlighter. Both are limited-edition items, promising luxurious textures and radiant finishes, but do they live up to the hype and justify their price tags? We'll explore the shades, textures, and application of each product, comparing them to similar offerings from Pat McGrath's existing line and other high-end brands like Chanel and Dior. Detailed swatches and comparisons will help you determine if these additions to your makeup bag are worth the investment.This in-depth analysis will examine the nuances of the peachy-nude blush with its pearlescent finish and the opalescent, gel-powder highlighter with its striking glitter. We'll discuss whether the pink undertones in both products are flattering across diverse skin tones and if the intensity of the highlighter's shimmer is suitable for everyday wear. Ultimately, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview to assist you in making an informed purchasing decision, considering both their individual merits and their place within a broader makeup collection.
Pros And Cons
- Beautiful pinky undertone
- Looks stunning on eyes
- Smooth gel formula
- Very glittery
- May not be flattering on deeper skin tones
- Expensive ($60)
- Disappointing compared to expectations
- Beautiful, wearable color
- Same formula as other Pat McGrath blushes
- Blends well
- Looks good on cheeks and eyes
- Redundant if you own other Pat McGrath blushes, especially similar shades
- Not the most natural-looking blush due to pearlescent finish
- Expensive ($39)
Read more: Smashbox L.A. Lights Blush: 5 Must-Have Shades
Nude Venus II Blush: A Peachy Nude with Pearl
Pat McGrath's Nude Venus II blush is a limited-edition peach nude shade with a pearlescent finish. The embossed star design is a beautiful addition to the usual rose motif. It retails for $39 and boasts a buildable formula that blends seamlessly.
While described as a peach nude with pearl, the swatch reveals a more prominent pink tone to the pearl. This adds a subtle rosy glow without being overly shimmery or glittery.
The formula is consistent with other Pat McGrath blushes, providing a natural-looking flush of color. The subtle pearl adds a touch of luminosity, making it ideal for achieving a healthy, radiant complexion.
Venusian Nude Highlighter: A Glittery Pink Highlighter
The Venusian Nude highlighter, priced at $60, is described as a lightweight gel-powder formula with an opalescent sheen. It promises a multi-dimensional glow and buildable coverage.
However, the highlighter’s most striking feature is its noticeable glitter. While smooth in texture, the intense sparkle may not appeal to those who prefer a more subtle, natural highlight.
The highlighter possesses a pinky undertone, complementing fair to medium skin tones. Its intense sparkle is a defining characteristic, though it may be less flattering on deeper skin tones.
Product Comparisons: Blush and Highlighter
The Nude Venus II blush is compared to the original Nude Venus, revealing subtle differences in the pearl's undertone (pink vs. golden peach). Divine Rose and Nymphet are also compared, showcasing diverse pink and peachy nude options.
The Venusian Nude highlighter is contrasted against previous Pat McGrath holiday highlighters (a champagne gold), as well as other highlighters from Chanel (Camellia and Rose Doree) and Dior (Pink Glow). These comparisons reveal differences in undertones, finishes (matte vs. pearly vs. glittery), and overall effect.
The comparisons highlight the unique qualities of each highlighter and blush, allowing for a more informed purchasing decision based on individual preferences and existing makeup collections.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
The Nude Venus II blush is beautiful but not essential for those with existing Pat McGrath blushes. Its pink undertones and pearlescent finish are lovely, but not significantly different enough to justify the price point.
The Venusian Nude highlighter, while stunning on the eyes, is deemed too glittery for everyday wear by the reviewer. Its intense shimmer might not appeal to those seeking a more subtle, refined highlight.
The reviewer ultimately recommends the blush and highlighter palettes for better value, suggesting the Chanel Camellia or Charlotte Tilbury palettes as superior alternatives for highlighters, particularly for those who prefer less glitter.