Naya

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, Review

beauty that begins with you

Foreword

In today’s post, we will be finally putting Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty best-selling liquid blushes to the test! Soft Pinch Liquid Blush has been making waves in the industry ever since it was launched, and with new shades on the horizon, I figured it was about time I tried it myself. Is it that impressive?

Curious? Then please keep on scrolling

My Skin: dry/sensitive

About the Product

Shades: Joy (left), Grateful (right)

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush (20 USD; Made in Korea) – is described as a featherweight, “pinch-perfect” long-lasting blush that gives you a soft, healthy flush. Currently, there are 11 shades available.

Vegan🌱 Cruelty-free🐇

Packaging: this is probably the most Pinterest/Instagrammable packaging we have seen in a while. Their mattified, colorful tubes and reflective golden caps make these blushes easily recognizable. Rare Beauty creates aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly designs for people with arthritis or other disabilities. You get 7.5 ml/ 0.25 oz of product.

Formula, Texture: the Soft Pinch Liquid Blush [scent-free] formula differs depending on its finish – you choose between matte or radiant. I have tried both, and here is what I think.

Swatches: Joy (left), Grateful (Right)

Matte

The matte formula has a shine-free finish. The texture is reminiscent of a mousse, almost like a drier silicone primer. It does not really get absorbed, so you can see where the product bunches up in noticeable patches when you build it up. I used shade Bliss, a stunning baby pink, which did not sit well on my face. While it set in places, it still moved underneath my face mask, leaving gaps between foundation/bare skin and blush, which was an immediate turn-off. Also, the matte finish made my complexion appear dry, and while it felt weightless, it did not look that way.

Radiant

This formula has a beautiful, dewy finish. It is saturated in pigment and makes your cheeks glow. Even the initially intimidating, uber bright colors like Grateful (red) make your complexion radiate with a healthy flush. From my experience, this finish lasts best on the skin and does not move around as much (even underneath the face mask). Between the two finishes, this one is the winner.

Shade: Grateful

Application: the Soft Pinch Liquid Blush is not the most beginner-friendly product, however! When applied right, it will be your BFF. I consider myself quite experienced with various makeup formulas and while I am not a professional makeup artist, here is (what I think) the best application method.

😄 The Do

Scoop a small (think half a pearl-size) amount of the Soft Pinch Liquid Blush onto the back of your hand, then gently spread it out with your fingertip (do not blend it in). Use a densely packed synthetic brush (like a rounded foundation brush) and dip it into the product. Pat the brush on a clear skin area to take off any excess. Now, you can apply the blush onto your cheeks. Work one cheek at a time, as this formula sets fast. Repeat these steps if you want to build up the intensity.

This method will ensure that you do not lift your foundation (also zero patches).

😶 The Don’t

Although you can apply it directly, dot on a small amount, and blend it out with a brush or fingertips - this method clogs pores and disrupts your base (you can see little reservoirs of blush here and there).

I am wearing shade Grateful in the photo above (natural daylight)

Wear: with the application method described above - the Soft Pinch Liquid Blush looks uber natural and juicy. It lasts for 6-7 hours, without separating or transferring too much. The radiant finish did not accentuate texture either (however, the matte one did).

Who is going to like it

The radiant finish will undoubtedly be loved by people who enjoy that “steamed dumpling” juicy complexion. Remember to use as little as possible because it is pretty easy to get overboard with the Soft Pinch Liquid Blush.

Verdict

Although it is a “learning curve” type of product (you may need a moment to finesse it), the Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in the radiant finish (not matte) is a keeper in my book. It is everything I want in my liquid blush: buildable coverage, lively, universally flattering colors, and impressive wear. The price point is spot on, and 1% of all proceeds will be donated to support mental health charities and research institutions, which is something that more brands should do. In my [not so humble] opinion, stay away from the mattes and get yourself the radiant ones. The latter gets an A from me.