Battle of the Blush and Bronzer Duo’s

I strolled into my local Target on a mission to find this new nail polish I had just read about.  I scanned the cosmetic aisle with almost laser-like eyes, I didn’t see it.  I scanned it again, this time bending my knees a little so I could get closer.  Didn’t see it.  Dang, what a disappointment, I say those dreaded words in my mind, “They don’t have it.”

I put my head down and started to exit the cosmetics isle when something caught my eye.  Is that… NARS at Target?  No, but it sure looks like it.  And it sure looks like a dupe for Orgasm and Laguna.  I looked at the price tag ($3) and was happily on my way.  This trip to Target wasn’t a waste after all.

So… is the E.L.F duo comparable to the NARS?

Well let’s just find out!

Lets start with the E.L.F Contouring Blush & Bronzer.

About:

Packaging:  A sleek black rectangle.  It measures 3.5in across and 2.75in vertically.  It is less than 0.5cm tall.  When closing it clicks securely.  It features a large mirror compact on the top.  The hinge that holds the mirror to the bottom part feels flimsy.

Color:  The blush is a warm, dark, peachy nude with small gold flecks of shimmer.  The bronzer is a warm medium dark terracotta brown with small gold flecks of shimmer.

Formula:  It’s very pigmented when applied to the skin.  It’s on the powdery side so there is some fallout involved with application.

Longevity: 4 hours.

Next is the NARS Highlighting/Bronzing Blush Duo (in Orgasm/Laguna).

About:

Packaging:  A sleek black rectangle.  It measures the same size at the E.L.F one (see above) and features the same compact mirror.  It closes securely with a click.  It feels very sturdy and well-made.

Color:  The blush (Orgasm) is a warm, peachy pink with a golden sheen.  The bronzer (Laguna) is a warm, medium dark terracotta brown with small flecks of gold shimmer.

Formula:  Orgasm has medium coverage, but is very buildable.  You can use a dense or fluffy brush when applying, it just depends what kind of coverage that you are trying to achieve.  Laguna has sheer but buildable coverage.  You can use a fluffy brush for a light hint of color or a dense contouring brush for more definition.

Longevity: 8 hours.

Similarities:  The packaging looks almost identical, but the NARS is much more sturdy than the E.L.F.  The bronzers look almost identical in the pan.  The blushes are both in the peach family.

Differences:  Longevity, the E.L.F fades after 4 hours of wearing while the NARS lasts 8 hours.  The colors are very different (even though the bronzers look similar in the pan).  Orgasm is very obviously more pink than the E.L.F when looking at the pan.  The E.L.F pans are also slightly wider than the NARS.  The NARS is also heavier (in weight) than the E.L.F.

Overall:  As you can see, the E.L.F clearly isn’t a dupe for the NARS Orgasm and Laguna.  The E.L.F blush is more orange with golden flecks of shimmer, while Orgasm has a golden sheen overlay.  The bronzers look virtually identical in the pan, but apply very differently.  Laguna is sheer, but very capable of layering for more coverage.  The E.L.F bronzer is very pigmented, it’s very easy to look like you’re wearing a beard if you don’t apply correctly.

Unfortunately, the NARS duo costs 13x’s more than the E.L.F duo.  I mean, is it really worth that much?  Do I really have to declare a winner? ……….

OK, I’ve come to a decision.  The winner of today’s battle is:

The NARS Highlighting/Bronzing Blush Duo.

While I still would recommend the E.L.F Contouring Blush & Bronzer to anyone looking for an affordable duo, the NARS just surpasses it with its quality.  Nobody wants to re-apply their blush 4 times a day.  It is also easier to apply, you have the option to have a flush of color or built it up.

Glitter rating for the E.L.F Contouring Blush & Bronzer:  2.5 / 5

Glitter rating for the NARS Highlighting/Bronzing Blush Duo:  3.5 / 5

The E.L.F Contouring Blush & Bronzer is $3.00 for 0.28oz.  You can purchase it anywhere that sells E.L.F products or here online.  The NARS Highlighting/Bronzing Blush Duo is $41.00 for 0.35oz.  You can it at any NARS counter or retailer, or here online.

Have you guys tried either of these products?  What’s your go-to blush and bronzer?