Nars Blush in Taj Mahal Review

When I first saw this color in Sephora, this was my first reaction: "Jesus".

It is a ritual to me to check Nars counter whenever I step into Sephora.  I have never ending platonic love situation with Nars, but I can not marry the brand (shop anything Nars online without a swatch) since I do not find it dependable at all times.  Sometimes it is totally faulty, sometimes it does not deliver any magic given the price tag, but when the brand does it right, you have to have it, you must have it, I love you, blah, blah, blah....

Usually, Nars counters in Sephora are similar and boring.  Some out of stock new collection items, and some cult favorites from the permanent line.  At first sight, I jump on the counter, play with pretty much everything on the display like Alice in Wonderland and then leave like a bad boy without any commitment.

However, Taj Majal was different.  I do not hear it much on Youtube.   Maybe because:

• It is winter and this can not be any more summary color, 
• It looks ridiculously orange 
• Within tens of Sephoras I have ever been, I only come across this color in Santa Monica branch.

I must say, I did not buy this color right after I swatch it.  At first, I said "Wow" but also scared.  It is pigmentation is more like an eye shadow density rather than a blush. In my opinion, it can not be used as a highlighter either because it simply is too orange.  It is a book definition of burnt orange with gold sheen, and if you are like me, do not know where to place your blush, it may transform you to a clown in no time.

Against all doubts,  I could not take my mind off the color.  I do not know why I get tempted by such difficult ones.  But I finally got it.

This photo, although looks painfully blur, taken after ten hours of carrying the brush. (At times exposed to California sun and wind).

Now to the summary...

Pros:

• One of a kind
• If it is a right match for your skin color and to your taste, well worth the money
• Good Nars product: the color transfer is exactly like in the pan, pigmented, buttery smooth, blendable, does not fade.
• It lifts the face.  The gold sheen gives the highlighter effect on higher points of the cheekbones, so one product performs as both highlight and a blush. 

Cons:

• Light handedly, light handedly, light handedly,....
• Good brush is a must and pay attention to buttery formula.  Good thing for an eye shadow but maybe hustling for a blush.  
• It is a smart product.  Meaning, rest of the colors you pick for your complete look has to match with the blush.  So blush retails for $30 but you may end up with few extras like a matching sheen, brownish red lipstick and warm brown eye shadows for a complete bronze goddess look. 

Useful tip: Once you lightly dip you blush brush into the product, swirl the brush at the back of your wrist before you place it directly on your face. This not only help you to eliminate excess but also warms up the product with your body heat and the distribution of the product on the brush becomes more even.  From there, you can repeat until you get the desired density.

Optional, based on preference: Instead of starting with apples of the cheeks, where people usually place their blushes, start under the cheek bones from ears and work towards center of the face while marrying the color with your bronzer.