NARS Pierre Hardy- Boys Don't Cry Blush

The photos speak for themselves. Boys Don't Cry, the limited edition mega-blush from the just released NARS Pierre Hardy Collection is a stunner. I had high expectations to begin with, and was not disappointed when I opened the little package from NARS PR. The color is described as a pink grapefruit, which is pretty accurate, though in indoor light it looked at first a bit more coral.

The blush is completely matte and silky smooth. The gold Pierre Hardy design is an overspray that goes away permanently when you sweep a brush over it. I don't know  if to be sorry about it or not- the pattern is beautiful, but I do love the actual matte finish of this NARS blush and its texture, so I don't miss the gold. The blush is incredibly easy to work with for the look and intensity you want. I recommend a small or medium pointed Yachiyo brush (Hakuhodo) for the easiest application, but Chanel blush brush also gave me lovely results. The blush, as expected, is very saturated in color. I don't have NARS Exhibit A to compare, but I can say that Boys Don't Cry is unique among the NARS blushes I do have,both in texture and in color. It blends into a very flattering reddish pink that looks integral to the skin- like I'm actually blushing.

As you can see, one needs only a light touch to the surface. The finger swatch above was actually accidental. My pinky skimmed over a corner of the blush as I was taking photos and that was the result. Between the pigment concentration, the texture and the size of the blush (see Karen of Makeup & Beauty Blog holding a regular NARS blush and a Pierre Hardy one), this one is going to outlive me.

Bottom Line: beyond gorgeous.

NARS Pierre Hardy- Boys Don't Cry Blush ($41) is available from narscosmetics.com. The product in this review was sent to me by the company.