Blush, Please: Meet the Berry-Coded Upgrade of This Iconic Makeup Palette
Jas is the former Senior Content Specialist at Adore Beauty. A beauty admirer turned certified addict, she brings a sharp editorial eye and pop-culture pulse to everything she creates. Her words have appeared in The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, and Broadsheet. When she’s not producing viral content or podcasting about skincare, you’ll find her thrifting for vintage treasures or binging Bravo (strictly for research, of course).
The MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Skin All-In-One Palette was easily one of my standout beauty releases of 2023.
It’s become a staple in my makeup kit—whether chiselling my cheekbones with the sculpting shades, masking a late-night Bravo binge with the colour correctors, or blending everything together for a full complexion routine.
I’ve never been shy about my love for a good multi-use product, and this clever compact of 12 versatile cream shades checks both my boxes (/personalities): pretty to look at, and practical to use.
In my role I’m fortunate to be gifted lots of beauty to try, so it’s not often that I hit pan on a product. Yet, here I am, scraping the bottom of my two favourite shades–if that isn't true love, I don't know what is.
But as much as I obsessed over this overachieving palette, I did have one small gripe: I wished it had more blush shades for this unapologetically "blush-blind" writer.
Then, like Kismet, I learned of the brand-new, berry-coded HD Skin palette. Hallelujah! My beauty prayers had been answered.
Let's skip the small talk and dive right in, shall we?
Enter, the MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Skin Face Essentials Palette.
The MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Skin Face Essentials Palette H1 is the third instalment in the brand's cult-favourite HD Skin Palette collection.
It follows the Sculpting Palette (perfect for underpainting) and the iconic, OG All-In-One.
Just like its predecessors, the HD Skin Face Essentials Palette comes with 12 stunning cream shades in a convenient, travel-friendly compact.
But there are some key upgrades worth talking about:
- Updated formula: Reformulated to feel lightweight, yet easily buildable.
- Improved finish: Emphasises an ultra-natural, undetectable finish on the skin.
- Enhanced longevity: Features a waterproof, smudge-proof and sweat-proof formula designed to last for up to 12 hours.
- Expanded shade range: Offers a wider range of complementary shades, allowing for more versatile use across different skin tones.
- Harmony 1 and 3 features 6 cream foundations, 4 blushes and 2 shimmer highlight shades.
- Harmony 2 features 6 cream foundations and 6 blushes.
Whether you’re going for a minimal, ‘no-makeup’ look or full-coverage glam, this palette has you covered.
Here’s a quick guide on how to use it…
How to Use the MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Skin Face Essentials Palette.
Novice or not, this all-in-one palette can look hella intimidating.
My advice? Don’t overthink it.
Makeup is messy and products are designed to be played with (even your ‘special’ ones). Don’t let its fancy facade hold you back from using it in your everyday routine.
The more you mix and match the shades, the more comfortable you’ll be applying them, and the closer you’ll get to finding your second skin.
The limit truly does not exist when it comes to the various ways you can use this makeup multitasker, but if you’re after a simple routine here’s a good place to start:
Step One. Start with foundation: Choose a foundation shade that matches your skin tone and apply it using a brush, sponge, or your fingers for a smooth, natural finish.
Step Two. Contour and sculpt: Use the deeper shades to contour the hollows of your cheeks, temples, and jawline. Blend well to avoid any harsh lines.
Step Three. Brighten and correct: Dab the colour correctors under your eyes, around your nose, or anywhere you need extra coverage.
Step Four. Blush and highlight: Add a pop of blush to your cheeks for a fresh, youthful glow. Finish with a shimmer highlight on the high points of your face for that lit-from-within glow.
Makeup artist and Beauty IQ writer Dalal takes us through sculpting and brightening below in her 'Latte Makeup' look.
If you're someone who prefers the safety of a setting powder or spray, I've got the perfect complementary duo:
- MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Loose Translucent Powder - 8.5g: Super-fine and seamless, it sets everything without dulling your glow.
- MAKE UP FOR EVER Mist & Fix 100ml Spray: Lightweight, hydrating, and long-lasting, it locks in your look while keeping things dewy and fresh.
I’ve been playing with MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Skin Face Essentials Palette H1 for the last few weeks, experimenting with different shades and looks.
Below you’ll find my honest thoughts on the new and improved palette including how it stacks up to the OG.
My MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Skin Face Essentials Palette Review.
I’ve always been a fan of MAKE UP FOR EVER’s HD range, but this updated palette feels like it was tailor-made for me.
In the original version (shade H1), I found I didn’t use the colour correctors much, so replacing them with blush shades is a win—it fits my makeup preferences perfectly and feels more cost-effective.
The new pink shimmer shade is a standout. It adds just the right touch of pigment and dew for a fresh, radiant look but also layers seamlessly with the blush shades for added dimension.
Speaking of blushes, the variety here is fab! From deeper berry tones perfect for winter and evening looks to a stunning selection of pinks that blend beautifully together, this palette has me covered all year round.
I also appreciate the addition of a cool-toned deep shade for contouring, which is a nice change from the warm bronzers in the original palette.
Plus, I love that I can use the shades for more than just my face—I carry my contour to my lids, blending it into my crease as I would with eyeshadow, and use the creams on my lips for a full, cohesive look.
Compared to the OG palette, this one feels lighter on the skin.
It gives a more natural finish while still being buildable if I want more coverage. I didn’t feel the need to set my makeup, but when I did use the MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Skin Setting Powder, it locked everything in perfectly with no creasing.
I put it to the ultimate 'Adore test': Sporting a full face to the office for the team's verdict.
I didn't even have to fish for compliments before my colleagues started laying on the flattery (I love working with women). I knew then I was onto a real winner.
But that's not even the best part–it didn’t budge all day, holding up through back-to-back meetings, office air-conditioning, an event, and after-work drinks.
Safe to say, this palette has officially earned its place in my makeup routine.
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