I have my flight and accommodation booked so I can say it now: I am moving to London in less than two weeks! So thrilled! Today, we’re also talking…
Neutral blushers are my jam and ever since Hourglass Ambient Lighting blushes launched, I’ve been keeping my eye on Mood Exposure which is described as a soft plum and I’ve seen it be compared to Tarte Exposed or Nars Douceur. Tarte is a bit hard to get in Europe and for some reason, Nars discontinued Douceur so I had no other excuse but to get Mood Exposure. How does it compare to all the other neutral blushers I own?
First up. You might know Chanel Joues Contraste in Accent is my all-time favourite blusher but as are most of Chanel best products, it was limited edition. Accent is dusty rose shade with a subtle golden shimmers that translate onto the skin as the most healthy looking glow. It is also unbeatable in terms of wear looking in tact after a long day. Even though, it’s baked, I’ve made quite a dent in it and I fancied finding a dupe just in case. Mood Exposure was my bet.
I previously tried Max Factor Creme Puff blushes which have the same marbled pattern that the Hourglass Ambient Lighting blushes. I have the shades Lavish Mauve and Nude Mauve. The first one is light soft pink with a hint of mauve and the second one is pretty dang close to Accent but slightly lighter. Another one, I thought I’d throw in is long-time favourite L’Oreal Le Blush in Nude Pink which I used to use interchangeably with Accent.
Both Chanel and Max Factor blushes are baked so it would be harder to go overboard with them than Mood Exposure. You can pick up a lot of product with that one and it’s very pigmented as is Chanel one but the three drugstore offerings are quite sheer and in the swatches I had to use a few swipes to get the pigments to show up. Apart from the pigmentation, Hourglass and Chanel are also superior in the wear time. Accent and Mood Exposure last all day on the cheeks. Again, they’re all great quality and last a decent amount of time but I’d rather not have my blush fade throughout the day.

When it comes to the shade, Mood Exposure looks more plum in the pan than it translates onto my skin. It’s more nude on but a bit more reddish than Accent. I’d be interested to see how it compares to the new Chanel Alzane (damn, every time I read that, it’s like Rachel Zane?)! Nude Mauve, like I said, has the same bronze tone as Accent but is less pigmented so you have to build it up on the cheeks. I suppose Mood Exposure would be more of darker version of Nude Mauve and Lavish Mauve mixed together. Lavish Mauve is however the sheerest all of these and I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re more than fair-skinned. Lastly, Nude Pink is the closest to Accent but a bit more bronzed. It is however the finish that Max Factor Creme Puff and Hourglass Ambient Lighting blushes have in common while Chanel and L’Oreal have tiny shimmer particles (not even visible on the skin), the two shades marbled together somehow allow the blush to provide luminous finish which essentially looks like skin. Chanel and L’Oreal pack on a little more glow.


Have I found a replacement for my beloved Chanel Accent? I suppose Mood Exposure is the closest I’ll ever get. And while I prefer the finish of the Chanel, the wear time is comparable. Are Max Factor marbled mauves a dupe for Mood Exposure? In terms of a finish only because the Hourglass quality is much better. But in all honesty, on the cheek they give the same look with perhaps only Lavish Mauve leaning a bit more pink. If you have any suggestions for a neutral blushes, send them my way. And tell me, what is your all-time favourite blusher?
[…] Chanel Joues Contraste in Accent – when I first bought it, I thought it smells nice (roses) but overtime, I’ve fallen in love. It’s along the lines of Alezane or Golden Sun but not quite the same. Lasts all day and adds the most beautiful healthy glow. […]
I love hourglass! great products
I’m dying to get my hands on any of the Hourglass Ambient Blushes ❤ xo
I LOVE the Hourglass Ambient Blushes, so stunning!
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Love the colors!! Thanks for sharing 🙂
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so pretty! Mood exposure is one of my faves ❤
xxoo http://littlemissmelis.com/
I don’t usually use blush, but the Chanel one looks and sounds so gorgeous, it’s a shame it was limited addition. I love the look of Mood Exposure though. Maybe I’ll try one of the drugstore dupes first.
The Velvet Black | UK Style & Beauty Blog
You might like them! I don’t like much colour on the cheek but these are perfect!
Lovely post hon, and photos. I always buy pink shades and I need a few different blushes. I quite like the milani blush in luminous (applied with a light hand) they have a lovely finish and they may do a neutral you would like? x
I heard about them but I can’t find Milani here. Aren’t they only sold in America?
I love all the Hourglass products. I slowly keep buying them. I’m looking forward to the palette they have coming out at this holiday season. I love your photo too. That was eye candy when I say your post. WOW, look at those heavenly products!
Thanks! I so far only tried the Ambient Lighting range and are those powders lovely! Xo
i love mood exposure!! it’s also a slightly contouring blush but very subtle at the same time 🙂
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Definitely! That’s why I love neutral blushes. You can add some colour and definition at the same time! X
I have accent to and love it. I like the look of mood exposure. It looks almost identical to Accent, doesn’t it.
The colour is similar but I way prefer the finish of the Chanel, the glow is more beautiful and I find it easier to work with.
That’s really good to know. Thanks for sharing xx