Just take a look at these two blushes. They look pretty much the same in the packaging, don't they? Looks like they might just be dupes. And this is why I'm incredulous - the blush on the left is the cheap and cheery Evil Shades blush in Backtalk, while on the right is the ridiculously overpriced Rock and Republic blush in Kinky.
I know what you're thinking - wait, you mean that cheap indie Evil Shades brand has a dupe of that expensive Rock and Republic blush? Sure does look like it, doesn't it? When I saw these two side-by-side in my stash, I almost wanted to kick myself for having shelled out the money for Rock and Republic Kinky. I mean, sure, I did get it when it was on sale, but still... I felt vaguely cheated.
I consoled myself by saying, well at least there's some difference - Kinky is entirely matte, while Backtalk has some fine gold shimmer through the blush. So they're different enough to own both. I swear the fine gold shimmer in Backtalk is there, my camera is just having problems picking up the shimmer. I promise I didn't invent it to make them seem different and make myself feel better!
Anyway, the only sure way to know if something is a dupe or not, is to swatch both products side by side. So I did, and here we are:
L - R: Evil Shades Backtalk, Rock and Republic Kinky
Here you can see that they are close - very, very close - but they aren't absolute dupes. For one, as I've previously mentioned, Backtalk has non-obvious fine gold shimmer throughout the shade, while Kinky is matte. Also, Backtalk is a hair more neutral in undertone, probably due to the gold shimmer warming up the colour, while Kinky is a bit more blue-based, and thus cool-toned. But these differences are pretty minute, and I don't think I'd be able to tell the difference between them if they were worn sheerly on the cheek, except perhaps for the shimmer.
So, which one should you get, if you decide you don't want two almost-dupes in your collection? Well, I guess it would depend on your brand and price preference. Some people love Rock and Republic blushes, while some people love good prices, and that may be enough to sway a purchasing decision. But if you prefer a blush that's a bit more shimmery, then Backtalk is a better choice. Also, I feel like Backtalk's more neutral undertone would suit it better to a wider range of skintones, so if you aren't cool-toned, Backtalk would probably look better on you. They aren't perfect dupes, but I'd say you probably only need either of the blushes. (Although as a blush fiend, I still insist on keeping both!)
Wow, they are pretty similar! I kick myself too when i find dupes in my collection :(
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I really love Backtalk!
ReplyDeleteThey seem pretty close!
ReplyDeletei so love those 2 pinks , aand would give my left leg for them , i would die to have them , they are beautiful ,, if ya would like to trade swap or sell them please please let me know , they would be so loved and so cherished and used
ReplyDeleteThey're really similar, but I think I still prefer how Kinky looks. It just looks a lot more pigmented and vibrant. Backtalk would be great for those who have lighter complexions though :)
ReplyDeleteThey seem close enough to me :)
ReplyDeletegreat post!! x
they look pretty close to me.. yeah it sucks when you shell out the bucks for expensive makeup to later find a cheaper dupe... thanks for the swatches/post :)
ReplyDeletewow! pretty close, great blog!
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