MAC x Steve J & Yoni P: Powder Blush in Sugar or Syrup and Peony Petal

Last Thursday, MAC launched their collaboration with Korean design duo, Steve J & Yoni P: "Strike a spunky balance between flirty frills and sporty thrills. Now, the couple introduces a MAC collection as cheeky and progressive as their fashion! Pinks, smoky-warm neutrals and playful, graphic packaging tap into the vibe of Seoul street style." This collection features a total of 14 products, eight of which are new and limited edition, and six of which are permanent and re-promoted in special packaging. Steve J & Yoni P sees the launch of two shades of Powder Blush, of which one is new and limited edition and one is permanent. (Please note that I did not buy Peony Petal from this collection, but have included a swatch of it for this review.) They are housed in special edition silver and baby pink compacts with a playful graphic face illustration on the lid. Each Powder Blush contains a total of 6 grams of product, and retails for $27. Steve J & Yoni P is available online and in select MAC Store locations only, so check your local stores to see if they are carrying the collection.
Sugar or Syrup
Sugar or Syrup and Peony Petal

Sugar or Syrup is a light-medium warm petal pink with a soft sheen in a Satin finish. This is a new and limited edition shade. It has a soft, finely-milled texture, and goes on smoothly and evenly. It has high pigmentation and opaque colour pay-off. It can be layered and blended out easily. It is brighter than Dainty, warmer than Pinch O' Peach, and lighter and more muted than Fleur Power.

Peony Petal is a medium cool, blue-toned cotton candy pink with a soft sheen in a Satin finish. This is a permanent shade. It has a soft, finely-milled texture, and goes on smoothly and evenly. It has high pigmentation and opaque colour pay-off. It can be layered and blended out easily. It is brighter and cooler than Lovecloud, cooler than Pink Swoon, and darker and much brighter than Dame.

This collection as a whole is meant to reflect the playful and flirty aesthetic of Steve J & Yoni P, and I really think MAC did a great job at executing their vision. Both blush shades are fun, sweet, and girly, and perfect for spring and summer. Sugar or Syrup will flatter fair to medium-dark skin tones with both warm and cool undertones, whereas the brightness of Peony Petal translates well on to light to dark skintones, but is very, very blue-toned so it won't necessarily flatter everyone (I would take a look at this one in person first — if your local MAC location isn't carrying this collection, you can still swatch the permanent version of it). That having been said, both shades are smooth, finely-milled, and apply evenly with full colour pay-off. Plus, the satin finish on both won't look too flat nor will it emphasize skin texture, so it's excellent for all complexions and ages as well. If you already have Peony Petal, obviously you can skip it unless you are a collector or love the special packaging, but if you're looking for a fun pink pop of colour for cheeks this season, both here are great options and they're the same price as MAC's regular permanent blushes.