Finding a pink eyeshadow that doesn't make you look like you have a localized case of pinkeye is harder than it looks. Most brands either go too chalky or too neon. Then there’s Coloured Raine Cherry Blossom. This single shadow has achieved a sort of cult-like status among makeup artists and casual enthusiasts alike because it manages to hit that precise sweet spot of "ethereal glow" without the weird glitter fallout.
It’s pink. But it’s not just pink.
Coloured Raine, a Black-owned brand founded by Loraine R. Dowdy in 2013, has always been known for high-pigment payoffs. When they dropped the Cherry Blossom shade—originally part of the much-lauded Queen of Hearts palette and later available as a single—it changed how people viewed metallic rose tones. You’ve likely seen it in a million YouTube tutorials from the mid-2010s, yet somehow it still feels fresh. Why? Because the formula doesn't rely on cheap fillers.
What Makes Coloured Raine Cherry Blossom Different?
Most metallic shadows are basically just mica and a prayer. They look great in the pan, but once you swipe them on your lid, they turn into a dusty mess within twenty minutes. Cherry Blossom feels different. It has a foil-like consistency.
It’s a true rose gold with a slight silver shift. Honestly, the way it catches the light is almost annoying because it makes everything else in your collection look flat. When you apply it with a finger, you get this intense, wet-look finish. If you use a brush, it’s softer, more of a "I just woke up in a garden" vibe. The versatility is what keeps it in people's professional kits.
It’s deeply pigmented. That matters. On deeper skin tones, many "cherry blossom" inspired shades turn ash-grey or disappear entirely. Coloured Raine built their reputation on inclusivity long before it was a marketing buzzword, ensuring that a shade like this maintains its vibrancy on a wide spectrum of complexions.
The Science of the Shimmer
We need to talk about the "slip." In the world of cosmetic chemistry, the "slip" refers to how a product glides across the skin. Cherry Blossom uses a specific blend of binders that allow the pigment to adhere to the lid without requiring a heavy glitter glue.
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While many brands have tried to replicate this—looking at you, various drugstore "dupes"—they often miss the balance. They end up too oily, which leads to creasing. Or they’re too dry, leading to that dreaded "crepey" eyelid look. Coloured Raine nailed the ratio.
Is the Queen of Hearts Heritage Still Relevant?
You can’t talk about this shade without mentioning the Queen of Hearts palette. This was the palette that put the brand on the map for many. It was a 12-pan masterpiece of warm neutrals and rich berries. Cherry Blossom was the standout.
For a while, you couldn't get it anywhere else. The palette would sell out, and people would scour Reddit and eBay just to find a single pan. Eventually, the brand listened. They released it as a single. This was a massive win for people who didn't want to carry a whole palette just for one specific pop of color.
Interestingly, the beauty industry has moved toward "clean" and "minimalist" aesthetics lately. Think "clean girl" makeup. You might think a heavy metallic pink doesn't fit that. You'd be wrong. A light wash of Cherry Blossom on an otherwise naked eye is basically the definition of that elevated, effortless look. It’s sophisticated.
How to Actually Wear It Without Looking Dated
Trends change. In 2016, we were all doing cut-creases that could cut glass. Today, we want skin to look like skin and eyes to look lived-in.
- The Modern Wash: Use a fluffy brush. Don't pack it on. Just swirl it over the lid and into the crease. It creates a monochromatic haze that looks very editorial.
- The Inner Corner Pop: If you’re wearing boring browns or mattes, put Cherry Blossom just in the inner tear duct. It opens the eye instantly.
- The Wet Look: Spritz your brush with a setting spray (like MAC Fix+ or even just a bit of water). The metallic finish will go from "shimmer" to "liquid metal."
The biggest mistake people make is pairing it with too many other shimmers. Let it be the star. If you surround it with matte browns or even a matte burgundy, the pink tones in Cherry Blossom really sing.
Does it Hold Up Against Luxury Brands?
Let's be real. Pat McGrath and Natasha Denona are the heavy hitters in the "expensive eyeshadow" category. Their shimmers are legendary.
Does a Coloured Raine single, which retails for significantly less, actually compete?
Yes.
In terms of pure opacity, Cherry Blossom holds its own against the "special shades" in a $125 palette. It doesn't have the multi-chrome shift of a $20 indie pigment, but for a pressed powder, the quality is top-tier. It doesn't feel "cheap." There's a weight to the pigment that you usually only find in luxury brands.
Addressing the Common Complaints
No product is perfect. Some users find that because it’s so soft, the pan can be fragile. If you drop it, it’s going to shatter. That’s the trade-off for having a formula that isn't packed with hard waxes.
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Another thing is the staining. Because the pink pigments are so concentrated, if you have very fair skin, you might see a slight pink tint after you wash your makeup off. It’s harmless, but it's something to know. Using a good eye primer usually prevents this.
Then there's the "it's too bold" argument. People get scared of pink. They think it will make them look tired. The trick is the undertone. Cherry Blossom has enough gold in it to keep it from looking like a medical condition. It’s a "healthy" pink.
Why We Still Talk About a Single Eyeshadow
The makeup world moves fast. Brands release new collections every Tuesday. Most of it is garbage. Most of it is forgotten in six months.
We still talk about Coloured Raine Cherry Blossom because it represents a time when quality actually mattered more than the "story" of the collection. It’s a reliable tool. When you're doing a wedding or a photo shoot and you need a specific, reliable rose gold, this is the one you grab.
It’s also about the brand's story. Supporting Coloured Raine isn't just about the makeup; it’s about supporting a Black-owned business that paved the way for the current explosion of indie beauty. They proved that you didn't need a massive corporate conglomerate to create a world-class formula.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Look
If you’re going to pick this up or dig it out of your drawer, keep these three things in mind. First, always use a primer if you have oily lids; the high emollient content in these metallics needs something to grip. Second, try using it as a highlighter on the cheekbones for a festival look—it’s stunning. Third, don't be afraid to mix it. If you blend it with a gold shadow, you get a custom sunset shade that is unique to you.
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Check your current stash. If you're missing a high-impact pink that actually works on your skin tone, this is the benchmark. It’s a classic for a reason.
Next Steps for Your Collection
- Audit your neutrals: See if you have a matte mauve or chocolate brown to pair with this.
- Check the expiration: If your Cherry Blossom is from 2017, it’s probably time to grab a fresh single for the sake of your eye health.
- Experiment with Application: Try a silicone applicator instead of a traditional brush to see how the texture changes.
The beauty of this specific shade is its refusal to go out of style. Whether it's 2016 or 2026, a perfectly executed metallic rose will always have a place in a well-curated makeup bag.