The Skinny on Blushes: What Types and What Work!

Blush is slowly becoming one of my favorite beauty products.  Being as pasty pale as I am normally, blush gives me the color I am so lacking.  Plus, when put on properly, it adds so much to the angles of your face.  Honestly, you can have model-worthy cheekbones with the perfect pink tone.  Oh, I should also mention, you can also create drool-worthy cleavage with a good blush too.  (Hey, I do what I have to....ha.)

Thanks to my pal over at Vintage Makeup who, after reading my Skinny on Concealers post, kindly suggested I do a similar blush post and I am soooo glad she did  (thanks so much lady!!).  I may not be a professional makeup artist BUT man, do I know a lot about blushes.  (Some good and some bad.)  So, for those that aren't aware, there are four different types of blushes: loose powder, pressed powder, cream, liquid (aka gel, in some areas) and pencils/stick.  (Of course, if you count highlighters and bronzers there'd be seven but, to me, these aren't blushes.).  All five are designed to give your cheeks that perfect warm hue but some do the job better than others.  Here's a list of my personal faves, broken down by type:

Loose Powder Blush: Avon Smooth Minerals Blush

It's no surprise that I am a huge fan of Avon products.  Their products are actually really great and no where else can you find a mineral blush for under $12.  It's unbelievable!!  This blush is great because it goes on smooth, doesn't make your skin oily and is very long lasting.

Pros:

Inexpensive

Long-lasting

Colors are all nice and subtle

Doesn't cause your skin to become greasy or oily

Cons:

Must be ordered either online or through an Avon rep

Pressed Powder: Illamasqua Powder Blush

So, this was a toss up for me.  When I think powder blush, I would always say NARS with no hesitation.  However, my allegiance seems to have changed since trying this brand.  Illamasqua makes a FABULOUS powder blush.  For the money, the blush colors are extremely pigmented and they feel virtually weightless on your cheeks.  Another thing is that they last a long time, both on your skin and in the palette.  Trust me when I say a little goes a long way.

Pros:

Fantastic colors (Hussy is my FAVE)

Extremely pigmented

Long-lasting on your skin

Virtually weightless 

Glides on very smooth 

Very blendable

Cons:

Price could be a factor for some

Not available in Canada (well, not in Vancouver, anyway)

Cream Blush: Estee Lauder Signature Satin Cream Blush

It still surprises me that I've yet to RAVE about this product in a post.  Seriously, for years this was my go-to blush.  Does it help that my mom worked with Estee Lauder, oh probably, but seriously, this blush glides on sooo smooth and doesn't settle in your lines or skin imperfections.  Plus, it's not overly creamy.  By this I mean there is no stickiness once it's on your skin.  

Pros:

Amazing price for the quality

Long lasting on your skin

Doesn't settle in pores so it makes skin look younger

Intense color so a little goes a long way

Doesn't make your skin oily so though it's made for drier skin, can work on anyone

Cons:

Not enough colors 

Liquid Blush: Benefit Posie Tint Cheek Stain

How I lived as long as I have without this product still amazes me.  I first discovered Benefit High Beam and, after I realized how great it was, I branched out to other products.  Like the Posie Tint for example.  This liquid dries in an instant and adds a sheer pink tint to your cheeks (or lips).  Best part of this blush is how long it lasts.  Seriously, I apply this in the morning and when I take it off at night (some 14 hours later) it still looks fabulous.  

Pros:

Water resistent

Extremely long lasting

Very dramatic color

Easily applied (even if you're not a blush pro)

Dries instantly

Looks very natural

Cons:

Should you use too much, it can stain your fingers a little

Can be hard to spread if you apply too much 

Stick Blush: Joe Fresh Style Cheek Tint

Did you know that this blush stick is only $4...YES, I know.  $4!!!  Hence why this had to appear on my faves list.  Not only is the price good, but the product is remarkably good too.  The colors are very pigmented and they are very easy to bend into the skin.

Pros:

Easy to apply

Can be used on lips as well

Doesn't make skin oily 

Have a wide range of colors

Cons:

Can be sticky when applying

Cheap quality (you get what you pay for)

Blushes (like everything else) are a very personal choice and what might work for me may not work for you.  I highly suggest trying out all the different types of blushes and find the one that works best for you.  I will say that with all the different types and brands out there, you're bound to find your go-to product!

XO

Illamasqua, I Adore You

I am the proud owner of two magnificent new Illamasqua products.  Well, new to me anyway because I've never used this line before.  However, there's a really really really good explanation for it.....

We don't carry the product line here in Vancouver.  Now, correct me if I'm wrong (but I like to think I'm not) but I've never seen it in any store in the Lower Mainland.  Them while shopping with my friend, Rheanna, in the States the other day, we discovered it in the downtown Seattle location and nearly had a heart attack.  (I think we both screamed a little bit...)  We spent a good 25 minutes trying on everything and I settled on two items: the Powder Blusher in Hussy and the Lipstick in Over.

I have been drawn to Illamasqua for quite some time for many different reasons.  First, I love what they campaign: The brand believes in the right to express yourself through the way you look and also the right to experiment.  (How can you not like that right?)  Second, the entire product line is extremely pigmented and so worth the money.  Not only do the products last a long time but they look dynamite on.

The blushes are, by far, some of the nicest colors I've ever seen.  I was originally carrying around about four different colors (since I couldn't make up my mind) and finally settled on this gorgeous shade: Hussy.  It's this really bright pink tone that's perfectly matte.  (which is a big change for me since I usually like shimmery tones.)  I just think this shade is perfect for me.  The lipstick is called Over and it's this really bright pinky orange color that actually makes me look tanned!  I love it.

Look how gorgeous and rich the lipstick is?  Sigh, I love it.

And look at the blush?  Beautiful right?  Plus, I barely put my finger into the blush and the swatch turned out extremely pigmented.

I can not wait to do a FOTD with my new goodies.  I should also mention that the blush is $24 (USD) and the lipstick is $22 (USD) and these products are definitely worth the money!

Have you tried Illamasqua before?  What are your favorites?

XO

Intuitive Cheek Color: Smashbox vs Mark

I purchased the Smashbox O-Glow Intuitive Cheek Color, on a whim recently, while stumbling around Sephora in my normal hazy, makeup-induced stupor. Now, according to Smashbox, this is the "first intuitive blush that reacts with your skin's chemistry to turn your cheeks the color you blush naturally". I hummed and hawed, in the shop, for about three seconds and gladly paid the $40 to make this little gem mine. I went home, turned on my computer, and was greeted with a nice product email from Mark, announcing it's new Shimmer Cheekblossom Cheek Color Tint, that also "reacts with your skin's chemistry to give cheeks a perfect-for-you pink flush". As I scrolled through the email, I also noticed that it was only being sold for $8.00. I know, only 8 bucks...So, I immediately ordered it. As you can see, both products come in tubes of similar size, however you get 5 mL more with the Smashbox brand. Both have similar applicators and tubes that are very easy to squeeze. Both products are a silicone-based gel which means they are easy to apply and spread nicely. Fresh out of the container, both brands look virtually the same but if you look closely, the one on the top (Smashbox) is slightly thicker in texture than the one on the bottom (Mark). Here's where we start to see the major difference. Both products have been rubbed into my skin the exact same way (light circular motions) and have only been on for 30 seconds. You can definitely see a huge color contrast between the two. (L to R: Mark, Smashbox) The Smashbox product is turning a beautiful shade of pink while the Mark product has barely tinted my oh-so pale arm. After comparing both products, it's definitely clear who the winner is this time around. Smashbox, though much more costly, has proven it deserves the "first intuitive blush" title as well my respect. Though I will always be a thrifty shopper, I guess there are some things that really are worth the extra money. Now how do I explain this to Allan? HA XO

Singing Quo Beauty Praise

I dislike Shoppers Drug Mart.

I know, I can't believe that I don't like a drug store either but I find Shoppers to be overpriced and slightly uppity for no apparent reason. I actually stopped shopping there for a while to make a bold statement (ha), but it was cut short because Shoppers was the only drug store near my house.

Needless to say, I slowly joined their ranks again and even began looking at their cosmetics once again. And, I was actually blown away. Not only had they added a few new product lines (Benefit, Smashbox, etc) BUT they had an exclusive brand: Quo Beauty.

Quo Beauty has, of course, been around for a while but I just recently started purchasing it. Here are some of my faves....

Quo Flipstick in Obsession. It's a beautiful pink rosy tone that's very sheer and shimmery. Best part of this lipstick is it's packaging. You twist the bottom of the tube and the lip color actually appears out of the top from behind a silver flap which is brilliant if you are constantly losing lipstick lids. (like me.)

Quo Mineral Matter Blush in Pink Petal. Again, a stunning sheer shimmery pink that is perfect on every skin tone. Plus, the packing is veryyyyy cool. The blush is housed in a polished case and, to gain access to it, you press the side of the container and the blush chutes out. It's very fun.

Quo Spring Goddess Palettes. Each palette comes with four eye shadows, one blush, one lipgloss and a blush brush and they're contained in a cute multicolor box. (With a tassel....ha) There are four different shade selections:
Athena: Violet, teal gold and smoky grey
Aphrodite: Warm bronze and brown tones
Maia: Cool blues and purples
Thea: Grey tones with pink highlights (my favorite!!)

All in all, I'm impressed! Yes, it's a bit more expensive for a drug store brand (palettes: $29, flipstick: $19, blush: $15) but it's worth it. The products are nicely pigmented and very smooth in texture. I highly recommend them...

What do you think? Have you tried this line before?

The Perfect Pink Blush: Found

I don't know why I'm beyond obsessed with color changing beauty products right now.

First it was the DuWop Private Collection, tomorrow it's probably going to be Smashbox's O-Glow products and today, well it's Stila's Custom Color Blush.

I first read about this product almost a year ago, in a magazine, and put off purchasing it until now. Don't get me wrong, I'm typically the first person to run out and buy something to see what all the hype is about but, for some reason, this product confused me. I mean how can a beauty product actually decipher your perfect pink by reacting with your skin's pH balance? I know, I wasn't sure either but I took the plunge and purchased it.

Upon opening the palette, I was completely shocked at how bright the blush was. (Seriously, ladies, it's fuschia.) Once I was over the initial shock, I grabbed my fan brush and went to town. The color was absolutely stunning on! I waited and waited and waited to see if the color would change annnnndddddd, it didn't. I will say that this is quite possibly the most universally flattering color but it won't pick your perfect pink.

Needless to say, I will definitely be buying this again. There are way too many pros:
1) A little goes a long way so this blush will last me a very long time
2) It's only $24 (This is a good deal if you're used to buying Lancome or Dior like me)
3) Once on, it is the most flattering pink I've ever worn

Check it out ladies! This product is worth not only the $24 but also the investment of a fantastic fan brush!

Cheek Stain = No More Powdered Blush

Yesterday was a major hangover day for me. Typically on days like these, I stay at home in pj's, eat anything I want and watch movies. But, unfortunately for my pocketbook, I went shopping with a friend instead.

The plan was for me to look at one lipstick and, if it was nice, I was going to purchase it. (This is what I told Allan.) Instead, I bought a few lipsticks and a Tarte Cheek Stain in Tipsy which is, quite possibly, one of the best products I have ever bought.

I am quite the blush fiend. In fact, I not only have a blush in almost every color imaginable BUT I am so confident in my blush brush abilities that I can put it on perfectly with my eyes closed. (Yes, I tried this last week...ha.) The only problem with powdered or compact blush is the actual application. If you're not careful, or using the proper tools, the blush will not go where you want it to and end up streaky or, dare I say it, clown-like. This is why the Cheek Stain is so amazing.

It comes in a tube-like container and is slightly tacky, like a lip gloss. You can use your fingertips or a sponge for application should you choose OR just apply straight from the tube to your cheeks like I did. The application technique is completely foolproof. Once applied, you smudge, smear or rub to your heart's delight and voila, you're done. I have a feeling that these cheek stains will soon be replacing all my powdered blushes.....

They aren't cheap ($39 at Sephora) but they are definitely worth the investment. I highly highly highly recommend looking into this brand ladies. OH, did I also mention that Tarte Cosmetics is a natural makeup line whose products are eco-friendly and cruelty free??? It honestly can't get much better than this.....Have a look at their website!

http://tartecosmetics.com/welcome-letter.php

There's No Brand Like NARS....

I'm in love.

I'm in love with a brand new (to me) product line so much that I'm contemplating marriage to an innanimate object.....Sorry Allan.

I have no idea why it's takin' me eons to even glance at this line but I'm glad I moved away from my comfort zone. A little while ago I purchased four products and loved the flat black packaging so much that I left them, unopened, on my vanity table. I took them out of the little boxes sometimes, stared at the pretty colors, and, once done, put them back into the boxes for safe keeping.

About a week ago, the time came for me to try out the purple eye shadow (NARS Single Eye Shadow in Strada) as I was wearing a new outfit and wanted my eyes to pop. I opened the box and tried the eye shadow on. Not only is the color absolutely bright and amazing, but it actually stays on the eye. Sometimes, with eye shadow, if you don't wear a lid primer, the shadow sticks to your eye creases and starts to appear worn but this shadow doesn't so that. It looks like you just applied it evern if you've had it on for hours.

After applying the shadow, I thought to myself, "why not open the blush too???" So, I did. Actually, I have been wanting to try this blush since I saw it in a fashion magazine a few months ago. Anyway, opened it up and the blush is a nice rosy peachy pink color with huge pieces of glitter in it. (NARS Blush Super Orgasm.) The glitter adds that subtle shimmering goodness that every blush and bronzer should have. Either way, the color is perfect on your cheeks alone if worn with dark eyes or even on top of bronzer for that sun-kissed hue.

I know I said four products but I'll get to the other two later. (They obviously weren't worn with this outfit....) Check this product line out ladies...you won't be angry you did.

UPDATE: Still plugging along with the eyelash serum. I am applying it every night, as recommended, but still not seeing anything. Of course, I am anxiously waiting for a change which could be why nothing's happening. Either way, here's my funny looking before picture....

xo