I wouldn't really call myself a cream blush sort of person even three weeks before. While it looks ultra natural and glowing, I can't stand having to exercise precision with my fingers when it comes to something that can easily be overdone.
Also, I'm sort of a clean freak when it comes to makeup, and little dents/fingerprints/dust bunnies/brush hairs in my cream blush (prime example above) makes me want to douse myself in bleach. Blech. This is why I often purge my cream products before anything even turns. RIP Stila Gladiola.
Clockwise: Maybelline Dream Bouncy blush in Peach Satin, Benefit Lollitint, Dream Bouncy in Candy Coral, Josie Maran Cheek Gelee in Poppy Paradise and Berry Bliss, MUFE HD blush in #3 Truth or Dare, Chanel cream blush in Intonation 69.
This collection is inspired by my recent return to the "not wearing makeup even though I spent five minutes on my face" look. I'm tired of powdery blushes, thick foundation, and heavy eye makeup. With cream blushes, you can swipe a tiny amount on the apples of your cheeks and blend liberally before heading out. I also find that it gives a "from within" look, as if your skin is naturally flushing.
Below are swatches of these blushes on bare skin around NC25. You'll notice that although they are all non traditional powders, they impart slightly different finishes on the cheeks. I did two passes for each except for the MUFE HD blush, which was half a pump onto my fingers and the Lollitint which was simply swiped on.
This is indoors with indirect sunlight.
From left to right: Lollitint, Intonation, HD #3, Peach Satin, Candy Coral, Poppy Paradise, Berry Bliss.
This is outdoors with indirect sunlight.
This is under direct sunlight.
The Cheek Gelee gives the most luminous finish with incredible lasting power. It looks fresh after 4 hours and still visible on the skin after a full work day. It brings back a dewy look to the cheek area and helps my base look balanced. The potted packaging makes it feel like a lip gloss, but it isn't sticky on the face at all. I'm also glad that while the color looks intense, it goes on bright but not overpowering.
Chanel Intonation is the most expensive option, and turns into a powder finish once dried down. The color payoff is intense and I barely need a swipe for both cheeks. It's also hard to work with because of this predicament, so I don't use it if I'm in a rush. It takes some time to get right and a stippling brush can help you be more precise. My friend also says it's an idea to buff some powder over it afterwards to tone it down ;)
As for a drugstore alternative, the Maybelline Bouncy blushes have been on the market for some time. I find that they lack pigmentation and staying power (fades around the 3 hour mark) but aren't horrible products. If I'm leaving the house for a quick second, a simple swipe dries down to the perfect finish and color. The texture in pan dents easily and it's a little hard to pick up color, so you won't ever overdo it. The swatches were made with two swipes.
The weird one in the mix, MUFE's HD blush is an extremely pigmented and longwearing liquid/cream that's sterile due to its packaging. The downside is that it's a b*tch and a half to work with. Even if you pump directly onto the back of your hands and pick it up lightly, it's a given you'll overdo it. The bright fuchsia color looks amazing for spring and summer, but I still haven't been able to work with it. Perhaps a damp sponge may be the trick.
Finally, the newly released Lollitint from Benefit is the Pantone color of the year, Orchid. Or was it Radiant Orchid? It's a really cute lilac color in a liquid-y base with the same nail polish format as their High Beam highlighters. I reach for this when I want a dolly look. It's a little messy but can double up as a lip color if you're pressed for time.
Now that I think about it, they take the same time as sweeping a brush loaded with powder pigment onto your cheeks. I just find that they can look more natural (or much more intense) than powder blushers. There's a learning curve with cream that I haven't quite mastered myself, but I find them so cheerful to use.
Do you like powder or cream finishes for your blush? Which do you think is harder to perfect?
xo Be
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