Luxe Or Less: Blush
Luxe Or Less: Blush
Blush would be my absolute favourite beauty product – it leaves you glowing and gorgeous. Even if you have just 1 minute to do your makeup a spot of concealer and a brush of blush over the apples of your cheeks lets you cheat your way to polished perfection.
So which blushes are worth the big bucks or are cheap blushes just as cheerful? We tested a range of blushes on different skin types (dry, oily/combination and normal) and skin colours (fair, medium and tanned) for the ultimate blush round-up.
MAC Cremeblend Blush in Something Special
MAC is the one-stop-shop for blushes (so many colours! so many formulas!) so I was particularly excited to try the new Cremeblend range, out in March. While this new formula is packed with pigment, it’s wonderfully creamy and pliable, so you can adjust the colour as you need: a tiny dab for day, layer on at night for more depth. Apply with fingertips or a cream blush brush. My tip? It’s beautiful with a light brush of pink or bronze highlighter over the top. Something Special is a light coral that freshens up all skin tones and is also lovely on the lips.
$40. Visit maccosmetics.com.au.
Youngblood Pressed Mineral Blush in Blossom
I can’t stop raving about Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics because it is just that good, especially if you have sensitive skin like me. Their blushes are so super finely milled that the colour blends right into your skin instead of sitting on top. Blossom is the perfect rosy glow pink (hello, spring brides!) and looks natural on all skin types. Lasts all day on the cheeks and the small pot is good for months of use.
$60. Find out more at youngbloodmineralcosmetics.com.au/.
Benefit Dallas Blush
Choosing a favourite Benefit blush is like choosing a favourite child – impossible. Just last week we raved about Benetint and it rightly deserves a place in our Top 10 Cult Beauty Classics. But in our ultimate blush round-up it’s Dallas that was a favourite with each of our reviewers. It’s the perfect shade of bronzer-meets-blush and even our fair lady looked beautifully natural after a light sweeping over cheeks, temples and the forehead.
$51. Buy online at benefitcosmetics.com.
Napoleon Perdis Barely Blushing in Barely Blushing Buff
If you have normal or dry skin this is the blush for you no matter if you’re fair or darker skinned. The unique formula (it feels like a cross between a gel and a cream) melts into the skin. Start off by softly patting in a tiny amount onto the apples of your cheeks. Build up for more colour, but Buff is so natural that you won’t look like a clown (if you do, just pat a little loose powder over the top).
RRP $30. Buy online at shop.napoleonperdis.com/.
Nutrimetics Silk Blush in Sienna Silk and Mauve Silk
This mousse-like blush was another favourite with our reviewer with dry skin. The light-as-air fluffy texture not only has silicone to glide over the skin (hiding and not accentuating fine lines and open pores like other cream blushes) but it also contains soothing aloe vera, so extra points for that. The cut little pot is perfect for handbags for that mid-afternoon touch-up. Mauve Silk is a great shade for pairing with a darker lip, while tawny Sienna Silk is best for fair skin tones.
$27. Buy online at nutrimetics.com.au/.
CoverGirl TruCheeks Blush
This trio of peachy shades (also available in pink and berry) creates a lovely radiance on darker skin types (the lightest shade is great as a highlighter). In fact this was my favourite blush in my early 20s when I spent all summer in the sun. But not so much now 10 years later. The shimmer is too strong on older or oily skin and our reviewer with sensitive skin broke out after trying it. The brush that comes with it is useless – better to invest in a big fluffy blush brush.
RRP $13.95. Find out more at covergirl.com.au/.
What’s your favourite blush?