Splurge Vs. Steal: Blushes

Blushes are sort of an underrated makeup item, I think. They add so much color to your face, and can wake up your complexion. Think about it – you don’t necessarily notice someone’s blush when they are wearing it, but if they aren’t you sure do!

Overall, in this category, I think high end blushes are worth the extra money. Speaking broadly, drugstore blushes tend to last long and impart more color with just one swipe of your blush brush. Here are my favorites!

SPULRGE

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush ($25) really does what it advertises. When I wear this, it lasts all day! I’m not crazy about the color selection, however. I think some of the colors are a little washed out, for lack of a better word. My favorite colors are Adored, Frisky, Exposed, and Blissful.

Every girl should have a NARS blush in their makeup collection ($28). Nobody does blushes quite like NARS. The blushes are super pigmented and the names are, well, naughty and fun. Try Orgasm, Deep Throat, and Angelika.

I’ve been wearing Benefit blushes ($28) forever. Seriously, I’ve had Dandelion since 2007. You will never get to the bottom of this little box. I use and love Coralista, Dandelion, Sugar Bomb, and Bella Bamba. Dallas is great for those with darker skin tones. Hoola makes a great bronzer!

If I had to pick my absolute favorite blush, it would be Bobbi Brown’s blush in Pale Pink ($25). The color is intimidating in the package, but it looks amazing on everyone.

STEAL

Drugstore blushes as a whole tend to frustrate me. Either they are extremely chalky or they leave little to no color on your face. Frustrating! I have found a few that impress me.

NYX Powder Blush is very pigmented, and a steal at $5.99. Try Pinched, Rose Garden, Summer Peach, and Mauve. I actually think Pinched is very similar to NARS Orgasm!

I’ve shared my love of ELF blushes before. I mean, $3 for a blush? Yes please! Tickled Pink, Pink Passion, and Peachy Keen are dupes of more expensive blushes.

TIP OF THE DAY

Besides lipstick, I think blush is the one makeup item that wears off pretty quickly. Through trial and error, I’ve come up with a method to extend the lasting power of my blush.

Tip: Layer powder blush over cream blush. The cream causes the powder to “stick” and really makes your blush last all day. I like to use the Sigma F84 Angled Kabuki Blush.

Here are some of my favorite cream blushes!

NYX Cream Blushes ($6.99) are fab. I love the color selection and they apply like a dream. Try Tickled, Hot Pink, and Boho Chic.

My friend Susan recommended the Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blushes ($7.99) to me and I really like them! The texture of the blush is a little drier so I think for beginnings they are easier to apply.

I picked up the Revlon PhotoReady Cream Blush ($12.99) one day on a whim and I’m so glad I did. The quality is superb. I love Coral Reef, Flushed, and Pink.

Lastly, I love Sephora’s Double Contouring Cream Blushes ($14). A little goes a long way because these cream blushes are super pigmented. I have Poppy, a bright pinkish coral color.

What are your favorite blushes? Will you be trying out any of the products I’ve recommended?