Makeup addicts need some support group – either to stop this insane but extremely satisfying addiction,or…maybe, JUSTIFY their addictions! Hahaha! Well, I’m no exception! I’ve recently met a makeup lover, turned friend, Tracy, and we just love talking about our favorite subject! I’ve asked her to be guest blogger today, and I’m glad that she accepted my request!Well, I’m sure you’ll love her entry for today! It’s all about blushes for the Holidays!
Here it is!
A PINCH AND A GLOW
by Tracy
I’ve always been partial to pinks and rosy flushes on the apples of my cheeks; contrary to popular makeup belief that bronzers look good on everyone, I’m convinced that they generally do nothing but make my fair skin look plain muddy (with a few exceptions, which I will mention in this article as well). For this reason, I always wear the light and rosy shades that just make me look young and childlike.
This flushed, healthy look is a staple for the holidays; so I’m generally a walking celebration all year round! And thanks to Sophie, I get to share my collection which truly represents the look of the coming season!
My criteria for holiday season blushes consist of two things: a pinch and a glow. The blush must render a naturally sweet flush on the cheeks that gives any face that wears it a bright and festive mood. Secondly, it must provide a certain glow (through shimmer or unique iridescence) that can make heads turn, making one stand out even in the plethora of shoppers and tourists in the ber-months.
Naturally, I’ll vouch for the fair-skinned winner blushes, and my sister (who’s a dusk beauty) loves the recommendations for her medium skin tone. And on to the favorites:
For the Fair-Skinned (light pinks and peaches)
This is Cargo Catalina beside the Shu Uemura Sakura blush
picture courtesy of eggtarts of Girltalk
Shu Uemura Sakura / Cargo Catalina – both are very similar true light pinks (Sakura only has a tiny bit of shimmer while Catalina is matte); both are very pigmented so you only have to put only a little to get bright teenybopper cheeks. But for value, I suggest you get 8.9g Cargo blush over the 4.5g Shu.*
Laura Mercier blushes in Rose Petal, Nectar, and Crushed Hazelnut
Laura Mercier Blush in Rose Petal – the peachy-pink with a glow! This one’s matte but the sweet color manages to just brighten up the face. Plus, it’s only Php875 for a department store blush.
L’oreal Blush Delice in Strawberry Tart (Pink Marshmallow in Asia) – your best bet if you want iridescent goddess-like cheeks! This is the most wearable of all the recommendations, since it’s so sheer you will never end up like a clown (just shiny cheek apples, haha)
Pureluxe Minerals Blush in Nymph – recognized as the mineral makeup deadringer for the cult favorite Orgasm but better! I see more pigment than gold shimmer on my face when I use this one.
For the Medium-skinned (rosy pinks and peaches)
Cargo Gotham – a medium rose pink with blue iridescence. This is a very unique blush that gives the wearer a rosy glow with a beautiful sheen. And yes, believe it or not, you can wear it at daytime! Just be careful with the brush, since it’s pigmented (as with almost all cargo blushes!)
Laura Mercier Blush in Nectar – the true peach blush from Laura Mercier. Don’t morenas look awesome in peach?
Pureluxe Minerals Blush in Tender – this one is like Cargo Gotham (finally found something similar!) but with bronzy undertones. Perfect for those who still crave for the sunkissed look in the cool months!
Winner blushes for both skintones
NARS Orgasm is not included this time, as most of you might expect. The blushes to get are Cheekypop in Sunset and Covergirl Blush in 166 Deep Rose!
Cheekypop Sunset just represents the happiness of the season: it’s colorful and sparkly! Application can be adjusted if you don’t want the attention, which is a good thing for the faint of heart. And you can choose between the two colors in the pot each day; or use both for fun! A hefty 12g pot will keep you cheeky for a lifetime.
But some of you may prefer the classic red apple cheeks, seen on almost all figurines and Santa figures in Christmas. To get that look, use Covergirl in Deep Rose! Just remember to apply with a very light hand —- it’s so pigmented you can easily look like a clown. But when applied perfectly, nothing can look more joyously festive. And it’s more affordable than Shu Uemura’s P Red 19D.
Affordable Blushes
San San blush in 07 is a knock-off of Cargo Catalina and Shu Uemura’s Sakura, not only in shade but in pigmentation! In fact, I might even prefer this over Catalina, as it does not turn orange on my skin and the staying power is absolutely commendable! Great find for less than a hundred bucks. The formula is powdery though, so don’t be worried if it tends to powder off (for a lack of a better term). But heck, it’s cheap!
Fanny Serrano in Georgia Peach and Baby’s Breath are buildable blushes and are recommended for people on-the-go who can’t be bothered by the hassle of dealing with pigmented blushes. Two swipes on both cheeks and you’re ready to go, without any worry of being too made up! And both blushes don’t go beyond 400 pesos.
Aziza Blush Duo in Spiced Tones and Angel Tones
Aziza Blush Duo in Spiced Tones (Warm Peach) and Angel Tones (Vivid Pink). Two blushes in one pan: one for pigment and one for shimmer. They don’t fade easily too. And the best part -a dollar for each blush! (Unfortunately, they’re not available in the Philippines. Ask a relative in the States to get you one – or ten! — at the Dollar Store)
Bronzers that look good on fair skin
If you’ve given up on bronzers (I almost have), don’t fret; here are a couple of recommendations I’ve discovered in my search which render the kind of bronzy glow or contour we all want without the dirty look.**
Laura Mercier Blush in Crushed Hazelnut- Just see the MUA reviews: it’s a must-have! It’s a unique nude beige blush that can make morenas glow and give mestizas a lightly bronzed look.
A darker shade of powder foundation – one can always rely on this tip when you can’t find your perfect bronzer. Since foundation powder is based on matching the skin tone, you’ll never look unnatural when you contour your face with a shade that’s one or two shades darker than your real color. To be safe, use the same brand of foundation you normally use.
These are my recommendations which make up almost half of my blush collection. And yes, with these in hand, I don’t need any more blushes! But then again, if I get bored, I can always swap. Ah, the beauty of being kikay: we always find a way to get what we want. *wink* Enjoy!
*My only qualm with Cargo Catalina is that it tends to turn orange when I get oily. Sad. But then again, it’s getting cold: less tendency for makeup meltdown!
** Bronzers are integral to any makeup kit; it is very important for contouring the face to achieve the illusion of the perfect oval shape. However, I prefer to stick to the simple blush and glow for everyday (hence the recommendations) and use bronzers only during formal events that need contouring; or when I feel like it.
Related Posts
Blogsphere: TechnoratiFeedsterBloglines
Bookmark: Del.icio.usSpurlFurlSimpyBlinkDigg
RSS feed for comments on this post | TrackBack URI for this post
I agree…Fair skin looks better in rosy blushes or light bronzers.Everyone should choose the right color depending of the skin tone, that’s why we have as many alternatives
!It’s only logical yo get muddy look using too dark bronzers,try thinking how light bronzers look on dark skin…
hi! we’re can I buy the Blush Delice line here in Manila? are they still available, i heard its about to run out eh. Thanks. =)
Hi! Maybe they phased it out na? This has been in the market for already more than three years