In the Beauty Cabinet – Chic Cheeks

Feeling Flush?

If you want to PERK UP your complexion in an instant then applying a swipe of blush will do the trick.  With so many varieties on the market how do you decide which one works best?  Powder, cream, liquid, shimmer, bouncy (yes there is one) or stick.  The answer is there is no “one” that is “the best” – there are several so it comes down to personal preference and most woman have experimented with several sorts and brands.  I’ve already done the homework.

Wearing blush should look subtle and simulate a natural glow.  All of these shown here will do just that with the slightest application.   Here are my picks:

If you prefer LIQUID:

by Terry Rose de Rose Fluid is a sheer liquid formula so a very tiny dab on the finger goes a long way.  It smells beautiful like crushed rose petals because it IS made of crushed rose petals.  The only problem is that it’s not available in Canada.      In the U.S. you can buy it only at Barney’s (New York, L.A., Las Vegas or online at byterry.com)

If you like POWDER with soft, sheer color & a hint of highlights:

BB Shimmer Brick – This shimmering, brush-on powder in five shades creates a soft, rosy glow. Works well with neutral, pink and rose blush shades.
Apply by sweeping the Face Blender Brush through all five shades of Shimmer Brick Compact and dust lightly on cheekbones after blush (or use alone if you like it barely noticeable). Focus on applying shimmer on the top of cheekbones – where light naturally hits the face – for the most flattering look.

If you prefer a PEACHY Pink with golden shimmer then go for NARS “Orgasm” – a bestseller.

It will give you that….well you know…that LOOK!

If you prefer a CREAM that stays put:

NARS the Multiple Stick – a multi-tasker for cheeks, eyes and lips.  It applies easily with just enough creaminess in the consistency for effortless blending. I personally find it a bit drying for lips and depending on the shade I would not wear it on the eyes either. Copacabana and Luxor are 2 shades which are best for highlighting areas such as the cheekbones and browbones.  They have little/no visible colour, but have a gorgeous pearlescent shimmer.  

I have Portofino but you can also get:                      Copacabana 
 Luxor 
 Maldives  
 Orgasm 
 South Beach
 Malibu 
 St Barts 
and the 3 limited edition Multiple Tints that came out last year: Beverly Hills, Turks & Caicos and Cadaques.

 Bobbi Brown & Nars cosmetics are found at Sephora & other fine department stores.  Available atHolt Renfrew in Canada.

 If you prefer NATURAL minerals:

choose Micabella Mineral powder blush:

This rich, dusty rose pigment with a hint of shimmer is made of 100% natural mica that looks gorgeous & also highlights the cheeks.  It offers natural full spectrum UVA and UVB sunscreen protection, free of the toxic chemicals, paraben preservatives, synthetic dyes and harmful fillers found in most commercial, non natural cosmetics.

Available online under Mica Beauty at intrigueimports.com

If you prefer a GEL formula and/or an inexpensive but effective drugstore brand:

Then choose Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush with a revolutionary new  texture that springs back when you touch it.  • Lightweight like a powder, yet melts seamlessly into skin like a cream. • Natural sheer wash of color that is buildable for greater color intensity.  A good value.

Okay I admit to having ALL of these shown here – for the reasons mentioned & for days when I want to try something different.  You can trust me (I don’t know why you wouldn’t) on this – ALL are Fabulous! 

p.s. I bought the Maybelline because I wanted to find out if it really bounced back – it does.

Is there anything else I should know about?