Audrey Dao

NARS Highlighting/Bronzing Blush Duo ($37) This limited-edition Blush-Bronzer Duo contains the incomparable combination of Nars’ Orgasm Blush (subtly peachy-pink shimmer) and Laguna Bronzer (sheer light brown shimmer), which have been individually touted for their universally flattering and natural-looking hues. This compatible pairing creates summer’s quintessential glow both with ease and convenience – anytime of year.

My Thoughts:

Orgasm and Laguna are cult favorites. So when I saw this duo I had to snatch it up. Also, it doesn’t hurt that it was on sale. Thank you Sephora Friends and Family.  Did I mention I’m a sucker for sales?

Orgasm: a very pigmented shimmery/sparkly blush. It’s a peachy pink shade that despite what practically everyone says, doesn’t work on every skin tone. I’m sure it works on most skin tones, but it didn’t really work on mine. I have yellow undertones if you were wondering. Orgasm looked more pink than peachy on my skin.  It also shimmered like a disco ball. I think it’s overrated. Don’t get me wrong. It’s a pretty color. I just think there are better shades of peachy, pink blushes than Orgasm. Overall, the blush texture is wonderful. It’s finely milled, soft, and pigmented. You can read about my thoughts on Nars blushes in the review section.

Laguna: gotta love the Laguna Bronzer. It gives you that perfect tan color that isn’t reddish or orangy. Do you notice that? That reddish or orangy tone that comes with most bronzers? I have to say Laguna will probably suit  most skin tones. Be careful if you have a light/pale complexion. It can look dirty/muddy if you put too much on. Laguna adds a natural warmth to you face that will be perfect for summer and handy during the winter. It’s a pigmented bronzer that does shimmer. Overall, I will probably purchase the full sized Laguna bronzer. It’s not everyday you find a good bronzer.  I can understand why people are going nutso over Laguna.

Benefit Sugarbomb ($28) why we love it: Swirl the 4 flattering shades of peach, soft plum, shimmering pink and rose powders together and sweep on cheeks for a sweet rush of gorgeous. what else you need to know: Complete with soft, natural-bristle flush brush.

My Thoughts:

The newest blush to join the Benefit family gives a gorgeous rosy, peach flush. I think this blush will only work for people who have a light to medium tone. It’s a light colored blush so I don’t think it will show up on a tanned or dark complexion. The blush is shimmery, but you can’t see the glitter because the powder is finely milled. It doesn’t show up shimmery, but rather gives you a glow. Sugarbomb actually reminds me of a lighter, more subtle shade of Benefit’s Coralista. I think Sugarbomb is for light complexions and Coralista is for darker complexions. It’s an expensive blush, but it will last a very long time.

(Photos from Makeup For Life)

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MAC Magic Mirth and Mischief Fab Racadabra Bronze Face Kit ($38)

A face compact inspired by the fab-racadabra impact of bronze. Features Golden Bronzing Powder, Sunbasque Sheertone Shimmer Blush, and Buffed & Polished Iridescent Powder/Pressed in a sleek, square silvery-pewter compact decorated with a whimsical pattern of coloured dots on the lid, each one representing a shade from the compact’s palette. Limited edition.

MAC Magic Mirth and Mischief Hocus Focus Colourful Face Kit ($38)

An exclusive holiday compact featuring three key products for the face: Pretty Baby Beauty Powder, Peachykeen Sheertone Shimmer Blush and Sunsparked Pearl Beauty Powder in a sleek, square silvery-pewter compact decorated with a whimsical pattern of coloured dots on the lid, each one representing a shade from the compact’s palette. Limited edition.

My Thoughts:

I decided to skip out on the face kits because I didn’t find anything special about them except for the packaging. I still can’t get over how cute the packaging is! The face kits were not very pigmented (perfect if you’re heavy handed). Usually for the holiday, I want something that is pigmented so I can have more color in my complexion since I’m a lot paler. Other than that, the powders and blush were very soft and smooth. I had no difficulties blending and applying.

Urban Decay Afterglow Blush ($17)

Delicate, fresh… Introducing Urban Decay’s first-ever powder blush… appropriately named Afterglow. Small enough to fit in your clutch, this blush can be perfectly paired with your dressy pearls or worn alone to recreate summer’s glow. Bronzed pinks and hints of gold are here for the taking. Available in several colors to enhance a wide range of complexions

Made with Chamomile — Nature’s best, with these properties:

Benefit CORALista ($28) Take a tropical pleasure trip with CORALista. Sweep this coral pink powder onto cheeks anytime, anywhere. Move your brush to the beat & turn up the heat… bikini optional!

My Thoughts:

I own quite a bit of Benefit’s boxed powders/blushes and I have to say that I LOVE LOVE LOVE this blush! I love the color. I love the staying power. I love the packaging. Don’t love the brush that comes with it. Just like the name suggests, it’s a coral color but there’s a hint of pink to it. It’s great for Spring and especially Summer. It’s not too bright or bold for the day, which I love. It adds a warmth to your complexion. Did I mention how much I love this blush?

Nars Blush ($25) Made with transparent pigments for a soft and sheer look. Imparts a natural, healthy glow for any skin tone and may be worn alone or layered together for more depth and intensity.

• Provides a sheer, natural hint of color
• Made with transparent pigments to avoid heaviness
• Broad selection of shades

My Thoughts:

I feel Nars makes the best blushes and gives the most broad selection of shades to choose from. They are long lasting and pigmented. Nars blushes have never let me down. I cannot rave enough about these blushes. They are worth the $25.

Smashbox Wicked Lovely Blush Rush ($24 now $18) in Charm is a lovely blush! Get a gorgeous rush of color with this ultra-luxurious, long-wearing silky powder blush packaged in an innovative swivel mirror compact for touch ups on-the-go. It is easy to apply and blend. Charm is a nice shade of pink with a slight shimmer that looks like a natural glow. It is such a shame that it is limited edition. I would love for this blush to be part of the permanent line.