Audrey Dao » HE Blush

Rock and Republic Pressed Blush Review

Audrey Dao — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 15:06:03 +0000

Rock and Republic Pressed Blush ($40) That’s right. $40 for blush. All over the beauty blogging world, beauty bloggers have been raving about the miraculous wonders of the Rock and Republic blushes. I tried to avoid purchasing the blushes for nearly a year, but I couldn’t hold out any longer. I had to find out for myself if it was truly all that great. Is it? Oh, yeah! First off, the names of the blushes are very interesting and quite the attention getter: X-Rated, Kinky, Foreplay, Spank, and that’s just naming a few of them. The colors of the blushes also scream for attention. The colors are bold, bright, and pigmented. Don’t be scared by the names and the shades. You get what you pay for. Besides the humongous size (it’s about the size of the palm of my hand!) and sturdy compact, the blushes go on super smooth and last all day. No need for touch ups. The blushes are also blendable and not chalky, powdery at all. A little goes a long way so you know these blushes will be lasting you a lifetime plus another 50 years. No need for backups. What was I thinking not buying these earlier? I want to say Rock and Republic blushes now ranks as one of my favorites, and I will absolutely be buying more shades when these babies go on sale.

Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Blush Review

Audrey Dao — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 14:38:29 +0000

Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Blush ($25)

A cream blush that naturally sculpts and highlights the cheeks for a healthy glow.

HD Microfinish Blush combines mattifying and reflecting powders to create a soft-focus effect for a radiant complexion. Its ultra-fine, second-skin texture blends seamlessly, imparting a healthy glow that’s hard not to notice.

My Thoughts:

I’m a hyprocrite. I admit it. After telling so many people I wouldn’t buy it because of the tiny size and the high cost, I caved. After playing with it at Sephora, I fell in love. A little goes a long way and it blends very easily. However, you have to blend quickly because it will set quickly. When you first pump the blush out, it comes out pretty pigmented and bold. When you apply the blush and blend it, the color is toned down and more natural looking. The blush can get heavy if you apply a lot at once. It’s best to start of with a thin layer and slowly build up to the color you’re going after. I love the wide range of colors to choose from. I’m just still debating whether the size and quality of the blush is worth the high price tag.

Edit:

Thanks to MJ for reminding me to mention the staying power. It lasted all day for me.

NARS Highlighting/Bronzing Blush Duo Review

Audrey Dao — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 20:26:48 +0000

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 Review

Audrey Dao — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:50:02 +0000

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.

MAC Magic Mirth and Mischief Face Kit Review

Audrey Dao — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 23:36:00 +0000

(Photos from Makeup For Life)

(top to bottom)

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 Review

Audrey Dao — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 07:06:59 +0000

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:

Healing/soothing effect
Anti-inflammatory
Relieves dryness
Rich in B vitamins and minerals
Suitable for all skin types, including very sensitive skin

My Thoughts:

I love this blush! I have this in Score, and it is such a pretty color! It is a pink peachy color that reminds me of Nars Orgasm minus the load of shimmer Orgasm has. The packaging is very simple and cute. You don’t need to pile on the blush, because the blush is very pigmented. So, use a light hand when applying. The blush does have a little bit of shimmer, but it gives your cheeks a natural glow. An “afterglow” I would say. The only bad thing about Urban Decay Afterglow blush is the size. It isn’t very big at all. I’m guessing maybe a little bit bigger than an eyeshadow? I wish it was bigger. But since the blush is so pigmented, I suppose it will last me quite awhile. Besides that complaint, I love it!

Benefit CORALista Review

Audrey Dao — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 07:15:54 +0000

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 Review

Audrey Dao — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 08:21:49 +0000

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 Review

Audrey Dao — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 21:05:28 +0000

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.