BLUSH-A-LICIOUS

 

Blush-a-Licious

If I’m not wearing bronzer, then I will for sure be wearing blusher! Although they both have different effects, wearing the right blush takes you from looking flat to fabulous in seconds. 

I remember back when blusher was the craze before contour and highlight took over the makeup world. Who remembers rummaging the Sleek counter trying to find that perfect blush shade? I believe I may have shamelessly bought the entire shade range. My bank balance may have suffered, but I discovered that peachy pinks compliment my light olive skin complexion the best. 

I like to add a light dusting of blusher to the apples of my cheeks to give me a natural ‘blush’ and add life back into my face. A bit of blusher is an essential step for minimal makeup days when you don't want to do the whole contour shebang but still want to give your skin some life and colour. 

In my opinion, a blush should not be applied to give your face definition, as a bronzer would, and less is more unless you like the garden gnome look! 

After having a good play around with many blushers, I have whittled down my favorites to Just two! One is on the higher end scale, and the other is a lot more affordable, both equally as desirable. 

NARS Orgasm Blush

Although we all know the name is questionable, this blusher is a cult classic for a reason. I didn't intend to buy this blush, but as NARS were doing a two products for £50 deal in House of Fraser, I just had to purchase this blusher to see what the hype was about. 

'Gorgeous and Glistening!'

Glisten!

My first impression was ‘Oh wow, this is quite glittery!’ which made me a tad skeptical; as sparkly cheeks weren't something I was keen on. Although it does contain glittery particles, these blend out once applied to the cheeks, which give you the most beautiful healthy sheen. 

I would say the colour is a warm pink with a tinge of peach accompanied by the gold particles. I like to apply it using my dense ‘Eco Tools Blush Brush,' which I've had for years. As this blush is quite sheer, a dense brush is the best way to apply it as it will pick up more pigment over a soft brush.

If you’re someone who likes their blush to be pigmented, then this is not for you. Although this blush is quite sheer, the quality is still impeccable making it easy not to go overboard but also having a lasting effect. 

Duo effect 

I feel this blush can act as both a highlight and blush, making it perfect for a ‘no makeup, makeup day’ or if you are in a rush, as it gives you that popping dewy glow because of the gold pigments.

Wearing Nars 'orgasm'

It is also a MUST if you are a red lip kinda girl as the warm pink does complement a red lip and pulls everything together. A simple ponytail, fine flicked eyeliner, Orgasm blush, and red lip, (usually MAC’s Russian Red) is a winning combination, in my eyes. 

To summarize, this is a perfect blusher if you are new to the whole blush application, as the warm pink can complement a multitude of skin tones and makeup looks. Do yourself a favour and pop it in your basket when you’re doing your next ASOS shop. 

Milani Luminoso Baked Blush

Milani Luminoso was the only blush I wore every day for a whole year before I discovered NARS Orgasm, now I alternate between the two. I have used this blush so much that the packaging no longer has writing and the dome shape is slowly disappearing. I believe that every girl should have this blush in her collection.

'Baked and Beautiful'

This blush is predominantly a warm peach with a tinge of pink and slight gold shimmer. As the name ‘Luminoso’ would suggest, this blush gives the cheeks a subtle ‘lit from within’ glow but nothing as obvious as ‘Orgasm’. If you like a subtle glow in your blush, then this is the one to go for over ‘Orgasm’. 

I like a bit of radiance in my blush so if I’m feeling for more of a glow, I reach out for ‘Orgasm’. 

 

Luminous but pigmented!

Don’t be fooled by the luminosity of this blush as the pigment is insanely intense! Although ‘Luminoso’ is a dream to blend, a very light hand is highly recommended as it’s easy to go a bit too overboard and can be difficult to remove. To avoid going OTT, I like to apply this with my Real Techniques Blush Brush as it picks up the right amount of product. 

As I've mentioned, I like to wear ‘Orgasm’ with a red lip, but I tend to reach for this blush if I’m going for a nude lip and smokey eye. This and MAC’s Shy Girl or Velvet Teddy is simply a dream team. 

Wearing Milani 'Luminoso'

Cruelty-free

As Milani is an American brand, it is not so readily available in the UK, but the good news is that you can purchase this on Amazon for under £10 which you can Buy here!

What is your favourite high-end or affordable blush?