Monday, November 11, 2013

Top Ten Blushes for Fall/Winter 2013

This post contains both products purchased
by me, and samples sent for consideration

Top Ten Blushes for 
Fall/Winter 2013

Last month, I shared with you my favorite lipsticks of the season.  This month, I thought I'd share my favorite blushes. When the weather outside gets colder, I swap out my bronzer for blush. Nothing gives that natural flush to the cheeks like the perfect blush. The right blush will look like you just stepped in from the cold, and help brighten the face. 
From creams to powders, I've got you covered. While I favor peachy blushes in the summer, and pinks in the spring, fall/winter blushes lean rose, orange and nude for my picks.  I've included shades for a variety of skin tones, skin types, budgets and from various brands so you'll be sure to find one that works for you. 

Here are my top ten blushes for Fall/Winter 2013:

  1. Milani Baked Powder Blush in Red Vino - the newest blush in my collection
  2. Milani Romantic Rose Powder Blush - limited edition
  3. NYX Mauve Blush - budget friendly
  4. NYX Cinnamon Blush - great for darker skin tones
  5. NYX Cream Blush in Orange - good choice for those with dry skin
  6. Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Blush in Nude Glow - excellent for those with sensitive skin
  7. Everyday Minerals Girl Friday Blush - matte finish
  8. Tarte Exposed Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush - favorite from last year
  9. IT Cosmetics Vitality Flush Color Stain Stick in Je Ne Sais Quoi - works on cheeks & lips
  10. e.l.f. Blush in Blushing Rose - my most worn blush so far this season
  
Milani Baked Powder Blush in Red Vino: This is the newest blush in my collection. On a trip to my local pharmacy, I checked out the makeup (as I usually do).  Although the last thing I needed was more makeup, this blush was calling my name! This smooth, pigmented powder leaves the most beautiful glow on the skin. It's a red wine color with gold veining running throughout.  When your blush swirls the colors together, you are left with beautifully flushed and highlighted cheeks in one swoop. No matter what your skin tone is, be sure to use a light hand, because this is super pigmented. This is a great choice for deeper skin tones, but those with fair skin, like me can still wear it well if you are careful to use the right tools, and always be sure to tap off the excess. 


Milani Romantic Rose Powder Blush: This limited edition blush is a dusty mauve shade. The pigmentation is fantastic, and the powder is silky smooth. This blush really leaves the skin with a youthful glow, despite the fact that it's a matte formula. If you are looking for a cruelty-free drugstore blush, that is just a little more special, this is a great one to try. The petal pattern of the product is just so pretty and feminine, you won't want to use it at first for fear of ruining it, but trust me it's worth it! 

 Above (left to right): Red Vino, Romantic Rose
Above (left to right): Swatch of Romantic Rose, Swatch of Red Vino

NYX Mauve Blush: Like the Milani blushes above, this is a budget friendly pick. This is a soft dusty pink powder blush that gives a sheer wash of color to the cheeks. The finish is completely matte, which is often difficult to find in a budget friendly blush. This shade is particularly beautiful on fair skin tones, but the color can be built up in intensity to flatter medium skin tones as well. I've found this blush to be long lasting, and a nice compliment to the burgundy lip trend of the season. 


NYX Cinnamon Blush: This bright matte orange looks amazing on those with a deeper complexion.  This shade is very pigmented, and blends well onto the cheekbones. I use this color frequently both personally and professionally. If you have fair skin, you will want to use a very light hand with this one. On occasion, I have even used it as an eyeshadow to compliment my blue eyes. 


NYX Cream Blush in Orange: If you are interested in NYX Cinnamon, but have a drier skin type, you may want to try this one instead. This color is a bit softer than Cinnamon and while it doesn't have any added shimmer, it does leave a dewy finish on the skin since it is a cream product. It blends beautifully into the skin, and you can easily get a good 10 hours of wear time before any noticeable fading. 


Above (left to right): NYX Orange, NYX Cinnamon, NYX Mauve 


Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Blush in Nude Glow: This is my pick of the season for those with super sensitive skin or allergies to talc or parabens. This is one of the few blushes I own where I have actually hit pan. I am finding this shade increasingly difficult to find in stores, and I really hope the brand doesn't or hasn't discontinued it. This is a very light mauve shade that looks beautiful on those with super fair skin. It has a marbleized design that blend together to create the perfect flush. Whenever my skin is breaking out, this is the blush I use, because I know it won't further irritate my skin. 


Everyday Minerals Girl Friday Blush: Matte skin is very much in for Fall/Winter 2013. Therefore, in many of my looks, I am reaching for a matte blush. Sure there are still days where I want to add a bit of a sheen, but on those where I want a truly matte look, this is one I reach for. Though it is matte, it still leaves a healthy glow on the cheeks. This is largely due to it's reddened-pink shade which leaves that lit-from-within look that I love so much. This is a great choice for every skin tone, and another good choice for those with sensitive skin. 

 Above (left to right): Physicians Formula Nude Glow, Everyday Minerals Girl Friday
Above (left to right): Everyday Minerals Girl Friday Swatch, Physicians Formula Nude Glow Swatch

  
Tarte Exposed Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush: This blush became a favorite of mine toward the end of last year, and I continue to use and love it. This is one of the pricier blushes on this list, but it's worth every penny. This matte nude shade just looks so natural on my skin and is perfect for no-makeup makeup looks. Plus it's paraben free and made with amazonian clay, which helps balance out the oil and moisture levels in the skin making it work well for all skin types. Tarte's blushes in general are super pigmented, so I usually apply them with a fan brush for a lighter application. I own many of the Tarte Amazonian Clay blushes, but this one is hands down my favorite from the line. A must have for those with a fair to light skin tone.  Try it with the Tarte LipSurgence Matte Lip Tint in Exposed for a monochromatic makeup look.


IT Cosmetics Vitality Flush Color Stain Stick in Je Ne Sais Quoi (sample):  Speaking of monochromatic looks, this chubby stick from IT Cosmetics blends beautifully onto the lips and cheeks making it the perfect multitasker for those with a busy schedule. The kind folks over at IT Cosmetics sent me this a while back as part of a kit.  However you can try this sheer pink flush as part of a duo available here: http://www.qvc.com/It-Cosmetics-Vitality-Flush-Reviver-Color-Stain-Stick-Duo.product.A234861.html 
Prior to trying this I was a huge fan of the Je Ne Sais Quoi lip color, so I was super excited to see this shade available in a format that works on the cheeks as well. This creamy formula is very hydrating, making it ideal for those with a drier skin type, or those who suffer from seasonal dryness or flakiness of the skin. It can be applied straight from the tube, applied with fingers, or a small stippling brush. 


e.l.f. Blush in Blushing Rose: Last, but certainly not least is the blush that I've worn most this season. It's the perfect rose shade with subtle shimmer running through it. At only $3, this blush is super affordable and you really can't beat the quality for the price. I love this color so much, and the pigmentation is impressive. As I've mentioned, it does have a lovely shimmer to it, but it's not heavy glitter by any means. This is inexpensive, and works great, period. What more can we ask from a blush? For this reason it's quickly becoming a favorite among my collection! This is a total steal, and although the packaging is simple, it is still quite sturdy, so you don't have to worry about it breaking in your makeup bag. Just buy it. 


I hope you enjoyed this look at my top ten blushes for Fall/Winter 2013.  Have you tried any of the blushes mentioned? Please share your favorites in the comments below!
 
*This post contains both products purchased by me and samples sent for consideration. This in no way alters my review. I do not get paid to write reviews. Any links are only included for the benefit of the reader. I do not get any commissions if you purchase any of the products mentioned in this post. 
 
 

2 comments:

  1. OMG. I'm drooling over all the gorgeousness. I think I love ever single one, but my favorites are the orange-y and brown-nude undertoned ones, the NYX, Everyday Minerals, and Tarte

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just love Fall makeup colors! So pretty. A nice change from my summer looks.

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