Tag: cream blush

NARS 413 BLKR Multiple

I have another favorite Multiple for you and it is pretty precious. The newest Multiple is named for the flagship store in New York City’s West Village neighborhood (have you been? It is dreamy).

The rich burgundy, at first, intimidated me. I was worried it would be too bold on my light/medium skin. But on the cheeks it blends out to a perfectly sweet wine-colored stain. It dries down to a powder finish, but a very very slight shimmer gives just enough glow. Where it really shines is on the lip. It is a perfect matte sheer berry. I even threw it on my eyelids for a wash of red a la Spring 2013 runways. Totally works.

So add 413 BLKR to my list of favorite Multiples which include: Cococabana, G-Spot, Palm Beach and Undress Me (click for reviews).

Available at narscosmetics.com and NARS flagship boutiques:

413 Bleecker St, New York, NY; tel: 646.459.2323
8412 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA; tel: 310.623.1730

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE WAS PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

Laura Mercier’s Spring 2013 Collection

The new, limited-edition Arabesque Collection from Laura Mercier features etherial, sweet hues that are perfect to harken the arrival of spring. The sweet pinks, neutrals and berry shades are so wearable, light and fresh. I’ve been test-driving a few of the products: Lip Stain in Mulberry and the newest Crème Cheek Colours.

Laura Mercier Lip Stain comes in a pot and I have been applying with my fingers (laziness strikes!). At first, it feels like a gloss or balm, but the finish is slightly more matte. And hello, staying power! You will definitely get that illusive long-term wear. Mulberry is a berry shade, falling on the warmer side. The shade is a great middle-of-the-road option between nude and bold.

Laura Mercier Spring 2013 Colors

Laura Mercier Crème Cheek Colour has new permanent packaging. The compact format is great if you have a custom compact going (ideal for travel). I’m a huge cream blush fan and these don’t disappoint They are very buildable with a velvet finish. Praline is a unique shade – a warm nude which works well on my fair, cool skin. It just adds a flush of color, ideal for achiving a bare, matte face. Oleander is a cooler pink that gives a feminine, slightly more bold look. Both so different, but both so good.

Laura-Mercier-Swatches

The collection is now available at Nordstrom.

The Best Cream Blushes

While we are in the season of bronzers, I have found the real workhorse can be a rosy blush. They refresh the face with a luminous healthy glow. And I’m having a love affair with the cream variety. They tend to look more natural on me, blending out easily and evenly and having more radiance than their powder counterparts. Here are my picks for cream blush all-stars:

1. Chantecaille Radiant Fresh New Cheek Creme is a more pigmented formula. But because it is so silky, it blends out to a beautiful flush. The formula contains Lily Bulb Extract and Peach Extract which work as antioxidants.

2. Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Coffee Cake is not actually a cream but bear with me. The formula actually applies like a cream but but dries to a long staying powder appearance. They make a wide range of shades, and at drugstore prices, you can afford to pick up a couple. I love Lara’s tip for using this product. Check out her post on The Glossarie right here.

3. Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Luminious Creme Blush is oil free, but applies creamy. I’ve found it has great staying power with a balanced finish, not too dewy or pigmented. The formula contains Vitamins C and E, Allantoin and Jojoba Esters to hydrate and protect the skin.

4. La Prairie Cellular Radiance Cream Blush is a true luxury product. This is the most nourishing formula. It almost feels like a moisturizer going on. Skin care ingredients actually make the underlying skin healthier. The finish is on the sheer side.

Chantecaille Radiant Fresh New Cheek Creme

I am new to cream blushes and not quite sure why I didn’t get hooked on them sooner. I have dry skin and don’t often use powder. (A cream blush generally works best over liquid or no foundation and doesn’t play too nicely with powder.) My standby, La Prairie Cellular Radiance Cream Blush, is a sheer cheek color with great skin care properties. And always close at hand. But I have another partner in crime now. Chantecaille Radiant Fresh New Cheek Creme is more pigmented and silkier. I truly love them both, equally, for different reasons.

Chantecaille Cheek Cream has a very soft texture that blends beautifully into an even color. It has a velvety, matte finish that dries down very quickly. I can’t detect much of a scent – if anything, there is a hint of rose. The formula contains a unique technology, giving the color more luminosity. White Lily Bulb Extract and Peach Extract act as antioxidants. I love the sleek silver compact which holds a deceptively large amount of product.

Available in three shades:

Coy – Light Peach. (my current favorite, pop of color but not too overwhelming)
Demure – Medium Peach.
Shy – Light Pink.

These are available for $34 at Neiman Marcus. Use code JUNEFS for free shipping.

La Prairie Cellular Radiance Cream Blush

This is splurge-y. Yes, I know. But it is just that darn good. October of last year, it won Allure’s ‘Best of Beauty’ award for Best Top Splurge Blush. I’ve been using the Cellular Radiance Cream Blush in Peach Glow for a couple weeks. I invariably toss this in my purse because I want it with me all the time. Not to mention how beautiful the silver and gold compact is.

The nourishing formula adds needed hydration and soothes my skin. The Peach Glow just adds a touch of pinky peach with just balanced luminance. It isn’t a dramatic look but rather healthy and natural. I just use my fingers to apply right on my cheekbones in a sheer wash, but you can build up the color. This can be worn alone or over any lotion or cream foundation.

There are five shades available:

Rose Glow
Peach Glow
Berry Glow
Mauve Glow
Plum Glow

P.S. I already envy all of you that live out in LA. Or even those of you with an upcoming trip out there. My four days back in April just weren’t near enough. I squeezed in a visit to the new La Prairie spa at the gorgeous Hotel Bel-Air. The property has recently been updated and the new spa is a “can’t miss”. The understated elegancy and luxury is perfectly quiet and tranquil. May I suggest their new Luxe Caviar manicure and pedicure? Or perhaps a signature facial?

by Lindsay Rogers