What They Say: "Silky-fine, shot with pearl, this blush inspires a subtle glow in tandem with a pure colour vibe. Ultra-smooth, delivers a light and alluring shimmer together with a sheer-colour payoff. Builds colour for ultimate effect. In every way luxurious. All are Limited Edition.

Eversun Shade description: Neutral peach bronze with gold pearl

Feeling Shade description: Dirty plum with silver pearl"

What Lisa Says: Looks like my Nars blushes may get a break for the summer! I love these MAC beauty powders and they're perfect for Spring/Summer. Both are very fine pressed powders that deliver buildable color with a pearl finish that is beautiful on the skin. The pearl shimmer is not overdone and just further enhances both of the colors I tested. Though they're sheer and impart a very natural "blush" on the cheek, they're high in pigment and it doesn't take much to deepen the color for evening.

"Feeling" had a bit more shimmer to it than "Eversun" (see shades here), but still; it was probably less than most blushes with the same. It is very natural looking and came across more rose colored on my skin than plum. Less is more when using this color. It imparts a natural healthy blush to the face but can look a little muddy if too much is applied. I found it to be very natural looking. Just lovely!

Eversun is my favorite of the two as I found it a bit more versatile a color this time of year. Like the name suggests, it gives you a gorgeous healthy sun kissed glow with a hint of gold shimmer. I used it as a blush and almost like a bronzer - following a "W" pattern across my cheeks & nose and hitting the high points of my forehead, etc. It looked like I'd had an afternoon of sun and my skin absolutely glowed. Just beautiful! This particular color is very natural looking - almost a neutral as it's description suggests. In spite of it being a true peach I can see this being versatile on many skin tones.

Most are already familiar with MAC products and for those faithful fans, you will not be disappointed. For the few who have yet to try the brand, this would be a great item to start with. For the MAC addicts out there who I know are wondering if this de-pots well, I experimented for you. I hesitantly warmed my flat iron and crossed my fingers. Mine de-potted beautifully. Just be extra careful with these. The Beauty Powder Blushes feel finer than most MAC blushes and if not handled with TLC, I think they could break-up a little easier. I did not carry this around in my purse for just this reason.

Retail Price: $17.50 (at Nordstroms or online at maccosmetics.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: The convenient make-up companion for busy women, Multi-Blush enhances the color of your cheeks, illuminates eyes and brightens lips with soft, subtle colour. Its unique texture combines the softness of a cream with the smoothness of an ultra-fine powder and melts into the skin for natural, long-lasting results. Apply Multi-Blush with your fingertips and create the colour effect and intensity you want. The result is subtle, natural, long-lasting make-up with a beautiful finish every time.

Jamie's Thoughts: I wanted so badly to love this product, but I just couldn't seem to make it happen. This is a mediocre offering from the usually-fabulous Clarins cosmetics line. My main beef is the suggested method of application: I hate using my fingers to apply blush. It spreads oils all over my combination skin, which leads to irritation and breakouts. That said...

As a blush...
Tough to apply, didn't go on smoothly (I felt like I was tugging at my face), stayed on for about 4-5 hours, color was true to description in that it was luminous but not shiny

As an eyeshadow...
I found the colors too close to skin tone for my complexion - anyone who can rock a peach or pink eye would love this. The product just isn't very smooth (again, with the tugging!).

As a lippie...
It's very matte - no shimmer whatsoever, so take that into account when considering a purchase. Staying power was almost nonexistent. Does not combine well with other lip products.

The Litchee color (a light, mauvey pink) was fairly versatile, and would be a great choice for anyone with a cooler complexion. The Apricot is quite peachy, and looks almost orange in some light. Overall, I'm moderately disappointed.

Retail Price: $26.50 USD (at us.clarins.com or go here to find a retail location near you)

Delush Rating:

What They Say: "This sheer, creme-gel blush hydrates and firms while giving cheeks a natural, radiant glow. Airbrush Effects Blushwhip has a unique air-like texture, with weightless, light diffusing pigments that create a smooth and flawless looking complexion. The easy-to-blend, ultra-hydrating formula diminishes the appearance of large pores and adds much needed moisture to dry skin during the winter months. ...It firms and brightens the cheek area, imparting a youthful glow."

Melissa Says: I am traditionally not a wearer of cream blush in general. Since I have skin that tends to get a little oily late in the afternoon, I've always relied on powder blush for my extra glow. I've always felt like cream blush has slipped off my skin after several hours or didn't blend well.

There are a few reasons this one stands out to me as different. First of all, it blends seamlessly, goes on smooth & silky, and creates a gorgeous sheer flush that stays true and lasts hours. (I prefer the Vida rosy pink shade a bit more for my skin tone - it seems to have slightly less of a pearlized finish than the Glow peachy pink).

Though I did feel the need to blot once or twice as usual, I didn't feel as if my skin necessarily became any more shiny because of the product. True, the look had more of a slight moisturized sheen than the powder blush I'm used to, but it looked healthy and supple, not messy or greasy.

User Tip: A little goes an incredibly long way. Seriously. One or two very small dabs on your fingertip (think 1/2 the size of a pea) to start will be more than sufficient on each cheek. The container also holds a very sufficient amount of product, enough to likely last many months.

*If you suffer from extremely oily skin, this would not be the best choice for you. However, if you have normal or dry skin, this could definitely impart some much-needed radiance to your complexion.

Retail Price: $28.00 /.48 oz. (at redpointbeauty.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Mineral Power Naturally Luminous Blush with micro-minerals provides a soft, healthy glow to cheeks.

• Blends naturally with skin tone for a fresh flush of color
• Skin looks healthy and fresh
• Talc-free, lightweight formula
• Fragrance-free
• Oil-free

Melissa Says: This finely-milled powder goes on a little bit sheer and looks pretty and yes, a little bit luminous! Don't worry, it won't make your face shine...the luminosity is subtle and not shimmery. It also blends into the skin with ease and lasts well.

User Tip: A little goes a loonnnng way, so you only have to tap a bit into the lid before swirling your brush around. Fortunately, the way the interior is designed, not a lot of loose powder will get lost along the way.

Retail Price: $8.99 (at drugstores everywhere)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "BECCA Beach Tint is a beautifully blendable crème stain for cheeks and lips that suits all skin types. Kiss-proof and water-resistant, it dries to a perfect, streak-free, non-greasy and non-drying finish. Each shade is deliciously scented in its synonymous name.

• 2-in-1 crème stain for cheeks and lips
• Deliciously scented
• Oil Free, Streak Free, and Water-proof
• Contains anti-oxidant vitamin E
• Preservative and paraben-free"

Melissa Says: This does have a slightly sweet scent to it, but more importantly, it kisses skin with a gorgeous wash of color. Use just a little bit to create a lovely glow on the cheeks, and a little bit more for a perfectly-stained lip. (Pop on a bit of gloss on top of lips for a completed look.) This does stay very well for several hours, without fading or streaking, and when you apply it, it glides over the skin and blends very smoothly to help create a natural flush on the cheeks. It's also very easy to control the level of sheerness with this as well. This is a great low-maintenance product that applies quickly with the perfect amount of impact.

Retail Price: $25 / .24 fl oz. tube (at beccacosmetics.com or go here to find a retail location near you)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Unique powder blusher imparts a flattering radiance to cheeks. Remarkably silky texture for easy application and subtle shading. Accentuate cheekbones for a youthful look. Softer tones around the eyes soften expression and rejuvenate."

Jen's Experience: I have really had a hard time deviating from my normal routine of NARS Orgasm blush every single day, but this product has challenged my normal routine. This blush from Chanel is a beige with just a hint of rose, like a bronzer and blush all in one. The color is fantastic with everything in my wardrobe, clothing and makeup. It applies so nicely and blends like a total dream. I wear it pretty much everyday. This is a limited edition color for Chanel, so hit the counter and check it out before it's gone!

Retail Price: $40.00 (Chanel.com or your local department store)

Rating:

What They Say: "ColorStay® Mineral Blush & ColorStay® Mineral Bronzer contain skin loving minerals that are good for your skin and ColorStay® longwear technology that lasts for up to 16 hours. This innovative mineral baked powder technology applies easily and blends seamlessly for natural looking, sheer, soft radiant color that won't streak or fade all day.

Formula is non-irritating and fragrance free.

Available in 3 Blush and 2 Bronzer shades."

Melissa Says: Though I tested this in one of the Bronzer shades (Golden Bronze), I think I can sufficiently give you the basic things you need to know about those as well as the Blush shades. First of all, the teeny-tiny little brush in the case is ridiculous, unless you're going to try putting the blush on a Barbie. However, we don't really expect ideal-sized brushes in drugstore compacts most of the time these days. When moving to one of my own, larger, brushes I began to realize just how quickly the blush would disintegrate into lots of excess loose powder on the edges of the compact. Sadly, within only slightly over two weeks of use, I started to see the bottom of the compact already!

Though the color goes on pretty, sheer, and stays true, it's a shame that I could only recommend this as a worthwhile purchase if Revlon finds a way to make the product last longer or just goes ahead and makes it a loose formula to begin with.

Retail Price: $13.99 (in drugstores everywhere)

DeLush Rating:

About the blush: "Soft, light pressed powder sweeps on a sheer, luminous glow without ever streaking. Quilted surface inspired by the newest CHANEL handbag is unarguably chic. Nylon powder provides easy glide and long wear. Photo-reflective pigments help reduce the appearance of fine lines. "

Jen's Experience: This is my first experience with Chanel blush, and I am definitely pleased with what I've seen. The Holiday 2007 shade, Neroli Rose is a very light pink with blue undertones and a fair amount of sparkle. On my skin, I needed a fair amount of blush to give significant color, but on a friend who is even fairer-skinned than I am, it looks absolutely gorgeous. For those with cooler skin tone and very pale skin, I highly recommend this shade. And since the texture and wear is so nice on this blush, I am eager to try other shades on my own skin tone.

Retail Price: $40.00 (Chanel.com or your local Chanel counter)

 

About the eyeshadow: "Shade combinations ranging from matte to frost to satin for multiple looks, contrasting or complementary. Apply dry for subtle shadowing. Slightly moistened applicator gives a more intense shade. Organic polymer derivatives ensure smudge-proof long wear, particularly in high temperature or humidity."

Jen's Experience: I have tested the Chanel eyeshadow quads with great results in the past, and this one is no exception. The color collection for the Radiant Gems quad, though, is an absolute standout. The quad contains a white and silver, certainly perfect for evening, but great for day as well at low concentration. The other two shades are pinks that coordinate perfectly as accents with the white and silver. If you're looking for a fun gift for a fan of CHANEL cosmetics, this is definitely my pick.

Retail Price: $55.00 (Chanel.com or your local Chanel counter)

DeLush Ratings:
Blush of Youth
Eyeshadow Quad

What They Say: "First-ever Mineral, bi-colored pressed powder blush! Ideal for sensitive skin, the talc-free, minimalist formula allows skin to breathe and can help minimize irritation and breakout. Minerals provide color that achieves soft, sheer shades for a long-lasting smooth, natural finish. The marbleized design features two shades-in-one for a flawless and even finish."

 

Jen's Experience: I tried this blush in three different shades, and kind of expected that one of the three would be fantastic for my skin tone and the others would be lackluster at best. I was surprised (and thrilled) to find that each of the shades looked good with my skin. They pack a punch of color, so I did have to go a little lighter than normal on the application, but I found them easy to blend with a brush or even a bit of pressed powder. I was a little disappointed in the wear; I needed to reapply after wearing 4-6 hours. But for the price, I think these are a solid choice for those looking for a new blush.

Retail Price: $10.95 (PhysiciansFormula.com or your local drugstore)

Rating:

What They Say: "Neutrogena Mineral Sheers™ Blush is a whole new way to blush, naturally! It not only delivers the perfect amount of color every time, it's actually good for skin.

Developed by dermatologists, this lightweight powder contains pure, gentle minerals that soften and smooth skin, while the innovative all-in-one brush delivers just the right amount of color. With naturally-derived silk powder, patented Total Soy, and an exclusive multi-vitamin complex of Vitamin E, Pro-Retinol, Vitamin C and Pro-Vitamin B5, even the most sensitive skin is beautifully conditioned and toned.

In five luxurious shades, there's no better way to enjoy healthy-looking, glow-from-within color--naturally.

• Non-irritating
• No talc
• Oil-free
• Fragrance-free
• Dermatologist developed
• Net wt. 0.10 oz. all-in-one brush with dispenser

Melissa Says: Oh, boy...here we go. Let's start with a positive note - the color of this blush (I tried a few different shades) is pretty and sheer and lasts nicely...after you've panicked and tried to wipe the blotch of pigment that swipes onto your face directly out of the brush the first several times. When you shake the brush to get the blush into it, it all comes out in a dot in the middle of it (and all over your counter or clothing - here's a tip: keep the cap ON when you shake it).

When I first applied the blush to my cheeks, something a friend had told me about her experience with the product came true for me as well. I was definitely not impressed with the strong amount that went onto my skin (and unevenly at that), because of the unbalanced dispersion of the product on the brush. Also, blush flew all over my bathroom counter and I was very glad I was staying home that day and was in a t-shirt instead of nice work clothes. Okay, lesson learned. From that time on, I only shook the brush a little bit and kept the cap on to catch the loose pigment. I still had some problems with getting the right amount on my cheeks, though, and kept having to reach for a tissue to dab off excess.

What I realized a few times later was that I only needed to shake lightly once or twice, because some pigment always remains in the brush from the time prior. This made the shade much prettier and more wearable.

In the end, it can look very pretty...but I really don't think it's all that convenient if you have to work so hard to get it to not mess up your clothes and not make you look like a baby doll. This had promise, but for me fell short. This blush in different packaging would definitely be something to try.

Retail Price: $12.99 (at drugstores and superstores)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Shimmer all year long with this glowing powder which highlights skin with five luminous bands of warm beige, sand and bronze. All shades blend together for the ultimate glamorous, tan glow. Use all over face as a bronzer, sweep over cheeks as a blush or use each individual shade as an eye shadow. Silky smooth texture for a radiant complexion."

Alissa's Opinion: I tried this out in Sunset Strip (bronzer) and Malibu Strip (pink sand bronzer). I really loved the "custom" part of this bronzer. The lightest shades can be used to highlight and the darker ones are great for contouring. When mixed together on a big brush, the effect is a great tanned glow. The pink tones in Malibu Strip really brought out the blue in my eyes when I applied it on my lids and Sunset Strip was great for both face and décolletage. The texture was smooth and the amount of shimmer was just right. You really can't go wrong at this price.

Retail Price: $11.95 (at drugstores and superstores, as well as at physiciansformula.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "A beautiful mosaic of complementary hues to contour and accentuate cheekbones with soft color and discreet shimmer. It's the perfect combination of colors that blend together to naturally enhance your cheekbones. The finest Italian talc provides a silky-smooth application that blends easily without streaking or irritating sensitive skin."

Jen's Experience: My collection of bronzers has grown tremendously this summer, but I've found few that give a nice glow without it looking too orangish. This one has very little pigment, so it seems to work well with my fair skin, and I find it very buildable, so I can give some nice contours to my cheekbones and a softer glow elsewhere. The case is fun and includes a brush, that, while not as good as my bronzing brush, is actually somewhat useful. My biggest complaint is that it doesn't last very long. It's gone before lunch, leaving me back to my natural, pale state. If it lasted longer, it would quite possibly be the perfect bronzer.

Retail Price: $10.95 (Physician'sFormula.com)

Rating:

What They Say: "Sheer, vibrant cheek gels with complementary lip glosses bring immediate radiance and luminosity to the skin. Cheeks and lips glow bright with sheer color in a selection of beautifying shades that are fun to wear and compliment all skin tones. Specifically formulated cheek gel provides long lasting color while nutrients and essential oils keep lips hydrated and healthy all day long."

What Melissa Says: I tested this product in Lyra - a set of nude shades, though other available color sets include peaches, pinks, bronzes, and lavenders, so almost anyone could potentially find a complimentary set of colors to bring out the best of their complexion here. I have been incredibly pleased with the cheek gel for its very subtle glow (not too much shine or sheen for me - a big plus!) and fairly long wear. It blends beautifully, too. The lip glosses (which both are amazing compliments to the blush) are very moisturizing and give a sheer wash of shiny color. The only thing I wish is that they were more long-lasting. However, this slim compact, which still manages to include a generously-sized mirror and more than sufficient product inside, still is among one of my favorite new products to apply and then easily slip into my purse.

Retail Price: $35.00 (at suedevittstudio.com or go here to find a retail location near you)

DeLush Rating:

About the Face Color Perfect Pro Case: "Ultimate compact. Use and store your two favorite shades of DHC Face Color Perfect Pro Cheek or Highlighter (sold separately) in this slim, multi-function case. Includes a handy mirror and built-in wide-tip brush for easy applications or touch-ups anytime. Includes 1 case and 1 brush."

About the Face Color Perfect Pro Cheek: "Getting cheeky. These sheer and subtly sparkling blushes create a soft-focus flush of color and leave skin looking enlivened. Pair one with DHC Face Color Perfect Pro Highlighter to add nuance and definition. Place them in our new DHC Face Color Perfect Pro Case and enjoy glamorous colors in the palm of your hand."

About the Face Color Perfect Pro Highlighter: "A kiss of shimmer. Makeup artists in the know have a secret trick up their sleeves—highlighting powders. New DHC Face Color Perfect Pro Highlighter puts a flattering kiss of light and iridescence anywhere you need it—it’s particularly stunning atop your cheekbones and around your eyes."

What Lisa says: As one who usually tosses the small blush brushes that are standard fare with most cheek colors, I was looking forward to trying DHC’s handy compact along with a highlighter in Pale White and cheek colors in Rose, Pink and Spice.

This compact is sturdy. It holds two cheek colors or one cheek color and a highlighter and contains a mirror. The soft wide brush is contained in a slide compartment on the top side of the compact. Once out, by pressing a sliding button on the brush’s handle, the bristles slide out revealing a wide, almost fan shaped brush that fits easily into your hand. One of the nicer things about this brush is that it tends to hold its shape as the bristles retract into the handle and the whole unit slides back into the top of the compact.

Each of the colors that I received had a “subtle sparkle” to them that was easily seen in the case but was barely visible once applied to the skin. As far as color, Spice was my favorite as it had the most color pay-off and was quick and easy to apply. I know these colors are billed as “sheer” but the Pink and Rose colors were too sheer and needed quite a bit of product to show up on the skin. For very light complexions, this might be all you need but I found myself having to reapply cheek color throughout the day and never felt like I achieved the deepness of color that I usually wear. The Pale White Highlighter also had sparkle that failed to transfer to the skin and, once applied looked very white (almost like baby powder) and I found it muddled the cheek color.

Each of these powdered blushes was free of fragrance and traveled nicely in the compact, in my purse without chipping or breaking. While I still prefer a good contoured professional blush brush, the compact and brush were the best part about this whole concept. The colors just didn’t hold up well nor delivered the promise of color or the shimmer.

Note: Face Color Perfect Pro Case is sold separately from the blushes/highlighters so when figuring whether or not this product is worth your beauty dollars, take this into consideration.

Retail Prices: (All are available at http://www.dhccare.com/dhc/)
Compact w/ brush $11.00
Cheek color $7.50
Highlighter $7.50

DeLush Rating:
Compact
Cheek color
Highlighter

What They Say: "The first intuitive blush, this clear gel reacts with your personal skin chemistry to turn cheeks the exact color you blush, naturally in just seconds! O-GLOW works on every skin tone, from the lightest to the darkest, to give everyone a naturally gorgeous glow.

What it is formulated to do:
When applied, the skin's moisture activates the energizing Goji Berry-C Complex™. It creates a microcirculatory effect, producing a rosy flush that lasts all day. This completely natural looking, preservative and fragrance-free formula glides on smoothly for a healthy, glowing blush that's you, only prettier.

What else you need to know:
Experience instant chemistry as your complexion is transformed from so-so to oh-so-glowing!This revolutionary silicone-based clear gel works on every skin tone and is microcirculating and skin energizing to keep cheeks naturally flushed for hours. O-GLOW's unique Goji Berry-C Complex™ formula is full of antioxidants like vitamin C, pomegranate seed oil and marine plankton for added healthy-skin benefits "

Jen's Experience: I know a lot of our readers who have been raving about this product on our forum will be shocked, but I can honestly say that I don't see what all the fuss is about with this product. At first, the novelty of having a clear gel instantly turn into blush on my cheeks was sort of fun. But trying to figure out just the right amount of blush for a nice glow rather than a sunburn is challenging (I still don't consistently get it right). I also found it difficult to blend properly; some days when I put it on before work and then caught my reflection later on, I was horrified to see the terrible job I did when I was in a hurry that morning. When I first got this, I used it daily. Now, I find myself reaching for my Nars Orgasm blush or Stila Convertible Color when I am looking for an easy, natural glow.

Retail Price: $26.00 (Sephora)

Rating:

What They Say: "Becca Shimmer Powders have ultrafine particles of shimmer (mica) to deflect light and illuminate the skin, helping to create the look of naturally radiant skin. The fine shimmer is not overly glittery making it perfect for day or night with a luminous finish that's subtle rather than shiny or greasy."

Jen's Experience: Maybe I just don't understand this product. It says that it's powder, and the applicator definitely looks like it belongs with a pressed powder, yet when I try to wear it (much like I would a powder bronzer), it looks like I have sunburn. The color I'm using is Princess, which is labeled for Fair to Dark Tan skin, so you would think it would be possible to have a nice, subtle glowy effect, but if there's a way to do that over a large portion of my face, I never figured out how to do it. That said, if I use a small enough amount, it makes an awesome, really natural-looking blush. I still don't see much in the way of shimmer, but the color works very well with my fair skin in that context. So, what I didn't get in this shimmer powder, I gained in a totally wearable blush.

Retail Price: $34.00 (Sephora)

Rating: (As a blush)

What They Say: (about the Rouge Cream Blush) “Rouge Cream Blush provides natural, radiant and long-lasting color to the cheeks due to a special creamy formulation. Simply dab onto skin with fingertips to emulate the look of natural and youthful skin.”

(about the Powder Blush) “Gives cheeks a healthy-looking glow and rosy color with its powder-base. This elegant blush glides easily onto the skin and it’s so light-weight, you’ll forget you’re wearing it!”

Alissa’s Opinion: (about the Rouge Cream Blush) I tried this product in Hot Pink. First of all, I have to say that the pictures on the website are not even close to the actual colors of the products, so be careful if you plan on ordering online. Besides that, this blush lived up to my expectations. It’s very sheer and easy to blend. I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone who is prone to breakouts, as it does contain oils.

(for the Powder Blush) I tested this blush in Cinnamon, and again, the color shown online doesn’t match the bright orange powder I have. The product itself was just alright. It is not any better than my everyday blush, but considering the very reasonable prices of this product line, I would be likely to use it to try new trends and seasonal colours.

Retail Prices: $6 each (at nyxcosmetics.com or go here to find a retail location near you)

DeLush Rating: for both!

*p.s. - NYX Cosmetics is cruelty-free and does not test on animals.

What They Say:
- A beautiful mosaic of complementary hues to contour and accentuate cheekbones with soft color and discreet shimmer.
- It’s the perfect combination of colors that blend together to naturally enhance your cheekbones.
- The finest Italian talc provides a silky-smooth application that blends easily without streaking or irritating sensitive skin.

Jamie’s Thoughts: As a redhead, my experiences with blush have not always been pleasant – or should I say, pleasant to look at. Some blushes don’t do enough, while others are more visible than stage makeup. I was very happy to test out and review this particular product, knowing that Physicians Formula has an excellent reputation for expertly constructing pre-blended palettes.

This blush is fantastic – it isn’t overloaded with shimmering agents, it isn’t heavy (meaning that it looks natural and doesn’t settle into my medium-sized pores), and one can easily get a more dramatic effect with multiple applications. It has a warm glow to it, but nothing sparkly or super shiny, making it appropriate for all ages and skintones. It does fade a bit on those colder, winter days when I’m repeatedly wearing and removing my big scarf – but overall, the staying power is above average. It’s a foolproof blush, folks.

I also wanted to mention the packaging, and its ingenious twist on a traditional compact. The brush fits inside a vented storage chamber at the very bottom, the underside of the actual compact is a mirror, and it all snaps together in a petite, purse-friendly pod. While the brush provided is no match for my big, girly blush brush, it does the job and you can’t beat the convenience of having it housed inside the compact. Perfect for traveling, or for keeping inside your desk at work – all in all, I highly recommend it.

Price: $10.49 (Drugstore.com or pharmacy retailers nationwide)

Rating:

What They Say: "Ultra sheer and light as air, Silk Lights can be used anywhere you want to add some light. Brush onto cheeks to highlight, or layer over blush to adjust the color. Add a bit of sparkle to décolletage, eyes and lips."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I tested this in Whisper, a "sheer creamy apricot". Now THIS is a product I can get behind much more so than the Blushing Lights blush that Toya and I just reviewed. Much lighter in color, and geared toward highlighting, I find this to be a really pretty accent for the tops of cheekbones, upper eyelids, and more. Unlike the problem we had when the irridescent sheen was too much to use as a blush color, I find these lighter, slightly more subtle shades are much more fitting for highlighting. It can easily be too much if you're not careful, but used in moderation it's lovely.

There is still a bit of trouble getting used to keeping the powder where you want it (like not all over your bathroom counter), but if you are careful about using the brush to dab a tiny bit from the pot, then swishing it into the lid, it's manageable. I would also suggest sticking to the lighter shades.

Retail Price: $18.00 - or just $2 for a sample! (at lauress.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: “Blushes with a dash of sparkle and light, brighten the cheeks with subtle sheen and just the right amount of glimmer. Use mineral Blushing Lights to highlight cheeks with a gentle flush of color, or layer them for a more dramatic effect.”

Toya’s Take: I sampled this in Finesse – a golden peachy-pink and Euphoria, a rosy pink. Having heard that the important thing to remember about mineral make-up is “less is more”, I made an effort to pick up a small amount on my blush brush, swirl it around in the top of the jar to evenly distribute the powder and then tap off the excess before applying it to my cheeks. Still, in both cases, I hated the final look. Way, way too shimmery, even for me (and I love all things shimmery). I thought the blushes aged me quite a bit and a co-worker even said my make-up “looked heavier than usual.” Not good. However, I love both colors as an eyeshadow! For some reason, I like shimmer much more on my eyes as opposed to cheeks. They make great highlighters under your brow and on your tear duct and also work well as a layer underneath other, more traditional powder shadows.

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Like Toya, I found that it's really quite hard to NOT feel like you've ended up with too much of this on no matter how hard you try. I sampled the blush in Perfect, "the perfect mix of beige and pink with gentle sparkles". Well, the color may have looked the right shade to me in the pot, but I felt like the tiniest bit made my cheeks look too shiny and irridescent, and it seemed like some of it traveled to other places where i definitely didn't want to be shiny. Once it was on, it was hard to blend in without just adding too much color and shimmer. I just felt like this was hard to control.

I also agree with Toya that this kind of sheen is best for the eyes, not the cheeks. While it's likely possible to use an EXTREMELY light hand to achieve a glow with this blush, I certainly didn't master the technique and felt like it wasn't worth the trouble.

Retail Price: $18.00 (at lauress.com)

DeLush Ratings: Toya
( if used as a shadow!)
Melissa

What They Say: "Just a dab of this versatile, 2-in-1 color wash brings a fresh, healthy glow to lips and cheeks."

Jamie’s Thoughts: I am always intrigued by combination products – the good, the bad, and the ugly. The idea of a lip and cheek combo makes sense, but this product fails to follow through. The consistency is a bit solid, making it difficult to spread across the cheek. Sort of like trying to spread cold butter across toast. Not good. I felt like I was tugging on my face just to get it evenly distributed – a creamier texture would have made application much easier.

Interestingly, the texture is better suited for the lip usage. It covers evenly like a stain, and after time, didn’t leave a residue (like a gloss might). Time is the enemy with this product – I had to reapply it several times throughout the day. Something just didn’t compute with this one.

Retail Price: $19.50 (beauty.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say(about BronzeRush) "Bronzerush is a palette that has everything you need to add color and life to your complexion. The gorgeous gold metallic kit includes a velvety smooth powder bronzer with a gel-based translucent blush, for a pop of fresh cheek color. Bronzerush gives you a warm healthy glowing tan, flushed rosy cheeks, and an all-over sun-kissed radiance that cannot be achieved by the average bronzer." (about the Rose Eyes Palette) "You can create a new look for every mood, season, or time of day with this gorgeous rose-themed palette. Set includes a true rose base shade, soft pink shimmer, soft rosy bronze, peachy-gold shimmer, and a deep plum-brown cream liner, plus a double-ended flat liner/eye blender brush."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow:(about BronzeRush) The sight of this palette, upon opening, kind of made me nervous. To me, it looked pretty bold. But on I soldiered, and put the stuff on anyway. The bronzer portion is actually less alarming than I imagined. It appears more orange-y in the compact than it comes off on my skin, but it is rather sparkly and maybe just tawny enough that I'd prefer it for spring or summer, but you may like it just fine, especially for those nights out. The little pot of creme blush to add on top for a bit of a rosy hue is NOT super-bright on your skin. It's actually quite sheer, and I thought rather pretty. If you've got slightly oily skin as I tend to get by around 5 o'clock in the evening if I don't powder or blot, this may not stay on as well as you'd like and you probably would prefer a powder blush for more wearability. Otherwise it's these two are a really nice combo.

(about the Rose Eyes Palette) This I absolutely LOVE. The colors are so perfectly matched for highlighting and deepening of the base color, and the generously-mirrored case is slim and compact. I think these colors would be flattering on practically anyone, whatever your skin tone or hair/eye coloring. The shadows are silky and really do wear fabulously - I didn't notice any creasing during the day. I was a little concerned about the cream liner, because it is such a soft formula. While I did smudge it myself a tiny bit when I applied it for a soft-focus look, the lines absolutely stayed put (surprisingly well) for HOURS. (Click the pic to the right to enlarge.)

Retail Prices: (BronzeRush) - $34.00, (Rose Eyes Palette) - $32.00 (BronzeRush is available at shop.duwop.com and the Palette is available at sephora.com)

DeLush Ratings: (BronzeRush)
(Rose Eyes Palette)

What They Say: "What it is: A long lasting, gel-to-powder blush with a hint of subtle highlights.

What it is formulated to do: Glide over the cheeks for a sheer, natural, sun-kissed sheen.

To use: Dab onto the apples of your cheeks with fingertips and blend back along the cheekbones."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: The first thing I really like about this is the built-in mirror in the small-ish (think a little bigger than a silver dollar) compact. This is really handy, and I always love products that have their own mirrors included because that makes them TRULY something you can toss in your purse and use on the go.

The blush itself (currently only in this bronze shade, Northern Cape) looks a little orange-gold (well, a lot) in the compact. However, the color blends very sheer and creates a natural-looking glow on your cheeks. Personally, I would probably use a dab or two of this over my regular blush for a bit of barely-there sheen. I did feel like it wore off a little if I happened to rub it in a bit too much when applying. But the color and texture are natural and pretty.

Retail Price: $20.00 (at sephora.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "What it is: A sparkly, lustrous, cream-to-powder allover glow.

What it is formulated to do: Imparts a luminous glow to eyes, cheeks, lips, and body. Scented with watermelon extract.

To use: Dab onto lids, cheeks, and lips using your fingertips. Glide straight from the stick over the body and blend. Can also be used as a base under your favorite shadow."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: What a wonderful multi-purpose product! And it does smell amazing, too. I was worried that this might look greasy or shiny on my skin after a while, but it didn't. It blends sheer and is easily buildable. It comes in three shades: Melon (a sheer watermelon pink), Mocha (tan sheen) and Sunny (light yellow gold highlighting sheen). I found Melon has been perfect for me as a cheek color. I like using the Mocha on my eyelids for an eye-brightening look (I have noticed some minimal creasing though), and the Sunny as (obviously) a straight-up highlighter for corners of eyes, tops of cheekbones, etc. On cheeks, I think Sunny would work best for medium to darker skin tones, and Tan and Melon should look pretty on most skin tones.

Easy-to-use, long-wearing, and with just enough sparkly sheen to glow but not be too obvious, this is a thoroughly impressive all-over color in my book.

Retail Price: $19.00 (Sephora.com, or UK readers can go directly to popbeauty.com, though at press time these aren't available yet on their home site)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: “True Match Powder precisely matches your skin’s texture and tone and coordinates perfectly with True Match Makeup, Blush, and Concealer. Micro-fine powder provides versatile coverage: blot shine, blend all over for a natural finish or build for more coverage. Wear over True Match Makeup or alone for a flawless look. Exclusive triple-refined formula makes it possible to match your skin’s texture. Never looks chalky or cakey. Oil-free and non-comedogenic. Available in 24 skin-true shades.” “True Match Blush flawlessly complements your skin’s texture and tone and coordinates perfectly with True Match Makeup, Powder, and Concealer. Opti-Match technology creates uniquely true-to-life shades that flawlessly complement your skintone and undertone to perfection, leaving you with the most natural flush of color imaginable. A unique Opti-Blend formula provides a skin-true texture that blends smoothly, never looks chalky or cakey. Stays fresh and natural-looking hour after hour. Oil-free, vitamin-rich, and non-comedogenic.”

Toya’s Take: I have made no bones about my love for the L’Oreal True Match line. I think L’Oreal has really hit on something – the feel of the products is elegant and stands up to the more expensive department store brands and the color options are beautiful. As a woman of color, that is very important – few foundations/concealers are made to really address our skintone issues, not even the lines that are supposedly formulated for women of color. I have used L’Oreal True Match Foundation, Super-Blendable Powder and Concealer in Neutral 8 Cappucino and Neutral Medium/Deep to much success. Having always used Neutral and been pleased with it, I decided to try the Warm option of the same “deepness” level and see if I could tell a difference. Well, I can … and I am blown away. The Neutral, like I said, was great. But, with the Warm option, not only did it “match” my skin … it “replicated” it. It’s not just the color that was matched, but the tone. It’s the same brown in color, but also achieves the same “goldness” that’s naturally present in my skin, sans make-up. Y’all, I am impressed. I cannot say enough. There are no words. L’Oreal has me in their fan club for ever, just on the strength of the True Match line. Speaking of which …

While I was in front of the True Match display, I decided to try the L’Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Blush. Each “tone/level” has a blush designed to go with it. I bought the Warm 7/8 Soft Sun shade and I love it! It gives a nice warmth to my cheeks, without looking “blush-like.” For a workday or a weekend when you want to look fresh and natural, this is a great product. It is now a staple.

Retail Price: $9.99 each

DeLush Rating: (for both the blush and powder)

What They Say: (about the lip gloss) “Beauty’s magic wand for glamorous luscious lips, Fabulosity Glossamer imparts a cooling and plumping sensation while adorning lips with cheerful bursts of vibrant color inspired by feminine cocktails like Sangria and Mimosa.” (about the blush) “Infuse a sun-kissed glow to cheeks with the warm pinks and peaches inspired by luxurious tropical vacation destinations.”

Toya’s Take: I have to admit that I’m more than a little bit embarrassed to be buying make-up by Kimora Lee Simmons. It’s kind of like my love for Jennifer Lopez’s perfumes – not a huge fan of the person, but I can’t deny the appeal of the products. Anyway, I can’t possibly call myself a beauty reviewer for women of color and ignore the new make-up line of such a prominent woman of color in the fashion and beauty fields. So, on my recent trip to King of Prussia mall (Love!), I hit Sephora and picked up the Fabulosity Glossamer in Raspberry Schnapps and the Blush (What? No cutesy name for this?) in St. Barths Peach.

On looking at Sephora’s website, the Fabulosity Glossamer in Raspberry Schnapps is described as “blushing nude.” Uh … no. It’s not “blushing nude” at all … it’s quite clearly a warm pink flecked with gold shimmer. It’s weird that it would be described as nude in any way. The Blush in St. Barths Peach is described as “rich, glowing peach”, which is exactly right. In fact, the saleslady spoke of it as “the Black girl’s version of Orgasm”, which I pretty much agree with, though I’ve found that, if you’re on the light to medium end of the brownness spectrum, NARS’ Orgasm will work for you, too. However, it won’t be as bright on your skin as St. Barths Peach.

I have to say that I really like both products. The Fabulosity Glossamer is quite sheer, but it gives a nice little pop of color to the lips and leaves them looking lush and moist, but not overly wet. And it’s absolutely not sticky at all, which is a huge bonus. I don’t really like the plumping aspect of it – I’m not a fan of plumpers and many women of color don’t need them, as we already have full lips and I don’t really care for the cooling sensation. However, this isn’t enough of a detraction to keep me from a repurchase. Also, I like that the lipgloss … oh, excuse me, Glossamer smells like cake icing. The packaging of the products is pretty, too. I love the Blush. It adds warmth and color to the cheeks, along with a healthy glow caused by the shimmer that seems to be present in all of the KLS products. I wish the pan were a bit bigger, but not too much of a minus.

All in all, good products and a line worthy of consideration for women of all colors.

Retail Price: $17 for Fabulosity Glossamer, $14 for Blush. (available in Sephora stores or at www.sephora.com, and at KimoraLeeSimmons.com)

DeLush Rating: for both the gloss and the blush

What They Say: "Experience the look, the feel, the beauty of azurée, Summer 2006, from the Tom Ford Estée Lauder Collection. Three color palettes--azurée, st. tropée and cap bronzée. Three mysterious places that epitomize the legends of the beach. Create your look with the shades from one palette and the universal must-haves that work with all 3 palettes. Tom Ford on the azurée makeup collection: "This is a collection for the woman whose fantasy takes her away to sexy, remote beaches."

Starting at top of cheekbone, near middle of ear, apply forward toward nose, following natural line of face and blend."

Jen's Experience: I was a little doubtful about how well this would work when I first took the cap off of the Cheek Glow. It seemed a little too solid to apply easily and blend well. All my doubts are gone now; the more I use it, the more I like it.

This cream blush applies like a cream blush, and blends easily. Unlike other cream blushes that come in a pot, this one allows my fingertips to stay relatively clean aside from some light blending. Because it's more solid than other cream blushes I've used, it is much more difficult to over-apply so the effect is really natural. In fact, I like to make a second swipe on the underside of my cheekbons for extra depth.

As for the color, if you're using a face glow product regularly or you have a warmer skintone, I think you'll find you like this color a lot. For those of you with blue undertones (like me), you'll definitely need to test it with your skin-tone. I find that it looks great when I have a little color, but when I've been spending too much time under the fluorescent lights at the office, it's a bit orangey. They make another shade called St. Tropee glow that is more of a pink, and that may be a better choice than the Azuree for the fairer skin tones.

Overall, the formulation is fantastic and it's definitely a product I'm hoping Estee Lauder continues to expand beyond their Summer Collection.

Retail Price: $28.50 (Saks Fifth Avenue)

Rating:

What They Say:

• Creamy formula provides luminous, long-lasting color on cheeks
  
• Glides on smooth and blends easily for seamless color and a natural, radiant finish
  
• Air-whipped mousse delivers satin-soft feel on skin
  
• Long-wearing formula will not clog pores
  

Jen's Experience: Last week, I covered Stila's Convertible Color blush, which was my first experience with a cream blush. I wanted to see how that compared with a drugstore product, so I picked up some of Maybelline's wildly popular Dream Mousse blush in a color similar to the Gerbera I have in the Stila.

The Dream Mousse is considerably fluffier. It glides on easily and blends really well. I had to use more in order to get a noticable effect (with the Stila I had to work not to put too much on), so it was a little easier to get a natural effect, although I don't believe that the container will last me as long as the Stila color will. Although the color, even in a peach, is a little pinkier than the Gerbera, it looks so natural that it's hard to tell I'm even wearing blush.

As with all creamy blushes and eyeshadows, this might not last as long as a traditional powder blush. You can help it last by 1) wearing a good foundation layer, 2) powdering on top of it to set the cream, and 3) keeping your hands away from your face.

All in all, I am not in love with it like I am my Stila Convertible Color, but I think this product stands up well to its department store challenger and is a great product for someone who just wants to try out the idea of the cream blush.

Retail Price: $5.99 (CVS Pharmacy)

Rating:

I have a soft spot in my heart for Tarte, with its ingeniously lovely packaging and creative naming of its products, as well as its typically high-quality cosmetics. The "Miss Fix-It" line for Spring 2006 is no exception. Check out what Tarte has added to its long line of fabulous products. Want something fun and girly to add some "spring" to your beauty routine? Let me introduce you...

Trifold Eye/Lip Compact ($44): "That cool scarf? She knitted it herself. The to-die-for rhinestone encrusted phone? Oh, just a side project. Jewelry making, sewing, cake decorating…this girl can do it all. Let your creativity run as wild as hers does with this playful palette full of candy-colored combinations for eyes & lips.

Shades include: shimmery champagne eyeshadow, shimmery purple eyeshadow, shimmery teal eyeshadow, matte bright turquoise eyeshadow, shimmery pink & shimmery lilac lip glosses, shimmery gold highlighter."

Melissa Says: What a useful AND lovely compact. The gloses are very sheer but beautifully shiny. The shadows are FUN but wearable. (Plus, Tarte's shadows are very silky and long-wearing.) There are two high-quality sponge applicators included as well. This would be a wonderful way to add some color and a touch of glow to your look in a purse-friendly compact.

Picture Perfect Eyelash Curler $15: "Smile and say “squeeze!” With this lash curler, getting a picture perfect curl is a snap. For a match made in Hollywood, use with Lights, Camera, Lashes! 3-in-1 mascara."

Melissa Says: This curler is spring-hinged, which helps create a tighter grip on your lashes. Fabulous.

The Toolbox: Brow Know-How $32: "Construct a picture-perfect brow in minutes using these easy tools:
1. “Prep the work zone” by tweezing any stray hairs
2. “Lay down the foundation” using the smooth brow wax
3. “Fill in the cracks” with your shade-specific brow powder or brow pencil.
4. “Seal the deal” with a glossy topcoat of brow gel.
No hard hat required.
Kit includes: brow gel, brow pencil, tweezer, brow brush, brow powder, brow wax, and 3 brow stencils, plus a compact with a mirror!

Three universal shades:
light: for blonde to light brown hair
medium: for medium brown to red hair,
dark: for dark brown to black hair"

*I didn't get an opportunity to review this item in the "Miss Fix-It" line, but I can't wait to give it a try. The well-groomed brow trend is not going away anytime soon!

Little Blot Book Shine Control to Go $32 (coming soon!): "Shine control to go! Oil: it’s a girl’s dirtiest little secret. No one wants to get caught with even the teensiest hint of a sheen (or worse, all-out shine).

The solution? Hiding the evidence, of course. Little blot book gives you two ways to send shine undercover: First, use the (tiny) blotting sheets for quick touch-ups then dust on mattifying powder* to tone down future glare. And no need to worry about being obvious…with a compact this inconspicuous, your secret will always be safely stashed away.

*mattifying powder contains Vitamin E & Vitamin A, some of the most effective antioxidants to prevent premature signs of again. Also includes green tea, aloe, & chamomile to soothe and nourish you skin."

Melissa Says: Wow. This is perhaps one of the most fun items in this line. The "book" is substantial but should fit into most purses. The brush applicator for the mattifying powder is incredibly soft, and the powder itself cuts down shine without that nasty pale-powdered look. It's completely invisible on your skin. And the tiny blotting papers hiding behind the brush pop up like little post-its and are wonderful for on-the-go quick fixes. Of course, there is a large mirror inside the compact as well. I have a feeling this little book and I will become very good friends.

Cloud Nine Cheekstain (NEW SHADE!) $28: "Our most popular product! This water-based push up gel stick is perfect for all skin types. No skill required - just dab it on and go. Wear it over or under foundation, with or without powder blush - it lasts all day. There’s no oil, so it won’t clog your pores. Still not convinced? We’ve been awarded “best blush” in InStyle, Cosmo & Self."

Melissa Says: I've never tried one of Tarte's famous cheekstains before. I must say, I've always shied away from any liquid or cream blush because I always felt that it looked bad on my skin. This unbelievably sheer formula really surprised me. It's easy to apply, smells like a lollipop or kool-aid (really!) and stays pretty all day. Personally, this shade might have been just a TAD too light for me, as I usually feel really pale and want a little more color. (I wouldn't hesitate to try another shade, though.) But it's very beautiful and natural, and your face doesn't get slick and greasy-looking with this formula. I use this when I just want a little bit of glow around the house, but then use it as a base for a little swipe of powder blush to go out (it actually helps powder blush stay on, too!).

Ferris & Sloane Double Ended Lipgloss (NEW SHADE!) $19: "Our lipglosses are back with brand-new components! You can even snap each gloss in and out so you can mix and match, or just take one half with you. Our new and improved double-ended lipglosses are available in our 15 original shades, plus six new duos.

Note: Our new shades: "ronald & cindy" and "lloyd & diane" are coming soon!"

Melissa Says: I've reviewed Tarte's double-ended gloss before, and these two shades are very light and sheer, with great staying power and shine.

Mona Lisa Eyeliner (NEW SHADE!) $18: "Think of your eyes as an artist's dream...the ultimate blank canvas. With our eyeliners in your hand, the possibilities are endless. Our super-creamy formula lets you smudge, shade and blend your way to a masterpiece (no MFA required)."

Melissa Says: I have green eyes, so I always hesitate to try any liner in any green, but this lovely teal-green actually makes my eyes stand out and look wide awake.

Overall Rating of Tarte's "Miss Fix-It" Line:

Go to www.tartecosmetics.com to buy "Miss Fix-It" items and more now.

What They Say: "As seen in In Style's Best Beauty Buys 2005! Brighten cheeks and lips with creamy, translucent color. This two-in-one compact holds the key to easy, monochromatic makeup. Tap onto cheeks or press onto lips for a fresh, pretty flush of color. Mini-mirrored compacts make touch ups on the go a snap."

Jen's Experience: I've been hearing how great this product is all over the place. Most recently, it was used on the cover of InStyle with Uma Thurman. (Doesn't she look great? She's one of my beauty idols.) I chose the exact same color that was used for her, and really couldn't be more pleased. It's really easy to apply -- all you need to remember is not to use too much at once, as the pigments are really concentrated. Blending is a snap; I barely have to do it at all. The first several times that I wore it, I thought it disappeared too quickly, but I find now that if I press it into my face and follow with powder, it is much longer lasting. This product can also be used on the lips, but it's not as amazing. Plus, it makes your $20 disappear a lot quicker. I am truly impressed with this product, and it will certainly go into rotation now with my Nars Orgasm blush.

Retail Price: $20.00 (Stila Cosmetics)

Rating:

For a few months, I've been seeing ads for Revlon's holiday colors in magazines, but it was just in the last few weeks that I finally saw the display in my local drugstore. The colors were just as vibrant in person as they are in the advertisements, and I found myself piling one of everything into my handbasket.

As I wandered around the store, I realized there was no way I'd be able to test everything I'd picked up, so I picked a few products that I thought looked the most promising: the "Wrap Youself in Rubies" lipstick, the matching blush, and a two-pack of glosses that included "Cherry Frost" and "Cherries in the Glow".

Since I've been trying out a lot of rich lip colors this fall, the deep red of the Wrap Yourself in Rubies lipstick was not a departure for my daily make-up. The color actually works well with my skin because it has blue undertones, and it makes my teeth look really white. So the color is perfect, and it lasts quite a while over top of my lip pencil with a coating of gloss. My only complaint is not a small one -- it bleeds badly and no amount of lip liner seems to resolve the problem. This is something I've encountered with a lot of lipsticks with very intense pigments, and it might be worth investigating some of the lip primer products to see if that helps to prevent this from happening.

I've been using the glosses I bought quite a bit. I usually use the "Cherries in the Glow" overtop of my lipstick when I leave the house, but the "Cherry Frost" color is my new purse gloss (well, it's the newest addition to my collection). Both colors are pretty and fairly long lasting, and have more color than my usual nude and clear glosses.

As happy as I am with my lip color purchases, I am not so sure about the blush. It's very bright, and somewhat difficult to apply so that I don't look like I have a rash...or sunburn. My advice on this blush is to save it for wearing with a rich lipcolor, like the "Wrap Yourself in Rubies" and to put it on in light layers until you achieve the desired effect. This may be the largest container of blush I have ever encountered, so I'm sure to have many years perfecting my application technique.

Should you rush right out and buy them? Well, if you're looking for some glamour this holiday season and you're not scared of bright colors, the new holiday colors from Revlon may be just what you need for all those holiday parties.

(One more note: Revlon is running a promotion right now where if you buy $15.00 worth of their Revlon color cosmetics, you'll get a pashmina-style wrap. Details are available at: Revlon on the Red Carpet.)

What They Say: "featured in top magazines, smashbox blush is streak-proof and easy to apply.

TIP: use a darker shade below cheek bone to define cheek structure and a lighter color above cheekbone to highlight."

Jen's Experience: When I first got the Smashbox Cover Set from Sephora, I have to admit, I was a little scared of the blush. I mean, I've got at least two perfectly decent blushes, in two perfectly normal shades. And this stuff was bright! So, I let it sit for in my drawer for a while. When I finally decided to give it a whirl, I was totally surprised at how natural it looked with my skin. It was easy to apply. If I put too much on, it blended well into my skin. Now, there's nothing really special about this product. This is pretty much what I expect to see in every blush, but it's always good when something delivers on its promise.

Retail Price: $24.00 (Smashbox.com)

Rating:

What They Say: "Come on, fess up… you can’t radiate a “natural glow” without a little help. Our powder blush does the trick - seven flattering shades (with a touch of shimmer) for maximum wearability. In a mirrored leather compact for on-the-spot touch-ups - it’s the ultimate cheeky accessory!"

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I have to start with saying this: these compacts (and all of Tarte's packaging, for that matter) are absolutely adorable. They are magnetic, so flap shut easily to tuck away in your purse. But...Drawback Number 1...there's no brush. This really isn't much of a problem if you mostly apply your blush at home, or have a decent travel-sized brush to throw in your purse as well.

That aside, the texture of this blush is excellent. It's very fine and doesn't have that dusty powdery-ness (do you know what I'm talking about?) that you get with less expensive blushes; it also stays very true to color after you've applied it. For some of you, the price may be Drawback Number 2, but if you want to take a chance on something a bit more expensive, this should be a very safe and pretty bet.

Retail Price: $19.00 (tarte.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "A perk-me-up powder... this ballerina-pink sheer powder takes your complexion from dull to darling in an instant. Dust it lightly over your skin and you'll have them all wondering... how do you look so pretty at eight in the morning?"

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I simply have nothing bad to say about this pretty blush from BeneFit. So let me just get to the good: a) I've rarely found anything that gives such a lovely pinkish glow. b) Even though it looks bright, it goes on sheer and evenly, and stays on during the day. c) I love love LOVE the included applicator brush. d) This is one of the most flattering blushes I've ever used - and it really does wake up a tired face!

Retail Price: $26.00 (benefit.com or at Sephora)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "The sexiest flush you can get from a bottle. Innocent yet provocative, our ruby-tinted cheek and lip stain is kiss-proof color that looks naturally sheer & radiant. It’s the original! benetint . . . the stain that’s celebrating TWENTY YEARS OF FAME!"

My Experience:  This is a neat product that has been around for quite a while.  Rumor is, Benetint was originally invented for Vegas strippers to give color to their nipples.   Most people, of course, use this for lip and cheek color, and for that purpose, it really does its job.  It is very, very natural looking, and lasts until you wash it off.  I like it better for lip color (especially under a lip gloss like DuWop Lip Venom) than I do for blush.  I find it more difficult to apply as cheek stain, and there are so many good blush options on the market.

Tips:  For extra long lasting lip color, apply to lips and let it soak in for 5-10 minutes before apply a gloss on top of it.   To use as a blush, apply sparingly at first, and blend it in with a cosmetic sponge or cotton ball.  It becomes easier over time to get some even coverage.

Rating:

What They Say: "Pigment is a highly concentrated loose colour powder that contains ingredients to help it adhere to the skin. Pigment is available in matte and frosted finishes and comes in an excellent range of colours. Use to create a subtle wash of colour or an intense effect. Pigment does not streak or cake, is easy to blend and long-lasting."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: This powder kind of scared me at first, because I get nervous about using anything too shimmery. The shade I got (Pink Opal) helped break me in as it's not too bright. They'll excitedly tell you at the M.A.C. counter that you can use this stuff for your eyelids, cheekbones, etc. I may get more brave about the application later, but for now I just really like this on my eyelids. I haven't had a night out worthy of getting all glitzed up and shimmery-cheeked so far. I have enjoyed my pretty shade though, and what they say about its wearing power and blendability is true - this stuff is SO soft and smooth to apply.

Retail Price: $18.50 (MAC Cosmetics)

DeLush Rating:

Described As: "Translucent, natural shades, each with a subtle pink for natural blush undertone, created to highlight the complexion."

My Experience: This is a classic, and in my opinion, stands out from the rest of the blush products out there.  Nars blush has been on the top 10 list at Sephora forever and Orgasm is that magical shade that looks good on a variety of complexions.   If I wear pink, it looks fabulous.  If I wear red, fabulous.  If I wear brown...you guessed it - fabulous.  And I never have trouble blending it in; the translucent quality makes it appear borderless effortlessly.

Rating:

Reviewed By: Jen

If you read the last issue of Allure, you probably saw that one of the next trends to watch is the use of bronzer to give some life to your pale winter complexion.  This is an great way to brighten your whole face, and quick too! 

From Sephora: "These iridescent powders let you extend the life of your tan for an illuminating look you can maintain year-round. Available in three shades, Light, Medium, and Dark, they add just the right amount of shimmer to beat the cold-weather blues. "

Jen's DeLush Downlow:  This bronzer is subtle; it's not too dark and not too shimmery, both things you want to avoid in a bronzer in the winter time, especially for every day use.  It's very easy to apply, and goes on smoothly with little need to blend.

Tips: It doesn't get any simpler than this.  Use a blush brush to apply lightly on the cheeks, forehead and chin.  You're not looking to cover every inch, just enough of a swipe to give you a warm, healthy glow.  Bonus!  This bronzer makes a great blush for when you are looking for something subtle.

Rating:

Reviewed By: Jen