Top Row (L to R): NARS Luster, NARS Madly, Benefit Dandelion
Bottom Row (L to R): NARS Exhibit A, NARS Desire, Benefit Dallas
Ok, so I am sure you have noticed that this is a 'Top 5' post but there are 6 items in my photo. I will explain later.
Having done some less-common Top 5 posts, I decided to do one that is more popular and can be found on a lot of popular bloggers websites: my Top 5 Blushes. Basically, I am sharing with you the 5 (well, 6) blushes that I reach for most often and why.
5. TIED - Benefit's Dandelion and Dallas
This is why there are 6 products in my shot above!
Technically, neither of these is a blush. Dandelion is a highlighter powder, while Dallas is a bronzer. I consider both items to be far too pigmented for their intended use. When Dandelion is applied as a blush, it gives me a nice flushed, fresh look - without making me look super made-up or like I am wearing makeup. If I use Dallas as a blush, it gives me a nice pop of tan/plum on my cheeks and really picks up the blue in my eyes. The products both smell great and come in recyclable cardboard packages. However, the downside to the products is also their packaging - it's huge! They take up a lot of room in your bag.
4. NARS Blush in Madly
Madly is a blush that probably doesn't get as much recognition as it should. It's a lovely muted pink, with silver shimmer. I like to wear it on days where I don't really know what I want to do with my eyeshadow. It's a neutral shade of blush that looks great both with glamorous makeup as well as regular everyday makeup. Madly is a staple in my collection.
3. NARS Blush in Exhibit A
This, next to Orgasm, is probably one of NARS's most infamous blush shades. Exhibit A is a very bright tomato red color. This blush is extremely pigmented - you only need to tap your blush brush on the surface of the product to pick up enough color to use. I am super pale girl, and even I can pull off this blush. I would just warn against using this blush with a full-face of bright makeup. The blush is best used when it doesn't compete with dramatic eyes or lips.
2. NARS Blush in Desire
I have said it before, but this is my favorite blush. Desire is a neon-pink blush that works well on just about everyone's cheeks. Like Exhibit A, this blush is extremely well pigmented so a little tap is all you need to give your cheeks a nice flush. This blush does NOT go on as brightly as it appears in the pan. I like to wear this color when I feel bummed out - seeing the bright color makes me happy. I love to wear this blush with black-lined eyes and a fuschia gloss on my lips.
1. NARS Blush in Luster
Of all of the NARS blushes I own, this one has seen the most use this year. Luster is a light apricot/peach shade of blush with shimmers. It compliments nude/bronze makeup very well, and also doubles as a pretty eyeshadow. Like Madly, this is a neutral blush that will pretty much work with any type of look. Although well pigmented, I often find I use more of this blush in my application than any of the others - I usually have a light hand when applying a NARS blush, but this one I use more liberally.
What are your Top 5 blushes?
If you want to learn more about any of the NARS blushes I have talked about, go to their website here.
If you are curious about Benefit's products and want to try some out for yourself, check out their website here.
