Ok admission – I’m really struggling to get my blogging mojo back LOL! No idea where its gone to be honest. If found, please return. I may offer a lipstick reward. I have my editorial calendar up but I keep pushing things back. So what better way to ease back into the swing of things than to talk about one of my favourite topics – blush! 😀
I was looking in my drawer a while ago and realised that I have a few distinct categories of blush colours that I gravitate towards. I thought I might like to share little compilations from time to time and here’s starting with a very easy to wear category of light pink blushes.
Light pink blushes are one of the easiest ways to ease into wearing blush, especially if you aren’t too adept at applying them yet. Sure, the common lament is that the colour doesn’t show up. But you don’t want splotches on your cheeks. You want a natural glow to your skin, and if you need more colour, its easy to layer them on. Light pink is a good shade, because the colour is light, it gives you just a gentle perky glow and gives you a bit of colour without looking like you applied makeup. Absolutely perfect for the “Makeup? What makeup?” look. That said, not everyone suits pink blush so I am speaking quite generally here – not gospel ok? 😛
Here are 5 light pink blushes I own, that I like and use quite often to get you started. As a bonus, they’re all very easy to use too, even for newbies! 🙂
1. Guerlain Blush G Sakura (LE – Asia Exclusive)
Ok, I’m cheating a bit with this one, but if you look around, you may still be able to find it. Despite looking very scarily fuchsia in pan, its in fact a soft light pink on skin. Its fresh and gives a nice glow but only really shows up on lighter skintones. On deeper skintones, you maybe apt to see more shimmer which can put some people off. You can read my review of it here for a better idea of how this looks 🙂
2. Giorgio Armani Sheer Blush #2 Pink
This one is the round pan in the middle. I realised belatedly I should have labelled the photo – sorry! 😛 I’ll do better next time. I’ve had this one for ages and there is a tiny dip in this pan already. I picked it up from the local GA counter back when we still had GA Beauty and it was pricey! The texture however is beautifully soft and on skin, imparts a very natural glow with little to no shimmer. Nothing noticeable anyway.
Many people find it too light but I like it because you can apply on a very light layer for a gentle hint of colour or layer it on. It doesn’t look chalky or powdery or thick. Absolutely worth the splurge if you have access to it! The colour is actually a pink-peach, not a true pink but it gives a warm glow to the skin.
3. Benefit Cosmetics Hervana – Good Karma Face Powder
I picked this one up a while ago but I never got round to reviewing it even though I use it quite often. In pan, its a swirl of 4 shades of colour – peach, cream, rose and berry. Don’t be afraid of the colours, you just have to swirl your brush around the pan and it’ll blend and pick up the colour for your skin which appears on mine, as a light pink. Hence its inclusion in this compilation 🙂
I like how this shade gives my skin a peppy glow and colour. Its actually not that light to be honest, especially if you use a dense brush. If you use a soft brush like I do (I use the Lunasol one for all blushes) then it deposits the perfect hint of colour on my skin. I rarely have to layer. Its very pretty and having good karma is nice, eh?
4. Benefit Cosmetics Dandelion – a brightening face powder
Yes, another one from Benefit, and this one is a little controversial. Dandelion falls into the love or hate category. Many people I’ve read love it. Just as many people complain about how it shows up as NOTHING on their skin. Well, lets be fair. it has to show up as something, right?! 😛 The thing about Dandelion is that its marketed as a “brightening face powder” which you can use all over to brighten your skin. Its a very light pink with a bit of shimmer and pink does act as a brightening colour for skin.
But, I hesitate to recommend use of this for all over your face because it really is, pink. You do not want to walk around with a pink toned face. So I prefer to use this one as a blush. If I want something more natural, I just dust on one layer and it gives a hint of colour and brightens the skin. If I want it to look a little better, I apply more layers. Don’t be afraid to layer it on. Unless you apply something like 10 layers, it won’t look chalky at all. I like this one for something quick and easy.
5. Burberry Light Glow Blush – Misty 08
There’s a review of this one here. I must confess that since my review back in 2011 I do find myself rather liking it a lot. In fact, I may have *ahem* picked up a couple others 😛 As I said before, it is pigmented enough to suffice applying with just 1 swipe on skin and then lightly blending it in for a lovely glow to the skin. The etching is still pretty much intact and I use this one quite often.
If you aren’t too good with applying blush however, it can be easy to overdo. I know, how easy is it to overdo light pink right? Well, its possible. So don’t be too heavy handed with it and blend it out well. I think its a very pretty, uplifting colour for the face, and definitely one to try.
For comparison purposes, here are swatches of them all side by side.
(1) Benefit Cosmetics Dandelion (2) Guerlain Blush G Sakura (3) Giorgio Armani Sheer Blush #2 (4) Benefit Cosmetics Hervana (5) Burberry Misty Light Glow Blush
I swatched these quite heavily more to show you the different nuances in colour, than to show you how they look on skin. They apply much lighter and more natural than this 🙂
My favourite of the 5 is Burberry Misty, followed by Benefit Hervana, GA Sheer Blush #2, Dandelion and then Blush G Sakura in descending order. I know, putting the Sakura last surprised me as much as it does you but I do sometimes find it a little too shimmery.
Are any of these blushes among your faves too? Do you have a favourite light pink blush?
I actually have more light pink blushes so if you like, I’ll do another compilation again. I could quite easily work through the colours in the blush spectrum this way LOL! Oh and I know I haven’t actually reviewed Hervana, Dandelion and the GA blush properly so let me know if you want a full review of it this is sufficient for your needs 🙂
Paris B
Giorgio Armani Beauty isn’t available in Malaysia at this time. Try StrawberryNET.com (affiliate). Benefit Cosmetics is available at department stores and at benefitcosmetics.com. Guerlain is available at Isetan KLCC, The Gardens and Parkson Pavilion. Burberry Beauty is available at Isetan KLCC.
Hey Paris, I tried my first Benefit boxed powder not so long ago (Coralista) but the shimmer in there really put me off. I’ve never swatched all of them though, so maybe I should and maybe there will be some hidden gems in there for me! I don’t use pink blushes a lot. My favorite is Chanel Rose Initiale because it goes with everything! Whether I want to go warm or cool tone on my lips, it always always works 🙂
I do agree that Coralista is rather shimmery, like Bella Bamba but I love them anyway haha! I do play well with shimmer blushes – it helps define my otherwise flat face 😉 Benefit does do more subdued colours like Dandelion and Hervana that would be more wearable for most. I can’t remember if I’ve seen Chanel’s Rose Initiale but it sounds like a pretty colour! I have a bit of love hate with Chanel Joues Contraste though. Mine which are a bit older are now hard like stone. I can barely get colour out and I dread buying anymore new ones because I’m so afraid they’d be like this in a year or 2 🙁
Aww 🙁 Can you tissue a layer off? I haven’t had that problem with Rose Initiale, but I did with Notorious a little. I tissued a layer off and it seems fine again.
Mine are ancient LOL I have had them over 5/6 years so maybe its to be expected? I don’t know. I use a stiff dense brush and still only get a very light colour to the extent I don’t even bother 🙁
Ahh…losing the mojo eh? What if I reiterate that you read minds of some people, say me? Secretly, I felt that the title of this post had an invisible shoutout that says “Jen, this is dedicated to you”. Lol.
From your lovely swatches, I must say Benefit Cosmetics Dandelion and Guerlain Blush G Sakura caught my eyes. The glow and sheen of Guerlain made my heart skipped a beat 🙂 The moth in me! I am still using the Silkygirl Blushing Trio in 01 Rosy Peach that you wrote a while back. And I am still loving it 🙂 Lol, there’s no need to find a dupe for it I guess, but I am saddened that they longer sell it (Limited Edition yo!). Seriously…is there a dupe for it because I love the shades and it seems light enough for my clown traits? So your post is right up my alley!
Anyhow, writer’s block do occur sometimes especially when you have so much other things going on, another spanner in the wheel etc…Take your time. We’re always here for you. *Hugs*
Aww you sure know how to make a girl feel good 😀 And this mind reading thing is pretty cool eh? I think you’d like Dandelion – its absolutely error-proof, coz its so light. That Silkygirl blush is pretty impressive considering its tiny little pricetag. I still use it too now and again and its just so easy! If you’d like to level up from there, try Hervana. It gives a rosier glow than Dandelion 🙂 And thank you for hanging in there while I get my thoughts pulled back together 🙂
I don’t have the one favourite blush, and I have yet to build my stash to a level where I can say “a favourite pink” or any other colour for that matter 🙂
But the one I go to when I don’t know what to pick is my Chanel Joues Contraste in Plum Attraction (no. 63). But overall I love all my blushes, I have a few budget blushes which I didn’t like (quality nog colour) and those I passed on to my daughter, so she can get some practice in (she’s 8) and they don’t go to waste.
That’s a good thing, Wojis – it means you can keep collecting until you find “the one”! 😀 I love that you passed on your blushes to your daughter. At least she’s got a good headstart with a makeup savvy mom! 😀
Hi,
Thank you so much on sharing with us your fav pink blushes. I always stay away from pink blushes because of my yellow skin tone. I wish my skin is as fair as yours and able to make so many different colour options. 🙂
My current fav is Chanel blush in ultra rose. It was recommended by the sales who suggested that I gave it a try even though it is a bright neon pink in the pan. I used with very lightly and I gives it a healthy glow. I also like that it’s pigmented so less is in fact more. 🙂
Btw I love your post on Prague!!! The place is soooo beautiful! Thank you for sharing with us. Did you buy anything for yourself during the trip? 😉
You’re most welcome, Ahcapp 🙂 Pink blushes on yellow toned skin can be tricky but take heart! You will wear peach shades far better than I ever can! 😀 I love rose toned blushes too (is there a colour I don’t like?! 😛 ) and Ultra Rose sounds like such a pretty colour! I have to check it out – neon pink! LOL! Yes I did do a bit of shopping in Prague which I hope to share soon. Been a bit too lax in sorting out the photos hehe… more on Prague to come and I’m hoping no one gets sick of me 😛
Why why whyyy do u have to do this to me?! Lol! Now i have to go and buy the benefit hervana! I have been wanting to buy it for the looongest time now but i feel like its easier for me to purchase TF and chanel blushes.dont know why! But now that its one of your highly recommended blushes i’d def purchase this one next! Its so pretty but whenever i swatch it at sephora it turns powdery.must be the exposed testers. ????????????????
Haha! Oops! Hold on to your wallet! 😉 I do like Hervana and it doesn’t turn powdery on me at all. I can use the included brush or my regular brush with no problems. I hope you’ll like it if you check it out again. Sometimes, the testers at Sephora really put me off – they sometimes look so gunky! >.<
lovely blush post! in fact any blush post is good for me 😛
i have all except Dandelion and Misty (no blush from Burberry in my collection… yet)
From the 3 I have, I like Hervana best, GA and last place goes to Guerlain. A bit too light and takes a bit of work to work with, and yeah, shimmery.
My other light pink that’s in rotation is currently TheBalm Down Boy and Rouge Bunny Rouge ‘s Gracilis, and Dior’s Pink Happiness.
Haha ok I’ll take that as a hint to do more posts on blushes 😉 I am keen to look at the new Burberry blush from Spring – Coral Pink looks so good! I keep forgetting to check it out though >.< I like your choices too! Gracilis is pretty 🙂
oh I read reviews on the Spring blush from Burberry, and boy are they super pigmented! Burberry currently is still only available in Isetan KLCC right?
Gracilis is pretty, but may look ashy on darker skintones, I think you would look lovely with it!
Yep Burberry is still only at Isetan KLCC and yes I’m told the blushes are super pigmented! So fun! LOL 😀 I am not quite in love with Gracilis, but its pretty to look at haha! I think I’ll have to dig it out again and have another go. I think I wanted to be more wow-ed 😛
Gracilis isn’t a colour I love at first sight, but I like the subtle colour and how it shows on my skin, and surprisingly despite being light it’s lasting power isn’t compromised. That’s what made it stayed in my travel makeup pouch for so long 😛
if you like stronger colours, Orpheline and Florita maybe right up your alley!
Oh Edward Bess’s blushes are pretty nice too!
I may have Orpheline too! OMG I really have to take stock 😛 I have been contemplating Edward Bess’ blushes. But there aren’t many reviews are there? Which ones do you like?
I think I like Blush Imperiale in Moroccan Rose slightly better than Dessert Blossom. Dessert Blossom colour is pretty similar to Gracilis, it’s that kind of muted nude pink, may be similar to Illamasqua’s Naked Rose too. It falls into that category. Moroccan Rose is a rosey colour with a hint of plum in it. Somehow I think of it as an “elegant” blush colour. Cannot think of a similar colour right now. Sorry! 😛 Texture is beautiful and soft, and it’s sheer but you can build the colour. Something like GA blushes. I have them, I bring it out the the next time we have #evurl gathering? They have another colour in Soft Orchid, (don’t own it) and that one seems to always be OOS leh.
I think they launched a new line of blush called Blush Extraordinaire, don’t have those so I am not too sure.
Sorry for such a lengthy post!
Thanks for the suggestions, Plue! I was a little meh about the photos of Dessert Blossom which everyone seems to rave about. So Moroccan Rose sounds like something I’d like! I’ll be keeping an eye out for them on the online shops I frequent 😀
Like Becca, I tend to favour coral-pink and peach-pink blushes. My only light pink blush is Josie Maran Passion, which came in a travel palette. Sometimes I like to add an extra pop of Passion to the apples of my cheeks for a sweet-faced look. Thanks for the swatches, Paris!
My other fave category too, BooBooNinja (cute name btw!) 😀 I think its hard for me to choose just one colour category because each one will give a different effect to the look, don’t you agree? 🙂 I haven’t tried anything by Josie Maran but I’ve read so many good things about the brand! I will have to take another look since we have it here – would be a waste not to eh? 😉
You should take a look at the brand! My sister brought her SPF40 sunscreen back from the States for me and it’s my new favourite mineral sunscreen. Unfortunately, my Josie Maran blushes aren’t very long-lasting; however, it may be because I’m applying it to bare skin. It’s possible you’ll get good wear time if you prep the skin with primer and/or foundation/tinted moisturizer.
Thanks BooBooNinja, I will have to give Josie Maran a go. I remember friends raving about her foundation too!
I don’t own any of the blushes you featured here. Seeing Sakura swatch made my heart skip a beat. Really. It’s very odd. I am usually an eyeshadow person. Only eyeshadows or eyeliners will ever made my heart mis-behave. :p
People don’t crown you Blush Queen for nothing, you know. 🙂 You really know your blushes and I have so much to learn from you. Right now I am still having difficulty differentiating the different shades. They all look pink, light pink or darker pink to me with shimmer or no shimmer!! Please tell me I have a problem with my eyes! >.<
Teehee, its all that blush influence rubbing off on you I’m sure! 😉 I can’t differentiate the shades too but I can always justify having similar shades because “This one looks more pink and that one looks lighter” LOL! Its an addition I tell you! Don’t get started! >.<
hahahaha! At least you can do that! 🙂
By the way, the Camelia blush is really lovely. Thank you. 🙂 I have been enjoying it ever since you sent it. Before it I never pay much attention to my blushes because they don’t look visible and I put it just “to complete the steps”… :p But now I am re-learning those already in my inventory and I am having fun with them! 🙂
That’s awesome! I love the Camellia blush for that shot of colour on cheeks. Be careful not to overdo! 😉
Hi Paris. I really like this blusher, it looks great! Do you know of any drugstore/cheaper alternatives for this? It is quite pricey 🙁
Thanks.
Sorry I forgot to add. I was looking for an alternative to Benefit’s Hervana blush!
Any cheaper/drugstore alternatives?
Afraid I don’t, Neri. I haven’t been looking at budget blushes for a while but you might find something nice in Revlon albeit a little less pretty to look at, or in some of the Japanese brands like Majolica Majorca, or Kate.