Six top blushes to try

Haven’t had any sleep because of that report you were rushing? Got dull skin because you don’t have enough time to take care of it? Don’t worry! There’s a quick fix for your problem. You see, the easiest and most foolproof way to brighten your face is by putting on blush. A pink, warm flush on your cheeks can make you look fresh, well-rested, and attractive in just a few seconds, tops. Here are some top suggestions on the best blushes out in the Philippine market.

NYX Cosmetics

NYX Cosmetics is widely touted as the “poor woman’s MAC." Their products are raved over everywhere because of the quality, affordability and wide color selection. Their blushes got a high rating from bloggers and forumers alike, getting a 4.5 out of 5 from a popular makeup community. The blushes are also well-reviewed in a local makeup forum. NYX blushes are said to be pigmented, smooth, and with good staying power.

NYX isn’t directly available in the Philippines, but that slight hitch has been solved by enterprising Filipinas who resell the products locally through online stores. You can check out Carefree Shopper and Digital Traincase to get your NYX blush fix. They sell each piece for roughly P350-370. Must-try shades are Desert Rose and Peach, since they’re instantly flattering for most skin tones.

Dollface Cosmetics

Dollface Cosmetics sells blush palettes at good prices. A 10-piece blush palette is best suited for those who want to practice makeup professionally, but it can also work for those individuals who like to try out different looks on themselves. The blushes also go on smooth and pigmented; even StyleBible recommends it. The 10-piece blush palette costs P850 while the six-piece contour palette (with two shades of blush) is P1,000.

MAC Blush

Ahh, MAC (Makeup Art Cosmetics). The brand can’t be ignored in discourses such as this since it is an industry standard. International and local makeup artists have at least a few MAC products in their arsenal because the quality is reliable, albeit expensive. MAC blushes are designed to last - it could take years for the user to finish them. They’ve got dozens of colors you can choose from and come out with something new twice a month.

The pigmentation and wear is a given.

Colors to try: Peachykeen (peach amber), Springsheen (peachy coral - great for morenas) and Dolly Mix (Barbie pink but looks natural when worn). MAC blushes are sold in Rustans and Marionnaud at Mall of Asia for P1,200.

NARS Orgasm or Super Orgasm

NARS blushes, in the writer’s humble opinion, is the best blush out there. Everything you need in a blush is there - great pigmentation, all-day staying power, and natural color. The best-selling cult favorite blush is from NARS: Orgasm. It’s a gorgeous peachy pink shade that is claimed to be “universal.” It supposedly matches any skin tone. You can’t really argue about it since the color goes on sheer and blends with your cheeks, giving them a natural, pretty flush.

Last year, NARS came out with Orgasm's more saucy sister called Super Orgasm. It’s a lot pinker and more glittery, and it’s made for those with darker skin tones. It’s best for those who want a more pigmented Orgasm blush! Here’s a comparison review, with pictures.

NARS blushes are available in Rustan’s for P1,350 per pan.

Shu Uemura Glow On

Shu Uemura blushes (called Glow Ons) are great because they give you that “glow from within” look. They are finely-milled, pigmented, and usually come in matte, natural colors.

Picture by author

Glow Ons are available in Rustan’s, selected SM Department Store beauty aisles, and Marionnaud (Mall of Asia). They’re quite overpriced here in the Philippines at P1,500 per pan even though they’re only $21 in the US. It’s probably better to get them from local resellers, a relative visiting Japan (they’re even cheaper there), or online.

Cheap blushes versus expensive blushes

Philippine weather can get extremely hot and humid, so you want your blush to be able to keep up with your needs. Cheap blushes can give you a great color pay-off and decent staying power (three to four hours) but expensive blushes in the P1,000+ range will stay on practically all day even with the sweat and oil on your face. Since expensive blushes are extremely pigmented, one swipe is all it takes for you to get the color you need. They can last you up to one and a half to two years, even with regular usage.

Cream blushes versus powder blushes

Cream blushes last longer since they are designed to stick and be slightly absorbed by the skin. They’re best for women with dry skin. Powder blushes, on the other hand, are best for those with oily skin. The powder neutralizes the oil.

Applying the blush

It doesn’t take a genius to apply blush right. First, get a fluffy rounded brush (this is the best type of brush to use since it will distribute the color evenly and naturally). You can find brushes like this in Watson’s and department store beauty aisles for less than a hundred bucks. If you want something that will last you for years and is really soft, however, you would need to invest in high-end brushes from MAC (the 129 is recommended) or NARS if you got the money. Mid-range, affordable, and good-quality brushes can be bought from Suesh, Dollface, and Sigma.

Once you’ve got your brush, swirl it around the pan of the blush then tap the excess powder gently. Smile then apply on the apples of your cheeks. Simple, right? Now, start blushing with your new finds!