Physicians Formula "Warm" Happy Booster Blush Swatch + Review

Physicians Formula "Warm" Happy Booster Blush

Don't we all need a little happiness boost in our lives? I know that I wouldn't turn one down if it was offered to me. Well, if you're like me than Physicians Formula is here with a product for you. This blush makes a lot of bold claims.According to the Physicians Formula website this blush is "infused with our Happy Boost Blend, featuring Happy Skin* and Euphoryl, natural plant extracts which have been show to promote a feeling of happiness by mimicking the effect of Endorphins and helping protect the skin from environmental stress".

Physicians Formula "Warm" Happy Booster Blush

Well, I know what you're all wondering. Does this blush actually make you happier when you use it? Well, here's my short answer--no. I haven't noticed a difference between days when I wear this blush and days when I wear others. I, personally, believe this whole "happy booster" stuff is nothing more than a marketing scheme. The cute hearts and the subtle violet scent make me happy but it isn't something that will last throughout the day or anything like what Physicians Formula is trying to claim. 

Physicians Formula "Warm" Happy Booster Blush

Physicians Formula "Warm" Happy Booster Blush

The Happy Booster blushes come in these adorable bright pink compacts. On top there is the blush but underneath there is a small round mirror and a large, pink and red blush brush. The mirror comes in handy when I'm trying to fix my makeup on the go. It isn't very big but its very handy in a pinch. The brush, on the other hand, isn't quite so handy--no pun intended. It's way too large on my face and the pink and red bristles makes it hard for me to judge how much blush is actually on the brush. I cannot tell you have many times I've accidentally given myself clown cheeks using this brush. It is more hassle than anything else and highly recommend that you toss it as soon as you can. It is junk.

Physicians Formula "Warm" Happy Booster Blush

Here is the color swatched on the back of my hand. It is a warm pink, almost coral, color. I do own another Happy Booster blush in the shade "Natural" and I will admit that I prefer this one. It gives a nice, bright flush to the cheeks. In winter, it gives you that fresh I've-just-come-in-from-the-snow glow to your cheeks. It's really, really lovely. And it never seems to disappear. I've been using this color non-stop for weeks now and I can't really tell that I've used up much of the product. I'm impressed. There are two more colors in the line that I haven't tried and I think I might check them out sometime in the future.

However, this blush is a bit pricey for a drugstore. It retails for about $11.95, depending on where you make your purchase. If you do want to buy something from Physicians Formula I highly recommend that you wait until it goes on sale at CVS or Rite Aid or at your local drugstore. If you can get 40 or 30% off $11.95, it makes it more budget friendly. And drugstores are always having sales so you wouldn't have to wait too long. Have you tried any Physicians Formula products? What did you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

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MAC "Dame" Blush Swatch + Review

MAC Blush in "Dame"

I knew exactly what I wanted the first time I walked into a MAC store. I remember that I actually had a mental list of my must-have purchases and on that list was the MAC blush in "Dame". Unfortunately, they had sold out of "Dame" but the MAC girl recommended that I try "Well Dressed". Compared to "Well Dressed", "Dame" is a slightly darker and slightly plummier.

MAC Blush in "Dame"

"Dame" is a great everyday color for the entire year but especially for fall and winter. I still love my Sonia Kashuk blushes but the colors that I own are very bright, very summery. Sometimes its nice to go for a bit of an understated look. This blush is very buildable but its sheer enough that its something that you could apply without a mirror. Perfect for my hectic dorm life! In the time since I've gone back to school, I've seriously cut down on my makeup routine. I barely have time to eat much less apply a full face of makeup. But I will always have enough time for "Dame". 

MAC Blush in "Dame"

MAC Blush in "Dame"

Here is the blush swatched on the back of my hand. As you can see, it's quite sheer. This makes it a favorite for MAC starter kits and makeup newbies everywhere. However you can achieve a moderately bold look but it'll take quite a bit of work.

POSITIVES
-Sheer but buildable color
-Sleek and modern packaging


NEGATIVES
-Price ($21)

In conclusion, I'm a big fan of this blush. It's just so easy and so pretty. It gives a natural flush to the cheeks. The only downside is the price. Gosh. How did I justify spending $21 on a blush? I must be insane. But...at least I really, really love it. Right? At least I'm going to get a lot of bang for my buck. I own three other MAC blushes and I have yet to put a huge dent in any of them. Well, except for "Well Dressed" but that's only because I cracked it while I was traveling. So it's not quite the same thing. But maybe "Dame" will be the first. I wouldn't be surprised at the rate that I'm using this stuff. 

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Sonia Kashuk "Sunset" Beautifying Blush Swatch + Review

Sonia Kashuk Blush in "Sunset"

 I'm back to rave about the Sonia Kashuk blushes. Surprise. Surprise. Earlier in the month I raved about the shade "Flushed" but today I'm dedicating my blog to the shimmery coral color aptly named "Sunset". It is super shimmery and super bold. But I am obsessed. Like the other Sonia Kashuk blush I tired, "Sunset" has a super soft and pigmented formulation. You only need the littlest bit of product but don't worry if you go overboard because it blends like a dream. 

Sonia Kashuk Blush in "Sunset"

I am still astounded that there isn't more talk about these blushes on YouTube or in the beauty blogging community. They're amazing! They're honestly the best drugstore blushes I've ever tried. It feels like a luxury product with its elegant packaging (it even has a magnet so the lid stays closed) but this blush retails for around nine dollars at Target. Isn't that insane? I just need them to come out with more shades because it'll only be a matter of time before I get every shade. 

Sonia Kashuk Blush in "Sunset" Swatch

Here is the blush once it is applied to the skin. The shimmer is still noticeable but it isn't disco ball crazy or anything. I'm normally not a big fan of super shimmery blushes but I found that I actually loved the look that the blush gave me. It gives the perfect summer glow to the cheeks and even though it's the end of September, I'm still obsessed with this shade. 

POSITIVES

-Soft and pigmented formula

-Easy to Blend

-Available at any Target

-Price ($9)

-Packaging

-Fantastic shades

NEGATIVES

-Small range of colors

In conclusion, I think that this color is phenomenal. It is the perfect coral blush for spring and summer but its one of those colors (that if worn in the right way) would look lovely in any season. I'm a big of these blushes and I definitely want to try more shades. 

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MAC "Pinch O' Peach" Blush Swatch + Review

MAC "Pinch O' Peach" 

Summer 2013 was the summer of the blush obsession. Summer 2012 was lips and Summer 2011 was MAC products in general but this past summer, without a doubt, was all about the cheeks. Last week I posted my review for the Sonia Kashuk blush in "Flushed" (spoiler alert: I really, really liked it) but this week I'm going to talk about a slightly more expensive blush. Allison from amarixe.com or youtube.com/amazrixe (I feel like I talk about her all the time on this blog. Oh, wait, that's because I am.) is a fellow blush lover and she is always talking about this MAC blush called "Pinch O' Peach". So, of course, I had to go out and check it out. 

MAC Blush in "Pinch O' Peach"

 There was one thing I know that EVERYONE must be thinking. If your name is "Pinch O' Peach" then why aren't you peach? Said in your best Karen from Mean Girls voice. Well, I don't have a great answer but I was thinking the same thing too. It isn't a peach color AT ALL. It's a lovely medium pink color. 

Although I did notice that after I got my blush back home it sort of started to change color a little bit--you can see it really clearly in the first picture. Those peachy-brown dots aren't just at the surface. It was something I also noticed when I was at two separate MAC counters during my visit to Hawaii. The color on the inside was a lighter pink but the color on the outer rim was the darker color you see above. Did anyone else have this problem? Or maybe it was just something to do with the Hawaii humidity? I don't know. If you have an answer, I'd love if you left it in a comment below.

MAC Blush in "Pinch O' Peach"

MAC Blush in "Pinch O' Peach" Swatch

"Pinch O' Peach", in addition to having an adorable name, is also one of MAC's Sheertone blushes. So although it might look a little intimidating in the pan, it is extremely easy to get a natural, no-makeup look with this product. Have no fear! It even looks really lovely on my sister who has very fair skin. IN the swatch above I worked really hard to pile on the product. I wanted to get a nice opaque swatch for my blog. 

POSITIVES

-Cute name

-Lovely, sheer color that is very buildable

-Sleek MAC packaging

NEGATIVES

-Price ($21 for 6 grams)

So, in conclusion, I really liked this blush from MAC. I'm more inclined to splurge on a blush because (in my experience) most drugstore blushes either don't have a wide range of colors to choose from or aren't very good quality. It wasn't quite what I was expecting but I was pleasantly surprised. It sort of reminds me of MAC "Lustering" lipstick in blush form. MAC "Pinch O' Peach" is a perfect color for summer.  

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Sonia Kashuk "Flushed" Beautifying Blush Swatch + Review

Sonia Kashuk Blush in "Flushed"

Why have I heard absolutely nothing about the Sonia Kashuk blushes? I've heard lots of things about the Sonia Kashuk eye makeup remover and about their concealer quads but absolutely nothing about their blushes--which is truly a pity. Because I hadn't heard anything about them I was a little hesitant when I picked them up. They're a little expensive for a drugstore product ($9) but they are easily some of the best blushes to be found at the drugstore. 

Sonia Kashuk Blush in "Flushed"

Every drugstore brand has a line of blushes but in my experience almost all of them have a hard formulation and poorly pigmentation. It's very frustrating for a blush junkie like myself.  But these blushes are super soft and apply like a dream. On my trip I bought two new MAC blushes but since I picked up two of the Sonia Kashuk blushes I haven't touched them. The MAC blushes are lovely but I prefer the formulation of the Sonia Kashuk blushes better. The shade range isn't very large with only six shades but I was very impressed by almost all of the colors in the range. 

Sonia Kashuk Blush in "Flushed" 

Here is an up close view of the product. You can't tell from any of my pictures but this blush has a bit of shimmer to it. It isn't obvious when you apply it to the face but it's certainly noticeable in the pan. Although, I noticed that the layer beneath the top layer is less shimmery. 

Sonia Kashuk Blush in "Flushed"

Here is the blush applied to my hand. It gives a lovely pop of color to the cheeks. If you blend it well, it just looks like a natural flush--making the name very appropriate. However, I should warn you to be very careful when applying the color. It's very pigmented and it's easy to apply too much by accident.

POSITIVES
-Soft and pigmented formula
-Easy to Blend
-Available at any Target
-Price ($9)
-Packaging
-Fantastic shades

NEGATIVES
-Small range of colors

In conclusion, I am a huge fan of the Sonia Kashuk blushes. I only own two shades--"Flushed" and "Sunset"--but they're both fantastic. I can't wait to try more. These are definitely the best drugstore blushes I've ever tried--hands down. Surprisingly, I actually prefer these to my more expensive blushes from MAC. Never thought I'd say that. Well done, Sonia Kashuk.

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Drugstore Dupes: NARS "Laguna" Bronzer + "Orgasm" Blush

NARS "Laguna" Bronzer

 These are tough economic times and everyone is looking to save some money--especially when it comes to luxury beauty products. And so today I'm starting a new series dedicated to finding drugstores dupes or alternatives to some of my favorite high end products...and what better way to start than with cult favorites, NARS "Laguna" and "Orgasm". 

elf  Blush + Bronzing Powder in St. Lucia

 Whenever the conversation of dupes for "Laguna" or "Orgasm" begins, someone always recommends the elf Blush + Bronzing Powder in St. Lucia. And I can understand why. The packaging for both these brands is eerily similar. Although the NAR packaging is made of the black matte plastic that is a nightmare to clean while the elf packaging is simply traditional black plastic. But what about the product inside? 

NARS "Laguna" + "Orgasm" Vs. elf  Blush + Bronzing Powder in "St. Lucia"

elf  Blush + Bronzing Powder in "St. Lucia" Vs. NARS "Laguna"

 Here are the elf bronzer and NARS "Laguna" side by side. They are very similar but under close inspection, it becomes obvious that there are some subtle differences. First of all, the elf bronzer is a bit darker than "Laguna" and while "Laguna" does have a subtle hint of glitter the elf bronzer is practically packed to the max with glitter. 

elf  Blush + Bronzing Powder in St. Lucia Vs. NARS "Laguna"

 Once the colors are swatched on the hand the differences between the two products becomes even more noticeable. Surprisingly the elf bronzer is significantly darker and more opaque than NARS "Laguna" (which also appears to have more of a orange undertone). 

elf Blush + Bronzing Powder in St. Lucia Vs. NARS "Orgasm"

 Unlike the bronzers, it doesn't take long to recognize the differences between the blushes. The elf blush is a darker mauve pink with chunky golden glitter while NARS "Orgasm" is a lighter peachy pink with a golden sheen. 

elf  Blush + Bronzing Powder in St. Lucia Vs. NARS "Orgasm"

When swatched, the blushes look nothing alike and the differences are even more pronounced. The elf blush looks like a terracotta color and the "Orgasm" is the infamous pinky peach. It is hard to believe that anyone could believe that these two could possible pass as dupes for one another. 

In conclusion, the elf  Blush + Bronzing Powder in "St. Lucia" is not a dupe for NARS "Laguna" bronzer and "Orgasm" blush. I can see how some people could make the mistake (the elf packaging takes a lot of inspiration from NARS and the colors are fairly similar) but once you see the colors next to each other, the truth is very obvious. The bronzer is closer than the blush and would make a good alternative for people who find that "Laguna" is too light or too orange for their skin tone. The blush is a lovely shade but doesn't quite capture the "Orgasm" radiance we all know and love. So, I guess the search continues. If you would like more posts like this, leave a comment in the comments below! 

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MAC "Well Dressed" Blush Swatch + Review

"Well Dressed" is a MAC icon. Almost every MAC starter kit ever contains this blush or its very similar cousin, "Dame". And I understand why. It is a cool-toned pink blush that is sheer but at the same time pigmented. It is easy to blend. What more can a girl ask for? When I first got into makeup I was totally unoriginal. "Well Dressed" was the first MAC blush that I ever bought and I loved it. To this day this is my sister's everyday blush. It is just so easy to wear.
 

As you can see, it is a very soft color. I sweep it on my cheeks and it gives a beautiful flush of color. I'm kind of a blush junkie and I can never stay committed to one blush for too long. It is perfect for little girls who are just getting into makeup. Even the name screams girly and dainty and cute. But it is also for women who want easy, no-fuss makeup.

What was your first blush? Tell me in the comments! Chat with me on twitter! Check out my second blog!