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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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!