Stila Convertible Color Blush in Lilium

Stila Convertible Color Blush in Lilium / $25

As spring comes rolling in, the corals and pinks that may have been dormant over the colder months suddenly come out. Gracing the runway... and then my face. I've got to say, I'm much more of a dark lip/not-so-bright cheek kind of a gal, but whatever. Sometimes I just can't deny that pop of pink. Damn you.

Cream blush was something I avoided for much too long. Why? I was all "I won't like that" "cream blush? HA. Who needs it?!". Well, I do. I'm now the proud owner of two cream blushes — the first being Lilium, by Stila. The pigmentation is incredible. A little goes a long way, people. I usually apply this with a Real Techniques stippling brush, tapping the brush ever so slightly into the blush, ridding excess on the back of my hand, and stippling on. Sometimes if I'm feeling extra lazy, I'll use my fingers. Either way is pretty fail-proof, so go with whatever you're comfortable with. The lasting power is alright — it ends up fading pretty fast on me if I forget to set with powder which is a bit frustrating considering the whole point of cream blush is to add a bit more dewiness, non?  Either way, I'm a fan! I've been wearing this color for a week straight and I'm not sure that'll change anytime soon.

Chanel Joues Contraste Blush in Rose Ecrin

Chanel Joues Contraste Blush in Rose Ecrin · $43

This post feels kind of extravagant but I think it's only because this is my first Chanel purchase ever.

Rose Ecrin is a not too bright yet not too light rosy pink shade. It's definitely not something I'm used to as I like deeper or more neutral blushes — I actually didn't think this blush would look good on my skin tone at all, but alas, I was talked into it. It goes on really nicely and is quite buildable (I had to put a ton on to get it to show up in photos). I do feel like this will be a staple for me come spring and summer. I'm trying to venture into the world of corals and pinks and non-brown eyeshadows but when you're a berry/deep color lover, it's hard!

The only flaw I have with this blush is the smell. Even as a fan of all things rose scented this stuff is soooo strong; I would definitely steer clear if you're at all sensitive to fragrance. I've had it on for about two hours now and I can still smell it, craaaaaazy! While it isn't completely off-putting I would definitely prefer the blush to be non-scented or a little less strong — I don't mind scented blush or foundation but what I do mind is when it lingers for hours.

Would I buy another Chanel blush? Probably not anytime soon. While I really love the packaging and luxuriousness of it, NARS is cheaper and just as good (quality wise), at least to me! The Chanel is a bit silkier but unless you're applying it with your hands (please don't do that) there's not much of a difference when it's on the face!

What do you guys think of Chanel blushes? Worth the price?
P.S. sorry about the lighting! They just cut down 3/4 of a tree and now it's ridiculously bright in my house!

NARS Douceur

NARS Douceur · $28

NARS Douceur is commonly known in the beauty and blogging world as the "instant model cheekbones" blush and I've got to say, that's pretty much true.

NARS describes this blush as a "soft pink-brown" and in the pan it looks like a beautiful dusty pink — but on the face? It's the most perfect rosy shade to give you both a hint of color and a natural contour. I love wearing this on days where I don't want to do too much with my makeup but I do want a little something to pull my look together. One of my favorite things to do is to pair this up with Tarte Exposed; using this to add a little definition while wearing Exposed on the apples of my cheeks.

I love this blush to bits, especially because it gives your cheekbones a bit of a boost while still doing it's job as a blush. This is most definitely one of those blushes you have to have for autumn and winter. It looks beautiful with a bold berry lip color as well as a more natural looking lip. It kind of gives you that I just walked in from the cold type of look and I really think it's just one of the most beautiful (and flattering) blushes out there!

What do you guys think of this color? What are your favorite autumn blushes?

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Exposed

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Exposed · $25

I'm definitely not one of those girls who can have only one or two blushes. I like to wear blushes depending on my mood/outfit/weather/etc. Since autumn has just begun, I figured it was time to set aside my summer colors and look for a few new ones for fall and winter. 

I'm not sure about anyone else but I'm definitely embracing the dark lip trend this F/W so I wanted a few blushes that would be subtle and work with the dark plums and dusty roses. Exposed is one of those blushes. It's actually described as "nude" which isn't really true — it's more of a rose than nude but it's still perfect and exactly what I was looking for. It gives me a nice, soft flush of color as if I had just walked in from the cold (I wish, it's so warm here lately). 

As for the 12 hour claim, I don't think it lasts that long but it does last at least 8 hours on my normal skin. This is my first Tarte purchase and I'm sure it won't be my last. I'm really impressed with how wonderful this blush is to apply and wear — and the packaging is adorable! If you're looking for a more delicate looking shade to go along with dark or deep lipstick, you really can't go wrong with this one. 

What do you guys think of Tarte products? Have you tried their Amazonian 12-hour blush?

Benefit Hervana

Benefit Hervana  · $28

Oh Benefit, I can't seem to stay away from your products for longer than a week. This may be becoming an obsession.

Hervana is described as "good karma face powder" and while I'm not quite sure what that actually means, it doesn't really matter because I am officially infatuated with this stuff.

I waaas a bit skeptical how this would look on my olive toned skin. Orgasm is my go-to blush (but whose isn't?) so I'm really used to coral/pink and not so much berry tones. I asked a MUA at Sephora what she thought and told me to go for it because it would look fab and I wouldn't regret it. She was right. It's basically the opposite of what I usually wear and I'm totally okay with that because this stuff compliments my skin in ways I never thought were possible. Contouring, brightening, giving me nice flush  — basically everything you want from a blush. 

I've been using this way more than Orgasm and am definitely excited to try other Benefit blushes. Benefit is easily growing to be one of my favorite brands *gasp* but is that really much of a surprise when the quality of their products is so high/great?

What do you guys think of Hervana? Which Benefit blush should I try next?