Blush: Lush or Less?

Blush is amongst the many things in life that can go very bad very quickly. Whether too bright, too dark or just too much, every woman (or man, why stop at guyliner?) is susceptible to the dangers of blush gone awry.

For years, I struggled to find the perfect blush. I tried plums, pinks, and corals and finally I found “the one,” Smashbox Blush Rush in Radiance. Unfortunately, this discovery came with a hefty price tag.

So, like every week, I will be comparing my blush of choice with a less expensive option to see if that “fresh from the cold” flush can be achieved without draining your wallet. The challenger this week, Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Pink Frosting. Maybelline’s contender is a cream blush, which differs from Smashbox’s powder formulation; however, it was the only drugstore option that I could find with a similar pigmentation. 

Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Pink Frosting
Retails for approx. $9.99

Smashbox Blush Rush in Radiance
Retails for approx. $24

Top: Smashbox
Bottom: Maybelline

The deciding factor in this case was blendability. The silky texture of the Smashbox contender allowed for easy and even application whereas the Maybelline challenger was difficult to blend outwards which resulted in uneven distribution. Also, because the Smashbox option is so highly pigmented a little goes a long way. In other words, this blush will last you a long time; I purchased the one pictured above in September and there’s barely a dent in it. The verdict: splurge.

On an important side note: proper application is just as important as a great blush. For a natural look, apply your blush to the apples of your cheeks (the fleshy part of your cheek that pops up when you smile) and sweep towards the temple.