Week 2, Day 7. DC'd and LE Blush--Shu Uemura P Purple 05b

Ok, I know this really isn't much to look at in the pan, but it makes up for it's rather homely looks by being a gorgeous lavender-pink on the cheeks.  For pale, cool-toned gals, it is a glowy natural blush with a slightly pearly finish.  In my opinion, Shu blushes are among the best out there and this is one of my favorites.

They are silky smooth, blend easily, last, and are pigmented, but never over the top.  Even colors that I thought that I couldn't wear look good on because of the excellent Shu formulation that allows it to blend into my skin.  If you haven't tried Shu blushes and can still get them, do it!  You won't be disappointed.

Next week, I'll be doing 7 days of Peach blush!  It'll give me a chance to play with the peaches in my collection since I almost always wear pink. Hopefully, I'll cover some of your favorites and introduce you to some future faves!

Week 2, Day 6. DC'd and LE Blush--Chanel Evening Red JC

Today's blush is an oldie, but goodie.  It is Evening Red (or Rouge Noir for all you Francophiles) from Chanel.  I don't really know anything about this blush, except that I think it has been DC'd for quite some time (like maybe 10 years or more?).  It is a gorgeous red blush, the only one I have. 

It goes on smoothly, with just a hint of the famed Chanel fragrance.  Evening Red is a pretty neutral red, maybe leaning a little to the blue side.  These old JCs are so nice--really pigmented and beautiful. 

Even though I think that reds aren't really my thing, this blush can be applied lightly for a lovely flush.  Maybe someday I'll have the guts to try it. LOL!
Tomorrow, is the last day of DC'd and LE Blush Week and I'm finishing with Shu P Purple 05b, a unique blush that is one of my faves.

Week 2, Day 5. DC'd and LE Blush--Dior Dentelle, Vintage Pink

This gorgeous Limited Edition blush duo was part of the Dior Spring 2010 collection.  I'm such a sucker for blushes with imprinted designs on them and this is one that I had to track down.  It sold out quickly in stores, so I had to hunt this beauty down on Ebay.  This Vintage Pink blush features two colors, a rose and a soft pink, with a lace design imprinted on both ends along with the large Dior name. 

The texture is pretty hard, it was actually difficult to swatch.  When blended together, it is a light rose color.  Pretty, but not super unique and along with the texture, not something I would buy to use.  It does look pretty on the cheeks, though.  Since I'm more of a collector than a user, I'm ok with that, but I understand that it would annoy some.  Here's a link for the Swatches this week where you can see what vintage pink looks like on.  Below is the group shot of this week's DC'd and LE blushes.  Tomorrow is #6, Chanel Evening Red, a beautiful, old JC. 

Week 2, Day 4. DC'd and LE Blush--Chanel Nude JC

Chanel Nude--it's a beautiful nude and I don't understand why it would have been discontinued   Again, my picture doesn't do it justice.  I think because of the mystical glow that JCs have, the beauty is hard to capture with a camera (like the elusive big foot!) 

While I'm usually obsessed about pink blush, I understand that they don't suit every woman or every situation. Chanel Nude JC is a neutralish brown with enough pink in it so it doesn't look like bronzer or worse, dirt.  It might be a hair warm for the coolest skin tones, but I think that Chanel Nude works for almost everyone.  It has the signature subtle rose scent, that disappears quickly after application.

The texture and glow of the Joues Contraste line of blushes is really nice.  These are definitely among the favorites of my collection.  Tomorrow, a gorgeous LE blush from Dior's Dentelle Collection.

Week 2, Day 3. DC'd and LE Blush--Pout Apricot Totty

Yay, today is the day for one of my favorite blushes (Do I say that everyday??).  It's Pout Apricot Totty--a gorgeous, bright, pinky-apricot.  When I was starting my blush obsession, Pout was just being DC'd and I was obsessed with finding this blush.  Luckily, I was able to add one to my collection, along with a few other gorgeous Pout blushes.  A little bit of Apricot Totty swept on my cheeks makes me feel and look like summer.  It's just so bright and cheerful that I can't help but smile when I see it.

AT (#3 in the swatches) is probably a little more pink than most Apricot blushes.  It's a beautiful mix of coral, apricot, and pink that looks great on most skin tones.  It's fairly pigmented and you only need a whisper to add a gorgeous summery glow.  Sadly, this has been discontinued for about 3 years. Maybe sometime in the future, I'll do a series on dupes for discontinued blushes. Sadly, this one will be hard to match.

Here's another look at this week's group.  Tomorrow is Chanel Nude JC.  Another lovely blush shot down in its prime.  See you tomorrow!

Week 2, Day 2. DC'd and LE Blush--Chanel Narcisse

Hey--Today is one of the prettiest blushes--Chanel Narcisse JC.  Why would they have discontinued this blush?  It was so popular and is so different from all the other blushes in the line that are Rose or Nude.  Even though I'm partial to pink blushes, it amazes me that Chanel doesn't have more (or any!) pinks in their JC line.  This is one of the nicest pinks in my collection, and the picture doesn't do it justice.

As you can see, it is a delicate, neutral pink with just a hint of peachyness to it.  It has the signature rose scent that Chanel has and texture is smooth.  There is no glitter, but the JC formula has a magical way of giving the nicest subtle glow to the cheeks without much shimmer (although there are exceptions).  Narcisse is a beautiful blush that gives a lovely natural flush.  If you can find one, get it!

Tomorrow, is Pout Apricot Totty, one of my favorite summer blushes--Yay!!

Week 2, Day 1. DC'd and LE Blush--Giorgio Armani #12

To start off Seven Days of Discontinued and Limited Edition Blush, I chose Giorgio Armani Sheer Blush #12.  It was part of  GA's Fall 2009 collection and is a very soft lilac pink color.  Like all of the GA Blushes, it is more sheer than heavily pigmented.  However, using a GA blush is like heaven, they are silky smooth and blend beautifully, they are never chalky or gritty.  Here's what #12 looks like up close:

As you can see from the swatch (it's the one on the left!), it is a delicate, soft cool-pink with a hint of lilac.  There is a tiny bit of shimmer, but it doesn't look shimmery on the cheek, just a bit glowy. 

It probably wouldn't show up on those with darker skintones, but for fair to medium-light girls, it should give a lovely, soft pink, glow.  Here's the blushes for the week--tomorrow is #2--Chanel Narcisse Joues Contraste, US version.

Week 2--Seven Days of Discontinued and Limited Edition Blushes

Do you hate seeing a product that you love and finding out it was discontinued long ago or was a limited edition?  I try to make it an adventure to try to locate that must-have item.  If you find it frustrating to do that, you may think it's a little mean of me to do a week of DC'd and LE blushes to show you things you might want.  I'm sorry!  But, I hope you can enjoy looking at the pictures, remembering what goodies you have in your stash and perhaps hunting for the ones you need to add to your collection.

I finished up last week with my favorite DC'd blush of all time, Chanel Turbulent.  However, I have 7 more gorgeous blushes to share with you this week.  I've only been collecting blush for a couple years, so there are so many that I'm missing.  I tried to select a variety of blush for the week, including some of my very favorite blushes.  Fist, the Group Shot:

Here's the list of beauties that I'll focus on this week:

1. Giorgio Armani #12

2. Chanel Narcisse Joues Contraste

3. Pout Apricot Totty

4. Chanel Nude JC

5. Dior Dentelle Vintage Pink

6.Chanel Evening Red JC

7. Shu P Purple 05b

And the swatches:

As you can see, there is a bit of variety in these blushes.  This group includes some of my all-time favorite blushes like Apricot Totty and Narcisse.  I hope to inspire you to dig out some of your older, neglected blushes to use and enjoy.  Have a great week!

Week 1, Day 7. Bright Pink Blush--Chanel Turbulent

Sigh.  I think today's blush is perfection.  The only problem is that it is nearly impossible to find.  It is Chanel Turbulent Joues Contraste.  It is a gorgeous blue-pink blush that gives a natural flush.  Yes, even though it is so scary and bright in the pan, with a light hand, it can look beautifully natural.

As you can see in the swatch (#7), there is the teensiest bit of shimmer, only enough to give the glowy finish that Chanel's JCs are known for.  Comparing it to this weeks blushes, it rivals R&R Kinky (#1) and BB Pale Pink (#4) as the coolest.  It is paler than Kinky and a tad bit more blue. This is definitely one for the cool-toned gals.

I hope you've enjoyed this week of Bright Pink Blush.  Here's one last look at them all.

1. R&R Kinky

2. Nars Angelika

3. Chantecaille Ecstasy

4. Bobbi Brown Pale Pink

5. Nars Desire

6. Shu P Wine 25

7. Chanel Turbulent

 I'm sad to be at the end of it, because they are my favorite kinds of blush.  But next week, I'll be showing you Seven days of Limited Edition and Discontinued Blushes.  Let me know what you want to see!

Week 1, Day 6. Bright Pink Blush--Shu Uemura P Wine 25

Ah, one of my favorites today.  This is Shu P Wine 25.  Not what I think of as wine at all.  but a beautiful, vivid, bright pink.  Except for the formula and the finish, it is an almost exact dupe of Nars Mata Hari.  Shu blushes are some of my favorite, they are amazing quality, silky smooth, nice pigmentation, and give an amazing glow.  Here's a picture of today's beauty.

I love it so much.  It's really cool, but not quite as cool as R&R Kinky.  It has more red in it than most of the others, but not as much as Chantecaille Ecstasy.  The pearl finish is subtle, just a nice, beautiful glow, nothing shimmery or over the top.

That is day 6 of Seven days of Bright Pink Blush.  Tomorrow will be the hardest to get your hands on, but my all time favorite, Chanel Turbulent JC.  What is your favorite brand of blush?  Answer the poll or leave a comment!  :-)

Week 1, Day 5. Bright Pink Blush--Nars Desire

Today's blush is Nars Desire.  Another matte blush, it is a gorgeous cool pink, similar to Bobbi Brown's Pale Pink of yesterday.  One difference is that this is somewhat more pigmented.  I love the color of Desire, but I think the formula is not as smooth as R&R.  Here is how it looks in the pan.

It's beautiful, right?  I really do like it, but I have to say that Nars aren't my favorite blushes for a couple of reasons.  First is the packaging, it gets dirty and over time, the rubber breaks down and has a tendency to get sticky (ick!).  Another reason is that while they're more pigmented than most blushes, they lack the smoothness of R&R and the glowiness of Chanel Joues Contraste blushes.  I used to have almost all the Nars, but only 5 or 6 remain in my collection.  Here are the swatches again.  Nars Desire is #5.  It is slightly warmer than Pale Pink, but not quite as much as Angelika.

Nars Desire really is a pretty blush, that is wearable by anyone.  Just make sure to apply lightly at first, then add more as needed.  It's easier to add more than take some off!  =)  Tomorrow will be the 6th day of Bright Pink Blush Week.  Come back then and I'll talk about one of my faves, Shu Uemura P Wine 24. In the meantime I'd love to hear your thoughts on Nars blushes and if you agree (or not) with me.

Week 1, Day 4. Bright Pink Blush--Bobbi Brown Pale Pink

Today's blush, for day 4 of Bright Pink Blush Week is Bobbi Brown Pale Pink.  Wait, What?  Why is it called Pale Pink, when clearly it is one of the brightest pink blushes (at least, in the pan) that I own.  But for those of you who are a little timid when it comes to vivid blushes, this is a bright pink that you can wear.  It is matte, and more sheer than the ultra pigmented R&R blushes and when applied, just gives a soft Pale Pink flush, hence the name.

As you can see it is vivid in the pan, but looks like a lovely pale pink on. I had to swatch BB Pale Pink (#4) more heavily than the others to get it to show.  It is definitely a wearable, pale pink blush.  It is also falls between Nars Angelika (#2) and Rock & Republic Kinky (#1) in the coolness range.  Angelika is a bit warmer and Kinky is cooler than Pale Pink.

    

Bobbi Brown Pale Pink is one of the prettiest pinks I've seen.  Because it isn't as strong as some of the other blushes this week, it should work for a majority of skin tones. Let me know why your favorite bright pink blushes are and I'll be back tomorrow with Nars Desire.  Yay for Blush!!

Week 1, Day 3. Bright Pink Blush--Chantecaille Ecstasy

Although the picture looks more berry, I'd still call this blush bright pink. This little beauty is Chantecaille Ecstasy and is the reddest of my bright pink blushes this week. Another matte blush, Ecstasy has the excellent quality that I'm used to from Chantecaille. It is wonderfully smooth with medium pigmentation, which helps to avoid clown-cheeks.

Chantecaille makes lovely, easy to wear blushes.  They don't make crazy colors, only more natural looking shades.  This is one of Chantecaille's more bold colors and would probably look good on a variety of women.  It seems pretty neutral, leaning neither yellow or blue, just a pretty pinkish red. As you can see from the swatches, Ecstasy (#3) is much more red than any of the other colors this week.

Do you think you could pull it off?  I'm a firm believer that anyone can pull off anything with the right application and blending.  I look forward to talking tomorrow about another gorgeous bright pink blush--Bobbi Brown Pale Pink.

Week 1, Day 2. Bright Pink Blush--Nars Angelika

For my 2nd day of Bright Pink Blush, I've chosen Angelika. I have to be honest and say, although it is really pretty, I never use this blush. I'm not sure why, pink and sparkly blushes are some of my favorite things on earth. It is a med-bright pink with little silver sparkles. Not so much glitter that you'll look like a disco ball, but not matte at all. It's the good Nars quality, nice pigmentation and smooth. I must say that R&R exceeds Nars in both those categories in my opinion.

As you can see, it is a more neutral pink than the Kinky of yesterday, which is more blue based. Angelika is #2 in these swatches. You can also see the hint of shimmer.

As you can see Angelika is a softer pink, more neutral, and with more shimmer than R&R Kinky. It is the softest of all my bright pink blushes and should suit most people, except those that have a dislike for shimmer. Tomorrow, I'll go in a different direction and talk about Chantecaille Ecstasy. Let me know what blushes you'd like to see here!

Week 1, Day 1. Bright Pink Blush--Rock & Republic Kinky

I'm going to start off with a bang. One of my very favorite blushes of all time. R & R makes awesome blushes. They are silky smooth, pigmented, generously sized, and all around perfection. As you can see from the swatch, Kinky (#1 on the left) is a matte bright blue-based pink.

Here it is in the pan a beautiful, almost fluorescent pink. Don't let that scare you away, it looks amazing on the skin.

When I first saw it, the color was so vivid and bright, I wasn't sure if I could pull it off. After using it, I was sold on the idea of bright blush. It just takes a tiny bit to get a beautiful, almost natural flush. Using a skunk brush helps with application and getting just a tiny amount onto the cheeks. R&R Kinky is really special because even though it is matte, it really gives a gorgeous glow. Are you brave enough to give it a go?? If so, you can buy it at the Rock & Republic website or occasionally on discount sites like Hautelook, Gilt, etc. Up tomorrow--Nars Angelika.

Week 1--Seven Days of Bright Pink Blush

I'm crazy for pink blush, all pink blushes. Really, there isn't much left to say on that subject except that I'm utterly fixated on it. If I see one in the store, it will be mine. So to get my career as a blogger started with a bang, I'm kicking it off with my favorite category of blush. BRIGHT PINK. These are the ones that might look scary pink in the pan, but hopefully give a gorgeous natural flush. For this week, I've chosen from my collection the following:

1. R&R Kinky

2. Nars Angelika

3. Chantecaille Ecstasy

4. Bobbi Brown Pale Pink

5. Nars Desire

6. Shu P Wine 25

7. Chanel Turbulent

This is the gorgeousness that 7 days of bright pink blush looks like:

and here are the swatches:

1. R&R Kinky

2. Nars Angelika

3. Chantecaille Ecstasy

4. Bobbi Brown Pale Pink

5. Nars Desire

6. Shu P Wine 25

7. Chanel Turbulent

I'm sure I'm missing some in my collection, so tell me, what is your favorite Bright Pink Blush?

7 days of Blush--Prologue

With my large collection of blush, I wanted to figure out a way to cycle through it in a fun way. So, I thought, I'll pick 7 blushes a week, take a group photo, swatches, and individual pictures. Then, each day, I'll share why each blush is special. Some weeks, I'll pick blushes that are similar and compare them. Other weeks, they may have the same finish or all be from the same company, but they will always share a common thread. I'll begin my experiment next week, so stay tuned! Toodles!