ANYWAY.
I'm not usually a sap, but I did buy this because the little hearts design was just way too appealing to pass up around Valentine's Day. It's very similar to the Stila Make Me Blush from last year.
The Happy Booster blush is actually marginally more expensive than the Stila blush was (15.99$ compared to 14$) but it is far more accessible, and it's not too difficult to score one on sale. I prefer the lack of gilded overspray as well, as I loathe having to scrape away a layer of gold just to use a product.
I like that it includes a mirror underneath the flip-pan, but the brush is completely useless and the space allocated for it makes the packaging unnecessarily bulky.
But enough about looks - how does it perform?
 |
| Artificial light. Individual hearts swatched. |
 |
| Indirect natural light. |
 |
| Indirect natural light. Applied and blended with natural-hair brush. |
It applies sheerly, and the smooth, silky finish means that there is no perceptible texture on the skin. It's great if you are blush-phobic, a challenge if you prefer a stronger cheek look. Though the texture means that it can be built up without fear of looking like you mashed your cheeks into some pink powder, it does take some layering to get a more defined effect.
I found that the key to achieving more depth with this was to use a flat-top synthetic brush. Otherwise, the swatch above is representative of what you would get with a regular, natural-hair blush brush. (EDIT: If you prefer natural hair brushes, the best application was with my MAC 134.)
I do like this, and a chunk of that is probably due to the cuteness factor. I tend to prefer blushes that go on a little stronger, but if you like a lighter look or would rather build up than blend out, then this is a nice item to consider.
Availability: Most drugstores that carry Physicians Formula, about 15.99$ CAD.
Pros: Very natural look, light texture, adorable aesthetics.
Cons: Bulky packaging, tricky to build up to desired intensity, price is a trifle high for a drugstore brand.
(I purchased this item from Pharmaprix/SDM.)
This looks really pretty Maggie! I love the girlie pinkness that this imparts :) And I totally hear you on the super long product names...what a pain!!
ReplyDeleteSide comment: I am having a hard time commenting on your posts, some are fickle and won't let me do so! So just a heads up - I'm reading but can't always comment :(
Thank you! =) I do like the prettiness of the shade as well. Just wish it was a little less work!
DeleteThat's so strange about the commenting issue! Thank you for letting me know, I'll check my setting to make sure there are no roadblocks.
I was rather disappointed with this blush -- I believe I even have the same shade. I'm quite fair and it barely showed up on my cheeks. Drat.
ReplyDeleteHi Lindsay!
DeleteI was also a little disappointed when I first tried it out, but I found that the right brush made a difference. I had barely anything show up with my softest natural-hair brush (an Inglot one), and got the result you see on the swatch with a couple of swipes of my MAC 134 (which has denser bristles), and what I would consider 'regular' pay-off with my flat-top synthetic buffing brush (a Coastalscents cheapie). Which is odd, because synthetic brushes don't usually do as well with powder. Bizarre!
So pink and pretty!! I like this one! HAve to look for it now.
ReplyDeleteIt makes me think of spring. =)
DeleteWhich, looking out my window right now, is something I desperately need to be reminded of!
One of these days, I'll probably cave and get this. I managed to bypass it this Valentine's Day, lol. But it's adorable and looks great from the swatches!
ReplyDeleteIt is ridiculously adorable, isn't it? =)
DeleteIt's tempted me to try a few more things from PF, though I've heard they can be fairly hit-and-miss, especially considering their price range for a drugstore brand. I'm intrigued by their new Matchmaker blushes, which also seem like they might have stronger pigmentation.
You know what's weird? Just a few days ago, I received a package with a ton of Physician's Formula products (I was actually expecting just 3 items...go figure!) and this blush is one of them! I have never tried anything from this line, and while I'm naturally curious to learn more, I still haven't managed to open anything up to even dip a finger in! This post of yours is not only timely, but really helps me in knowing what to expect! Thanks for the brush tip!
ReplyDeleteHa! I guess the blogging world is a smaller place than I imagined??
DeleteI'm really curious to read your take on this one. Opinions seem to vary pretty widely, but I suspect that has a lot to do with skin tone, application method and general preferences as to pigmentation.