Blushes are my not-so-secret makeup weakness, because they often show up true to color on my fair skin. Until a few years ago I only bought them from high end and mid-range brands, but in the recent years drugstore companies majorly stepped up their game with formulas that rival their department store counterparts. I consider Neutrogena to be one of the front runners in this race for higher quality budget cosmetics, and in my experience their makeup line is pretty exceptional. The company recently introduced a new product to the line – Healthy Skin Blush, and I received a small sample to try.
Here’s what Neutrogena says about the formula:
Neutrogena Healthy Skin® Blush, enriched with Vitamin C and botanical conditioners, is designed to blend evenly and beautifully to instantly enhance skin’s healthy glow. The powder technology incorporates advanced gel systems for easy application and soft feel.
So in a nutshell, if you are familiar with Clinique Cheek Pop blushes [those cute round ones that look like daisies], this formula feels pretty close to that. I really fell in love with the gel-powder feel, because it lacks the powderiness of regular pressed blushes and all that mess in the pan that comes with it, while delivering great longevity and vibrant pigment to the cheeks.
The color I got is called Flushed (30), a bright warm peachy coral. It’s one of those shades that you really have to see at the store first, because it looks nothing like the stock photos. Everything about it screams Summer to me!
In the pan it looks mostly matte, but swatches revealed a barely there satiny sheen that doesn’t show up in the photos well, but you can definitely see it in person. The shimmers are extremely fine, and give just the right amount of sheen so the finish doesn’t appear greasy or juvenile. I think this color has potential to look very flattering on mature skin.
The pigmentation and longevity are on par with Clinique Cheek Pops; Flushed lasted on my cheeks all day without fading, and I didn’t need any touchups. The removal from the cheeks is easy, but I had problems washing off the pigment from my arm after swatching – the formula stains the skin slightly to increase longevity.
Swatch reference: My skin tone is between MAC NC15 and NW15 with yellowish hue and neutral undertones. Sometimes I can wear NW20 in the Summer. I thought this would be useful to know, since all screens show colors differently, and I also don’t have a studio setup with consistent lighting. Hope that helps!
Overall I’m pretty happy with this blush, and I think Neutrogena did a good job formulating this one. They included Vitamin C and “botanical conditioners” in the mix to provide skin caring properties, like the rest of Neutrogena makeup.
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blush is available in five shades: three blushes [Rosy 10, Vibrant 20, Flushed 30], one bronzer [Bronzed 40], and one highlighter [Luminous 50].
WHERE TO BUY: $8.49 for 0.19 oz. Available at Ulta, Neutrogena, drugstores.
Have you spotted these blushes at your local drugstores? Have you tried Neutrogena makeup before? Let me know in the comments below!
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