The makeup experts say that if you have dry skin, then cream blush is a better option over powder blush. And if you read the reviews on Beautypedia, Make Up For Ever has one of the best-rated cream blush options. Many times I’ve tested their HD Microfinish Blush at Sephora, and the strong pigmentation scared me off every time. Last fall, at the Make Up Bag Remix event, I finally received proper instruction direct from the source, and now it’s a favorite item in my makeup kit. Don’t worry, I’ll share with you the trade secret to using this fabulous cream blush.
HD Blush comes in 14 shades, and per the website, “Its mattifying and light-reflecting pigments were specifically selected for a perfect application.” The shade I bought was the one the Make Up For Ever artist used on me – 6 “Quickie”, a salmon pink shade. Paraben free, dermatologist tested, all that good stuff.
How to apply: Don’t let the super pigmentation of this blush intimidate you. Here’s what I have found to be the best technique for application. On the back of my hand, I squirt a pea-sized dollop of my foundation and a slightly smaller-sized dollop of HD Blush. Next, I use a dense, round, flat-topped brush (I use this elf Studio Powder Brush – only $3!) to blend the two products together. Apply to the apples of each cheek, using a stippling-swirling motion with your brush.
The Good: With correct application, I achieve perfectly flushed cheeks. From what I can tell, none of the shades are sparkly or shimmery, so the result is a glowing, matte finish. The secret is in the brush, making blending easy. No ’80s streaky cheeks here!
Also, with the cream blush, it’s very easy to temper the rosiness of your cheeks. Simply adjust your foundation to blush ratio. You can go for soft glow (more foundation) or a more intense flush (more blush). And since HD Blush is so pigmented, one tube will last you a long time.
The Questionable: It’ll take some trial and error to master application of this cream blush. The pump can be a bit sticky, and sometimes you’ll squirt out more product than you want. Best to err on the side of too little product, lest you look like Raggedy Ann.
The Verdict: I plan to buy more shades of Make Up For Ever’s HD Blush. I’ve been having lots of fun combining it with other products. Looking for a fairy-inspired, luminescent finish? Mix with a smidge of highlighter, like Benefit High Beam, for a soft iridescent glow. Want to appear sun-kissed without the actual sun damage? The past few months I’ve been layering HD Blush over another fabulous Make Up For Ever Product, Uplight Face Luminizer Gel. Gotta love the versatility!
Also, HD Blush wears well throughout the day. I never find this blush sitting on top of my skin at the end of the day like I often do when wearing powder blushes. It may wear off a bit, but HD Blush still looks perfectly blended. Go ahead and cough up the $26. This is a winning product from Make Up For Ever!
Images: All author’s own