THE fastest way to wake your complexion is with a pop of blush.
A new generation of balm formulas promises to deliver the youthful flush with a low-maintenance, natural finish. I put three to the test.
Budget
XX Revolution Balm Blush, £8, revolutionbeauty.com: This is billed as a no make-up make-up product, and it lives up to the name as there is hardly any pigment at all.
Despite it looking perfectly pink in the pan, I’ve tried applying it with my fingers and with a brush, and even after five layers there’s still hardly any colour.
It has a great sheen, but given the lack of colour you may as well apply a dot of lip balm to your cheeks as a highlight rather than adding an extra product to your make-up bag.
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I had high hopes, but I’m not sure I’ll ever have a use for this again.
Mid-Range
Vieve Sunset Blush Balm, £21, cultbeauty. co.uk: I love the Vieve powder blushers, but I was sceptical about the balm version as I thought the packaging would be difficult to work with.
I couldn’t have been more wrong.
The formula is thick enough that it doesn’t immediately pour out of the tube like other liquid blushers.
I’ve tried, and the pointed tip makes it easy to control.
The thickness of the balm gives you plenty of time to blend out the colour on your face.
It melts into the skin seamlessly before drying down and staying put all day.
Fingers crossed more shades are on the way as I’d love a dusty-rose to add to my collection.
Luxury
Giorgio Armani Neo Nude Melting Colour Balm, £32: Despite this being labelled as a balm, the consistency is very soft and the finish is almost powder-like.
So if you’re worried about using a balm blusher, this is a great one for beginners.
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It’s great for oily skin as it will stay put longer than balm or cream products.
I also love that there are nine muted shades which are so versatile you’re guaranteed to find at least one that suits your skin tone.
That being said, it was more matte than I’d expect from a balm product, so if you want the dewy finish, it’s not the one for you.
Pick of the week
THE weather might not feel like it, but spring is well and truly in the air, and this week The Body Shop has launched a range of floral perfumes that are perfect for the season.
The Full Flowers EDP range are £39 each for 75ml.
The bottles are made from recycled glass and can be recycled in-store too.
Sustainable, seriously good quality and purse- friendly too.
I’m obsessed.