Seeking The Perfect Cheek? The Legendary MAC Marilyn Monroe Powder Blushes Tint Cheeks in Silky Shades of Pink and Coral

Quick! Picture something that goes really well with strong fall eye and lip looks (but don’t tell me what it is).

Okay, now let me guess… Is it cats?

No? It’s not cats?

Alright, how ’bout false lashes? Is it false lashes?

It is?! Yay! 🙂 But wait — you say there’s more than that?

Okay, let’s say we’re looking for something easier than false lashes — something that we can wear to tone down bold eyes and lips.

Any ideas?

How about a natural-looking blush? Perhaps a MAC Powder Blush like The Perfect Cheek or Legendary ($16.50 each)?

Softer than powdered sugar but just as sweet, both of these velvety Powder Blushes take center stage with the new MAC Marilyn Monroe collection on counters this week. The launch flaunts rich red lip colors and dramatic cat eyes inspired by Marilyn’s signature makeup style, and both of these blushes — matte pinkish beige The Perfect Cheek and soft coral Legendary — promise to complement the look well.

When I met them, I thought, “Wow! Gals with milky skin tones like Marilyn’s are gonna think these are great,” but I wasn’t sure about gals with darker skin tones like mine. Then, I tried them on my NC42 cheeks…

Sweet! 🙂 For sure, they don’t appear as intense on me as I think they would on lighter lasses, but I still like the effect. Even if you’re in the NC or NW 42-44 range, I think you could still pull these off. You just might have to layer.

Babes beyond NC or NW 44, however, may want to brace themselves. These blushes are probably still worth a try, but I suspect they might appear ashy on darker damsels.

Some quick thoughts on both shades…

The Perfect Cheek

Like a paler version of MAC’s classic Blushbaby Blush, The Perfect Cheek is a true matte without any hint of shimmer or shine. If you’re hankerin’ for some color on your cheeks but don’t want to draw attention to your pores, look no further than right here! The Perfect Cheek should be neutral enough for guys/gals with warm or cool skin tones, which only adds to its awesomeness. Pair it with a true red or a reddish pink lipstick for a makeup look equal parts timeless and classic.
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A

Legendary

One word: effortless. Lazy gals, rejoice! You won’t want to miss trying this soft coral color. When I swirl it on my cheeks (on either bare skin or atop foundation), I barely have to move to blend away any lines or edges. It’s like a dressier, grown-up version of a casual summer coral, and I’m drooling over the idea of wearing it with bold, orangey red lippies like MAC Lady Danger.
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A

Why should bold eyes and lips have all the fall fun? If you’re really into the strong eyes and lips trend, these soft cheek colors can help balance out the rest of your makeup look.

Trend Tips Real Lacquer Strips update

So. Remember those Pink and Black Lace nail stickers I mentioned last Friday? They’ve actually held up surprisingly well. I’m on my fifth day wearing them, and so far only one nail on my left hand has any chips at all.

Not bad! I bet if I’d used a clear top coat, they’d be doing even better than that.

Heads up, though: if you spend a lot of time in the shower or do dishes for a big family, I’ve noticed that the bottom edges of some of the nails start to loosen and lift when they’re wet for long periods of time.

It’s actually happened to me a couple times, but instead of peeling off the stickers (which I feel the urge to do every time!), I’ve been pressing them back down on the nail.

Something to think about if you’re a swimmer, surfer or any other type of water baby. 🙂

Hope you’re having a nice afternoon over there. It’s another scorcher here today, and I’m sitting in my office, slowly melting in a puddle of my own sweat, LOL!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen