Holmes, Benefit just blasted your last reason to fear blush. Their newest boxed beauty, Sugarbomb ($28), is so sheer, so subtle, that even the most ‘fraidy cat blush newbie can safely climb aboard.
When swirled together, the four shimmery powders — two shades of peach, a plum and a rose — blend to create a sweetly subtle flush for cheeks.
Before and after
Like the sheerer lovechild of Benefit’s Coralista (a bright, shimmery, cool coral) and Dallas (a warm, matte peachy brown) but with touches of plum and golden shimmer, Sugarbomb scores.
Here I’m wearing two layers applied and blended with a blush brush. While it’s unmistakably subtle, I like it a lot. In Sugarbomb I see a quick and user-friendly way to give a faint flush to cheeks.
Other stuff I like about it…
- It’s easy to apply and blend
- The box travels surprisingly well (the box seems to stay shut in my makeup bag, even though it doesn’t have any snaps or anything to hold the lid in place)
- Has a yummy herbal scent that kinda reminds me of Ricola cough drops (LOL!)
A few things to consider…
If you have lighter skin than I do and found Benefit’s Coralista to be too bright for you, Sugarbomb might rock your socks off. The sheer, delicate color should really compliment lighter skin.
If you’re a darker babe, well, Sugarbomb might not show up on you as easily as it does on gals with medium and light skin. I like it, but you might consider picking up a box of beautiful Dallas instead.
If you still decide to give it a go, try layering it on top of a more pigmented blush like MAC Dollymix. That should really make it POP! Or, use it as a highlighter with a brush blush, sweeping it on the tops of your cheek bones, down the bridge of your nose, on your chin and at the temples on your forehead for a J. Lo-inspired glow.
A faboo blush for subtle cheeks
Over the holidays I wasn’t in the mood to wear really bright blushes and reached for this practically every day — I like it *that* much! When I’m in the mood for mellow cheeks, Sugarbomb satisfies my sweet tooth (SIDE NOTE: I just started a New Year’s plan to eat healthier and, quite frankly, it sucks. I could really use a few scoops of Nutella right now!).
Like Benefit’s other boxed blushes, Sugarbomb’s not exactly priced for drugstores ($28), but I think it’s a fabulous choice for blush beginners and women who prefer quiet (shhh!) cheek looks. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A
If you’re reading this, you made it through Monday intact!
Oy vey! Today just zipped by, didn’t it? What’s on your agenda tonight? I’m almost done making dinner (red beans and rice), but after eating I’ve got to spend some quality time with Tabs, El Hub and Season 2 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer (remember when Xander was skinny?) on Hulu, yay! 🙂
Hope you had a fantastic first Monday of 2010!
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
All Hail the coming of SugarBomb!!! Since I have officially started my countdown to NO SUGAR…..Sugarbomb is forever in my beauty bag to satisfy my sweet tooth!!
You are a brave woman. I’m contemplating going sugar free (I know it’s better for my health… and for mood swings!), but I don’t know if I could hang. I have a killer sweet tooth!
How are you liking this blush so far?
The sugar-free thing is NOT my idea, but a necessary withdrawl with my upcoming surgery…….post surgery, I will no longer be able to have normal sugar doses. I had to choose between sugar and carbs and sugar is my achilles heal, so I went for the NO SUGAR. I’ve heard good things about Stevia, which is natural (I also cannot currently stomach any artificial sweeteners, like Splenda).
I can’t say enough GREAT things about Sugarbomb….I will be definately buying backup stash of this one…!!
When is your surgery? I’ll make a mental note to think good thoughts for you that day.
I can’t stand fake sugar, either. Splenda makes me gag! I’ve tried the Vitamin Shoppe generic stevia, and it truth be told it was kind of gross. If you find a brand that you like please let me know!
Oh, and I’m so glad to hear you like this blush. It really is a keeper!
I am doing all of my pre-surgical stuff now….classes, evals, medical clearances….next week I have my meeting with the clinical psychologist (mental eval)…..I am aiming for a March or early April surgery….
Tried it on Friday at the Benefit store on Fillmore! Not bad, not bad at all…. although, I just threw down for Orgasm, so I don’t really need a new blush right now. Hah, like that ever stopped me before….
Ya know, I’m a recent convert to the NARS Orgasm camp. I dismissed it for years, but now… I LOVE!
Have you tried the Multiple version of Orgasm? It’s a cream version of the blush, and it’s fab too.
Oh, and have fun in Vegas. If you have time visit the Basin White store in the Venetian if you get the chance (it’s like Lush, but a little less hippy) and the Bellagio Buffet (aka Heaven on Earth).
Oooh, haven’t tried the cream version! Maybe once this one runs out. I’ll check out the shops, thanks! Hopefully I’ll have some free time 😉
I have it along with South Beach in a compact duo. Both are gorgeous, and the compact is much easier to travel with in comparison to the Multiple Sticks. Here’s a review along with swatches in case you’re interested: NARS Orgasm/South Beach Multiple Duo. It’s expensive at $45, but you do get a lot of product (the compact is huge!) and a little goes a long way.
You gotta have a little play time when you’re in Vegas! If you’re anywhere near the Palazzo go to Dos Caminos restaurant for dinner. The guacamole there is an out-of-body experience.
Hey Karen! I popped into Macy’s with one of my friends today who is very VERY fair, and the Benefit gals put some on her cheeks, and it was still pretty subtle and natural! Alas, no exciting beauty booty for me…yet!
Hi Caitlin! Ooh, that’s good to know. Looks like this one’s going to be a hit with the fair ladies. 🙂
How are you, btw? Does school start up again soon?
Yay, the hat makes an appearance! I like it; it’s really cute!
Sugarbomb looks quite pretty — very subtle (you barely look like you’re wearing blush!) but I love the glow it gives you. I was worried it would be too warm/coral for me, but the swatch actually looks perfect! I’ll have to check it out.
Have fun with Buffy 😛 I miss the days when it was on air!
.-= Rae’s last blog post… New Year’s giveaway! =-.
Dude, that’s my What’s Happening hat, LOL!
I have NO IDEA if I’m wearing it right. Dunno if I should make it more beret-y?
How was your New Year’s? When do you start school again?
I’m on the same “eat healthier kick”, though I gave up most sugar a while ago. Now when I indulge, even a granola bar is so much sweeter than it used to be! I’d have done it ages ago if I knew it would make things taste totally different. (but I admit, it’s a teeensy bit harder to say no if everything’s yummier!)
The blush looks great on you!
Thanks! 🙂
Was it very hard to give up sugar? I might try it someday just for the heck of it… I don’t know if I have the strength, though.
It looks pretty but boy do herbal scents get to me.
I think I’m becoming addicted to Benefit. I love the Eye Bright (the $20 kills though), Posie Tint and High Beam. I’m still deciding on That Gal! and Badgal Blue which I got with the Big Lights, Big City! kit. Badgal makes my lashes super long (they’re all ready long but boy it became false eyelash long) and thick but I’m not really loving the itty bit of flaking, clumping or the indigo color. The indigo looks really weird to me. I think I need another day with Badgal Blue to be really sure.
My only problem with That Gal! isn’t the raspberry yogurt scent but the pink highlight particles. I need another day with it (I’m trying to see if it’ll replace my TM on super crazy days) but I swore my naturally red cheeks became redder with That Gal! which isn’t so cute. I might have been imagining things though.
How’s Tabs doing? Zena is sleeping but she gave lots of kisses back for your birthday hug. My baby turns 6 tomorrow…or 42 in dog years. My puppy is growing old! : sniff :
The good thing is the scent is very subtle. You really have to get your nose up in the blush to smell it, seriously!
Oh, and Posie Tint and High Beam rule. Have you tried wearing them together?
Tabs is good! He’s snuggling next to El Hug, who, very predictably, fell asleep on the couch halfway through the mini Buffy marathon.
Happy early b-day, Z!! 42 is still very young. She’s got plenty o’ puppy in her. 🙂
I tried that actually when I got zero sleep thanks to a certain four-legged companion catapulting herself off my bed and then running around in a big circle to jump back onto my bed, whining because her hiding spot for her stuffed squeaky toys (in between my pillows) was taken by my head. She thought if she did it enough times, my head would dislodge from its place, but it only succeeded in making me cranky and confiscating the toy. It’s a really great combo if you need an instant pick-me-up, as long as one isn’t heavy-handed with the Posie Tint. I learned that one the hard way. I want to try Benetint, but it might be too red for my pale skin.
Ha ha, I’ll fall asleep if it’s a really boring marathon. However, I never have fallen asleep watching a House marathon, even if I’ve seen the episode five-thousand times (ex. “Whac-a-Mole” episode). My mom and I especially love the “Nun Episode” which is actually titled “Damned if You Do.” The “Catholympics” quote sends me into hysterical giggles everytime.
I find blush the most difficult purchase; I can rarely find one that I really like but this I like very much. It makes me look alive like no other blush has ever done – even Nars Orgasm.
Hi Kate, I think a lot of women have that issue too. Glad you love this one! 🙂
Ok, first Christine from Temptalia raved about it and now you’re loving it too! I have to say, I’ve been most intrigued since it popped up on Sephora’s website but as I haven’t tried a NARS blush yet, I’m currently saving up for Taos at the moment… but we’ll see. I can’t wait until it hits stores so I can at least swatch it. 😀
.-= Catherine’s last blog post… Winter Break Haul =-.
Hmm, I gotta say the NARS brushes are really fab and they literally last FOREVER. I’ve had Amour for four years and have barely made a dent in it. If you get up snagging Taos you won’t regret it!
Ooh, hehehe. Ok. I’ll go for the NARS first then! Thanks! 😀
.-= Catherine’s last blog post… Winter Break Haul =-.
Thank you Karen – I can’t wait till mine gets here! 😀
.-= Paris B’s last blog post… What a MAC-nificent Christmas and New Year! =-.
I saw Sugar Bomb at Sephora before Christmas and it was gorgeous! I will eventually pick one up along with Coralista. However, I am going on a mini makeup ban for about two weeks until I get paid again so the blushes will have to wait awhile. I know MAC Lilyland is coming out this Thursday, but I must resist.
.-= amy’s last blog post… LOTD MAC Warm Me Up vs MAC High Def Lipsticks =-.
I want this so bad! I swatched it in Sephora the other day. I think I’ll put it on my wish list for my birthday (it’s in a month!).
P.S. I used to watch Buffy up until the gang went to college. Then they got boring. Haha.
I will need this. I feel a trip to France coming up to check out this marvellous baby (they have Sephora there which in my book signifies: heaven! and it’s only like an hour and a bit to drive)…
I watched Buffy now and then. Loved it though, but never got around to watching an entire season. I think it has to do with the airing time and my mum’s monopoly on the tv 😉
ooh, it does look rather light than I expected. Hopefully it shows up on my NC35 skin. I have Dallas and it’s great! Coralista didn’t quite work for me. My Sugarbomb is already on it’s way! Ordered it before I read this post.
.-= Connie’s last blog post… Review: Esmeria Desert Oasis Face Rejuvenator Serum =-.
Thank you for the review 🙂
You can check out my blog for a make up related post : Cruella de Vil and Joker make up 😀
kiss!
.-= diane’s last blog post… New Year’s Eve costume : Cruella de Vil ! =-.
Season 2 of Buffy is one of the best!
Pretty!
Karen,
You should look into skinny cow. It’s ice cream, and it’s around 100 calroies! they have like ice cream sandwhcihes, and my favorite, “skinny dippers”, or ice cream dipped in chocolate. They don’t taste diet at all!
I did make it thru Monday in one piece … and now its on too Tuesday.
Sugarbomb is pure love … I need me some sugar just about now! 😀
Have a great Tuesday!!!
Hey Karen! I actually got this for Christmas and haven’t had a chance to use it yet. I hope it works for me; I am LOVING Coralista.
Also just have to chime in on the sugar/carb discussion – make sure not to cut them completely! Your brain needs carbs to make serotonin. That’s why people get mood swings when they go on a diet like Atkins – it’s not just that you want carbs so you get cranky, it’s that your brain actually needs them 🙂
forgot to say – I love your hat! you look adorable!
I want this one now…just got Coralista 2 weeks ago, ordering the bronzer/hilighter 10 and now lemming for this one!!!
.-= sindy’s last blog post… Blog sale!! =-.
Karen, the hat looks adorable on you!
I’ve been thinking about picking up Sugarbomb, and now that I see your swatch I think I’ll take the plunge. My skin is fair so I think I’ll like how it looks on me! I love Benefit-I have a few of their other boxed blushes too. I haven’t tried Coralista or Dallas yet though, I’m afraid the color will be too harsh on my skin.
I cannot wait to try this! I love the Benefit blushes — Dandelion is currently lying on my floor after being unpacked from a recent trip.
.-= Deconstruction’s last blog post… Deconstructing: Your Makeup (Part II) =-.
Ha-ha . I loved to watch Buffy when I was a teenager, Angel looked so perfect then, LOL
As for Benefit – my latest love is Dallas & I am very surpsied that I love this colour so much and it works just efrect on my fair skin. So it’s not only for girls with dark skin 😉
.-= Marina’s last blog post… Levres Scintillantes Glossimer by Chanel. Review & Lip Swatches =-.
Karen, that looks so pretty on you! I would love to have this, but after my last few makeup purchases, I am not buying anything else for a while. *Sigh* I guess I will just lust for this until my other blushes run out! Thanks for sharing with us and have a great day.
I loved Oz! 🙂
I haven’t committed to Sugarbomb yet, I like it (swatched it when I was out n’ about), but I’m more in the market for a highlighter than a blush right now! Still, it may just make it into my basket as summer draws nearer….
You look so beautiful Karen! I love this! Now when visit I have to get Coralista, Sugarbomb and Georgia. Darn. Not that I mind, it’s my wallet that’s silently sending negative vibes at me.
Oh yah, the days of Buffy. So long ago! Everyone looks so different!
.-= Marce’s last blog post… Pretty Please Look – MAC Love Lace Collection =-.
Buffy! YAY! Greatest show evarrrrrrrrrr!
Oh gosh. I want. Sooo pretty. Unfortunately, until financial aid comes in, I’ll be living off pasta, so blush purchases are definitely a no no!
Karen, how the heck is your skin so fantastic? Just a week in cold weather has already destroyed my face 🙁
so pretty! I love the color… and I thought I was the only one who used a spoonful of Nutella to satisfy my sweet tooth 🙂 great minds think alike!
Love Sugarbomb too! I’m pale, so it’s just right for me.
Season 2 of Buffy—my FAVE season I think! Love evil Angel!
Angelus RULES. He’s such an ass kicker… I think he could totally take R. Patz in a vampire show down.
I love how light and airy this blush is. I always worry about getting too warm a shade for my light cool-toned skin. This looks like it’d be fine, though. What about Nars Orgasm–too warm for cool skintones or no?
You could totally rock the NARS Orgasm. It’s not obnoxiously warm like some peachy blushes… I’d say it’s more neutral.
I love it on you Karen. Looks like a great everyday blush. I have to try my hands at Benefit’s blushes one of these days.
.-= Shivotra’s last blog post… love/like/not – The Body Shop Vitamin E Eye Cream =-.
You’ve gotta! They make great stuff. Dallas would look very pretty on you…
Thanks for the rec 🙂
.-= Shivotra’s last blog post… love/like/not – The Body Shop Vitamin E Eye Cream =-.
I heart your blog! I have a deep, undying love for Fat Xander. That’s what happens when men in their mid-30’s play teenagers.
.-= Amanda’s last blog post… SGY Query =-.
Ain’t that the truth!
I like Fat Xander with his eye patch!
OMG! That is where Xander is from. I watch Criminal Minds regularly and Xander is a recurring character on the show. I kept wondering where I’ve seen him from before. Buffy! I forgot how skinny he was in the beginning. Wow
.-= Sarah’s last blog post… Happy New Year!!! =-.
Remember how Angel was skinny, too? That’s how I’m able to tell the diff. between seasons — whether or not Xander and Angel are skinny!
Buffy… whoo hoo!
So is this one blush that I need? I got a gift card for xmas so I wonder if I should buy it or hold off and save my GC for something else. I decided to go on a year long no buy (yes, I am crazy!) and I dont’ want to spend my GC too fast. LOL
And good luck with the healthy eating. I am gonna work on that as well.
.-= Marisol’s last blog post… Time to take control =-.
Gah I don’t think I’m going to be able to resist the temptation to at least go to Sephora tomorrow and have a look. It’s an juxtaposition of two of my favorite makeup traits that rarely show up well together – subtle and shiny!
Buffy Season 2 might just be my fav season – especially the second half when the arc got more exciting. Every time I watch the season finale (Becoming pt 2) I bawl like a baby.
*LOVE* this blush!
*LOVE +* your fabulous writing! 🙂
.-= Jen’s last blog post… Um… did someone put Miami in the freezer??? =-.
I am a NARS fan as well.
Michele
Because of your review of Sugarbomb and the beautiful pic of you with it on, I rushed out and bought one for myself and I LOVE IT!! I’m a similar skin colour to you, and it looks great… thanks so much for your review and most of all, for the picture/swatch! Best wishes, L