Combined, some words are even greater than the sum of their parts. Take Nutella and doughnuts, for instance. Both tasty treats by themselves, for sure, but stick them together and BOOM!
Magic (super high-calorie magic).
I think the same principle also applies to NARS Lovejoy, a $27 powder blush from the NARS permanent line.
NARS Lovejoy does more than combine two — wait, three great words. It also combines two of my favorite products, blush and bronzer.
And seriously, with a name like Lovejoy, how could it have been anything but good?
Around this time every year, with the last vestiges of my summer tan fading from view, I start reaching for bronzers more and more often to add some extra warmth to my face. Not as a replacement for blush, but in addition to it.
But on days when I’m too rushed (or too lazy) in the morning to deal with both, NARS Lovejoy’s mix of rosy plum and bronze pigments and golden glitter totally hits the spot. Its power comes from its ability to combine a rosy flush with a natural-looking bronzy glow, so it’s kinda like getting a two-for-one, with a bronzer and blush in a single pan. I think it really sings on olive skin tones, but I’ve also heard cool-toned gals gush over it, too.
Because NARS gave Lovejoy more than enough pigment, I think it’s easy to overdo. It pays to apply it with a feather light touch, and I like the results I get when I use it with a synthetic skunk brush (for a sheer, natural-looking veil of color).
One layer is usually enough to give my cheeks a flush like they’ve just been pinched, and because I don’t have to use much, the pan should last, oh, roughly three lifetimes. 🙂
Even if you fear sparkly stuff, don’t be scurred of Lovejoy’s golden glitter. It may look intimidating in the pan, but those flecks are super fine and don’t shine a spotlight on pores or fine lines. Just enough shimmer to keep skin looking glowy and fresh.
And to top everything off, Lovejoy lasts all day long on my combination skin.
Ahh, Lovejoy… I love that you bring me so much joy.
The NARS Unsung Heroes series features some of my favorite products from the NARS permanent collection
I Love Beginners…
Oh! I rented a really lovely movie a couple of days ago called Beginners, starring Ewan McGregor, Christopher Plummer and Melanie Laurent.
It’s a love story/coming-of-age film about a graphic artist who lives in Los Angeles (Ewan). He’s dealing with the recent death of his father and trying to move on with his life.
New beginnings play a big part in the story. It’s one of those happy-yet-sad movies; I have a feeling that the filmmakers and actors really loved the material and cared for the characters while they made it.
It also stars one of the cutest Jack Russell terriers this side of Hollywood…
If I had a yard, I’d plot to get a dog like him for our family, which I’m sure Tabs would never forgive me for.
Anywho, a highly recommended film! It’s out on DVD and available to rent on Netflix now.
Ya know, for the next time you’re in the mood to stay in and watch a cozy flick. I’m just sayin’… 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
I must check out Lovejoy! I’m an NC40 now and MAC’s Sincere is what I reach out to when I need that blush/bronzer effect in one product. You look lovely as always! 🙂
Thank you for giving Lovejoy love! It was my first NARS blush and I’ve been hooked ever since. For my darker sistas – try Lovejoy with other NARS blushes such as Taj Mahal and Taos. They play lovely together! I can’t say enough good things about Lovejoy!
You look great! I’d been looking at Nars Lovejoy, among other blushes, because I’m such a blush-newbie. I think I’ll take the leap –the color is very flattering on you 🙂
Thanks, Alyssa.
Welcome to the wonderful world of blush, btw! Here are some posts you might find helpful:
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/makeup-tipshow-to/blush-technique-the-bounce/
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/beauty-tips/blush-technique-the-swirl/
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/makeup-tipshow-to/how-do-you-apply-blush-do-you-bounce-or-swirl-or-do-you-have-a-different-way/
Karen, I’m fair-skinned (NC25) and lean toward the cool. Do you think this would look good on me? I’m definitely going to need to at least test it out next time I go to Sephora. 🙂
Hi Edith,
What’s your hair color like? I have cool-toned friends with dark hair who like it.
I have dark brown hair. Woo hoo! I’m excited to test it out. PS Thanks so much for these posts. I love taking a second look at colors that I may not necessarily take the chance on in the store. 🙂
This blush is super pretty!
Are you NARS blush fan, PinkGlitter?
Currently I only have the Orgasm/Laguna duo but I really like both. I asked my boyfriend for the NARS blush palette for Christmas (I might have given him my F&F sephora code & access to my makeup shopping list…) so I’m hoping to try more! Lol. 🙂
The blush, and the film, sound awesome!
The film was one of the best I’ve seen in a really long time. I think Missy will also enjoy seeing the dog (I know Tabs did). Be prepared to shed a tear when you watch it, though.
I thought of you today at lunch… I went out with a friend and we were talking about job hunting (she’s currently unemployed). How is the search going? Any new prospects?
The search is really not going well, and I’m in a really scary place financially right now. I have the rest of the month figured out and then I have no idea what will happen. I do have an interview scheduled for Tuesday, so I’m hoping that goes well.
I’m sorry to hear that nothing’s turned up yet. Keep your chin up.
I will also let you know if I hear of anything in the North Bay Area.
Sending you virtual support and purrs (via Tabs).
That looks a lot like Mac’s Sunbasque sheertone simmer blush, how do they compare?
It’s funny, I just this minute published a post on the best blushes! NARS Lovejoy almost made the list. I’m glad to see it here. 🙂
Yay!! love these series and especially love nars! I also love how we are the same skin tone so I am able to tell what it would look like on my skin! keep up the great work xx
Hmm it looks bronze in the pan but pink on your skin. It’d probably look bronze on me though 🙁 I love NARS blushes though!
i know this doesn’t really relate but… do you still love your amazon princess blush from mac?
+ what cream blushes do you recommend from NARS? 🙂
Love the blush, love your handwriting more! 🙂 Wish I’d bought this blush during the Sephora vib sale!
thanks for the review! i have been on the hunt for a new blush and might have to give this a try.
In the pan it reminds me of Benefit’s One Hot Minute, but swatches on you it’s much pinker. With a very light touch, One Hot Minute is my go to “quicker picker upper” 🙂
As for the name of this blush, all I can think of is the good ol’ Reverend from the Simpson’s, lol! “you know Ned, have you thought about an
In the pan it reminds me of Benefit’s One Hot Minute, but swatched on you it’s much pinker. With a very light touch, One Hot Minute is my go to “quicker picker upper” 🙂
As for the name of this blush, all I can think of is the good ol’ Reverend from the Simpson’s, lol! “you know Ned, have you ever considered any of the other major religions? They’re all pretty much the same thing…”
Natural and pretty! “Lovejoy” has such a nice ring to it. I’ve hit pan on my MAC Sincere blush and this looks like a nice alternative without going too shimmery!
oh my … i am now craving for this blush. it is gorgeous!
Looks Gorgeous! Love your handwriting
This color always catches my eye in store, but I never try it out – it looks so lovely on you, I’ll have to give it a go now:)
I just purchased Lovejoy during the f&f event. I’ve been really enjoying using this color. I use MUFE HD #123 for reference.
I don’t have too many NARS blushes but I would love to have the Danmari palette!
Gosh I shouldda gotten this than Laguna bronzer :$
sigh, for a girl who just has a regular (see: poor) income, doesn’t get things for free, and already has 5 nars blushes… i’m awfully tempted to run out and snatch this. i wish i could buy half sizes.. because i will never hit the pan on any of these beauties!
This is my HG blush!!! I found it about a year ago and it is amazing! I am a dark olive skin tone and it is perfect!! It looks very different in the pan than on so give it a swatch! It goes with everything and is the perfect flush!! Love love love LOVEJOY!!!!
Well, I like love and I certainly like joy – why not :). And, ya – with you on Beginners – Cosmo is awesome!
I LOVED The movie Beginners!! good call!
Lovejoy is another blush that I have been wondering about. I have, at one point, owned every single blush NARS makes except for this and Taj Mahal.
Since I have been working so much and am also dealing with ridiculously awful morning (all-day) sickness I have hardly been in the sun this summer. (we’ve got about 5-6 weeks left where it will be possible to get a tan, here’s hoping that happens!) If not, I shall be treating myself to this blush. 🙂