The model for Clinique’s First Blush collection looks so fresh and dreamy, doesn’t she? I can totes see her running through dewy fields barefoot on a spring morning.
So those of us at home can get the eye look (sans dewy field), Clinique gives us four Fresh Bloom Eye Shadow pans ($16.50) with First Blush, each with two shimmery pastel colors: Cherry Blossom (a light and dark pink), Tiger Lily (a light and dark copper), Maple Blossom (a light and dark taupe) and Apple Blossom (a light and dark green).
I’m a sucker for embossed flower patterns… That gets me every time.
I did the eye look using each of the four shadow combinations, placing the lighter color from each on the lid and brow bone, and the darker shade in the crease.
After applying the shadows for each of the four looks, I added two coats of Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara on the top lash line and lined the lower lash line with the darker shade from Maple Blossom.
Cherry Blossom is my favorite of the four because it’s the most pigmented and was the easiest to blend. The pinks really seem to brighten my eyes.
Tiger Lily runs a close second. It should look great on warm skin tones.
I really wanted the remaining shades to work for me, but unfortch my skin tone just wouldn’t cooperate. If you’re lighter than I am and like the way you look in cool toned taupe and greens, they’re definitely worth a try, but both Maple Blossom and Apple Blossom looked really chalky on me, and the colors didn’t pop like Cherry Blossom or Tiger Lily.
I’ll keep them around to use as lower lash liners, for days when I want a soft lined look.
From left to right: Maple Blossom, Tiger Lily, Cherry Blossom, Apple Blossom
The entire First Blush collection feels like one of the more traditional releases so far this spring. It’s packed with the soft pastel colors that I usually associate with the classic spring makeup look. I like it, but what do you think? Do these pastels wet your appetite? Or do you lust after something more?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
I’m so not a fan of pastels…on myself. I love them on others and wish I were that bold. I’ve actually came across your website looking for inspiration! I’ve always been a very casual and natural kind of gal but here recently I’ve lost about 40lbs and feel like just busting out! I feel absolutely great and want my appearance (make up and clothes) to match me! I love your blog and have probably watched dozens of your videos already! Thanks!
for some reason i don’t look good in pastels. it tends to wash me out but the palette sure looks pretty. i like the cherry blossom, could work as a blush.
i am still lusting for more
these pastels are killing me – while they are pretty i personally feel pastels make me look pasty
i need a tan – lol but i am going to jamaica for 4 whole lovely days – in a few weeks as a valentines present from my honey !
so maybe then i can rock some of these pastelly colors!
Hi Erika,
Congrats on your weight loss! I bet it was hard work!
That’s great to hear that you’re now exploring the wonderful world of makeup. It’s so much fun and I love how there’s always something new to learn. What are your favorite products so far?
Hi Victoria,
I didn’t think to use Cherry Blossom as a blush! I will try that next. 🙂
Hi YadiQ,
Girl, I am so jealous! I could use some warm weather and water right now. That’s really sweet of your honey to take you. You’ve been working hard and totally deserve some time off. When will you guys be going? You will have to pack some fun and colorful makeup for your trip, for sure!
I would be absolutely terrified to use them because the flower-embossed package is far too cute to use!!! I would hate to ruin the image!
Those colors are adorable. If you aren’t going to use the two that are too chalky for you, you could always send them my way! I can always use more make-up. 😀
ack! those are sooo pretty. so spring-y 😛
I agree with you Karen, the first two look the best on you. I’m really surprised about the maple one, it doesn’t look at all like I thought it might. The palettes are really pretty, but this collection doesn’t make me want to run out and get one. I need to save my money for MAC’s Hello Kitty collection anyways 🙂
Ooh, I love the cherry blossom! I think I’ll be picking that up!
Thanks Karen! 🙂
I don’t really have many fave’s yet. So far I love the Neutrogena MoistureShine Lip Sheers w/SPF 20. I recently purchased Lancome’s newest mineral foundation and I really like it! I’ve never worn foundation in my life because I felt it was too much but this stuff is so sheer. Have you tried that yet? I have not found any reviews for it online so I guess I’ll have to wing it!
Erika
Hi Kate,
I know! The design is so pretty. It breaks my heart a little to mess it up. They have the same one on their Fresh Bloom blushes, too. Have you seen them? Soo pretty!
Hi Rasilla,
They are! The colors remind me of Easter eggs and fields of spring flowers. 🙂
Hi Michelle,
Yah, I was most excited about the Maple one at first… I was surprised that it looked so gray.
Oh, have you decided what you’re going to get from MAC HK yet? 🙂
Hi Briana,
Yay! I heart that one. It would look so nice with pale pink cheeks and lips!
Hi Erika,
I haven’t! I do like sheer stuff coverage so I might try it. 🙂
Are you looking for heavier coverage? Laura Mercier makes a fantastic foundation (it’s kinda pricy though).
No not yet, I’m going to go at the end of the week (when I get paid!) and see it in person to pick out a few things. I did order the Creme in your coffee lipstick a few days ago after I saw it in one of your posts. I can’t wait to get it, any day now…
Karen, I haven’t. I’m definitely going on their site and checking it out. I may even (gasp) splurge and buy Clinique as I know that I know I won’t have an allergic reaction as it’s all hypoallergenic.
I think it’s Revlon that has blush and eyeshadow like that too with one of their collections. I can’t remember. They’re so pretty!
Hi Michelle,
YES! I can’t wait for you to get it. When I went to the MAC counter last week several MAC makeup artists were gaga for it, too, so I hope you like it. 🙂
Hi Kate,
Oh, they are so pretty! I have the one from the Blackberry Bloom release from last season and it’s one of my favorite shimmery blushes. If you like shimmer I think you might dig it. 🙂
I remember seeing those Revlon pans at the drugstore. GORGEOUS!