In the comments this week, quite a few folks have asked, “What blush are you wearing?” which I take as a testament to Laura Mercier’s fabulousness.
You know something’s going well when after almost every pic you post of yourself, someone wants to know what you’re wearing on your cheeks. 🙂
I’ve been wearing the two $24 Crème Cheek Colours, Oleander and Praline, from Laura’s new Arabesque collection for spring, and both of them love mugging for the camera.
They photograph really well and do a bang-up job of brightening, both in front of and behind the camera. Both of them give a nice flush to cheeks without looking overdone, or like you’re wearing too much makeup (perfect for a first date).
The colors aren’t new, but their packaging is, and thank gawd! — because the old packaging used to be a bear to close. Technically, both are re-promotes from the permanent collection.
I’ve actually worn the pink blush from this release, Oleander, off and on since 2007.
A cool-toned pink, it’s one of those colors that looks bright in the pan but still works well on dark, medium and light skin tones.
Like Laura’s other Creme Cheek Colours, Oleander is a breeze to apply with a brush (I like synthetic skunk brushes for these) or your fingers.
It delivers a beautiful, effortless flush — and let me tell ya, it’s not always this easy to get that “What, me? I’m just kicking back!” look. With some blushes, I have to do a lot more building and layering; with others, I have to spend a lot more time blending out the edges.
With Oleander, I only need one layer and a few seconds to smooth out the edges. Literally, I smooth some on, take my brush or fingers, and just kind of run it along the edges.
That’s it. Done.
I love that I can wear it on top of bare skin or foundation and powder. Either, or. And in neither scenario does it shimmy or crease. It stays put for a solid 6-8 hours.
I think Praline’s also a great color. A neutral brown, it almost looks peachy on my NC42 skin, and again, it’s another easy-peasy shade that should work well for a wide range of skin tones.
It might look a little dark in the pan…but it appears lighter on the skin.
I think that’s where it feels at home. 🙂
Both of these blushes are just really sweet colors you can use with basically anything in your makeup bag. They’re the kind of products you can count on, ya know?
PRICE: $24 each
AVAILABILITY: Available now at Laura Mercier counters and lauramercier.com
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A+
Currently looping on my playlist
Ellie Goulding’s Anything Could Happen and One Republic’s I Feel Again.
I swear to you, if you put these on your running playlist, you’ll run like the wind!!
I like both beats and how they seem like they’re driving and pushing forward. Move! Move! Move!
Great lyrics, too, with a positive vibe and a sense of renewal. Good themes for the new year.
The last couple months of 2012 were kind of rough for me, to be honest. I felt overwhelmed, but now? Clean slate!
It’s a new year. Anything can happen. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
I think I need to get the Oleander, its perfect!
I had a feeling you’d like that one. I’ve been wearing it for years and STILL love it like crazy! 😀
I love pink blushes and I have never had one from Laura Mercier.
Oleander really is a fantastic blush on you, Karen! Love how it really brightens your whole face.
I’m in love with Laura Mercier as a brand, and I think I know what I’m going to buy next. 😉
Thanks, Arianne. You could easily wear either colors! You need them in your life.
Have you tried Laura’s liners, btw? They’re fabulous.
Meow to my kitty niece…
I need to try the liners, too!
Your niece was totally cuddling with me last night. She rested her head on my arm, so cute! She’s been really affectionate lately and I like it!
Ooh, I’m really feeling Praline! I have been using mostly cream blushes lately, too.
Hi Emi,
Yay! I’m glad you like it. It’s a wonderful everyday shade.
Surprise surprise I like them BOTH haha! I don’t think I’ve ever tried her cream blushes before but they sure do look pretty on you!
Hi Tracy,
You’ve got to give them a try. They’re some of the best out on shelves, IMHO.
Oleander looks amazing on you! For me, I think Praline would be a good choice. It looks really pretty and wearable. I love cream blushes but I haven’t tried Laura Mercier’s formula yet.
Hi Lulle,
Thank you. 🙂 You won’t be disappointed by Praline. It’s a beautiful color!
Oh gawd! Here I was only eyeing the palette…but those blushes! Thank you for doing this post lol other wise I wouldn’t have given them another look!
Ooh! Loving both, ESPECIALLY Praline! I’ve been wanting to get more Laura Mercier products (I only have 2 foundations) and the Artist Palette and these two blushes are at the top of the list.
I’m really digging Oleander and it looks fantastic on you!
Oh for some reason I had been thinking that Oleander was the peach shade 😛 Now that I know, I NEED Praline! 😀
Ooohhhh, they’re both so gorgeous. I want Praline. Will have to tell my sis-in-law to get for me coz it isn’t available in India.
I really like the Praline blush. Now I’m wondering if I can go for a little walk at lunch and pick this up at Nordstrom’s .. I mean, I NEED a new blush because one of my NYX blushes just crumbled to pieces (didn’t even drop it!).
Monica.
Both colors look great on you they also give you such a great cheek glow!
One of my powder blushes just cracked, too! nice thing about the cream blush, we never need worry about that issue. I am new to Laura but I have to say I am shy of the cream blushes(blemish prone skin) but am trying out all the ones I got in the Glamour Wardrobe. BTW, ladies, Laura M in-store events are happening soon at Nordies(Jan 11, 12 GWP $125) and Saks(free Cake liner with $100 Jan 20-26). Great time to try some new colors- I personally am loving the Laura color favorites set- I know I am going to cave for that one.