A Few of My Favorite Blushes

There's  nothing like a little blush to give your whole face a lift. When I lived in London, it was a real life-saver for pallid, pasty skin. Here are a few of my favorites.

I went a bit wild at the Anna Sui counter in Tokyo, and picked up three Rose blushes, from left to right: 600 Sunny Rose, 500 Antique Rose and 100 Mystic Rose (which is more of a highlighter). All are from the Anna Sui Rose Fairy Spring 2012 Collection.

From Les Merveilleuses de Laduree, Cream Cheek Base 02, purchased at the Ginza branch of Isetan in Tokyo. Not only does Isetan have the Laduree cosmetics line, but they also have a Laduree cafe as well - full of Japanese ladies Instagramming their tea and macarons! But I digress. This blush has a sheer, delicate texture with excellent staying power.

Next up is Tom Ford Beauty Illuminating Cheek Color in 02 Bronzed Amber, which is ideal for me in California - it imparts a sheer, sunny glow that is not overwhelming or orange-y. I purchased this at Neiman Marcus in San Franciso. On the right is one of my staple blushes - Armani Sheer Blush No. 6. It's got a fantastic texture and is very forgiving of less-than-perfect skin texture.

Next, my go-to NARS blushes. You can't go wrong with the classic Orgasm/Angelika combo, which offers both peach and pink tones to accommodate most skin tones. In the middle is the subtle Satellite of Love highlighting blush from the Andy Warhol collection. I find this to be a more natural highlight than the classic Hungry Heart. On the right is a very recent purchase, the NARS Pierre Hardy Rotonde Blush. It looks very loud in the pan, but imparts a flattering peach tint to your skin.

Back to Japanese products: first up is Paul and Joe Creamy Cheek Powder 001, which I purchased as part of a set in Vancouver B.C. last December. It's so gorgeous I can barely bring myself to use much of it! Next is Shu Uemura Glow On Blush in a pink shade - I do not recall the number, and I can't get the refill out of it's little case. I did get a very good deal on this at Narita Airport Duty Free last November. Before I left the UK last year, I hit the RMK counter at Selfridges and picked up a gorgeous EX-02 Orange blush.

Continuing with the Japanese blush theme, I purchased my Suqqu Nuancing Cheeks EX-02 Kohakusui at a Suqqu counter in Yokohama. I do have Japanese Suqqu points now - I just need to go back to use them! Another Tokyo purchase was the gorgeous Luminizing Face Enhancer No. 12 Gold - which is also available at Nordstrom and Barney's. The best thing about the CdP Luminizing Face Enhancer is it's delicate finish - you can actually wear this in sunlight and not feel like a disco ball.

Ahhh, Tom Ford. Frantic Pink 02 is on the left and 06 Wicked is on the right. I'm afraid that my pictures don't do these fantastic, silky blushes justice - please go to the Neiman Marcus site and gaze at the colors in all their beauty. Tom Ford blushes impart a depth of glow that's hard to beat - with a very finely milled, silky texture that is easy to control.

I love my Addiction Heart & Heart blush from Tokyo - in fact, I love Addiction in general for the excellent textures, formulations and wearability. I know that technically, NARS Multiples are not "blushers" but I frequently wear them alone, on bare skin. My faves: G-Spot; Copacabana; Puerto Vallarta; and Turks & Caicos.

Last but not least, two favorite European brands: Burberry and Chanel. On the left, Burberry Light Glow Tangerine Blush 06; on the right, Chanel Joues Contraste in 99 Rose Petale. Both are classic shades, perfect for an every day look. You can find Burberry at Nordstrom - there is only a limited selection on-line, so your best bet is to go to a Burberry counter at Nordstrom. I picked up most of my Burberry items at Selfridges in London. Heathrow Terminal 5 is also a great place to buy both Burberry and Chanel cosmetics.

Hope you enjoy my mini-blush tour!

Cheers,

Jamilla