This Clinique blush was another GWP item (Neiman ran out of whatever it was they were supposed to give so I received a bunch of random products) I never encountered before. I don't think I ever owned a Clinique blush, and, frankly, this one doesn't make me feel like I was missing much.
The texture is extremely crumbly as you can see- the debris is just from swatching, before I actually started testing the blush. It requires a very soft and very wide brush, so it can collect as much of the errant powder as possible and avoid uneven application. The texture does lend itself well to blending and creates a sheer wash of color (see swatch). The staying power is not the greatest if used by itself, so it's not the right product for a quick unfussy job- it requires a good base underneath and setting with some powder on top if you want the blush to last you through a workday.
Iced Lotus is a very cool-toned blue-based pink. I was surprised to see I can wear it (lightly. Building up the color brings out a chalky raspberry color) without looking weird, but it's probably better for winter. The light in summertime requires a bit more warmth. It's a very nice shade in moderation and the level of shimmer is low and wearable. It deserves a better formula.
Bottom Line: Not good enough.
Clinique Powder Blush ($19) is available from every department store and clinique.com
All photos are mine.
Thank you for your review--I keep seeing this as a good go-to blush but perhaps, as you say, I can keep on skipping this one. You would think that there would be more pretty light pink blushes around, but since Chanel disc'd Narcisse I'm not sure I've found a good one. Maybe I should spend some time looking. Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review, no matter how hard I try, I just can't wear Clinique products (the exception is their Wrappings perfume).
ReplyDeleteTo me, their products just seem a bit washed out, perhaps it's because I am olive-toned skin?? Compared to other products like Chanel and Christian Dior, the texture is not even comparable to me. Great starter makeup for a teen, perhaps??