Clarins Blush Prodige Rose Wood 05 Illuminating Cheek Color

I'm taking a break from Holiday collections and all the brand new stuff to talk about a hard-working perennial: Clarins Blush Prodige Rose Wood 05 Illuminating Cheek Color. It's one of six blush shades offered by Clarins in this range, and perhaps the most neutral/natural looking of the bunch, though all of them are beautiful and most will flatter more than one skin tone (I can also wear Tender Peach and Miami Pink, and may consider Spicy Mocha as a bronzer).

Clarins Blush Prodige Illuminating Cheek Colors are designed as a mosaic of colors and textures- satin and light shimmer. You can swirl your brush and mix them, layer (shimmer over satin for a highlighted effect) or pick and choose. The color is semi sheer but can be built up if you need more intensity, though I feel that a big part of what makes this Clarins blush so fabulous and flattering is the fact that it lets your own skin show through.

Clarins Rose Wood 05 is  exactly what you'd expect from the name: a warm rose, not too sweet or too pink. I reach for it as a default blush, something that I don't need to plan around or think about compatibility with my lipstick or other makeup. I tend to apply lightly, but that's my personal preference for blushes. You can definitely create a more sculpted and dramatic look.

Bottom Line: a staple.

Clarins Blush Prodige Rose Wood 05 Illuminating Cheek Color ($28.50) is available at the counters and from most decent department stores' websites.