The drugstore is always having a "buy one, get one off" sale and since brands usually come out with products in multiple shades, it's difficult to not want to collect them all. ^_^
You can check out my review on the Milani Baked blushes here.
I decided to separate the posts because it was becoming too long and "picture heavy."
Physicians Formula Happy Booster
Glow & Mood Boosting Blush ($11.95 for 7g/0.24oz)
Although these blushes are on the "expensive" side for a drugstore brand, the quality is well worth the price point. The formula is very easy to work and lasts at least 8 hours on the cheeks when worn over foundation and setting powder. They're suppose to smell like sweet violet, but I couldn't detect any scent during application. As for the pigmentation, they're all sheer, but easily buildable for an opaque finish. They also leave a subtle glow to the skin without being too frosty.
The mini brush that's included does not deposit color evenly onto the cheeks because it's too thin. However, they blend beautifully into the skin when used with a fluffy brush like the Sonia Kashuk ones that I mention towards the end of this post. Maybe the company can lower the price by getting rid of the travel brush and trade in the bulky packaging for a mirrorless compact?
Physicians Formula Happy Booster in Natural: This one is the sheerest of them all and might not show up on darker beauties. However, on my medium skin tone, it translates into a natural, peachy flush of color. (When swatched on my hands, it looks more mauvey pink, but does not translate that way on my cheeks.) I actually reach for this the most when I'm going for an "everyday look." I especially recommend it for those that tend to have a heavy hand because it's more forgiving and easy to buff out if you over apply it.
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Physicians Formula Happy Booster in Warm: It leans more coral and gives more color to my cheeks compared to Natural, when worn on my NC 30/35 skin tone.
Physicians Formula Happy Booster in Pink: I swatched it heavily in the pictures to show the color better. It's actually sheerer when blended into the skin and more cool toned compared to Rose. On darker beauties, it may look ashy. This shade is more suitable for lighter beauties and works well for those who have a cool under tone.
Physicians Formula Happy Booster in Rose: I prefer this shade over Pink because it compliments my warm, medium complexion much better. I reach for this when I want a pop of color on my cheeks, especially for a night time look.
I've been applying them using my Sonia Kashuk brushes. The #2 Blusher brush ($17.99) is not too flimsy or too dense and fits nicely on the cheeks. It has a paddle shape so you can pat the product onto the apples of your cheeks using the flat side of the brush. You can also sweep color onto the entire cheek area using the tip. The #29 Domed Blusher brush ($17.99) is rounder and covers a slightly bigger portion of the cheek area, but you still get good control because the bristles are a little bit fuller and it has a domed tip.
The bristles on both are made of natural goat hairs, which feel very soft, even softer than my MAC 109 to give you an idea of how they feel. I've had them for a few years and they have hold up very well. A few hairs came out during the initial wash, which is normal, but they haven't shedded since.
They both pick up product easily & blend it into the skin seamlessly without any blotchiness. They also work well for applying bronzer when you want to warm up the face.
I've tried many brushes for powder application, ranging from drugstore to high-end, and I just keep coming back to my Sonia Kashuk ones. I use both of these brushes interchangeably and will repurchase them in a heart beat if I ever lose them. Even if you have many brushes in your collection, I still highly recommend checking these out!
Note: The Physicians Formula Happy Booster blushes are available at Walmart, Drugstore.com and Ulta. The Sonia Kashuk brushes are sold exclusively at Target.
What have you been blushing about?
*This post contains affiliate links. None of the products mentioned are sponsored by the company.
