Having oily skin, I've always envied women who had normal to dry skin. They could wear cream and gel blushers that give so much variety-- add another coat of blush for more natural-looking depth, or use less without foundation for a healthy glow look. I couldn't wear cream or gel blush-- they'd slide off my face in 2 hours, as my "healthy glow" turned to greasy shine.
But Clinique's soft-pressed powder blusher gives me options. It's sheer, so I can use a little for day wear, and layer on the same colors for more depth for evening wear. And it lasts for hours, even on my oily skin, instead of disappearing in just a few short hours.
The Upside
There are so many colors to choose from-- I use New Clover year round, but add Cupcake in the spring and summer for definition and as a bronzer. I use Wild Rose in the fall and winter for definition. The blusher stays on all day, but in the summer on my oily skin, it needs re-application after 8-9 hours (which is better than any other blush I've tried). The colors look real and natural.
The Downside
In the last year, more often than not the brush that was included with the blusher has shed while in use. It's not a huge problem, but it looks cheap, and this blush is not cheap nor does it LOOK cheap. The brush is not the place to skimp, especially as every time I use it and it sheds I am reminded that Clinique did not think enough of their product or me to have well-made brushes included in their product.
Overall
The blusher itself, the polished and natural look of it on my skin, is well worth the money in my opinion. Everything else I've tried ended up looking like cheap drugstore blush that are made for kids to play around with. The brush is a little matter-- get a good professional quality brush to use instead if you get one of the crappy ones.
Saks Fifth Avenue
