The First Blush of Spring:  Smashbox Paradise Blush Rush

Smashbox Paradise Blush Rush ($24.00 for 0.13 oz.) is a lightly golden shimmered peach with just a smidgen of pink in it. It’s more like an orange-coral, perhaps, but the pink really is downplayed. Paradise isn’t the most unique shade, but Smashbox’s Blush Rush formula is particularly lovely. It’s smooth, soft to the touch, and applies beautifully to cheeks. The color always look natural and never overdone, but they offer buildable color for those who want a light cheek and others who want a more intense look. Paradise is just one of those shades that’s incredibly easy to wear with a variety of looks from the everyday to the bold and dramatic. If you like blushes like MAC Springsheen and NARS Orgasm, Paradise is right there with ‘em!

I’ve always liked Smashbox’s permanent product packaging — it’s functional and sleek.  Cute packaging is fun, but it’s gotta be functional, too.  It just has a very clean look to it, which I dig.  Price-wise, it’s a little more expensive than your average blush at $184/oz. (compared to MAC blushes at $88/oz. and NARS blushes at $156/oz.), but actual investment is in line with NARS ($25) and Illamasqua ($23).

You can see me wearing Paradise in this look!

If you want to know more about how products are evaluated, read out Rating System FAQ!

• Product: 28/30
• Value: 7/10
• Ease of Use: 4/5
• Packaging: 5/5

Recommendation: If you love your peachy blushes, Paradise may be a good one to add to your stash!

Availability: Sephora

See more photos & swatches!

Smashbox Paradise Blush

Valentine’s Day Makeup: Soft Neutrals & Pink Lips

So, opposite of the last look, here’s a very soft look one could wear. I call it Valentine’s Day makeup, but you could really wear it any time. I think it’s quite appropriate for a variety of occasions! I wore this to school on Wednesday, which worked for me; I was able to wear *something* but not feel out of place or too young. (I’m probably one of the younger people in my program.)

You will need the following…

• Eyes: MAC Soft Ochre paint pot (neutral beige base), (champagne pink), Too Faced Silk Teddy Eyeshadow (champagne pink), Too Faced Peach Fuzz Eyeshadow (peach-beige), Too Faced Cocoa Puff Eyeshadow (warm chocolate brown), Too Faced Teddy Bear Eyeshadow (dark mushroom brown), Too Faced Heaven Eyeshadow (matte beige), Urban Decay Underground 24/7 Liner (brown), MAC Plushlash (black)
• Face:  Kiehl’s Tinted Moisturizer (medium)
• Cheeks: Smashbox Paradise Blush (peachy-pink)
• Lips: Urban Decay Rush Lipstick (soft pink), Chanel Pinup Glossimer (champagne gold)
• Brushes: 266 (firm, angled brush), 226 (fluffy crease brush), 219 (pointed crease brush), 214 (smudge brush), 249 (flat, firm brush), 239 (fluffy shadow brush), 129 (dense blush brush)
• Substitutes: N/A

For eyes, start by applying Soft Ochre paint pot as your eyeshadow base all over the lid with the 249. Using the 239, apply Silk Teddy eyeshadow on the inner third of the eyelid. Next, apply Peach Fuzz eyeshadow on the middle third of the eyelid and lightly blend with the inner corner. Darken the outer third of the lid with Cocoa Puff eyeshadow with the 239, gently brushing it into the lower crease. Next, define the crease by applying Teddy Bear eyeshadow with the 226. Lightly tap and brush Silk Teddy eyeshadow directly above the crease to soften. To finish the eyeshadow look, sweep Heaven eyeshadow as a highlighter on the brow bone. Bring everything together by applying Underground Liner on the lower lash line, and then sweeping lashes with Plushlash mascara.

For cheeks, apply Paradise blush to the apples of the cheeks and sweep upwards towards the temple with the 116.

For lips, apply Rush lipstick first, and then layer Pinup glossimer for a soft lip look.

Check out more photos!