REFY Malaya Cream Blush Review & Swatches
Malaya
REFY Malaya Cream Blush ($20.00 for 0.05 oz.) is a darker pink with moderate, warm undertones and a natural matte finish–not totally flat but still quite matte. It seemed more pigmented when I initially swatched it, as the formula was naturally inclined to sheer out in practice, so it did end up being more medium to semi-opaque on my cheeks and then was buildable from there.
The consistency was smooth, moderately emollient, and lightly tacky but quick to dry down once it came into contact with my skin, which made it a little harder to apply evenly without some color moving off of places. This was more apparent when working with the formula on top of foundation, so I’d definitely recommend using a brush, which disturbed my base less than a fingertip. It lasted decently for six and a half hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
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Formula Overview
$20.00/0.05 oz. - $400.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be "buildable" and have a "subtle dewy glow" finish. It had more of a "natural matte" finish that didn't look totally flat/dry when the formula set, but it wasn't dewy at all. The consistency was smooth, lightweight, and thin with a fair amount of slip and felt like a traditional cream blush with light tackiness.
I preferred applying it with a fluffy, synthetic brush for getting the most even application, especially over base products, as it resulted in the product being less likely to move around my foundation. When I tried patting it on with a fingertip, I was more apt to get product sliding around or some unevenness coming through (as a note: my cheeks have some natural unevenness, which can come through more with sheerer coverage products).
The coverage seemed more pigmented initially, but the formula was definitely set up to be sheer and buildable, so the end result was more semi-sheer, buildable coverage, which was as marketed. The formula stayed on well for six to seven hours before fading on me.
Also, the size of the cream blushes is extremely small and not at all in line with the average cream blush size from a myriad of brands. It felt like a sample size! I don't feel the price reflects the quantity received, so it felt really out of line with the rest of the brand's offerings.
Browse all of our REFY Cream Blush swatches.
Ingredients
Octyldodecanol, Silica, Synthetic Beeswax, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Microcrystalline Wax (Cera Microcristallina), Phenoxyethanol May Contain: CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77491 (Iron Oxides), CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 15985 (Yellow 6 Lake), CI 19140 (Yellow 5 Lake), CI 15850 (Red 6), CI 15850 (Red 7 Lake).
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Love the actual shade. It is gorgeous. However, I’m NO fan of a cream blush (or any other face product) lifting/disturbing my foundation. That’s no bueno!
A very pretty colour, but a shame that the formula was not up to scratch.