Review - NYC Color Wheel Mosaic Face Powder

NYC New York Color Mosaic Face Powders are ultra sheer soft, natural pressed powders. Made up of four harmonizing hues in the right combination of colors to enhance skin tone. When the four neutral colors are blended together, they create a perfect single shade that balances and enhances all skin undertones. Choose from six great palettes for every skin brightening need.

I never really understood the purpose of a mosaic pressed powder or loose powder. Like - if you're going to blend all those pigments anyway, what is the benefit of leaving them separate? Why not just blend them to begin with? I couldn't find an answer in my research, so I'm going to say it's because it looks pretty. Because it does!

I tried this NYC New York Color Mosaic Face Powder in the Pink Cheek Glow hue, and I think I've found my new favorite cheek color. It's a great blue-pink for those with cool undertones (that would be me), but olive-skinned or darker ladies may want to try the peach or the mocha versions.

Like most of the rest of the NYC line, the main draw here is the price. I found it online for as low as $3.60, and it's a fair bit larger than most blush compacts you'll find. It's serviceable and stays on admirably, and it's a good value, which I like, since I'm cheap. (Or maybe just Midwestern.)

Note: when I was searching for this on Google Shopping, this happened:

I...don't know what this means. But I do think it's hilarious that the movie is cheaper than the powder.

Review - KohGenDo Fresh Face

Natural cheek colors made from natural color ingredients rather than composite pigments. To maintain a beautiful face for a long period of time, Fresh Face uses the concept of skincare.With the three emollient oils unique to Koh Gen Do, experience a long-lasting softness and moisturized skin.This exquisite powder is a combination of a smooth and moist disc shaped powder and soft round powder.The disc shaped powder adheres itself to the skin while the round powder smoothes the skin creating a natural shade that is long-lasting.

As a robust German maiden, I don't find myself really needing blush on a regular basis, as I tend to be a bit on the ruddy side. But it's winter now (supposedly...61° on Sunday doesn't really seem that wintry, though) and we all need to punch up our color. This KohGenDo Fresh Face, which is a cheek color, is exceptionally easy to use. At first I was like "what huh what how do I use this?" but once I figured it out (it's not hard, you just have to get it started), I was all in for KohGenDo. The thing I really like about it is that it sits somewhere between a cream blush (which I generally find too greasy) and a powder blush (which I find usually make my skin look overdone). I got this in the Caramel Bronze color, which, were I shopping for myself, would not be my first choice, but actually looked really awesome! I looked beachy-tan instead of crazily-blushed. The one complaint I would have about this product is the high price point ($38), but if you're already spending that kind of money on a blush-type product, this is definitely worth checking out!
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Deedlejuse Says: I also have Fresh Face by Koh Gen Do in "Caramel Bronze" and seriously, Hillary should just choose all my colors. ( just so you know she has never actually seen me, so that is REALLY impressive!) I have to say as soon as you finally get the little pod to work it is a very useable little bronzer. It is much nicer looking on than a lot of other bronzers I have tried. I can't wear bronzer well a lot of time, I'm super pale so a lot of bronzers look very heavy on me, not this one. I absolutley reccomend it, even though it is expensive. It will last a good long time, you don't need to invest in a blusher brush, and the application is super easy. Well worth the expense imo!

Review - Pur Minerals Pur Rocks

Add depth, dimension and drama to your look with pressed, micronized minerals in a unique, 3-dimensional design! Multi-tasking Pur Rocks enhance and brighten eyes, lips and cheeks with a dose of luminous colour. Vibrant, organic jewel tones of garnet and pink zircon capture the splendor of a desert sunset, illuminating the face with shimmering, rosy undertones. Pur Minerals does NOT test its products on animals.

I looked at this product and thought.... oh no... it's much to dark, and MUCH too ruddy for my skin. I have an olive complexion that is a little on the pale side, reds can do me a serious injustice with even the slightest inclination. But I should have known, because I love *every single other* pur mineral product, this one is really fantastic too. You can get amazing color, trust me, completely natural also. If you have sensitive skin on top of needing color and not wanting to wantonly lie in the sun or apply weird skin dying sprays, this product will be great for you. It's so easy to put on with any standard blush brush (but I do recommend investing in a nice one anyway, for the long haul.).

Deedlejuse Says:
I have to completely agree with Amanda S on this one. I love this stuff. It is more like a bronzer than a blush for me, I have blond hair and very pale skin and these Pur Rocks are just the thing for a beautiful glow without being too much . It goes on quite sheer as long as you are careful. I actually prefer to use my larger powder brush to increase the area I cover and use it as an all over sort of look. It stays forever and it doesn't seem like I have used any, even though I use it all the time. This is really nice color, and it sounds like it works well with many complexions!

CitySlickers Says:
I really can't agree more with Amanda & Deedlejuse. The instant I saw the color I wanted to run for the hills. I was thinking that it was going to look like streaks on my cheeks. Since I am pale some bronzers and blushes just don't work.. I gave this a try on a weekend and have been using since. It goes on smooth and lightly without being heavy handed. Pur Rocks really gives me a warm healthy glow that doesn't have too much iridescence. It's really great and fun to use.. I wish that it was more portable but you can't get it all. I found that it works really well with a big blush dusting brush a swipe over the cheeks then a swirl all over and done.. I also have to say, I love the look in the container..

Review - e.l.f. Natural Radiance Blusher

This exquisite, delicate, pigment payoff makes cheeks radiant combined with a healthy-looking glow. Infused with texturizing agents, skin feels smooth and pores are minimized.

Movie Maven says:
I think e.l.f. might be my new favorite recession-friendly cosmetics line. ONE DOLLAR FOR BLUSH?!?! WHAT?!?!?! This is nuts, guys. Particularly because this blush? Is totally awesome! I'm really into it. I pretty much love everything about it. It comes in an adorable, slide-open case that (once you realize it is a slide-open case), is way more awesome than your average flip-up top. It comes in a bunch of colors, so you should be able to find something that complements your skin tone. It provides just enough color and coverage without looking garish. Oh, and did I mention it costs ONE DOLLAR? I can't get over this, guys. This is like finding out that there is cake in the break room. And I think you know how awesome that is.

Sheba says that Movie Maven has reason to rave about e.l.f. -- this company cannot be beat for the price! I am always on the lookout for a bargain -- and this company is at the top of my list. If they can make such a fantastic product for $1 -- let's support them. If you did not know this was e.l.f. blush -- you would certainly guess a higher priced product!! I learned of them some time ago and have slowly built up my stock of their products. I have yet to be disappointed. You will probably end up buying more than one blush once you try the first one. It goes on wonderfully and it looks very natural. If you prefer a little more color - you can put another dash of it on. I say jump on the bandwagon with Movie Maven. This blush is terrific!! Yes, $1 -- in 2009!!

Maria says: Can you say "bargain?" How is this possible? How can a blush this pretty be a buck? How can such an innovative-why-can't-other-companies-have-a-blush-open-this-way compact be filled with such a high-end feeling and wearing blush? Yup, we're talking e.l.f. - THE cosmetic deal of the century. High end-charge-an-arm-and-a-leg companies TAKE NOTE. What we have here is proof that more expensive does not mean better product. Several more expensive lines came to mine when I first swirled this natural yet lovely blush across my cheekbone. To think that this blush only costs $1 is mind boggling. What is the worst that can happen if you try this blush and decide it's not for you? (although I don't see how). You're out ONE DOLLAR. In these turbulent times when every dollar counts, how great is it of e.l.f. to continue to product quality products at such amazingly affordable prices. Well, done.

CitySlicker Says: I am jumping on the savings train too.. I search high and low for the perfect color and formula and right in the ELF section is a blush I have passed over in the past without a second glance.. OMG, the color is great. I have it in glow and its a peachy pinky tone with the perfect amount of luster. My brush picks up quite a bit so tap, tap before application and it's a lovely light look. It gives my face that glow without looking overdone. It's healthy and fresh looking. I highly recommend picking a couple up for the summer, if you are like me you'll make this a part of the daily regimen.. I also am happy to report that my skin can be pretty sensitive and I have had no ill reactions to the blush either..

Review - Giselle Mineral Blush

For quick personal service, contact Stephen in Sales at: stephen.sunlabs@gmail.com. He can help you with all your mineral make-up needs.

I don't normally use a lot of blush, as I am naturally fairly ruddy-cheeked, but on occasion I need a little bit of a boost for my complexion. The Giselle Mineral Blush gave me the little punch I needed without making my face look "makeup-y." I got the blush in Giselle Doll, a light, almost cotton-candy pink (far right in photo) that at first I thought would be really neon and 80s. But when I put it on, it was more sheer than I thought it would be, and really looked great on my fair, cool-undertones skin. The color will suit most people with cool undertones, regardless of whether you're more fair or more dark, as it's a very bluey pink. The other thing I really liked about this blush is the little bit of iridescence it has, due to the mica pigments used to make it. It's not enough to call it "sparkly," but just enough to catch the light and make you really glow. I'm sold!!

Deedlejuse Says: I have this blush in Chocolate, the second to the right. It is honestly a bit too brown for my super-light, very pink complexion. It makes my face look too flushed, but if I just dust very lightly it is wearable. The look with this whole line is like totally my thing, like the designer polled me, specifically and made everything I wanted. I love being shimmery, I do not do matte, if I look powdery I am VERY upset. So all of the slightly iridescent, light covering make-up is totally me. And it is mineral wear so its good for my skin! I am very happy to have found Giselle Cosmetics, and I would definitely recommend them to everyone!

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Sheba says: Giselle Blush in Red Hawaii is one of the best mineral blushes I use. It has that tiny bit or iridescence that is exactly right. In the container it looks to be much too red for me but I have learned not to judge by that. Apply it lightly and see what it does to your appearance. It looks very subtle when applied lightly -- but it definitely enhances my face -- I feel that bit of color is just what I needed -- it is the frosting on the cake. I might put an extra swipe on for the evening and it still does not look like too much. It enhances while it does not look like make up. Minerals seem to just blend in with the skin and become a part of it while actually being good for the skin. How can you go wrong? The price is actually more than reasonable. You get enough product to last for a long time and it is very flattering to your skin. They have a great selection so you will find one or more that works wonders for you.

CitySlicker says: I have this in Rich Girl, which is the first color from the left.. It's pretty much as deep and rich as the image and on me isn't a match at all. I have worked with mineral based products for a long time and have had great results and this wasn't one of them. This color on me is a deep orangey tone. I applied very lightly and still ended up with streaky application - sort of like someone smeared makeup on my cheeks. I just couldn't get it to blend in for me. I tried and tried and to my dismay it still looked heavy and didn't work. I hate to be a rotten egg but I have to be honest and say that as a very fair skinned person the colors are to bold for me.

Sheba again: I have been experiencing such good luck with Giselle that I asked CitySlicker if I could take the Rich Girl. Hurray, hurray, it works wonderfully on my medium toned skin. Actually, I used to have pale, fair skin until I sat out in the sun for summers on end. Now it is on the fair to medium side and it can take a range of colors. I have actually brought several samples of foundation to my girlfriend's home to have some of them help me select a shade. Guess what, they said -- Oh, it will be easy -- some of them are way too dark. When I put the samples on various parts of my face they could not select the closest as they all somehow blended in. . . and adjoining sections seemed fine -- even when one was dark and the next one was light. After wasting your time with that little story I have to say I am one blush richer with the Giselle Rich Girl!

Amanda S. Says: You may or may not want to take my opinion into much regard... I am not a good person with blush. I tend to overdo it, or put it on in the wrong places and look like a doll / clown (and I am terrified by clowns). I did find that the Giselle products went on well and blended, but I couldn't get the color right and I always felt like it was a little too thick for me. I tend to go on a more 'bare' side of things with make up though, keeping it light (even when I have a lot on, which I call the Amanda "Smoke and Mirrors" effect). But, it is a good product, just not one I will probably use too much.

Hillary says: When I first looked at the Giselle Mineral Blush in Giselle Doll my first reaction, honestly, was "they must be kidding". It is just about the most bubblegummy pink blush I have ever seen. But I have nothing if not an open mind, so when I was only going out to the store I gave this blush a try. It looks great! It is so sheer that it leaves only a hint of pink and makes your skin look totally healthy. I put this powder at the back of the hollows of my cheeks and under my eyes (a habit of mine). It gave a vital glow to my face (I had already applied Giselle's All Purpose Powder in Flawless). Now whenever I feel my complexion needs a little lift I reach for this "too pink for words" blush and radiatea healthy glow! One Caveat though, use too much of this and the circus might recruit you. Also, I see this as suiting only fair-toned skin.

Review - New York Color Smooth Mineral Loose Blush Powder with SPF 12

Pure gentle formula is suitable for all skin types and tones. The Kabuki Brush deposits just the right amount of color. Sweep over cheeks, forehead and chin and blend to perfection. SPF 12 helps shield delicate skin from damaging UV rays. SPF 12 Non-comedogenic,Oil and fragrance free. Talc free, Dermatologist tested $6.99

I don't think you can ever have too much blush -- at least I cannot have too much blush. I am loving Mineral right now due to its natural look that gives you an air brushed appearance rather than a 'Made up' look. I found this blush in Target on clearance and could not pass it up. Lucky for me that I grabbed it -- it is an excellent mineral blush. It applies very easily and if you prefer a heavier touch than I do -- you just need to brush it on a little more. I selected the Tender Pink and it is a vey natural and beautiful shade. Actually each of the available shades would probably complement most complexions. The price is minimal for the amount of product you get and I know this will last me forever. I have tried a few items in this line and have yet to be disappointed. Try Target if you are near one -- they just might have it on clearance and that is the perfect time to try a new product.

Review - Smashbox Wicked Lovely Blush

This pressed powder BLUSH brushes on easily and is virtually streak-proof. Formulated for longer wear, this blush is essential for a picture-perfect glow all day long.
$24.00

What a fun little compact, though it took a moment to figure out how to open it (mirror swings out; press slotted button to lift the lid). The Rush Charm color is like a light pinkish-bronzer, which means if applied well, it effects a natural sun-kissed glow (always sexy and romantic). I also used it on the sides of my nose, bottom of chin, and temple area to frame my face. It stayed put until I took it off, which is a good thing. I’m old enough to remember Yardley’s Love cosmetics from the 60s, and this product line brings me right back to the joy of good products in fun packaging.

Review - jane Be Pure Mineral Crushed Blush, Mink

Lightweight crushed mineral powder for soft, natural color Minerals minimize fine lines for a youthful effect. Talc free, oil free, fragrance free, won't clog pores.
Gentle, ultra fine powders minimizes risk of irritation and allows skin to breathe!

I happened upon this blush because I fell in love with one of the colors. I find it to be comprable to many of the higher end cosmetic lines. It goes on as smoothly and looks very natural. Because it is mineral it does not irritate my skin and it doesn't clog the pores. I am definitely a return buyer. You cannot go wrong -- you get an excellent product for the price.

Review - Bourjois Paris Blush

Small, round, colorful ... veritable pots of happiness, Bourjois Pastel Joues cause all the cheeks on this earth to blush with pleasure! Thanks to the exclusive Bourjois manufacturing process, the unique micro-pearl texture allows for an exceptionally light, powder blusher with a soft velvety texture. Presented in colorful round pots that match the shade inside, a shaped brush is also included.

I have the Rose D'or color, which is described as a golden rose petal shimmer. My skin is very pale and I am blond, so I have to be gentle with blush because it can be too heavy for my fair skin. This blush is so different from other, matte powder blushes, because it adds a hint of shimmer, and stays light so you don't look overly made up. It comes with a brush inside the little pot, which I suppose could be used in a pinch, but I prefer to use a larger powder brush so that it doesn't go on too thick. After I use this blush I just look sort of dewy cheeked and fresh. I love that look! It is a super convenient small size, but a little goes a really long way. I have had mine for a few months and it really doesn't even look like I have scratched the surface! I would definitely give this beautiful blush a try if you haven't found a wonderful blush yet.

Review - Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush

• Air-whipped formula provides softly luminous, air-soft color on cheeks
• Glides on silky smooth and blends easily for seamless color and a natural, radiant finish
• Comfortable, long-wearing formula will not clog pores
• Dermatologist tested and hypoallergenic
• Oil free
• Fragrance free
this is, hands down, my favorite blush. I'm not the best at putting on powder blush, i tend to stripe it so I look more like a warrior than rosy cheeked.... And this blush is great for avoiding that. I put a teeny bit on my finger tip, smile so the apples of my cheeks stick out, and rub it on the apples in a circular motion. It never fails! the blush goes on smooth, doesn't clump or smear/streak, stays all day, and has a shimmer to it that makes dry skin look less matte and dried out.

Review - Maybelline Expert Wear Blush

This powder blush comes in soft color-true shades that last for hours and hours.

• Silky smooth formula keeps skin looking fresh
• Streak-, smudge- and crease-resistant

I normally don't use powder blushes, I use creme/cream blushes because my sensitive and often dry skin holds onto the matte powder blushes too much and makes me look a little clownish if I'm not super careful. This 'expert wear' blush by Maybelline actually went on really subtly and clean looking, and lasted through an entire work day with only one reapplication (admittedly after running out in the rain). I think it's great and you can't beat the price.