Hourglass Cosmetics Aura Sheer Cheek Stain

“When a girl ceases to blush, she has lost the most powerful charm of her beauty.”  ~St. Gregory

Fear not–you never have to lose your ability to blush with the plethora of products on the market.  But with the warm months upon us, some brands of powder blush may not be up to long days of wear (especially with more time outside, perspiration, and fewer chances for touch-ups).  They can disappear on you or–even worse–cake and look artificial.  Some cheek stains can be harsh and are difficult to apply.  Enter Hourglass Cosmetics’ “Aura Sheer Cheek Stain” ($38.00 at Sephora)  Like the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders and Visionaire Eye Shadows, this blush is the highest quality available.  It comes in three shades, “Flush” (berry/pink), “Petal” (peachy pink), and “Rouge” (soft plum).

The Color and Texture

I chose to purchase “Flush” first because it is a cheery pop of color for this sunny season (I plan to collect the other two).  It is reminiscent of watermelon.  The color can be a tad hard to obtain the first time you use it, but you just may wind up wth arms as toned as Madonna’s or Michelle Obama’s.  You need to twist it at least twenty times or more before you see a hint of the hue peek through on the sponge top.  This is a unique, lightweight, water-based gel, free of harmful Phthalates, Triclosan (just in the news this week for its harmful effects), GMO’s, and synthetic fragrances.  It works for dry, combination, and oily, blemish-plagued complexions.  Less is more here.  Begin with just a tiny dot of the gel on cleansed fingers and apply to the apples of your cheeks, quickly and gently blending in circular motions upward toward cheekbones.  If you desire a greater depth of color, simply repeat the process.  The result is nothing less than spectacular–a natural, translucent glow in any light, even in the brutal, unforgiving light of morning.

The Long Wear

I decided to try this blush without primer or foundation (temporary insanity, to be sure).  My husband, friends, and I took a group of young children out for pizza and a long afternoon/evening of play.  I am no longer twenty; this was more of a workout for me than it was for the little ones!  Lifting, carrying, running, searching, and photographing left me wilted, my hair tousled in an unruly manner.  But when I went into the ladies’ room, I was still sporting a flattering flush that I had applied many hours earlier; the color simply did not budge.  Like the other Hourglass products, you have to ask yourself if spending $38.00 on a blush is fiscally responsible.  I say yes, as this tube will last a long time and the product gives stunning results.  Kudos to Hourglass on amazing products; I am obviously becoming addicted to them!