Reader Question: Budget Blushes

Today I have a reader question that came from my sister!  She sent me a text with a picture of her Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes tube saying that she had picked it up (on my recommendation) and was loving both the mascara and the Baby Lips.  Sweet!  Then she sent me a follow up text:

“I need a recommendation for a good, reasonably priced blush, please :) ”

Sure thing, sis!  Now, I’m going to admit that I haven’t tried any of these out yet myself BUT I do read a lot of beauty blogs and these blushes pop up all over.  Blush is one of the few things that I’ve always stuck to high-end for, but I’m getting interested in some of these budget options!  So, here are my picks for budget blushes!  

Jordana Color Tint Blush Stick - $2.99 (Buy here)

Photo taken from Jordana's website

Stick blushes are all the rage right now.  You simply swipe them on and blend them out with your fingertips.  (Of course, be careful if you also use powder.  You’ll want to put these on before powder application.)  These are a STEAL at $2.99.  I’m actually about to order almost all of them!  You can only get them on Jordana’s website but let’s all pray to the makeup gods that they’ll be available in drugstores soon, mmkay?!    

Milani Baked Bronzer - $7.99 (Buy here)

Photo taken from Milani's website

Oh, Milani.  I love your lipsticks and your nail polishes – I can’t tell you how much you tempt me with these baked bronzers.  (You say bronzers…but let’s just admit that you are a blush!)  These remind me so much of the super-expensive blushes that just came out in the MAC Heavenly Creatures collection.  I just couldn’t make myself spring for those, but I think I may have to have one of these to satisfy the craving!  

Milani Baked Blush in Fantastico

Photo taken from Milani's website

Look at that purple-y color!  Wowza!  

Milani Powder Mosaics Bronzer and Brightener - $7.99 (Buy here)

Photo taken from Milani's website

Another pretty from Milani.  These are lovely, but they don’t excite me as much as the Baked Bronzers.  These are another blush option that won’t break the bank.

L’Oreal Paris Project Runway Blush - $8.57 (Buy here)

Photo taken from Walmart's website

The Muse (from Musings of a Muse) raves about the Project Runway Blushes.  They are part of the Fall offerings coming up so keep your eye peeled for them at Wal-Mart and other drugstore-type places.  I know this link only shows you one blush, but I promise that there are new and exciting ones coming out for Fall.  I’ve seen pictures on other blogs but can’t seem to find any promotional images.  I’ll update y’all if I find something.

e.l.f. Studio Blush - $3 (Buy here)

Photo taken from e.l.f.'s website

Blush for $3?  I’ll take it.  The great thing about having a cheap blush is that you can afford to keep one at home and take one in your purse.  That way you can do touch-ups on the road.  I’ve heard good things about these babies and I like the color selection!  {EDIT:  My sister ordered three of these!}  

The Balm Frat Boy - $21 (Buy here or find it on sale for dirt cheap at T.J. MAXX)

Photo taken from The Balm's website

Here’s my final pick.  I know you’re looking at the price tag going, “Girl, you said BUDGET blushes!”  Well, let me tell you that I’ve seen The Balm products at T.J. Maxx for much cheaper!  So, if you have a T.J. Maxx nearby, you should definitely cruise the makeup aisle to see what’s hiding there.  I have wanted to buy The Balm products there so many times but always make myself resist.  However, Frat Boy is just so beautiful and I love the packaging!  If I saw it there, I’d nab it. 

I hope that helps and gets you thinking about some budget options for your stash!  What blush colors do you tend to like?  Baby pink?  Fuchsia?  Coral?  Red?  Do tell!

XOXO

-K

Email me at orangelipstickblog@gmail.com
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All items were purchased by Orange Lipstick for personal use and review purposes.

Mad about mattes

Recently I was talking to my dear friend, E, about the beauty of mattes.  I recently purchased a matte lipgloss (review forthcoming) and I’ve been particularly taken with how it looks on me.  E told me that she’s “rapidly swinging into a matte phase” and is “having trouble finding a good matte palette.”  Well, I couldn’t let the poor girl suffer without some good mattes in her life!

My first and most favorite recommendation would be the two mattes from the original Urban Decay Naked Palette.  They’re Buck and Naked and I LOVE them for creating a matte, natural eye.  It’s a simple eye look that allows you to wear bright lips or cheeks.  Me likey.  (Of course, this doesn’t solve her palette problem, but I thought I’d suggest two mattes I love!)  Click HERE to buy ($18 each for 0.05 oz).

 Urban Decay Buck

Urban Decay Naked

(Photos taken from Urban Decay’s website)

A palette with a good mix of matte neutrals and colors is The Balm’s Meet Matt(e) Eye Palette.  I really love the cute theme – The Balm always has such adorable stuff!  You can buy it at The Balm’s website for $34 dollars for 0.33 oz.  Also, you should check out Temptalia for her great review and swatches.

(Photo taken from The Balm’s website)

Another option is always Inglot.  I haven’t bought any of their shadows but I hear nothing but raves for them.  Plus, they have a gajillion matte options in all different colors of the rainbow.  (I mean, c’mon, they have a matte red!  If you can’t find the matte color you want from Inglot, I’m pretty sure it doesn’t exist!)  If you use their Freedom System, you can add in all the colors you want to create a custom palette!  Woo-hoo!  You can purchase from their website HERE.  Shadows range from $4.50 to $7.00 each for 0.09 oz

Inglot #366

(Photo taken from Inglot’s website)

A palette that I think is adorable is the Stila In the Know Eye Shadow Palette.  It’s $39 and comes with 10 matte shadows and one Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner!  That’s a pretty great value!  I really love the colors.  You can nab it HERE.

(Photo taken from Sephora.com)

Another option if you can’t find a matte is to build your own little stash from NYX.  They have 21 mattes to choose from and I’ve heard nothing but good stuff about them.  I’m particularly drawn to Covet and Haywire.  You can always choose to de-pot these and put them in a palette, if that’s your game.  Plus, they’re only $5 each so go crazy HERE!  

NYX Covet

(Photo taken from NYX’s website)

I hope this helps in everyone’s search for some good mattes!  I think matte so often equals neutral, which is why I’m drawn to the Inglot products.  I keep creating palettes on their website and then deleting from my cart because I’m SO indecisive.

How do you feel about mattes?  Love ‘em, leave ‘em?  What are your favorite mattes?

XOXO

-K

Feel free to email me at orangelipstickblog@gmail.com or tweet me at OrangeLipstickK