What are you, Tom Ford?! Some kind of makeup psychic? Because how else could you have known that I’ve been desperately seeking an ’80s-style blush to wear with my power blazer (the one with the big shoulder pads) and slouchy leg warmers?
Your new Cheek Color in Narcissist ($55) is a veritable spectacle of intense fuchsia! — and it’s the first product from your new fall collection that I can honestly call a full-blown obsession.
And frankly, I’m surprised I like it as much as I do.
Why? Because it doesn’t exactly scream “natural-looking cheeks,” and if I accidentally apply too much, well, have you ever heard of Baby Jane?
If I’m careful, though, and get the application just right — that is, if I sweep my fan brush across the pan just once, and then dilute the color by swiping it across a paper towel before lightly dusting the brush on my cheeks — I love it. I get bright, radiant cheeks that last and last and last.
It reminds me of the way I looked a few years ago at the precise moment when I finished a half marathon…except without all of the perspiration and wicked chafing. There was a faint sheen all over my face, and my cheeks were flushed and bright.
So, whom is it for? Well, if you tend to like bright blushes a la MAC Frankly Scarlet, Dollymix and NARS Taos, and if you’re comfortable paying a premium for your beauty products, don’t miss Narcissist before you give it a try.
What else can you tell me about Narcissist?
- You know how some blushes look like they’re just sitting on top of your skin? Yeah, this doesn’t do that. We’re talking very finely milled.
- I absolutely the light sheen finish. It’s neither too shiny, nor too matte.
- Talk about universally flattering. I’d bet that just about anyone could wear this, but I have a feeling darker damsels will think it’s extra great.
- It certainly isn’t a bargain, but at least a little goes a long way.
For an elegant look with a splash of panache, I like to lightly dust Narcissist on the apples of my cheeks, swipe a black or navy liquid liner along my upper lash line, and pat a matte pink or fuchsia lipstick on my lips.
But to go full-on ’80s with it, I’ll sweep Narcissist just below my cheekbones using a heavier hand, and incorporate strong eyes and lips…completing the look with leg warmers, a Walkman and big hair, of course. 🙂
I only wish that Tom would drop his prices a little, but I gotta say, I do love that man for finally giving me a blush I can wear when I want to look like an extra in a Culture Club video (one of these days, remind me to tell you about my Boy George phase).
PRICE: $55
AVAILABILITY: Available now at Neiman Marcus stores and neimanmarcus.com
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B+
Mwah!
That was me blowing you a kiss. 🙂
How’s your day coming along? Are you at school right now, home or work? Mine’s going fine, but it does seem like everything’s taking longer than usual… I’m kinda having one of those days (but I’m not going to be hard on myself).
Oh! I got a new song stuck in my head — Pink’s Blow Me (One Last Kiss). It was playing when I clicked on the TV to check the weather this morning.
Pretty fun video. I love the grainy black and white, and I dig the ethereal effect where it’s like you’re watching someone’s dream. I love that last scene where you see Pink and her friend floating up into the sky…
I gotta say, Pink has some catchy “Screw you, rotten boys!” anthems.
In other random news, I just realized that we have absolutely no more rolls of toilet paper in the house, and now I’m freaking out. Seriously, what if the zombie apocalypse started tonight?! I’d be so doomed.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Tanisa says
Its such a gorgeous blush, I think I need it. 🙂
Karen says
Hi Tanisa,
It would look great on your skin tone. 🙂 Have you tried Tom Ford’s blushes before?
varsha says
Gorgeous,have been really missing your pretty face..was that a long gap?
So are you running to store now..LOL
Karen says
Naw, just a few days! Last week was very busy with the trip to SoCal. Traveling always makes pics challenging.
LOL, as a matter of fact, I’m thinking of going to Trader Joe’s to get some dinner! I’m too lazy to cook.
Teri says
Wow, talk about love on first sight! It’s an amaaaazing shade! I totally believe you when you say it’s universally flattering and yes that subtle sheen is just perfect! I really really wished they would seel TF cosmetics here because I would buy this in a heartbeat!
Karen says
Hi Teri,
I hope the line makes it out your way soon. You’d love it!
Heidi says
Ooh, I would definitely have to use a very, very light hand to make this blush work for my skintone! Pretty, though….
When I went to Trader Joe’s the other day, there was so much new stuff! Pumpkin everywhere! I picked up the carton of pumpkin soup, pumpkin spice tea, and the “Pumpkin Walked into a Bar” bars. Oh, and I saw some new chocolate hazelnut cookies that I’m sure you would have NO interest in, Karen…. ; )
Karen says
For sure you’d need a fan brush! Or maybe Missy’s tail? Just kidding, Missy!
YOWZA, it sounds like I need to get myself to TJ’s ASAP. Have you had the pumpkin spice tea and soup yet? They both sound delish. And oh gosh…my muffin top thanks you for mentioning the chocolate hazelnut cookies. 😀
Kristina says
Narcissist is one of those colors that is so gorgeous in the pan that I’m tempted to never touch because it is so beautiful to look at!
Karen says
Gosh, I know! I could easily put this on a shelf and stare at it forever. 🙂
Are you a Tom Ford Beauty fan, Kristina? What are your faves from the line?
Alison says
Gorgeous! You look fabulous. It reminds me a bit of Nars Desire, which on me gives me that flush like I was just outside in the Snow. Popped by TJs tonight, picked up Pumpkin Cream Cheese, OMG.
Karen says
You’re the second person to mention pumpkin madness at TJs. I need to go ASAP!
Tracy@Beauty Reflections says
I had a pair of really great dressy pants in that blush colour about 1987 as I recall! They were great! This looks like a really fun blush colour! Although, it might be too much with my hair!
Karen says
NICE! I hope you wore them with a big bow in your hair.
Marina says
I can’t wait to see what look you will create with the cream eye shadows. I am not a fan of pop music, but I love Pink. And this song, too. It’s not bad for working out actually 🙂
Karen says
Hi Marina,
I’ll have one up in the next few days. 🙂
And yes, this song is great for working out. I listened to it on the treadmill this morning!
Nina says
Oh pretty, and the color is something id totally wear too. 🙂
Mwah to you and Tabs, with some purrs and yips from my fur family too!
Karen says
You could wear it with one of your bright Marilyn lippies!
Tabs is currently going through an “I hate you, Mom” phase. He’s been ignoring me all morning. You know how it goes.
Jennifer says
I’m light to medium, so I’m not sure it would work for me but WOW does it really look stellar on you! Completely brightens your face! Tom Ford can really do no wrong!
Karen says
Hi Jennifer,
You could do this blush! You’d just really have to make sure to take off almost all the product from your fan brush. 🙂
OrangeLipstickBlog says
Cute video! I love Pink’s little black mask thing at the wedding.
Karen says
Me too! It looks like lace applique, almost!
Kim says
Ah, the 80s. They always bring a smile to my face. 🙂 I’m not super excited about the blush but Plum Absolute for Eyes definitely caught my attention. And it’s not even brown! Hope you had a good time in SoCal – I love visiting there. Oh, and is it just me or is Tom Ford uber-creepy in that pic? Shiver.
Karen says
Haha! Yeah, he does look a little scary, now that I think about it. Try not to dream about him tonight!
SoCal was good. The trip was so quick! Flew in, flew out. Wish I had more time, but Tabs refused to approve my vacation request. 😉
I’m surprised that you’re kinda liking the Plum Absolute. One of these days we’ll jolt you outta your brown phase. I have faith in the universe that it WILL happen!