Sonia Kashuk’s new Creme Blushes are like buttah, baby. These highly pigmented blushes ($8.99 each — hello, bargain!) feel so soft and creamy to the touch that I’m tempted to grab a knife and spread ’em on toast. I think all three shades are truly bee-yoo-tiful. They pack plenty o’ color for my cheeks and produce a fabulous dewy finish.
Sold exclusively at the House of Tar-ghay (aka Target), these shimmer-free blushes are surprisingly wearable considering how highly pigmented they are. I used a single layer to give my cheeks a natural flush and two layers to creates a bolder pop of color.
I wore two layers of Rosey for my look today.
The three shades, from left to right:
- Rosey: pink-coral
- Petal: cool rose-pink
- Ginger: warm orange-brown
I’ve been wearing these blushes separately for the past few days. To apply them I’ve used Sonia’s Flat Top Blusher Brush ($14.99). The synthetic fiber brush head grabs just enough color and fits nicely onto the apples of my cheeks.
First, I applied foundation followed by a layer of Creme Blush and a dusting of loose powder. I followed it up with a second layer of Creme Blush atop the loose powder.
A layer of powder blush will set Creme Blush, giving it a bit more staying power. On my combo oily/dry skin, Creme Blush by itself lasts about four hours, comparable to how long other cream blushes that I’ve tried have lasted.
To push Creme Blush beyond its limits, I’ll reapply around halfway through the day, swiping a finger across the pan and dabbing and blending a little more product onto my cheeks. The compact comes with a small sponge brush, which certainly works in a pinch, but I ended up throwing mine out because it seemed to cause some streaking.
If I’d tried to use Sonia’s Creme Blushes a few years ago when my skin was oilier than it is now, I doubt I would have liked them as much as I do. They’re emollient-rich, and I have a feeling they would have slid right off my uber-oily skin.
Sonia Kashuk Creme Blush
Price: $8.99
Use: As a cream blush by itself or layered underneath powder
Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A
Can you believe each of these huge pans of blush costs just $8.99? I couldn’t believe these were budget friendly when I spotted the sleek, minimalist packaging. I think they look more expensive than they really are.
And they’re not just easy on your wallet; Creme Blush was developed without testing on animals.
I like these blushes and hope more colors show up soon. C’mon, Sonia! You better get on it, girl.
I checked the Target site online but couldn’t find Sonia Kashuk Creme Blushes for sale (pooh!). They should be available, however, from your favorite Target store.
Whew! I have no idea where today went. It went by in the blink of an eye! Now I’m going to unwind for an hour or so at dance class.
How was your afternoon? Is it just me, or did today fly by in a hurry?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Bridget says
May 7th, 2008 at 8:32 pmI was hoping you wouldn’t review these…. because now I must buy. They look kind of scary when you seem them in the package. Scary in that the color looks really strong, but seeing them on you and your arm make them much more buyable.haha
Hmm… I think I’ll try petal! I want it to look like I just came inside after being in the snow, and I think that will do it. Thanks for the good review!
Dao says
May 7th, 2008 at 8:46 pmI’m thinking of buying that flat top brush for mineral makeup. You make me wanna go to Target in the middle of the night haha. Actually I can’t sleep, so I’m here at your website 🙂
Miss Gisele B. says
May 7th, 2008 at 9:23 pmMy God Karen,
These blush colours are FANTASTIC! They are so fresh and perfect for the coral trends for spring and summer 2008!
Great find!
Miss Gisele B.
Miss Gisele B.s last blog post..NARS Cosmetics Exotica: Summer 2008 make-up collection
Karen says
May 7th, 2008 at 9:53 pmHi Bridget,
Yes, they do look quite frightening in the pans! But you’ll be impressed once you get them on, for sure.
Petal is a great choice (it’s my favorite). Pop a coral powder blush on top of it when you get it! It might be really pretty. 🙂
Are you a Sonia makeup fan? This is my first batch and probably NOT my last. 🙂 Whee! I love a good deal!
Karen says
May 7th, 2008 at 9:53 pmHi Dao,
Awww, you poor thing! I hate having insomnia… 🙁 If I could I’d send you some chamomile tea! It’s the best for those nights when I can’t seem to wind down.
Regarding that brush: it’s AWESOME. It’s gonna be reviewed soon, but in a nutshell, I LOVE it!
Get to sleep soon! G’night!
Karen says
May 7th, 2008 at 9:53 pmHi Gisele,
Yup! They’re wonderful, and so affordable too! Do you think you’ll pick any up?
Jeanne says
May 7th, 2008 at 10:26 pmWoo! Sonia Kashuk! I just bought some of her eye shadow brushes the last time I was in Target — not bad! I have ’em in my little make-up case now. I got the double-ended one and then a normal shadow brush. I’m looking forward to reading what you think!
Jeannes last blog post..Florals in the Garden
i♥makeup says
May 7th, 2008 at 10:34 pmAll three shall be mine, they should be great under blushes…Ooooohhh I can just see it.
I want to see them on your gorgeous face, post some pics with them on your pretty cheeks Karen!!
<3
i♥makeups last blog post..Make-up Trend: Mushroom Eye Shadow
Shefali says
May 7th, 2008 at 10:35 pmDude I’m so buying one of these. It’s great for my budget and they look like they’ll give that I-just-left-the-gym flush. Always good for the summer!
Fia says
May 7th, 2008 at 10:51 pmHi Karen!
by the way I love your blog, it’s humorous and helps me save money while spending it too but only on the worthy stuff… anywho I know that this might seem random and a lil late in posting, but I was wondering if you thought Next-to-Nothing was similar to NN’s Shore Leave cuz I’m contemplating whether I should keep my Shore Leave. 😛
lindsay says
May 8th, 2008 at 12:49 ami love that ginger color! it looks like it’ll give you that just-excersised look without the exercise(: if there was a target here i’d totally buy it. i guess i’m gonna stock up next time i go to the mainland!
carla says
May 8th, 2008 at 5:28 amsounds great but my only love would always remain Diorblush so silky and smooth with awsome quality. I’ve tried body shop creamy blush and it was good. I’ve chanel naroli too. Haven’t you tried mac beauty poder in shy beauty? I wanna buy that stuff
Nikki says
May 8th, 2008 at 6:08 amthanks for the post, though it’s out of topic..your nails look HOT!
Nikkis last blog post..Askmewhats Reviews: CoverGirl Eye Enhancers
beautytalk says
May 8th, 2008 at 7:16 amI got that brush recently and I absolutely love it! I was wondering when I read your FOTD post yesterday if you had used an old cheek product or were going to give us a new review. I should’ve known you’d never let us down!
beautytalks last blog post..Pigment Love!
Glosslizard says
May 8th, 2008 at 7:54 amI am so over-saturated with blushes right now! I have more than I can possibly use, and I just picked up MAC’s beauty powder blush in Sweetness! Talk about scary in the pan! I swear, 3 particles of that blush on my fan brush gives me a luminous, natural pink glow! I’m still a little scurred of it, but we’re coming to an understanding!
Perversely, I’m still deeply craving Chanel’s Narcisse blush! Grrr….
I’m gonna have to talk MAC brushes with you someday! Y’know, my biggest gripe with them is that naming system! I can never envision what “brush number XYZ” looks like or is supposed to do!
Megan says
May 8th, 2008 at 9:31 amGirl…I think I’m going to have to pick up petal. I think I’m starting to catch your blush habit. NARS Orgasm is what I think set me off. Now I have Sin too… which I’m in love with.
Amanda says
May 8th, 2008 at 9:40 amoh i love rosey! so summery, glad to hear of a great bargin buy. thanks for the good review.
Tanya says
May 8th, 2008 at 9:55 amPetal looks delicious!!! Thanks for reviewing these- I haven’t seen these in store yet but I may have to pick one up next time!
Dao says
May 8th, 2008 at 10:41 amKaren, you need to be proud of me. I used 7 colors today on my lids, woo hoo! The brown matte I used was “Vintage Wine” from Clinique. It’s not truly matte but it’s the least shimmery eyeshadow that I have 😀
Of the 7 colors, I used 3 colors from Avon’s 8-in-1 palette. It’s awesome! A bit more powdery than MAC but pigmentation is the same. Thanks for your chart, the application is surprisingly easy.
Last night after reading your entries, I slept like a baby. I’ve been under the weather for the past couple of days and last night I just needed my Makeup and Beauty Blog fix haha.
I think I’m getting that brush soon. Kabuki brush doesn’t give me such a good coverage anymore. Flat-tops probably do a much better job. Have you used it to apply powder foundation yet?
Also, how do you organize your stash? My makeup is growing, especially the brushes. I need to find a way to store them properly 😀
Amy Scott says
May 8th, 2008 at 1:05 pmI always love my trips to Target! I will have to pick these up.
On another note-I love Joyous blush from MAC (of course.) I call it the miracle worker because it can brighten a greyed out face from being up all night with a teething baby. I don’t think any blush could compare to that.
Thank goodness its Thursday already. Have a great one!
Amy
Karen says
May 8th, 2008 at 2:56 pmHi Jeanne,
So far I’m really loving on the Kashuk Tools brushes. They are so soft and perform great for the price. I am stoked about trying more of her makeup. 🙂
Happy Thursday!
Karen says
May 8th, 2008 at 2:56 pmHi Iheartmakeup,
You’re so right! I am wearing Rosey under Nars Amour today! I’d put a picture up but my hair’s looking pretty thrashed, LOL.
How’s your day been?
Karen says
May 8th, 2008 at 2:56 pmHi Shefali,
Yah, girl! They are fantastic. Which one do you think you’ll pick up?
Karen says
May 8th, 2008 at 2:56 pmHi Fia,
Thanks girl! Okay, hmn… my skin Shore Leave looked cooler, more white, and had more sparkle than Next to Nothing. NTN is much more subtle and just a touch pink on me.
Have you used your Shore Leave yet? What do you think so far?
Karen says
May 8th, 2008 at 2:57 pmHi Lindsay,
Oh yah! I forget that you guys don’t have a Tar-ghay! Last time I saw my relatives in Feb (in Vegas, nonetheless) we were with some other folks from Hawaii and they all went crazy at the non-Hawaii stores – Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works…
Karen says
May 8th, 2008 at 2:57 pmHi Carla,
Yes, I have. It’s great! You should get it – the Beauty Powder Blushes are fantastic.
Karen says
May 8th, 2008 at 2:57 pmHi Nikki,
LOL, that’s the crazy green nail polish, L8R G8R! It’s not my usual style but I’m really liking it. 🙂
Karen says
May 8th, 2008 at 2:57 pmHi Beautytalk,
GIRL! That brush rules. I tried it with powder blush today just for fun and it’s great for putting concentrated color on the applies of the cheeks!
What’s new with you?
Karen says
May 8th, 2008 at 2:58 pmHi Glosslizard,
I’m all over talking shop over MAC brushes! Mine are so ancient that the numbers on the side are worn down, but I can always tell which one it is just by looking at the brush head. Yup, good times.
Sweetness is very pretty! Are you using your fan brush with it?
Karen says
May 8th, 2008 at 2:58 pmHi Megan,
I thoroughly support your blush habit 🙂 and hope to feed the fire! WHEEE!
So get this: I can’t wear NARS Orgasm. I know! It doesn’t read well on my skin…
NARS does have some of the best blushes out there, though. You get so much in the pan and you barely have to use any.
Karen says
May 8th, 2008 at 2:58 pmHi Amanda,
You’re welcome! Petal is very pretty and you will love it on its own and paired with a powder blush (at least I hope you do!!!).
Are you a cream blush fan?
Karen says
May 8th, 2008 at 2:58 pmHi Tanya,
You’re welcome! Are you a Sonia fan?
Karen says
May 8th, 2008 at 2:58 pmHi Dao,
WOW! I am impressed with your shadow skillz! 🙂 So glad that the chart came in handy… gotta give a lil’ something to my ladies that are visual learners!
I’m sorry you haven’t been feeling too good! I hope you’re on your way to recovery and that you feel all better soon.
So I haven’t tried the flat top yet with powder foundation, but now that you mention it I’m going to have to give it a go. I have my MAC Mineralize Loose sitting on my desk so I will try it with that and see if magic happens. (Crosses fingers!)
My stash is sooooo not organized. Seriously, girl, it’s all over the place. Like, a few palettes/pencils/compacts/tubes ago it was kinda cute finding makeup in strange places (somehow a NARS blush ended up in El Hub’s truck!), but now it has officialy gotten OUT OF CONTROL. Sigh.
For the brushes, I just end up putting them in pretty glasses. I also have several jelly jars with French writing on them which I think are kinda quirky and cute. I try to separate the brushes by brand, which helps me a ton. I stick the glasses on a tray or in a box to keep ’em all in one place! Hope this helps!
Karen says
May 8th, 2008 at 2:58 pmHi Amy Scott,
I have Joyous too! Isn’t it pretty? It is definitely a miracle worker.
Aww, poor teething baby! How old is he/she?
Glosslizard says
May 8th, 2008 at 7:22 pmOh yeah, fan brush city! Sweetness is potent! When I tried it on at the MAC store, the MA actually picked some up on her brush, and then brushed my cheek with the opposite side of the brush, so that only the blush that sifted through all the fibers got onto my cheeks to leave a light, pretty flush! I still prefer the fan brush though, because of the way it molds itself to my cheekbones making getting a sculpted look a breeze!
Shefali says
May 8th, 2008 at 10:04 pmHey Karen! I think I’m going to try Petal. Going to Tar-ghay tomorrow!
i♥makeup says
May 8th, 2008 at 10:47 pmMy day’s been pretty good, had my last final today which was great. Then constructed a list of some major haulage on Sunday with a friend. JUst when I thought I didnt need another brush and there u go shoving the brush in my face Ms. Karen.
i♥makeups last blog post..Deepika Padukone’s Maybelline Ads
lindsay says
May 8th, 2008 at 11:23 pmhaha yep, everytime i go to the mainland i go crazy and buy everything in those stores!
Susan says
May 9th, 2008 at 10:05 amOk, what is that crazy, cool nail color u r rockin?
Jesse says
December 9th, 2010 at 4:38 pmHave you tries the sheer liquid tint by Sonia? Do you prefer one over the other in terms of staying power?