Blush Swatches: Stila, Victoria's Secret, CoverGirl & NYX

I don't know how many times I've tried looking up sample pictures of a particular shade of makeup and been unable to find some, especially for those of us with a little extra melanin to spare. To help those of you who've also encountered this little predicament, I've gone ahead and swatched my small (but ever growing) stash of blushes.

From left to right:

• Stila Color Push Up in Rose Flash
• Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Cheek & Lip Tint in Just Peachy
• CoverGirl Cheekers blush in Deep Rose
• NYX Powder Blush in Pecan

Rose Flash and Just Peachy are cream blushes, both packaged in neat, tiny deodorant-shaped containers. I like these not only for the cool packaging, but also for the sheer, natural flush each product offers. I haven't had any problems with either formula breaking my face out or looking oily as the day progresses; in fact, they both impart a nice dewy look, like I'm glowing from within. To up the color intensity--say, for an evening out--these blushes can serve as a base for your powder blushes. Layering the blushes like this also helps the color stay on longer, though I've never run into any issues with wear time sporting the cream blushes by themselves.

Deep Rose is the first blush I ever invested in, awww. The color looks bright and intimidating in the pan (think MAC Frankly Scarlet) but, provided you use a delicate hand, it applies quite naturally. I like using this shade during the winter months because it gives a nice, warm flush that brightens up my cheeks, keeping my face from looking too monotone.

I heard from a beauty board I frequent that NYX's Pecan blush is a good bronzer for ladies of color. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to find any great swatches of it online, so I gathered the cajones to go out and purchase it for myself. Not disappointed! This shade offers just a hint of color and gold shimmer, enough to make it look like you've been chilling poolside all day. This is also a good blush to use on days you don't feel like doing a "full" face. Pecan offers just enough color to liven your face up, but still looks like your wearing next to nothing on your cheeks. To up the drama of Pecan, I like to layer it over Just Peachy for a truly sunkissed look.

And that's all folks. Next up, I'll be swatching my collection of NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencils.

Stay tuned!