clinique cheek pops

This review is a bit overdue as Clinique's Cheek Pops line (and the new spring additions) have been out for a quite a while, but in my defense, I did buy and photograph these as soon as they were available to Sephora VIB Rouges... I'm just posting the review now. I purchased two new shades, Pansy Pop and Melon Pop, in addition to Plum Pop, because I wanted something to compare Pansy Pop and I don't have anything else like it in my collection.

Plum Pop is a clean, bright cool-toned pink that would be the perfect blush to perk up your complexion when it's looking a bit dull, or when you want to add a bit of excitement to a simple, everyday mascara-and-lip balm look. This was the most pigmented out of the three, and in my opinion, the most universally flattering.

Melon Pop is the perfect creamy coral-peach that always appears in vintage pastel photographs. This one is my favorite of the bunch, and one of my favorite blush shades overall; I've gifted this to two girlfriends! It's similar to Mac's Royal Sunset (another favorite) in the packaging, but Mac's Royal Sunset is much more pink when swatched.

Pansy Pop, a brightened lilac with pink undertones, was the blush I was most excited for. However, because the pink undertones are quite strong, it registers as more of a medium, cool-toned pink than the brightening wash of purple I was looking for. It's a pretty color nevertheless, and pairs well with Benefit's Lollitint.

These are some of the best blushes I've tried. They are undoubtedly the most finely milled powers I've ever had the privilege of rubbing my greedy paws on, and oh boy, have I tried a lot. They almost don't feel even feel like powders, since there is no powderiness at all -- just an unbelievable smoothness that deposits a sheeny veil of color. There's no visible shimmer (I did see very subtle silver shimmer in Plum Pop, but it's not noticeable once applied) in these blushes, but they leave the most beautiful subtle glow. The only way I can describe it is that these have the same effect on your skin as polishing does on metal.

However, as with all products, these aren't perfect. The wear time left something to be desired, as they disappeared within four hours. However, my blushes never last on my skin, and I don't use a primer, so this may not be a problem for many. Also, Pansy Pop and Melon Pop are quite sheer, but I personally love the translucent finish, as I prefer a cleaner finish to the skin, much like how Korean actresses wear their makeup -- just enough color in the cheeks to appear healthy, but not heavy enough to register as makeup.

At just $22 a pop (sorry, couldn't resist), I'd say these are the perfect low-budget gift for any female in your life; even just looking at the gorgeous embossed daisy makes me happy.