Achieve a bright, luminous glow with Clinique Fresh Bloom Allover Colour. Not only does this versatile product deliver a healthy finish to the skin, it also just happens to look adorable!
The Beauty of Blush
It's unusual to find a powder blush that might actually be considered complex. Think about it: They're usually just small compacts of pressed powder in various shades of pinks, reds, plums or peaches. Swipe a brush across it, run it over your cheeks and you're done. Though I put effort into making sure my blush is properly applied, it's not difficult to admit that most blushes are, by and large, pretty boring to look at.
The more adventurous colors, crazy oranges and wild fuchsias infused with shimmer, for example, are wonderful but also fairly unbecoming for the average woman. They have their time and place, but they aren't versatile or reliable for everyday use. Other blushes fulfill that purpose nicely.
Given that blush is probably the least exciting element of my beauty routine, I was thrilled when I came across the Clinique Fresh Bloom Allover Colour. It does more than just deposit color onto my cheeks; it highlights my entire face, offers me several color options and is highly pigmented. The result is a multifunctional product that is truly an asset to my makeup collection.
What Makes it Unique
This little compact caught my eye primarily because of its aesthetic appeal. A large blooming flower motif is pressed into the powder and arranged in two colors that complement the powder's main color. In other words, some of the compact is taken up by the flower, which has large, medium-tone petals and a darker colored bud. The rest of the compact features a lighter powder.
Needless to say, it's a beautiful embellishment that gives new life to what would otherwise be an ordinary, run-of-the-mill blush. This, however, also is not just a blush! Though it imparts deep color thanks to its high level of pigmentation, it also provides a radiant, luminous glow to the rest of the face. Use it as a highlighter to draw subtle attention to the face, neck and even décolletage.
Color Selection
Though basic blushes are usually formulated in a wide spectrum of colors, Fresh Bloom is available in just four. These shades, though, just happen to be universally flattering for nearly all skin types. I received three to try and sampled the fourth in store. I was sold almost immediately, thanks in great part to the universality of the hues.
- Posy, a subtle pink with a nude-based undertone, is probably the most versatile shade of all. It imparts the softest flush of color and looks natural and fresh.
- Almond Blossom is a warm, caramel-based hue flecked with champagne shimmer.
Beautiful to wear throughout summer, it enhances a tan and makes fair skin look alive.
- Peony is a shimmery, peachy-pink hue that wears well year-round. Despite its peach tones, it left a more rosy finish on my skin.
- Plum Poppy may look a bit dark, but don't be fooled. Use a light hand to dust this bold berry powder on and you'll enjoy a deep but natural glow.
Don't let the prospect of shimmer scare you off. It's subtle, and doesn't actually show up on the skin; instead, it lends the product the radiance that you'll immediately see once the product is applied.
Applying Clinique Fresh Bloom Allover Colour
I love using sturdy kabuki or blush brushes to apply highlighters. It offers more precise color delivery and really allows me to blend the color to its most natural finish. A simple swipe of color across the cheekbones, temples, nose and chin, using a light hand, is a great way to reap this product's benefits quickly. You'll see a difference immediately (that's something that can't be said for most highlighters), which occasionally require far too much buildup.
Take advantage of the product's multiple uses and apply it as an eye shadow, too! Use the lightest shade all over the lid. The "bud" color, typically the darkest, is a great shade to use in the crease. Finally, dust the medium shade (or the "petals") on the outer corners of the eye. Your lids will look luminous!
The Verdict
Needless to say, I'm a faithful fan of this product now! It delivers results without much effort, which is perfect for anyone who's pressed for time or simply doesn't have the patience to do a full face every day. There's good news for existing fans of this product, too: Though it was introduced as a limited edition item, Clinique has promised fans it will remain as part of the regular line due to its immense popularity.
