Max Factor Creme Puff Blushes Review + Swatches

When I spotted the Max Factor Creme Puff Blushes in the aisles of Boots, I was immediately drawn in and, after swatching up a storm, I took three of the six in the range to the till. I'm well and truly a sucker for marbled powders, so how could I resist? Just look at them! As soon as I laid eyes on them, I was instantly reminded of the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blushes and it turns out that they're the ideal, drugstore dupe. Not only do they look practically identical, with the beautiful, swirled effect, but the soft-focus, lustrous finish is similar, too. I do still prefer the Hourglass formula as it's very hard to beat, but these make a great, cheaper option.

I can remember my grandmother using the Max Factor Creme Puff Powder for years, so when I initially saw the name of these blushes, I was slightly confused. They definitely don't have a cream consistency, but they do have the smooth texture and brightening effect that the original, powder makeup has. That seems to be where the similarity ends, though.

The range includes six colours to suit all skin-tones and tastes, offering shades that will look gorgeous year-round. Merging two tones of colour with a finely-milled shimmer, each shade gives the skin a luminous glow that looks lit from within. Acting like a highlighter and blush in one, the colour can be lightly applied for a faint flush or layered for a stronger, intense rush. Having a light, baked formula, these blushes are soft and velvety, but don't surround you in a haze of chalky dust whenever you swirl your brush onto them, like baked powders usually do. Even the palest shade in the line-up has a hearty amount of pigment to it, but thanks to the soft texture, they're easily blend-able. If you end up applying too much, it takes minimal effort to buff out any harsh streaks. The wear-time is average, with the colour lasting as long as most, powder blushes. Even when the colour starts to fade after around five hours, a hint of shimmer remains.

Nude Mauve is a blend of pale, baby pink and a darker, dusky rose that has a mauve undertone. On the cheek, it adds a subtle wash of warmth, without being too overpowering. Easy to wear, it's a colour that doesn't need too much thought and goes with any look. The perfect shade to pair with a bold lip or eye, it adds a radiance and some definition, without drawing attention away from the statement makeup. So far, it's been the shade I've worn the most and I don't think that will change anytime soon.

Seductive Pink combines a brighter, hot pink and veins of a softer peach, which prevents it from being too blue-toned and cool on the skin. In need of a pick-me up? This blush perks up a dull, tired face in seconds. I don't tend to wear pinks as much as peaches or bronzy shades, but as this has a golden shimmer to it, it's much more flattering on my skin.

Alluring Rose is predominantly a deep terracotta with swirls of soft coral. I think the shade-name is slightly off the mark with this one; rather than having a pink hue usually associated with rose, it leans a lot more orangey-brown. It may look scary in the pan, but when swept onto the face it adds a bronzed glow. Adding a healthy colour, it gives paler skin an outdoor flush, but it will emphasize a tan and flatter darker skins beautifully, too. Out of the three I picked, this is the most pigmented and it can end up looking rather severe if you apply too much, especially on lighter skin-tones. So, make sure to add just a touch at a time and blend well.

Max Factor Creme Puff Blush Swatches - Nude Mauve, Seductive Pink & Alluring Rose

As I've come to expect with Max Factor, the individual compacts look classy and expensive, but they've updated that boring, navy plastic look that their products used to have. I love that the lids are clear, making it easy to differentiate between shades. At £8.99 each, they aren't the cheapest blushes that you'll find on the high-street, but they're much more special than the average and the formula rivals similar blushes from high-end brands.

What do you think of the Max Factor Creme Puff Blushes?

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