I’ve always been a champion of blush, even pre TikTok’s coquette-core extravaganza. But while I’m aware of the practical benefits of rouge (skin enlivening, healthier pallor, etc etc), my undying love of blush comes from a more decorative point of view.
Despite its near absence from the AW23 runways, in real life, the versatility of blush is what makes it an unsung hero of 2023's beauty micro trends from ballet and Barbiecore to latte make-up. In the same way that changing your shoes can instantly create a new vibe for your outfit, specific blush placement and colour can do the same for your make-up.
If your go-to look is some mascara and lipstick, a rosy blush on the lower area of your cheeks can create a romantic, painterly effect. A hue with warm orange undertones applied just under the eyes and across the nose, however, lends a sunkissed finish while a peachy-brown colour (see Nars Luster and MAC Coppertone) can subtly carve out cheekbones when dusted on the hollows of your face. Prefer something a little cooler ? Look to violet and yellow blushers. They sound unconventional, but applied with a light hand, they can lift the complexion while adding a playful touch of colour.
Red, on the other hand, is an uncharted territory in my blush repertoire. Thanks to post-acne scarring and an easily-inflamed skin type, my cheeks tend to take on a scarlet hue whenever it fancies but especially in warm temperatures, after spicy meals or if it feels even mildly irritated.
Putting red on red didn’t seem like a good idea. That was, until I discovered REFY’s cream blush in Cherry.
What sets the REFY blush apart?
In all honesty, it was the campaign imagery, which featured poppy cheeks on all ages and skin tones, that first drew me in.
For the uninitiated, REFY was founded by content creator Jess Hunt with the intention to create easy-to-use products in wearable colours. The brand is best known for its brow products, but as I've discovered, the blushers are a sleeper hit, too.
Given REFY’s philosophy, it didn’t surprise me that its Cherry blush melts into my complexion and works with the redness. The key lies in this particular shade of deep Cola red: there’s a cool neutral undertone here that seems to counter the warmth in my colouring. When applied on hydrated skin, the formula leaves a soft diffused colour on the cheeks. There's a slight tackiness to the cream texture which means it stays put even on oilier complexions and looks fresh without veering towards greasy.
Given that my current beauty mood is Cherry Girl Autumn™ (think cosy red knitwear, matching lipstick, fluttery lashes and flushed skin), this fits the brief perfectly when applied on the higher planes of my cheeks and underneath my base for a more ethereal finish. Using it on bare skin also means the blush and foundation - I typically go for a lighter coverage - look seamless.
The REFY Black Friday sale is still going strong 20% off everything sitewide. While you're there, the Lip Gloss and Lip Blush is worth adding to cart, too. The former feels nourishing on parched lips and imparts a glazed finish while the latter leaves a soft, bitten effect.
ELLE Edit: Refy Red Collection
