April 26, 2012

Revlon Photoready Cream Blush Review & Swatches

Revlon Photoready Cream Blush recently launched with the new Revlon Escapism Collection for Summer 2012. There are three shades available but I’m unsure if Revlon plans to keep these on as part of the general catalog or if they are available for a limited time only.

I’m making the big assumption these shades might run for a limited time for Summer and perhaps later in the Fall they’ll do a range of shades that will become part of the general catalog.

I’m just throwing ideas out there though.

I’ve read a few reviews comparing them to Bobbi Brown’s Potted Rouge but really, I’d skip over reviews that recommend them as a dupe for that product as these are vastly different.

Let’s take a look!

These come in little flat, chunky pots. If you’re not a fond fan of dipping your fingers into product you might be a little limited here as best application does come from fingers. I happen to be a bit of a germ-a-phobe myself so I do get a little antsy about sticking my fingers into a pot over and over again with bacteria on the loose, me no likey.

I really love the size on these. They are smaller than a potted rouge (packaging wise) from Bobbi but still house a whopping 0.44 oz of product. These will last you literally ages at that size so you do get a bang for your buck. I paid $10 bucks and change per a pot and I was scratching my head and kinda debating on the price a little bit as I felt it was a little too expensive but…mmmm..I tend to think that a lot with drugstore purchases. But reminding myself of the size I realize these are indeed a great little deal.

I love Revlon placed a sticker with the name of the product on the lid that was easy to remove. Underneath the sticker “Revlon” is printed on the top. Dontcha hate stickers, price tags, and labels on drugstore products that simply refuse to remove easily without leaving behind gook and gunk? These remove easy.

Problem though….

The bottom of the jar does not say the shade name. I thought it would have been best to print the name of the blush on the bottom because I’ll likely forget it in a month’s time. This was odd to me for some reason so you might want to keep that stick in place.

I picked up the two vibrant shades in the collection which were Coral Reed and Flushed. As you can see one is a popping orange coral and the other a fuchsia pink. To my relief they don’t apply that loud on my face…! They aren’t nearly as vibrant on skin as they are in the pot so this could prove disappointing or great depending what your finish of choice is. I’m a little heavy handed so it was nice that I could do several layers of product and still end up coming out of it looking perfect sans clown cheeks.

I found they apply naturally and leave behind a lovely flush. The color is lightweight with a pretty, pinched finish that can only be described as a natural flush on cheeks. Pigmentation is subtle, builds easily in the fact you can apply a ton and never look overly made up, BUT…isn’t crazy popping pigmented. So the color you’d expect to get when looking at the blush in the pot, isn’t exactly what you get after application.

They have a thin feel that’s almost semi-matte in texture but glides on easily. First swatch won’t produce too much color so build it up to at least four or five layers to get the best results. They have a semi-powder-y feel once on skin almost as if they formula is cream to powder but not completely…Probably doesn’t make sense but once you use them you’ll see my point.

Again, I think the subtly and sheerness of the product can prove disappointing particularly if you’re expecting something wow and getting something natural. I dare say that deeper skin tones will find they barely show up.

On the upside, they have a flawless finish that looks seamless on skin so really they do have a “photo ready” look. On the down side they lack tack you’d find in a higher end brand like say Bobbi Brown’s Potted Rouge which means the wear time is fairly short. On my drier skin I’m looking at two to three hours of wear before they show fading and if I go longer it’ll virtually disappear and my blush will be gone for the day.

(Flushed and Coral Reef)

Flushed


Coral Reef

Overall, Revlon Photoready Cream Blush have some interestingly good points about them. The cheaper price tag, lightweight formula, and lovely natural finish are all perks. However, the shorter wear time, lack of pigmentation, and a few quirks with the packaging definitely are a kill joy. If you like your blushes sheerer and don’t mind a touch up here and there throughout the day I recommend trying them out. However, if you’re seeking long wearing, vibrant blushes, these aren’t a great pick.

Flushed

Coral Reef

Available now at drugstores.

Tried ’em?

Left ’em?

Loved ’em?

Tell me!

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments

  • Sarah

    Those look bright and scary but you make them look amazing on you! I think I would just look like a harlot if I tried it out! HA.

  • Larie

    oooh, I like!!! They look like a great budget friendly cream blush option!

  • DJ

    I had a different experience with this product. I bought Flushed. All your points above I agreed with, but the wear time. I don’t have a dry cheek area . My application lasted around five hours. When I got home the tint was still visible. Maybe a bit more moisturizer on the cheek area will solve this problem. I love this product. I don’t get my elf blushes to last as long.

    • the Muse

      I have to prep more dj ;-D see if it helps the wear time!!!!!!!!!!

  • eleanor

    That coral reef looks fab on you!

    For some reason, I have really been enjoying the coral colors lately. Must be the weather. 🙂

  • Rachel

    I picked up Flushed about a week ago and have expiremented a bit with it. I’ve found that putting a layer over primer, but under foundation than again over foundation but under setting powder yields the longest lasting result. Also, using MAC’s strobe cream first then the bluh over offers a long lasting dewy finish with a kiss of pink.

    • the Muse

      I’ll have to prep better rachel! ;-D wear time was oooo sooo short!

  • Midori

    Actually, I was kinda grossed out by having to use my fingers for this little pot. What I initially used was a stippling brush and that was pretty okay, but it was marginally effective. I was using a flat round wet sponge to apply my foundation on this morning and i used the clean side on the blush for application to my cheeks. Oh my goodness, it looked so much nicer and gave an even better flush of color. Plus pushing the product unto the skin helps with lasting power.

    Using a sponge that I can clean makes me feel much more hygienic when using this product. I totally love this blush in coral reef, who could pass up a coral blush?

    • the Muse

      i used a brush first too and a sponge but I couldn’t get the right color consistency, it looked TOO sheer that’s when I had to finally resort to fingers for the best color pay off. I’m going to try again with a sponge! ;-D

      Agreed! plus it isn’t as loud and orange on face, it’s just a nice peachy glow!

  • Eli

    Little beauties 🙂 I also hate stickers – they are such a pain in the … 😀

  • gago

    Muse:
    Love this review.
    How do they compare to the previous version of Revlon Crema Blushes ( I can’t remember the name)? Please

    • the Muse

      thanks Joan! btw I’m using NYX Blusher/Bronzer Combo today and man they have some amazing orgasm and glisten-like shades available ;-D i’ll have swatches up shortly!

  • Patricia

    I have been searching everywhere for these and haven’t been able to find them. Where exactly have you seen them?

    • the Muse

      I got mine at harmons patricia if you don’t have a harmons check bed, bath, and beyond’s beauty section.

  • Michelle

    Thanks for the detailed review, Muse! “Flushed” looks so gorgeous on you! 😀

  • Natalee

    Where did you get them!? I looked on Revlon’s site, and they weren’t even available to add to the cart yet. 🙁 I can’t find them anywhere! Please help!

      • Natalee

        I do not have a Harmons. Thanks though. I’ll just have to impatiently wait for them to be available every where :/

  • Nala

    Hi, Muse!

    Do you think that these could be used as lip colors as well, sort of like the Bobbi Brown Pot Rogues?

    • the Muse

      i haven’t tried nala but the texture leads me to believe they wouldn’t feel all that great on lips.

  • jess

    I just bought flushed and really love it! 🙂 The color is so natural on my skin and I love how sheer it is, you really can’t mess it up! I hate cream blushed that are so thick and super pigmented and you have to dab the tiniest dot on your cheeks and blend forever. These are nice, light and easy to apply. These were $12.99 @ Ulta in MN but I was able to use two coupons so that lowered it significantly. I haven’t been able to test the wear time but with normal skin I can’t imagine I will have too much trouble. I think these are nice to carry in your purse for a little pick me up at lunchtime or before happy hour. The packaging looks exactly like MACs tenderbalm things. I am not a germaphobe so I could care less if I have to dip. I kinda want the coral one now too!

  • Linda

    You think $10 is pricey? I only recently saw them released here in Australia for about $26 AUD