Lancome Cushion Blush Subtil Review & Swatches

Lancome Cushion Blush Subtil have hit our shores just in time for Summer 2016. Lancome Cushion Blush Subtil is one of the first cushion blushes we are seeing here in the US at the moment but I’m positive more will follow shortly.

My first experience with cushion blush wasn’t an entirely great one. I purchased two shades of Etude House Lock n Summer Cushion Blush shades in Summer 2014 and I felt the product was very, very sheer and barely showed up on my face. Lucky enough, since that time, Cushion Blushes have improved considerably in both Korea and Japan. Considering Lancome is marketed by L’Oreal and L’Oreal True Lumi Cushion is now available at drugstores I have no doubt the follow up to Blush Subtil will be the new L’Oreal Lucent Magique Cushion Blush that launched in Japan. I’m picturing we’ll get this either for Summer or Fall 2016 (If you can’t wait that long, Sasa.com stocks it at a very reasonable price).

So, you see, yet again Asia influences our beauty trends here in the US and another prime example here of how cushions are suddenly becoming our beauty everything.

Lancome Cushion Blush Subtil are $39 each and available in six shade selections although not all retailers carry all the shades. For example, Sephora.com only has four shades available where as Ulta.com, Nordstrom.com, NeimanMarcus.com, and Macys.com seem have them all.

I’ve seen these referred to as being limited edition. I thought they were permanent but thinking about it I can seem them being potentially available for a limited time since cushion makeup does have a shelf life of around six months at best! But whether permanent or limited, I can’t say for sure.

For those who aren’t familiar with cushion makeup I’ll give a brief explanation. This is basically a sponge which is placed inside a double lid compact and saturated with a creamy fluid blush. You’re given a sponge for application that allows you to gently tap color on but you can of course, use either fingers or a fibre brush to apply color as well.

The chunky compact features two lids. The first lid opens to reveal the sponge and a mirror where as the second is lid is where the cushion is housed. The dual lids are to keep the cushion from drying out. Once you flip open the secondary lid the cushion will be revealed and you can dip your sponge, brush, or fingers in for application.

As I explained above my experience with cushion blush hasn’t always been a great one. Many are very sheer but Lancome’s formula takes care of all that. These are quite pigmented and a little goes a very long way. They are actually beautifully formulated with a lightweight fluid consistency that has a creamy texture which glides onto cheeks very, very easily. If you suffer from drier skin you’ll love how cool, refreshing, and hydrating these feel. Depending on how much or how little you apply, you’ll find they do tend to have a dewy finish. I struggled a little bit using them at first since many of the cushion blushes I’ve tried in the past had a more matte finish. This formula is dewier and you have to blend well to tame down the dewy finish. The color also sometimes applies a bit streaky so you want to be sure to have a good primer on for a smooth, natural finish. There’s a little bit of a learning curve for application or at least I felt there was. Once you do learn how to apply them you’ll be quite in love with the natural tint they give to cheeks! Although I will say the wear is shorter on my drier skin and I got about five hours of wear from each shade I purchased before they shows signs of wear and fading. But that’s how it goes for me and cream blush sadly!

Lancome Cushion Blush Subtil Swatches (Cerise Givree, Sorbet Grenadine, Splash Corail, Splash Orange)

Lancome Cushion Blush Subtil Swatches (Cerise Givree, Sorbet Grenadine, Splash Corail, Splash Orange)

I will express some concern at the $39 price tag. Many people absolutely hate the fact that It Cosmetics CC+ Fluid Veil is $38 and holds 0.34 oz foundation. I personally do mind that price point because it is one of my favorite foundations and I also tend to use it quickly so it doesn’t go bad. Sadly, Lancome Cushion Blush Subtil holds 0.24 oz of blush and is near $40. I wouldn’t express concern about the smaller size if I knew I’d use the blush up. But as a makeup junkie I have many, many blushes and I fear I won’t use up the shades before they either dry out or the six month or so time turn around is up. Cushion makeup is a breeding ground for bacteria so you don’t want to have these laying around for more than six months after opening them.

Lancome Cerise Givree Cushion Blush Subtil

Lancome Orange Splash Cushion Blush Subtil

Lancome Sorbet Grenadine Cushion Blush Subtil

Lancome Splash Corail Cushion Blush Subtil

Lancome Cushion Blush Subtil are a lovely formula and I do urge you to try at least one shade. The wear time is a little iffy for me but if you typically have success with cream blushes it might not be too big an issue for you. They are a commitment though so if you’re planning on buying one you’ll want to be sure it is a color you’ll use often enough and regularly so you aren’t wasting money by tossing them in a few month’s time! I liked them a lot but I wish I had stick to purchasing one shade as I have a feeling I won’t use all four quickly enough!

Lancome Cushion Blush Subtil are available now at sephora.com, neimanmarcus.com, ulta.com, macys.com, nordstrom.com, lancome.com and also, on counters.

Tried them?

Do share!