NYX Professional MakeupWonder Stick Cream Blush Contour Stick

Most Helpful Positive Review

Convenient and super beginner-friendly!

So, when it comes to makeup I've never been big on blush. Years ago I used it occasionally (no idea what I was doing btw), but mostly I stuck with bronzer on my cheeks. After quitting makeup altogether for a couple of years I'm back again, and this time I'm trying to REALLY learn how to apply makeup... "correctly." At my age most women I know have it down by now, but not me - so I LOVE it when beginner-friendly products find their way into my stash. After recieving this product l, I was a little intimidated at first. I thought, "oh no, I'm horrible with blush and contouring... this isnt going to be good!" I was wrong! On the very first day I used my NYX blush wonder stick I got pretty decent results, and after a couple of applications, I think it looks really good! Here are my thoughts: The shade seemed a little deep at first for my post-winter skin tone, and immediately after applying to the lines on my high high points/appes/temples as the instructions and how-to pictures on the box described, I realized that this formula is VERY pigmented. The formula is super smooth and creamy and glides on like a dream, which is probably at least partly because of the hyaluronic acid in it. Also, as long as you don't wait too long before blending it out, it blends really well too. And as for the coral/deep peach shade being too deep? With a little extra blending I actually love the shade - it works really well with my somewhat olive, light to medium skin tone. I also like that the stick itself is double-ended. It just gives you more ways to use it. You can stick with just one shade or the other, OR you can use the darker shade on the apples of your cheeks and temples and the lighter shade on your high points (sort of like a contour stick). After trying each way I think I like using both shades best, as it offers the most definition, in my opinion. After using it several times on several different makeup bases, I noticed that what you are wearing underneath this blush is going to make a huge difference in how it applies. For example, when I've applied this directly to un-prepped skin with no makeup base, it doesn't blend well. Its a little better on a matte foundation/concealer base, especially if I used a thick moisturizer or primer first, but I think this formula works BEST on top of a good hydrating moisturizer/primer and natural or dewy finish foundation - it blends out SO MUCH better. Finally, this isn't a blush you can let sit awhile before blending it out. You really want to start blending immediately, because it can start to dry out a little and set of you don't (again, especially on top of a matte foundation). Finally, in terms of staying power, this blush is pretty good. I haven't tried getting an entire full day out of it, but it has lasted a good 6-7 hours multiple times, and it might last longer, I just haven't tried it yet. Overall, I really like this blush stick. For me it applies pretty easily, looks really good, and feels really nice on the skin. I really think it could work for anyone, but I'd ESPECIALLY recommend it to makeup-beginners like myself because it really is easy to work with. Also, I really like that the box itself has a couple of pictures of exactly how to apply this blush. I'd also recommend this product to anyone who would like the convenience of having two creamy blush shades in one blush stick, and offer just a tad bit of extra definition when used together. I also love the fact that, as with all NYX products, this is cruelty-free!!!