Professional Makeup and Cosmetic Product Reviews - IN MY KIT by Kevin James (KJ) Bennett Emmy Award Winning New York City Makeup Artist

BLUSH

NARS
Powder Blush

Yes...they're that good!
Makeup artists, performers, models...everyone knows the magic that appears when you brush these beauties on. The color choices are spectacular and quite a few have a touch of "glow" to rock your radiance off the Richter Scale.
You need to have "Amour", then a "Desire" and finally an "Orgasm"...
it doesn't hurt to have a "Deep Throat" too (I mean the colors, silly!).

Tarte
CheekStain

This water-based, push up gel stick is super easy to use and perfect for all skin types. It's oil-free , so there won't be any pore clogging issues and application is basically foolproof. No, REALLY...just dab it on, blend...DONE!
Use it over or under foundation for a transparent burst of color that lasts. 'Sheer' genius, that's what it is!

Don't believe Blenderella? (shame, shame, shame)
These cheeky gels have been awarded “Best Blush” by InStyle, Cosmopolitan & Self magazines. "Sunkissed" & "Blushing Bride" are MUSTS!

NARS
The Multiple

These are absolutely, hands-down, the best ever cream-to-powder colors. Not a bargain, but then again, beauty does come with a price...no?

They give the perfect veil of color to lips, eyes, and cheeks, are sinfully easy to apply and set to a silky powder finish.
With over a dozen creamy colors to choose from, "Palm Beach and "Malibu" are two of the most popular destinations. Mix any of the colors and finishes together to 'multiply' your Multiples!

La Femme
Glow-On Rouge

Yea, Yea, Yea ... So It's cheap and the compact is crappy...WHO CARES!
It's all about ease of application, performance and most importantly...how it looks. Makeup artists have carefully kept this dirt cheap little secret to themselves for years, but when cornered and forced to confess, they'll swear by the gorgeous color selection and pigment rich formula.
Golden Dew Amber and Nectar Paech are LEGENDARY!
The Dealbreaker: Camera Ready Cosmetics (linked in the image to the left) has created a Pro Palette filled with 12 best selling LaFemme Blush colors...for $39 (GET OUT!)

Stila
Convertible Color

InStyle Magazine has named these sensational little compacts a 'Best Beauty Buy". They come packed with creamy, translucent colors that always look soft and natural.
What makes these little compact creams extra special is that they can be used on the cheeks AND the lips. Marvelous monochromatic makeup looks have never been easier!

Three Custom Color Specialists
Creme to Powder Blush

A totally global range of shades to compliment ALL skin tones. The luxuriously soft cream can be applied with fingers, a brush or sponge and sets to a delicate silky powder finish. "Plum" and "Mauve" are the universal, looks great on anyone colors.

BONUS BONANZA: Have an old discontinued blush color you can't live without? Bring it baby, they can match it...exactly.
(this is toooooo good, I feel faint)

Graftobian
HD Glamour Creme Blush

The same formula as their HD Creme Foundation (which is a pro fave), but in beautiful blush colors. We appreciate the "skin-like" undertones and that you get 5 global colors in a slim palette...for under $25 (WOW!)

BRONZING

Nars
Bronzing Powder

Not much more we can say about Nars...this is their third appearance on the page. There's no denying that Nars knows how to make superior cheek coloring products. "Laguna" Bronzer is already iconic and the beautiful new terracotta toned "Irrésistiblement" is quickly gaining similar status. You should check out their bronzing/blush duos...gorgeous!

Urban Decay
Baked Bronzer

Baked? Really?
Yes, really. The product starts out in a cream form and then all the moisture is baked out to leave a beautiful sheer bronzer that can be used wet or dry. (I hear you..."yea, so?") Well my makeup mavens, this allows us to use it WET, but unlike a pressed powder blush...it won't glaze over when it dries!
BIG BONUS:It can also be used on eyes and lips...I LOVE multi-tasking!

Cargo Cosmetics
Be-you-tiful Bronzer

A Pro artist favorite. Gorgeous realistic bronze tones in Light, Medium and Dark with a soft golden shimmer AND an additional Medium shade in Matte. Grab the Medium-Matte first, it looks great on guys and gals.

St. Tropez Tan
Wash Off Instant Glow (Face or Body)

A tinted facial lotion that produces a very natural sunny glow to the face. Instant Glow Face does not contain any self tanning agent and the finish is non-transferable so you won't have to worry about it rubbing off.
It also comes in a "body" version.

Benefit
Hoola Natural Bronzing Powder

This long lasting, densely pigmented powder is the perfect choice when a natural looking, sun-bronzed effect is your objective.
No sparkle, no glitter, no "orange" tan. The rosy brown, soft matte finish creates a believable sun-kissed glow for that Maui Man or Honolulu Honey.

CoverFX
BronzedFX

This mineral based bronzer comes in 5 different "tints" to achieve multiple effects on the face & body. The sheer, mattifying formula is perfect for keeping oil in control on hot sets and in steamy locations while the tawny glow stays put.

BTW...did we mention 5 fabulous colors to totally change up your sun-kissed statement? (Ok, I thought so).

N.Y.C. (New York Color)
Smooth Skin Bronzing Powder

Can you say "beautiful bronze on an itty-bitty budget" three times fast?
Well, by the time you say it, you could be seeing it...for under $5 ($2.99 at most of the retailers we checked).
The color is a soft, natural tan and application was smooth and streak-free. How could you pass up a bronzy bargain that looks this darn good?

Guerlain
TerraCotta Bronzing Powders

TerraCotta Bronzers were the RAGE in the 80's and put the cosmetic division of the super luxury fragrance brand, Guerlain, into the spotlight. It's hasn't budged since then.
The textures are silky and streak-free with an extensive selection of colors and formulas (shimmers & mattes). Most colors have a "cool" basetone and look very natural in all lighting conditions.