The Sample–Summer Cheeks Edition: Hourglass Aura Sheer Cheek Stain in Flush & Petal, Review & Swatches
««Press Sample»»
Okay I admit, this post was supposed to go up weeks ago but, as many of you know, I have just been so busy at work and with life in general that I have had zero time for blogging. :/ But though summer is technically over and school has begun, the weather is just as sweltering as ever (at least it is here). Actually, this summer really wasn’t all that bad weather-wise until a couple of weeks ago when a massive heat wave hit these parts. Since then, the AC has been on round the clock and light, comfortable, melt-proof makeup is more necessary than ever! So, for my second Summer Cheeks Post (check out the first here), I’ve decided to shine the spotlight on Hourglass’ Aura Sheer Cheek Stains.
The cheek stain is described as a “lightweight, water-based stain that imbues skin with a subtle, lit-from-within glow. The hydrating formula creates radiant, natural color that lasts all day.” I was sent Flush and Petal to review. Flush is a brightened, light-medium strawberry-pink. Petal is a light peachy-pink with a hint of a shimmering golden luminosity. Both shades are just lovely!
–click image to enlarge–
The stains come packaged in a cute chubby tube. The white applicator tip is described as a sponge applicator but I wouldn’t quite call it that. It is soft and has a bit of give but it’s not spongy at all. The fabric covering the applicator is very smooth and feels a bit like polyester mesh of some sort (you know the material basketball shorts are made of? It feels a bit like that except smoother/silkier and with more of a screen-like texture).
To use, just twist the base of the tube. You’ll hear about 9 clicks for every full rotation; it takes approximately 25 to 26 full rotations (or 233 clicks…at least that’s how many it took me) until the product finally comes up. But once it does, it’s quite easy to push more product up with a simple fraction of a turn. The click mechanism is very sensitive and easy to control.
–Flush on left, Petal on right–
The product itself has a very silky, thin gel consistency. The formula is water based, which you can definitely feel–the product is very light and cooling on the skin. As you can imagine, these blushes blend absolutely beautifully. It’s like applying a serum–it glides across the skin and sinks in quickly. The formula also feels lightly hydrating, so when I use it on my lips, they don’t feel dried out and I don’t feel the need to top it off with a clear balm (though I do anyway, since I like how it looks ).
As the name implies, these cheek stains are indeed quite sheer, making them extremely easy to use/apply–especially for cheek stain noobs and those who are frightened when they hear the word ”stain” when used in the context of blush. You can use the applicator tip to apply or your finger, whichever you prefer. The product does dry pretty quickly though, so I suggest working quickly by dotting the product on the cheeks (only a tiny bit is necessary! You can always add more if need be!), then blending with fingers to yield the most even, natural look while avoiding unfortunate patchiness.
–Flush on left (heavy and blended), Petal on right (ditto)–
And to answer your next question: yes, these bad boys do in fact stay on all. day. long. Even on my super oily skin. In 100 degree weather. Did I mention it was muggy as all heck too?? So yeah, you’re good to go with these guys. Pretty and tough–just the way I like my blush.
These Aura Sheer Cheek Stains have been out for a while but they’re new to me and they definitely deserve the shoutout. There is one other shade, Rouge, that I did not test–3 shades in all. Minimal but when you have a product that works this good, who needs a ton of options? Besides, the point is to look like you’re not wearing anything (but to still look super flushed and glowy) and, trust me, you’ll look like just that if you’re wearing one of these. Yay!
»»Pricing: $45/0.27 fl. oz. (8.1 ml.)
»»Availability: Barneys, Sephora, Hourglass.com, and all Hourglass counters
»»Recommended for: anyone looking for a long-lasting, refreshing cheek stain for the hot summer months
»»Overall Rating: A
Disclaimer: the product(s) featured in this post were provided to The Beauty Sample free of charge by the manufacturer/PR for review purposes only. Regardless of how the product was obtained, my priority is to you, my readers, and I will always give you my honest opinion.
