Edward Bess released three new blushes in a new package and formula early in the spring called Blush Extraordinaire ($43 for 0.21 oz, made in the USA). There are three shades, Secret Affair 01, Filled with Desire 02 and Bed of Roses 03. I ordered all three online from Neiman Marcus during one of their beauty events to take advantage of a lip gloss gift with purchase. As usual, I have been thrilled with the latest from Edward Bess.
Each shade has a soft smooth finely milled texture. The colors are well pigmented but easily layerable. They have the classic Edward Bess fig scent (which I adore). I’ve tested the shades for several weeks now, the lasting power is quite good. The colors don’t darken on the skin as the day wears on and I love how the color is visible but natural. Each shade brightens the face with a hint of color.
Secret Affair 01 (available online at Neiman Marcus and Sephora) is probably my favorite of the three. It’s a luscious peach with shimmer with a slight hint of pink. The shimmer disappears on my skin leaving a soft satiny finish. On me it pulls more coral, but there is enough pink in it to prevent it from looking orangey. See how it pulls more pinkish on The Non-Blonde and Temptalia.
___________________________
Filled with Desire 02 (available online at Neiman Marcus and Sephora) is a soft sheer pale pink. It’s a satiny baby pink – something I find rare among most blush brands. Pale pinks are typically flat or come with silvery shimmers. Edward Bess’s Filled with Desire is a ballet pink with pink shimmer. On me it looked very sheer. I found it worked best when layered over Tom Ford’s Blush Guilt or Edward Bess Afterglow Highlighter. These creams helped pick the color up a bit better for me. I suspect this is a pale shade that might not show up on darker skintones.
___________________________
Bed of Roses 03 (online at Neiman Marcus and Sephora) is my second favorite out of the three. It’s a cool rose pink. As mentioned by others, Bed of Roses appears to be sheerer in pigment, but layers beautifully. The semi-sheer quality prevents it from looking muddy on the skin like some pigmented rose blushes can. Bed of Roses has a soft sheen that gives a demure blush. I see it working on most skintones. On me it pulls more cool, but it really is a neutral rose. See it also on Best Things in Beauty, The Non-Blonde and Temptalia.
___________________________
All three close up with swatches:
Everything about these blushes seems to be an improvement from Edward’s original Blush Imperiale formula. The packaging is sturdier and sleeker-looking. The texture is easier to blend and layer with a softer feel (although I do still love his other blushes). The new shades also have a gorgeous soft shimmer sheen versus the flat matte colors for his original blush colors. Those who don’t like shimmer on the cheeks will still like these colors. The shimmer disappears on the skin (at least for me) and leaves a soft glow. Bottom line is that these are perfect basics and staples that can be incorporated into any look (but not too basic). The colors are highly versatile.
If I were forced to only pick one, it would be impossible. I would call it a tie between Secret Affair and Bed of Roses.
