Nars Cactus Flower is something I’ve had my eye on for a very long time. I’ve even added it to my basket a few times when shopping on the Nars site, but never actually took the plunge and ordered it. The main reason for this is that while the colour looks extremely pretty in the pan, it also looks a little bit scary. I’ve also been a bit reluctant to order, because of my oily skin type. I love the ease of application with cream blush, and I also love the natural finish that most of them create, but I’ve found that the majority of the one’s I’ve tried don’t hold up well on my skin.
I’d describe Cactus Flower as a vibrant, reddish coral. The shade reminds me a little bit of Nars Exhibit A, which I found difficult to wear. It has a touch more pink in it, though and contains gold shimmer. I read quite a few reviews on the colour before purchasing and noticed there were quite a lot of complaints about the shimmer being sparkly and very obvious, but I actually find it to be quite subtle. There’s quite a lot of it and yes, it is visible on cheeks, but it’s delicate and adds a kind of glow.
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| NARS Cream Blush: Cactus Flower |
The formula is a cream to powder one and is incredibly easy to apply. The texture is creamy, non sticky and blends with very little effort. I normally opt to apply with fingers, and a couple of dabs and a little bit of blending is all that’s needed to create a pretty flush. The bright, poppy red adds a sheer hint of colour to cheeks, and actually looks surprisingly natural. It can also be built up to create a more intense colour too, though.
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| NARS Cactus Flower |
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| NARS Cactus Flower |
Cactus Flower is my first Nars cream blush, so I was unsure how well the formula would hold up on my oily skin. I’m pleased to report that it actually does really well! The translucent colour sticks around for biggest part of the day, which I’m really impressed with. I’ve only found a couple of cream cheek products (both from Becca) that wear well on me and don’t break me out, so I’m extremely happy that I’ve found another. Especially since there are a range of lovely shades on offer!
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| NARS Cactus Flower Blush |
Cactus Flower is a really lovely shade, which adds a beautiful, natural and fresh hint of colour to cheeks, and the formula is great! I imagine I’ll be reaching for the shade a lot over the coming months, and will definitely be adding a few more of the colours from the range to my collection.
Available from narscosmetics.co.uk & HQ Hair (£21.00)
Ooh, ooh, this one is so pretty! I really like cream blushes but I'm afraid they won't last so long and I have tons of blushes, so I am trying to cool it on the cream blush front.
ReplyDeleteI'm always a bit wary of cream products too, Larie. As you say, they don't last as long as powder one's.
DeleteWow, the color is brighter than I imagined--- I love how reds looked when sheered out! I always love seeing Cactus Flower and Penny Lane
ReplyDeleteIt is pretty bright! I was actually quite surprised at how natural it looks once it's been applied/blended. I've also had my eye on Penny Lane. Will definitely be having a look at that one when I visit a counter!
DeleteWhat a gorgeous color and it does look way more wearable than Exhibit A. I can't usually wear shimmery products on a daily basis, but this would be great for when I doll up for my gigs. I apply cream products with a fat dual-fiber stippling brush and it works WONDERS. It blends evenly and if the blush is super pigmented, it's easy to lightly apply it to a nice build. Great choice of blush!
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely more wearable than Exhibit A, Sid! I couldn't get that one to work for me at all. I've been applying Cactus Flower with fingers, as I don't have a stippling brush. Think I might have to look in to getting one, though. They sound great!
DeleteI've always liked the look of this one but the shimmer did put me off whenever I swatched it. Looks like it might be a great summer blush, though! Enjoy, Nat. :)
ReplyDeleteI was a bit worried about the shimmer, too. I'm generally not a huge fan of shimmery cheek colours, but I actually really like the delicate sparkles in this one! And you're right, I think it will be a great summer blush, Liz! :)
DeleteThis is one that I have been wanting for a while. Great post! <3
ReplyDeleteIt was sitting on my list for ages too, Laura! I'm glad I finally took the plunge and picked it up!
DeleteVery bright & pretty! I can't get past the shimmer though. Will admire this one from afar!
ReplyDeleteIt seems like a lot of people find the shimmer to be a bit over the top. As I said, I actually find it gives more of a glowy effect than a glittery one once it's been applied, though! Still, if you really don't like shimmery cheek products, probably best to give this one a miss :)
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