Review: Revlon Photo Ready Cream Blush in Coral Reef

Originally introduced in the Revlon Gucci Westman Escapism Collection, the Photo Ready Cream Blushes are a new addition to the Photo Ready family of products are not limited edition (you can view all three shades in the range here). So if you haven't spotted the Escapism display in your area, don't worry. These should eventually make their way to the permanent wall display.

Of all the Photo Ready Cream Blushes in the Escapism display,  Coral Reef was the one I just had to buy. The color called out to me for use this summer, so let's see how it's been working for me! I've been wearing it off and on since the day I bought it (several weeks ago) and I'm finally ready to give you my verdict:

Revlon Photo Ready Cream Blush in Coral Reef

(retail: around $11, 0.44 oz)

Note that the first ingredient is dimethicone. And yes, the texture of this blush is like a silicone-based primer and very easy to apply to the skin.

The pot  is not tall, making it handy to slip into your makeup bag.

There is absolutely no shimmer to this blush:

(Excuse my out-of-control brows. Sheesh!)

I always have a problem with coral blushes leaning very pink on my skin (probably because my cheeks have a natural pink undertone). So I was happy to see that this blush actually looks like coral on my cheeks. Yay!

 Due to the high level of 'cones in this blush, it's extremely easy to apply. It literally glides across my skin and it's a cinch to blend. It has a nice level of pigment to it, but it's not crazy-pigmented right out of the gate. You can build and build for more intensity (what you see above was the result of two applications).

I've tried this blush with a variety of different foundations (powder, liquid and cream) and it seems to work well with each formulation. I get the best results when I "sandwich" this blush (apply my foundation, then the blush, then a finishing powder). When I "sandwich" this product, I can get about five hours of wear before it completely fades from my skin. If I do not "sandwich" this product, I can barely get three hours of wear. I have also tried wearing this on bare skin, and it lasts about two hours before I see serious fading. (PLEASE NOTE: I have very oily skin, and the weather has been fairly warm here in San Diego lately--between 70 and 80 degrees).

I'd also like to add that there is a slightly odd fragrance to this blush. I get berries and...something else that I just cannot put my finger on. I almost want to say that there's a bit of a "plastic upholstery" note going on here, but that is just so weird and out there that I don't want to mislead you. It's not bothersome...it's just a little strange to my nose. But the fragrance is not strong and I can't smell it at all after application. I can really only smell it when I literally stick my nose right up to the pot.

FINAL VERDICT: If you have oily skin, I would highly suggest wearing a good primer and sandwiching this blush between your foundation and setting powder or else it's probably not going to be visible by lunchtime. Coral Reef is a gorgeous color and I do not regret my purchase, but I think that I'll probably wear this as a "base" underneath my powder blushes because I don't like the idea of my blush fading three hours before the end of the work day. I really love that it actually looks like coral on my cheeks (as opposed to berry or pink), but I think this product will probably work best for those with drier skin. If you never have a problem with blushes fading on your skin throughout the day, then this product might even be Holy Grail material for you. It's easily buildable and blendable and it contains no shimmer or sparkle (the three big selling points for me personally).

Do you own any Revlon Photo Ready Cream Blushes? Thoughts?