Review: Sonia Kashuk Créme Blush in Rosey

In direct response to your requests for more Sonia Kashuk products reviews, I stopped by my local Target a few weeks ago and perused the SK aisle. Since I'm currently on a coral blush kick, I thought I'd give the Créme Blush in Rosey a try, so I purchased it for $9.89 at my local Target.

 Sonia Kashuk Créme Blush in Rosey

(retail: $9.89 at Target)

After I got this blush home, I did a little research and found that this line has received rave reviews on many beauty sites. I also discovered in the comments on the Target website that a customer said this line has been discontinued. These blushes were not on clearance at my local Target, and they're still on both the Target site and the SK site, so I can't confirm the validity of that info.

This blush does not contain any shimmer or sparkle.

This blush is a true coral with equal parts orange and pink:

At first swipe, the pigmentation is impressive, but once it's blended onto the skin, it becomes very sheer:

The above swatch was photographed after I only very lightly blended this product into my skin. 

After using this blush off and on for two weeks now, here are my thoughts:

Texture and finish: as stated above, the finish of this blush is a true creme--no shimmer or sparkle whatsoever. The texture is very smooth and it has a light, gel-like consistency to it. It glides on the skin effortlessly and it is a snap to blend using just your fingertips. I've experienced absolutely no tugging or pulling during application.

Pigmentation on staying power: At first swipe, I was very impressed with the pigmentation of this product. The color was exactly the shade I had hoped it to be based on the color in the pan. However, after gently blending this blush onto my skin, it sheered out so much on my NC20 skintone that I absolutely had  to build for more pigmentation. It is easily buildable in that it doesn't become cakey with additional applications, however I just couldn't get the pigmentation where I wanted it to be, no matter how much additional blush I added to my cheeks. It's as if the process of blending takes the pigmentation away, if that makes sense. As for staying power, that's where this blush truly failed me. I can get about two hours of wear from this product before it completely disappears from my cheeks. I've tried it using a variety of different foundations (powder, liquid, cream) and I always get the same results: about two hours after application, it's gone. I've also tried it with a few different setting powders and that has not increased the staying power either. Lastly, I tried using it as a base for some of my powder blushes, and I find that the color of my  powder blushes dominates the overall color, so it really doesn't add anything in that capacity.

FINAL VERDICT: Based on the rave reviews of this blush line, I'm convinced that either I picked the wrong shade, or that the majority of reviewers don't have super-oily skin like mine. I'm SURE this blush works for many people out there, but it just didn't work for me, no matter how hard I tried. It's just so sheer after blending, and coupled with the lack of staying power, I can't say I'll reach for it again anytime soon. In my opinion, this shade would work best for those with very fair skin and also those with very dry skin. I'd say that if you're an NC20 or above and you have oily-to-very-oily skin, this might not be a love-match for you.

Do you own any Sonia Kashuk Créme Blushes? If so, what shades do you own and how do they work for you?