Today I wanted to share my current favorite product for contouring – the NYX Taupe Powder Blush. I had been researching the best product for a natural looking contour for some time now, and even bought quite a few to try out after seeing Youtube beauty gurus go on about them (like the infamous Benefit Hoola matte bronzer) though nothing really stuck – they were either too orange-y or warm toned.
After struggling with finding just the right one – one that had cooler tones that created more of a ‘shadow’ under the cheeks – I came across quite a few that were ashier in tone that I was debating whether or not to pick up, including one from Marc Jacobs and Kevyn Aucoin. They were both quite pricey, so while on the search for a cheaper alternative, I came across the NYX Taupe Blush.
NYX Taupe Powder Blush
There were apparently some rumors going on a couple years back of the original NYX Taupe Powder Blush shade being discontinued, but I’m happy that that’s not the case (at least for now). You can still find it, including on NYX’s website (where, as of today, it’s on sale for only $2.50 – I’m planning to stock up myself!).
NYX actually has two versions of their powder blushes – the HD and the regular/original. I stuck with the good ol’ regular version, seeing that the new HD one is actually warmer in tone (why couldn’t they keep it the same?). So anyway, for as long as NYX continues to sell their original powder blushes and keeps Taupe in the lineup, I will be using it as a quick, everyday contour product when I’m looking to add a little extra definition (often times sans highlighter and blush).
NYX Taupe Powder Blush swatches (left: one swipe, right: built up after 3-4 swipes)
The blush isn’t too pigmented (compared with MACs blushes), which actually works in its favor when using it as contouring product. You don’t want the color coming across too bold – a diffused look definitely creates a more natural and subtle ’shadow’, and NYX Taupe does just that. Below is a little demonstration to give you an idea of how NYX Taupe Blush looks over a light skin-tone (for reference, I’m around NC25 in MAC products). Here, I’m using the MAC 116 blush brush to apply it.
NYX Taupe Powder Blush swatched on the skin
NYX Taupe Powder Blush blended in
What are some of your favorite contouring products?
