Today i’m reviewing two products that have been staples in my makeup bag/handbag during the past few months, the Barry M Blusher in Orchid (bl1) and the Barry M Lip Gloss Wand in Coral (11).

Barry M Blusher

Firstly, I didn’t actually discover Barry M products until last year when I was mooching around on my lunch break at my local Superdrug store. At first, all the bright colours in the display unit had me hastily backing away and assuming this was a brand for teenagers only and that my 30 something face would only resemble a clown if it played host to anything on the shelf.

In one way, its target market is the younger generation as it continually brings out very on-trend colours at very low prices – very appealing traits coveted by the teenage population.

However,  upon closer (tentative) inspection, I came to appreciate the hidden gems in the range that can work for most ages if you are brave enough to overlook what appears to be very intense pigmentation and take a moment to actually swatch it onto your skin.

I decided to take the plunge and pick up their blusher. This is what Barry M say about their blushers:

These extra fine blushers are available in a variety of sheer colours for easy blending and a perfect, flawless finish. They contain the anti-oxidant Vitamin E to protect and condition the skin and keep it smooth and supple.

Their blusher range mainly includes variations of pink with some more neutral colours thrown in: Strawberry Whip, Peaches & Cream, Terracotta, Raspberry, Rose (maybe my next purchase), and my choice, Pink Orchid.

 

I decided to pick up Pink Orchid (bl1) which is a cool-toned pale pink (not quite pastel though). I liked this colour because when applied to the apples of your cheeks, it gives you a really girly playful flush of colour with enough contrast to stand out without looking fake. A bit like a pretty dolly, but not full on Barbie!

These are my before and after photos in natural daylight which is how I like to test my makeup:

The texture of the blushers is fine, not super soft but not grainy and the finish is matt – which for a cheap highstreet brand is rare (If you want sheen or sparkle, these are not for you).

Application is smooth and surprisingly build-able considering it looks so bright in the packaging, but it also has enough pigmentation that you don’t have to apply too much before you get a good flush going on.

I don’t tend to comment much on packaging unless it is really pretty or innovative in some way, but I will just say that as bland as the packaging can appear, it is sturdy and practical and after being jostled around in my makeup bag and hand bag still hasn’t cracked or broken in any way.

The brush that comes with the blush is soft but very small and not ideal for blusher application, but then I rarely come across products where the brush included is much cop. Suffice to say I apply this with my own blusher brush.

I am in the market for another blush to add a bit more warmth to my complexion as Autumn approaches, so I will be popping back in-store to to pick up “Rose” and will review that once Autumn is underway.

Retailing at around £4.99, these blushers are an absolute bl**dy bargain and you really cannot go wrong experimenting with one or two colours. Really what have you got to lose?

Barry M Lip Gloss Wand

Suitably impressed by my Barry M Blusher and in desperate need of a gloss for the Summer, I was lured towards their Lip Gloss Wand in Coral (11).

Barry M say:

Shimmering, sparkling and solid colour lip glosses for the shade that suits you. The formula provides long-lasting wear without being sticky and they are all infused with an irresistible scent. A soft wand applicator ensures they glide on easily to the shape of your lips.

The colours available are: Strawberry Milkshake, Coral, Bubblegum Pink, Pastel Pink, Strawberries & Cream, Toffee and Coconut Clear.

 

Now, as I write this post it has become obvious to me that the lip gloss wands seem to roughly relate to the blushers. SO, Strawberry Milkshake lips would look lovely and subtly harmonised with a Strawberry Whip cheek. So I guess with my Pink Orchid blusher, I should have picked up the Pastel or Bubblegum Pink Gloss…..but I didn’t. I went with coral instead as sometimes you just don’t want to go all matchy matchy!

Coral is neither opaque or sheer but sort of mid coverage gloss (if that is a term?). It’s light pinky coral in colour, so for me does not differ much from my own lips and for others would be very wearable I think.

It’s super lightweight, smells like melon and is not sticky at all. Therefore, I can’t say it has much staying power, but it’s so cheap that at £4.49, that you don’t mind reapplying it.

(FYI – I didn’t realise how much nostril action was in these shots – I do apologise)

It gives my lips a nice ‘pout’ effect and a slight hint of colour which is great for everyday wear with all different colour blushers. This particular one doesn’t contain any shimmer, so I may pick up another one that will give me a nude lip with oomph for the evenings – perhaps “Toffee” next time, as I think that would look great with a smokey eye.

In summary, I have been impressed by this brand and fully intend on buying more of their makeup in the future.

I have some of their Matt Lip Paints and Nail Paints floating around my cosmetics bag which I’ll review in the not too distant future -so stay tuned. Psst, If you like bright pink lips or are looking for the perfect ‘nude’ nail colour, then the post could be right up your alley.

Have you tried the Barry M Range and what were your favourites?