Splurge vs steal: Blushes and bronzers

When it comes to year-round glowing skin, blushes and bronzers are a girl’s best friend. With both in your make-up bag, sun-kissed skin and rosy cheeks are just a sweep away. There are the ooh-la-la finds, which can cost you a pretty penny, or the budget-friendly options that rival in colour pay-off – so how much are you willing to spend? Have a read of our splurge vs steal to help you decide...
RELATED: Are you wearing the right blush for your skin tone?
SHIMMER BRONZER
Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Powder Bronzer, $68
bh says: Available in four different shades, you can pick the perfect tone for that realistic sun-kissed glow.
essence sun club shimmer bronzing powder, $5.35
You say: “What I really [like about this product is] it isn't massively shimmery and glittery like other bronzers, giving a more natural finish that can be used for contouring if you wish.” -steph1234567
RELATED: Blush vs bronzer: Which should you be wearing?
SHIMMER BLUSH
NARS Blush in Orgasm, $47, mecca.com.au
bh says: The name says it all really, this blush is GOOD. The peachy-pink glow of this shade suits a wide range of skin tones, which has given it quite the cult status.
NYX Cosmetics Powder Blush, $9.95
You say: “Pinched is a pretty good dupe of Nars Orgasm (I have the Nars Orgasm multi-stick). The colour pay-off is a bit more intense, so you have to be quite light-handed.” -Eidolon
MATTE BRONZER
Benefit Hoola, $51
You say: “If I was deserted on an island and could only take one beauty product with me... it would be this one! This amazing little perfect-in-a-box creation is so versatile and pigmented [–] I could actually rave about it all day.” - Neverland
ulta3 The Big Bronzer, $9.95
bh says: The warm tone of this bronzer means it’s easily buildable, without turning Oompa Loompa orange.
RELATED: The right way to apply bronzer
MATTE BLUSH
Bobbi Brown Blush, $45
bh says: This silky blush goes on smoothly, but then won’t budge. The matte finish is perfect for those trying to combat shine.
Australis Show Some Cheek, $12.95
You say: “It gives my cheeks a gorgeous flushed colour [and] is very pigmented so a little goes a long way. I find it blends out lovely and is easy to build up colour.” - NatashaBerra
RELATED: Where to apply blush for your face shape
BODY BRONZER
Lancôme Flash Bronzer Legs Gel Shimmering, $60
bh says: No need to worry about sticky residue with this body bronzer – the micro mist gel formula will leave your body with a satin finish (not to mention a sexy summer glow).
Sportsgirl Metallic Body Glow, $12.95, sportsgirl.com.au
bh says: Using this body bronzer is a rite of passage AND such an easy way to get glowing, bronzed legs without the commitment of a tan.
RELATED: Your best tan on a budget
CREAM BLUSH
Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Cream Blush, $52
You say: “This product is a pleasure [to] use, it smells nice, comes in a great compact with a good size mirror so I can apply it anywhere, and with so many vitamins (A, C, and E!) I feel like I'm treating my skin to something special.” -Bide
Models Prefer Cream Blush Stick, $10.99
bh says: If you like your blush dewy, this shimmery on-the-go stick is ideal for you. Use a brush if you’re applying over foundation (so you can layer instead of move), but bare skin beauties can swipe it straight on!
Are you more of a blush or bronzer kind of girl? Have you tried any of the buys above?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
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77 Member Comments
What a wonderful selection of splurge versus steal blush and bronzer products. Would love to get my hands onto some of these.
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brushes are important for makeup, with the poor quality ones, you may get the skin problem. here I'd like to share the tips on how to choose the brush and present our skin. All about skincare
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Good to know there are some good and affordable blushes out there.
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I would like to try the Nars blusher
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Never thought I would say I can't live without blush.
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I prefer a blush to a bronzer and have both cream and powder blush.
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I was looking for some blush last week at Target as they had a sale on,. I hadn't bought any for a while so I really wasn't aware that it is pretty much extinct!! There were bronzers and highlighting kits but I couldn't find a good old fashioned blush. Remember the compacts with the little brush in them ? I never realised I was that out of touch with current beauty trends. :-(
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My Bobbi Brown Brick isn't going to be replaced by anything less expensive any time soon. It does the trick beautifully and lasts for ages.
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I no longer wear blush on my cheeks but if I ever decide to wear it again or get a case of it I definitely go with the cheaper option I only have to look at these prices & they are insane why pay $50 bucks when you can get one under $10?
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Although the brand essence is incredibly cheap, I don't think there is any point going for the less expensive one if it doesn't work atall
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I honestly don't see it necessary to splurge on blush as you can find so many amazing ones that cost less than $10
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I love these articles! I am definitely a blush gal otherwise I look deathly ill. I'm keen to try a Nars Orgasm dupe!!
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Priceline here I come!
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Ooo might have to try the dupes out!
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I always love these kind of dupe articles. My makeup collection is so large I often own a high end and budget product at the same time lol!
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One of the best bronzers I have used is the nude by nature bronzer. I did buy an essence blush recently so I will be interested to see how that goes.
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I absolutely love splurge vs steal posts, helping us beauty-addicts to find great beauty products for any budget! I'd love to see more of these posts in the future!
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I've honestly heard SO many rave reviews about the Hoola bronzer and Nars blush. It makes me wonder what makes them so great that you just HAVE to have it!
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I have been interested in getting Hoola for so long. I have heard so many people rave about it.
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All about those steals, thank you!
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I have been eyeing off that Hoola Bronzer, having heard nothing but amazing things about it
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Love Sportsgirl Metallic body Glow! Easy to use with fantastic results! Love it!
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I have one of the NYX blushes and they are stunning!
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I don't use bronzer often but i like my Blush :))
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What's the perfect color of blush for medium skin tone?
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