Is it only in our head??

Jun 7, 2016

Genevieve D.

When I do my makeup, my boyfriend is usually in the same room, today I had an interesting conversation with him and I want to ask you something.

He asked my why I used so many different shade of blush (brown, taupe/grey, pink). I started to explain that the brown one was not a blush but a bronzer and that the taupe one was a contour powder and not a blush.
Then, he asked me what was the formulation difference, that made then "non blush"...... I had absolutely no idea what to answer!

I realized that I don't know if there is really a difference between all of them or if it is just in our head and that they are really blushes with different colors and undertones.

What do you think? Is there a difference in formulation or not?

Jun 7, 2016

Marleen B.

I don't think, blushes, bronzers and contours necessarily have different formulations. I think it's the BRANDS that have different formulations. I say use whatever product for whatever use that works for you.

Jun 7, 2016

katie s.

I agree with Marleen because lots of people use the nyx blush in taupe for contour and it works great for them. The formulations may be slightly different if you are getting two different products (like eyeshadows, some are more pigmented than others or one may feel smooth and another may be chalky) but blushes (if they have the right color) could easily pass as a bronzer or contour.

Jun 7, 2016

Jacqueline H.

I would agree with what the ladies on this thread have said already. Formula wise it depends on the brand; however, sometimes there is a very real difference in terms of a particular finish of a product that can produce a different look on the skin. Example: The Hourglass Ambient blushes are very different formula wise than let's say Kevyn Aucoin's blush formula. The finishes of them are very different, as is the intensity of color produced on the cheek.

In my opinion, it's not so much about the formulation that makes these powder products any different from the other, it's more about the intent and the placement of these products that can and do produce very different results.

Jun 7, 2016

Genevieve D.

I know the formula will be different from brand to brand.

My question was more about if inside a brand the formula of all 3 products are the same. I feel like they usually have blush, contour powders and bronzers that all have different price point when in reality, it could probably be all just one product (let's call it blush) with different finish and color/undertone.

With your answers, I realized that I am actually willing to pay more for a contour powder then for a blush. I am fascinated at the power of publicity!! I think Jacqueline you got it when you say "it's not so much about the formulation that makes these powder products any different from the other, it's more about the intent and the placement of these products that can and do produce very different results"

So ultimately, we pay more for products that tell us "this is for contour" or "this is for bronzing" even if it's much more about using them than the formulation.

Sorry for the super analytic post, it really got me thinking about my consumption habits!

Jun 7, 2016

Aurora S.

I think essentially it's the same thing but you could say that about other things like a brow pencil vs an eyeliner lip liner or a gel eyeliner vs a gel brow liner. Lash mascara vs brow mascara

There are variations of formulas within a brand alone when it comes to blushes vs bronzers and contour products.
For example, if you look @ MAC they have their blushes then they have their Mineralize blushes which are baked and they have more shimmer in them.

Then if you compare the bronzer vs their blushes. The bronzer actually has more product which makes sense that it would cost more since people tend to use bronzer all over or in more areas than blush I also find that bronzers tend to feel softer.

Packaging can also effect the cost, like the size, whether it ha a mirror or not, whether it has an applicator or not and if the packaging is different from the brands usual packaging etc

Jun 8, 2016

Genevieve D.

Thanks for your thoughts! and I agree the this could be applied to a lot of products!

Jun 8, 2016

Codi R.

I think sometimes certain brands may make blush sheerer or more pigmented than bronzers... Subtle difference likes that