Benefit | Cheekathon “Kick Up Your Cheeks” Blush Kit

There’s just something about Benefit packaging that makes you smile, doesn’t it? Add to that some pretty awesome products, and I’d say they’ve got a winning formula. That being said, I do believe their price point can sometimes feel on the steep side which is why, when a deal like this comes along, it’s something that’s literally too good to pass up.

Benefit’s Cheekathon “Kick Up Your Cheeks” Blush Kit houses five full-sized versions of the brand’s cult-fave products (which also includes a natural-bristled brush and a mirror on the inner lid) in one palette — and all for CAN $75.00 (Value: CAN $188.00). So if you’ve been wanting to dip your brush in any – or all – of these lovelies, but have hesitated up to now (either due to cost or simply because it’s so hard to choose just one), here’s your chance to snag them all together in one convenient package. Pretty sweet, wouldn’t you agree?

Benefit | Cheekathon Kick Up Your Cheeks Blush Kit

Dandelion | A baby pink hue that’s absolutely gorgeous on those with very fair complexions, but can be made to work on up to light-medium skin tones as well (this shade will probably be too light to show up against really deep complexions). This is the perfect hue to create a whisper-soft veil of colour on the cheeks that magically never, ever, looks overdone. The swatch below on the left, shows Dandelion applied quite heavily so as to accurately display the colour; the blended out side is closer to what you’ll actually get.

Benefit | Cheekathon – Dandelion swatches

Hoola | The only bronzer of the group (although I’ve been known to wear this as a blush), Hoola is one product you’ll find in basically all makeup artist’s kits, as this is a unviverally wearable [warm-leaning] tan colour in a formula that while not shimmery, is not 100% flat matte either, but one that will instead impart a gorgeous sun-kissed tone … with just the barest hint of a sheen for added depth (PS: the new Benefit Hoola Collection has previously reviewed here).

Benefit | Cheekathon – Hoola swatches

Rockateur | With its geometric angles, complex shimmery tone and embossed lettering, this shade shines out like a beacon amongst the five, am I right?. Once the top overspray gets wiped away, you’re left with an absolutely gorgeous rose-gold hue that will suit a broad variety of skin tones. Dusted lightly along the skin (using either a fan or dual-fibred brush) will result in a sheer wash of colour, although its rich pigmentation means you can also build it up for more impact.

Benefit | Cheekathon – Rockateur swatches

Dallas | A shade that almost straddles the line between both blush and bronzer, Dallas is a warm-leaning hue that reminds me of a cross between NARS’ Orgasm Blush + Laguna Bronzer. I can even see this working as a hybrid bronzer/highlight type of shade against lightly tanned skin – something tells me it’ll look simply beautiful that way (*making a mental note to to test this theory out once I get rid of my Winter pastiness).

Benefit | Cheekathon – Dallas swatches

Coralista | A soft pink-tinged apricot shade that applies surprisingly much lighter than what’s seen in the pan; I’m guessing that the golden shift seen in the swatches below may contribute to this colour not falling deeper. One new way to wear Coralista is by layering it over a deeper blush shade to add a touch of colourful highlight, but it will also work equally well as a straight-up highlighter against darker complexions.

Benefit | Cheekathon – Coralista swatches

Honestly, I’m still stunned at the value of this palette and while CAN $75.00 is nothing to sneeze at (although why you’d sneeze at something like this, is beyond me – stupid expression), it’s still a relative steal where Benefit is concerned, working out to CAN $15.00 for each FULL-SIZED blush. The shades are all all brand best-sellers for a reason: each and every one is so wearable & time-proven, with an ultra finely-milled texture to the powders that provides an excellent blendability with no powdery residue when applied. For the record, this also makes the perfect last-minute gift for that special ‘mom’ in your life. Just saying.

*For those with sensitivities, please note that these powders are scented and while individually you probably wouldn’t notice the fragrance overmuch, it can be a little overpowering upon first opening this palette. On the plus side, once applied I find the scent dissipates fairly quickly – but it’s still worth putting out there.

The Benefit Cheekathon palette is available now through Sephora – find more information via www.benefitcosmetics.ca