Overview
This is one of my newest blushes- and also my favorite. I realize calling a product your favorite blush is a big statement. Even though it’s technically a blush, this particular shade is skin-enhancing and the darker color in the pan gives a subtle rosiness and slight shadow to the face. On me, it contours my face without looking like I actually contoured my face. Because these blushes have two colors in the pan, brush placement will dictate the color pay off and intensity. This makes these blushes workable for a variety of skin tones; it also means your $42 is going towards a very versatile product that is actually two blush shades in one blendable formula.
Formula
Aside from packaging and the Marc Jacobs brand, this blush has earned the title because of the wearable color and blendability. The brand claims this product provides a 24-hour glowing radiance and custom blush to fit the occasion, based on where you place your blush in the pan, and how much you layer the product. Japanese air powder is infused in the blush for an almost undetectable finish. As described by the brand, the process of soufflage (French for "air-whipped") created the Air Blush Soft Glow Duo formula, giving us a silky-soft, creamy texture and even color application with every brushstroke.
Inspiration
The striped pattern in this blush was supposedly inspired by a Marc Jacobs dress; the light shade in the pan is designed to highlight, and the darker shade to contour. Inspiration also comes from Way Bandy, the first celebrity makeup artist, also a friend of Marc Jacobs, and the concept of naturally draping the face with color. The packaging was modeled after vintage cigarette cases.
Shade Range
The beautiful formula in the shade Flesh & Fantasy makes this a skin-like, sculpting blush. The color is ideal if you have a fair to light complexion; however, with a more dense brush, and by swirling into the deeper tone in the pan, this is workable for medium skin tones. The line offers 4 other deeper shades... Lines & Last Night-creamsicle/deep tangerine; Kink & Kisses-pale petal/peachy rose; Lush & Libido-petal pink/orchid pink; Night Fever & Hot Stuff-cherry/deep plum. Again, the two shades in the pan make these blushes customizable- based on your skin tone or color preference.
Application
Because I am fair and like my blushes very light and flesh toned, I center my brush at the far left and use a wispy brush, like this Morphe M509. A angled blush or contour brush would work beautifully, as this product is designed to highlight and contour the face. I would avoid too dense of a brush or any brush that applies product heavily. This blush is buildable, but it is fairly pigmented and builds quickly.
Purchase this if...
You are on the fence about the Air Glow blushes; if you fall in love with the formula, maybe get another shade that speaks to you- depending on if you prefer your blush to be more peach, pink, or berry. One warning though: I think these blushes are for the cheeks what Viseart palettes are for the eyes. Meaning, once you have a selection of wearable shades in a fabulous formula, your other blushes may pale in comparison. When I want a natural, skin-like contour-which is every time I put on makeup- I reach for Flesh & Fantasy.