Review & Swatches: Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush

Choo choo! The new release train for 2012 is chuggin’ right along! Are you on-board yet? I am! Maybelline has several new products launching officially next month, and I’m having a lot of fun trying them out. So far, I’ve reviewed two of the new items—the EyeStudio Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel Eyeshadows (they’re the bomb dot com), and the SuperStay 10HR Stain Glosses. Now, we’re moving into complexion territory with their new Dream Bouncy Blushes! These are a little different than the Dream Mousse blushes. Dream Mousse has an airy, whipped texture—while Dream Bouncy has a spongy texture that’s a little more dense.

Available in 10 shades, Dream Bouncy Blush is oil-free and very lightweight. Comprised of a hybrid gel formula that feels like a cream, yet wears more on the soft, powdery side—they’re neither too shimmery or matte once applied. It’s right in the middle for a little more of a naturally flushed look.

To apply these, you should use your fingers—but just make sure you’re not digging into the product, trying to scoop it out. Just slightly rub your finger over the top and apply in feathery strokes, just like you’d apply a cream blush. I suppose you could use a synthetic stippling brush too—but I tried that, and it didn’t deposit as much color as I would have liked. It’s definitely easy to wear them, and blending is a piece of cake! As far as staying power goes, Dream Bouncy Blush sits on my skin instead of landing in my pores—but the color doesn’t make it through the entire day. I guess I have to compromise somewhere!

On the plus side, you could always apply just a little more if yours starts to fade on you. Since these are so portable, you don’t need to carry around a blush brush with you to touch up.

Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush shades:

05 Fresh Pink
10 Pink Frosting
15 Rose Petal
20 Peach Satin
30 Candy Coral
40 Pink Plum
45 Orchid Hush
50 Plum Wine
60 Coffee Cake
70 Hot Tamale

More photos and swatches…

I did these swatches with a little bit of a heavy hand so that you could see how pigmented they are—but they’re actually much more soft than this when applied. They give off a soft-focus satin finish as you blend them in. The brighter shades like Hot Tamale might look a little scary in the pan and in the swatch, but it softens out considerably. You could build the intensity up if you wanted to, but I think these blushes look best a little muted.

Bottom Line: I really like these! I don’t have any issues with the product settling in my pores, which is a huge plus with any creamy blush for me. If there was one thing I could change—I’d find a way to make the color a little more long-wearing.