Carrie Bradshaw's refined, impeccable, and surprising wardrobe is usually what gets the spotlight when it comes to Sex and the City fanfare but my fixation with the iconic character has always been more about the beauty look, especially as someone with curly hair. In And Just Like That… Sarah Jessica Parker's character has forgone the curly locks, but is still giving us major beauty newness to obsess over.
While searching the internet to find what is giving Charlotte York Goldenblatt her soft finish complexion and speculating over what toning shampoo Miranda Hobbes uses, I discovered that Carrie's glow involves one of my favorite recent beauty products — Merit's Flush Balm.
I have waxed poetic over the recently-launched beauty brand before. Merit's products are so streamlined, curated, easy to use, and perfect for everyday wear. Speaking to Harper's Bazaar, Sherri Berman Laurence, the makeup department head for AJLT, broke down the characters' looks, as well as some specific makeup products she favors. The approach for Carrie was "fresh-faced" and "easy," involving a high-end Koh Gen Do foundation, a luxe Tom Ford contouring palette, and the aforementioned scene-stealing Merit blush.
Shop now: $28; meritbeauty.com, sephora.com
Even for a beauty writer who has crossed paths with hundreds of blushes, Flush Balm stands out. It's an exquisite product fit for the makeup bag of an Upper East Side icon. The blush has an in-between texture and formula — it's definitely not a powder, but it's not a full blown liquid, and it's a little bit more solid than the usual cream blush. Think of the blush as the Manolo Blahnik kitten pump of Carrie's makeup routine — chic, effortless, and classic.
Flush Balm comes in five shades, but the three I consider to be absolutely foolproof are the soft peach Beverly Hills, the subtle berry Raspberry Beret, and the mauve pink shade worn by Parker on the show, Cheeky. Although I initially received samples from the brand, I have since repurchased Cheeky after running out and Raspberry Beret after my sister took my first one.Application is seamless whether you're putting it on top of foundation or directly on your bare face. I do a couple of dabs and then rub the color in and spread it over my cheeks using my index and middle fingers. The effect is healthy yet fresh-faced, plus now I have the added confidence boost of knowing Carrie Bradshaw and I have this one thing in common. And unlike the designer heels or dresses SJP's character is known for, Merit Flush Balm is actually affordable. Channel your inner Bradshaw for $28 at Sephora or Merit.
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