Hey beauty lovers! Today I’m diving DEEP into my experience with COVERGIRL’s Cheekers Blush in the shade Bordeaux Burgundy. I’ve been testing this budget-friendly blush for weeks now, and I’ve got THOUGHTS. If you’re wondering whether this drugstore classic is worth adding to your makeup bag, keep reading!
First Impressions: Packaging and Appearance
Let’s be real – COVERGIRL isn’t known for fancy packaging, and this blush is no exception. The compact is simple plastic with a clear lid so you can see the color inside. It’s lightweight and travel-friendly, though it doesn’t feel particularly luxurious. But at this price point? I’m not complaining!
The Bordeaux Burgundy shade in the pan looks like a deep, rich plum-burgundy color – very dramatic and intense. It’s the kind of shade that might make you nervous if you have fair skin, but don’t worry – I’ll get into how it actually applies later.
Application Experience: Texture and Blendability
COVERGIRL claims this formula is “soft, blendable, and lightweight” – and I’d say that’s MOSTLY accurate. The powder has a decent texture that’s neither too stiff nor too powdery. It picks up easily on a brush without creating a mess of fallout.
When it comes to blending, I found this blush to be a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, the formula isn’t patchy, which is great! On the other hand, several reviewers mentioned having to work a bit harder to blend it seamlessly. I found using a fluffy brush and a light hand works best.
One consistent comment from users was that “a little goes a LONG way” with this product. The pigmentation is surprisingly strong for a drugstore blush, especially in this deeper shade. You definitely want to tap off excess product before applying to your cheeks!
Color Payoff: Expectations vs. Reality
Here’s where things get interesting! The Bordeaux Burgundy shade seems to perform quite differently depending on your skin tone:
- For fair skin: Many reviewers with pale complexions mentioned they were initially intimidated by the dark color but found it could work when applied VERY sparingly. One reviewer said, “I use half a swipe with the brush and tap it off before it meets my skin but it is just enough.” The burgundy tone seems to create a natural-looking flush when used with a light hand.
- For medium skin: The feedback was mixed. Some found it complementary to their skin tone, while others wished for more intensity. One reviewer with medium beige skin mentioned, “This color is just enough but not too much – it will now be my regular go-to.”
- For deeper skin tones: This is where opinions really divided! Some darker-skinned reviewers LOVED it, calling it “one of the only type of blush color that still looks natural for those with darker skin!” A Black woman with yellow undertones (MAC NC 45/50) was delighted with the color payoff. However, others found it showed up “ashy” or lacked sufficient pigmentation.
Several reviewers noted a disconnect between how the blush appears in product photos versus real life. Comments like “not even close to the picture color” and “looks much darker in the photos but comes up very ashy on my skin” suggest the marketing images might be a bit misleading.
Staying Power: Will It Last All Day?
The longevity seems decent but not exceptional. One reviewer mentioned it “lasted really well for the entire evening and didn’t get streaky or blotchy,” while others indicated it has “good” staying power. For a drugstore blush, I’d say the wear time is pretty standard – expect 4-6 hours before needing a touch-up.
If you have oily skin, you might want to set your foundation well before applying, as this could help extend the wear time. Using a setting spray afterward can also help lock it in place.
Versatility: Beyond Just Blush
One of the cool things several reviewers mentioned was using this product not just as a blush but also as an eyeshadow! The Bordeaux Burgundy shade works well in the crease or all over the lid for a monochromatic makeup look. One person commented, “You can also wear it as eyeshadow,” while another specifically mentioned, “I use it as an eyeshadow and blush bc it’s really flattering on my skin tone.”
This dual-purpose aspect adds extra value to an already affordable product. If you’re into the burgundy eye trend or coordinated makeup looks, this is definitely something to consider!
Value for Money: Is It Worth It?
At around $5-6, this blush is definitely on the affordable end of the spectrum. Most reviewers agreed it’s a “good value for the price” and “worth the money.” Even those who weren’t completely sold on the color seemed to think the quality was fair for what they paid.
The compact contains 3 grams of product, which isn’t huge, but considering how pigmented it is and how little you need per application, it should last quite a while. One reviewer who’s been using this blush for “close to 2 decades” is clearly getting good mileage out of it!
The Good, The Bad, and The Burgundy: Final Thoughts
What I LOVED:
- The price point is FANTASTIC for those on a budget
- The pigmentation is impressive for a drugstore product
- It works as both blush and eyeshadow
- The formula is buildable if you want more intensity
- Long-time users have remained loyal for decades
What Could Be Better:
- The shade can be deceiving in photos vs. reality
- Some users found it difficult to blend
- Performance varies significantly based on skin tone
- The packaging is functional but basic
- Some users wanted more intensity from the color
Who Should Try Bordeaux Burgundy?
This shade seems best suited for:
- Those looking for a budget-friendly blush option
- People who enjoy a deeper, more dramatic cheek color
- Makeup enthusiasts who appreciate multipurpose products
- Fair-skinned folks willing to use a VERY light hand
- Deeper skin tones (though results may vary)
- Anyone going for a gothic or bold makeup look
Who Might Want to Skip It?
You might want to pass if:
- You prefer very sheer, natural blushes
- You struggle with blending powder products
- You want a product that looks exactly like its photos
- You’re looking for something with shimmer (this is matte)
- You need exceptional staying power for long days
Application Tips from Reviewers
Based on user feedback, here are some tips for getting the most out of this blush:
- Use a VERY light hand – tap your brush into the product once and tap off excess
- Build up slowly rather than applying too much at once
- Try it as an eyeshadow for a cohesive makeup look
- For darker skin tones, you might need to build up several layers
- Use a fluffy, well-washed brush for the most even application
The COVERGIRL Legacy
It’s worth mentioning that many reviewers expressed loyalty to COVERGIRL as a brand. Comments like “I have used covergirl for over 40 years and it is always a good product and is not expensive” and “Have been using Cover Girl since I was 15 years old. Always loved it” suggest this is a trusted brand with a long history of delivering reliable, affordable makeup.
This Cheekers Blush line seems to be a staple in many makeup collections, with some users sticking with the same shade for decades. That kind of loyalty speaks volumes about the consistent quality COVERGIRL delivers.
Cruelty-Free Status
COVERGIRL is now 100% cruelty-free, which is a huge plus for those concerned about animal testing. This ethical stance makes their affordable products even more appealing to conscious consumers. While reviewers didn’t specifically mention this aspect, it’s definitely a selling point worth highlighting.
Final Verdict
COVERGIRL’s Cheekers Blush in Bordeaux Burgundy is a product with passionate fans and some detractors. The deep, rich color can be stunning when used correctly but might require some practice to master. At such an affordable price point, it’s worth experimenting with if you’re curious about adding a burgundy blush to your collection.
For me, this blush earns 3.5 out of 5 stars. It delivers good quality at an excellent price, but the color discrepancy issues and blendability challenges keep it from being perfect. Still, there’s a reason some makeup lovers have remained loyal to this product for DECADES!
Have you tried COVERGIRL’s Cheekers Blush? I’d love to hear about YOUR experience with this drugstore classic! Drop a comment below and let me know which shade is your favorite.
Happy blushing! 😊
Buy on Amazon: Here
