I didn’t like Almay Smart Shade Powder Blush when I tried it for the first time. I could barely see it on my skin. Then the head Beautygeek gave me her advice: try wearing more, dummy. Well, she never says "dummy" but I think it’s implied. So I wore more. More of the shade Pink.

Wow. Move over perennial favourite Benefit Bella Bamba because now I have a new favourite blush. That’s right, I said it.

I love the colour from Bella Bamba, but I find that I have to be super light-handed with it or I look like someone’s grandma who’s on the waiting list for cataract surgery.

This Almay Smart Shade Powder Blush colour creates that perfect flush. It might be because it’s a Smart Shade and you’re swirling together three shades to create the perfect colour but I’m not 100% convinced on that claim. (You may already know Almay Smart Shade blush in a tube; this is the powder version that replaced it earlier this year.)

What I am convinced about is the staying power. By the end of the day, my tends-to-be-oily complexion was still slightly, prettily flushed. I like any day that ends without me looking like death microwaved for 12 seconds.

If I can break away from my love affair with Almay Smart Shade Powder Blush ($12.95, drugstores) in Pink, I’ll try Coral. Maybe.

CRANK-O-METER BEAUTY RATING: 4.75 out of 5.

What’s your favourite blush? Can you beat my new fave's price tag?