Bobbi Brown Blush from the Neons and Nudes Collection for Spring 2012

Bobbi Brown introduced two new blush shades with the Neons and Nudes Collection for Spring 2012. I know you've probably already seen Nude Pink and Nude Peach Blush ($24) on other blogs, but I wasn't able to get photos of them until this past weekend. I like them both so much, I wanted to feature them.

In my photo immediately above, taken in full sun, it's pretty obvious what's what. Nude Pink (#29) is shown on the left, and Nude Peach (#28) is shown on the right. On the cheeks, they are great shades.

Nothing gives the face a lift like blush [I think that's Bobbi's mantra]. These two universally flattering, muted pink and peach blush shades are the perfect complement to brightly accented eyes and lips.

The Neons and Nudes Collection features a unique pairing of bright, neon colors balanced by soft nudes and neutrals. Pair a soft, nude eye with a neon lip or a bright eye with a nude lip, depending on your mood. Contrary to what you might think, you shouldn't skip blush with a neon lip or bright eye. You should use a sheer, soft color. Nude Pink and Nude Peach give you options, depending on your skin tone or preference. I can wear both - with or without the rest of the collection. These are gorgeous blushes, without shimmer and office-appropriate.

To get swatch photos, I decided to apply both shades with a sponge-tipped applicator, using circular motions. I didn't use a brush because the shades are light and natural. I wanted you to get a sense of the full-on color so that you could select the shade that works best for you. My photos were taken in full sun. Keep in mind, please, that the applications on my arm are heavy - much more intense than you will see on your cheeks if you apply these blushes normally.

I love them both and expect to use them both. I have a favorite that surprises me: Nude Peach! Yikes! I'm becoming a peach blush lover. Who would have thought? I have cool-toned skin. However, peach blushes can be enormously warming and flattering on me if they are the right shade. Leave it to Bobbi Brown to introduce just the right peach shade for me - and possibly you.

Nude Peach is described online as a pale, nude nectar. Nude Pink is described as the "palest pink." Nude Pink is much more colorful than Giorgio Armani Beauty's new Tourmaline Pink Blush. Nude Pink offers vibrant pink color, which is buildable. It offers a range of intensity from a hint of blush if applied lightly to a vibrant pink cheek if layered. The choice is yours. Don't forget you can top them with one of the new Shimmer Bricks for a little razzle dazzle.

I have two categories of makeup: 1) things that get tried and swatched and subsequently fall to the bottom of the pile at my house, and 2) things that get tried and swatched and make their way to the limited space on my bathroom counter. These two blushes are on my bathroom counter. Enough said? I'll probably use Nude Peach the most until spring arrives, when Nude Pink will have its day.

Check them out and see what you think. The Neons & Nudes Collection is available at all Bobbi Brown counters, and it's also available at www.bobbibrown.com.

Photo at top courtesy of Bobbi Brown; other photos by Best Things in Beauty