A friend in Seoul sent me the missha cotton blusher in Ballerina Shoes after I said I wanted a cheaper blush with that classic NARS-adjacent tone. She said it’s one of those Olive Young online bestsellers that’s almost always sold out, so I was already curious. After two weeks of wear: I get the hype. It’s a light coral–apricot powder that somehow hits “fresh” without turning neon, and I’m honestly reaching for it more than some of my pricier favourites.

Shade & undertone 

On my light skin with a neutral–warm lean, Ballerina Shoes reads as a clear, bright apricot with a soft pink pulse—think “peaches and cream” cheeks after a cold walk. In my phone pics, it kept skewing red and dark (thanks, res lighting), but IRL the colour is clean and airy, not brick or berry. If most corals pull orange on you, this one stays peachy-pink enough to feel cute, not loud.

Pigment level & finish

Don’t let “cotton” fool you—this isn’t sheer-sheer. It’s surprisingly pigmented for a budget blush, so go in lightly. One tap gives a soft wash; two taps and you’ve got full blush-core. Finish is soft matte/velvet—not flat, not glowy—just that blotted-satin look that smooths texture. No visible glitter, no chalky cast, and it doesn’t emphasise peach fuzz.

Texture & blend

Finely milled with that silky slip you usually see in mid-range blushes. It picks up evenly (I use a loose, fluffy brush) and blends in seconds—no patchy edges. Over bare skin it grips; over tinted sunscreen or cushion it diffuses without lifting base. It also layers nicely with cream blush if you like a “set and lock” move: a tiny dot of cream, then dust this on top for extra staying power.

Wear time

On school days (indoor classes + bus + random wind), I get 6–7 hours before it softens, and it fades evenly—no ringy leftovers. If I set with a mist, it stretches to late afternoon. It’s not bulletproof like a stain, but for the price the longevity is solid.

Application tips from trial & error

Brush > dense sponge for soft-focus edges.

Tap the lightest amount and build—seriously, it’s punchier than it looks in the pan.

Place colour high on the cheek and a touch across the bridge of the nose for that youthful flush.

If your photos look weirdly red, step into daylight—you’ll see the true clear apricot.

Shade family vibes (no name-drops)

If you like those famous peach-meets-pink shades, this absolutely sits in that family—sunny but flattering, not orange and not baby pink. Not a 1:1 (no blush is), but the mood and brightness are very that—for way less money. And unlike some “glow” blushes, this one keeps my pores calm because it’s sheen-free.

Value & portability (why my wallet smiled)

The compact is simple and lightweight, snaps shut tight, and the pan is generous for the cost. It’s the kind of product you can toss in a tiny bag without feeling precious. Given the powder quality and wear, the value is A+—I get why it’s often sold out on Olive Young’s site.

Best suited for

Anyone after a fresh, brightening coral–apricot that doesn’t skew neon

Folks who prefer a velvet, pore-friendly finish over glow

Students (hi) who need reliable pigment on a budget

Warm and neutral undertones (cool-toned can still pull it off if you keep it light)

My bottom line

Even though my pics made it look redder/darker (lighting is a bully), the real-life colour is clear, lively, and super wearable. The pigment is punchy, the blend is easy, and the finish is flattering. I reach for it all the time and don’t feel like I have to babysit it. If you want that classic cheerful peachy-pink cheek without spending big, missha cotton blusher in Ballerina Shoes is a smart add to cart—especially if you catch it in stock.