I first saw Neutrogena's Mineral Sheers Blush in the September issue of Seventeen magazine. A side advertisement promised 500 readers a free full-size Mineral Sheers Blush. I wish I would've entered - then I wouldn't have wasted $11.

Neutrogena's new blush has three appeals: portability, simplicity and healthy skin. OPI's Nic's Sticks also attracted busy women with its portable design. Remember how well that went? Neutrogena designed its blush with a built-in brush, a godsend for cluttered purses everywhere. A clear band surrounds the bristles, protecting them from bacteria. Someone had his practical cap on while designing this product.

Its directions seem simple: Slide clear band down, and turn brush upside down. (OK). Shake up and down three times or until powder flows through. (One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Nothing.) If required, press brush firmly back and forth on the back of the hand to make the powder flow. (OK, now I see powder.) Dust off any excess product. (I'm not really sure what you mean by this, but I'm going to blow on it a little.) Apply to face. (Wow, that's a bit much.)

According to Neutrogena's Web site, Mineral Sheers is healthy for your skin. The company says it was developed by dermatologists, and its lightweight powder contains pure, gentle minerals that soften and smooth skin.

Save: I won't disagree with Neutrogena's claim that Mineral Sheers Blush is healthy for your skin. (I don't have the medical background to do so.) But its assertion that it delivers "just the right amount of color," just didn't happen for me. Every time I use it, I have to get my pressed powder brush and apply a little to tame down the pink. The product design was ingenious but, like OPI's Nic's Sticks, you have to sacrifice the control you have with a traditional blush and separate brush. And I'm a control freak.