Hi Ladies! I hope you're all well and having a great week so far. Before I get into my review I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who read or commented on my 'Blogging Basics Tips & Advice' post - I'm quite overwhelmed by the amazing response and all the tweets and emails I've received from fellow bloggers. So without getting all soppy on you, thank you very much - it means the world to me!
Okay, so now my thank you's are out of the way, let me get back to the focus of this post - a review of my first EVER Illamasqua blush. Illamasqua blushes are one of those products that have been on my wish list for such a long time but as I don't wear blush all that often, I never liked the idea of parting with £18.00 for a product I might not get much use from. The reason I'm not really into blush is because I don't think it particularly suits me and I've never found one thats made a massive difference to the overall appearance of my makeup. However, when I spotted this gorgeous coral Illamasqua blush in the shade 'Excite' on Coco from The Beauty Milk's blog sale, I thought 'what the hell' and immediately said I wanted it. Within minutes she'd sent me an invoice on Paypal and the blush was mine.
When it arrived for me in the post, I instantly fell in love with the packaging. The shiny black square with the Illamasqua logo embedded on the front is just beautiful. It feels very sturdy too and although I didn't pay the full £18.00 price tag for it, I was very happy to see a high-end brand reflect the price of their products in their packaging. After admiring the packaging for a while, my next thought was 'holy crap, this blush is bright, I'm going to end up looking like a clown'. However, although it does look bright (almost neon) Orange in the pan and is exceptionally pigmented, when applied with a light hand and blended out its the most beautiful peach blush I've ever used. Not only is it buttery soft to the touch and extremely easy to blend but when applied on top of my bronzer, it instantly brightens up my face. As I said earlier, blush I've used in the past has never made a great deal of difference to my makeup but this one finishes it off perfectly and adds a nice dimension to my face. I really like that its matte too so I can pair it with my matte bronzer for a natural look or add a bit of highlighter on top if I want to glam things up a touch.
Illamasqua describe the shade 'Excite' as a vivid apricot on their website which sounds scary but when blended out its truly beautiful and the perfect shade for this time of year. Who doesn't love a bit of peach when S/S comes around? The formula is absolutely divine too, I've never used a blush so soft to the touch and so incredibly pigmented. As you can see form my 'finger' swatch above, with one touch you get amazing colour pay-off. I really like this as I feel its a very high quality product and one that will last me a long time. However, it is important to be careful when using such a pigmented product - a heavy hand would definitely result in some bright orange cheeks. I've been applying it with my Real Techniques contour brush, dabbing it onto my cheeks and blending to create a soft peach effect.
I am SO impressed with this blush and its definitely the nicest I've ever used it. I now want to get my hands on a few more and I've got my eye on 'Lover' next - a muted peach which again is perfect for the Spring/Summer.
Have you tried Illamasqua blush? Do you like them as much as I do? They're available to buy here on the Illamasqua website.
Lots of Love,
This shade looks gorgeous! I like the fact it's really pigmented as you don't need to use much product! Xx
ReplyDeleteIts beautiful! Thats why I love it so much - the lightest dab of the brush is all you need!! Xx.
DeleteOMG! It looks so pretty!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a nice coral colour! :)
It really is - I love it!! Xx.
DeleteSo beautiful, looks like a powder version of dixie!
ReplyDeleteAhh it's super pretty; definitely perfect for spring! *added to the wish list* <33
ReplyDeleteI am running an International Giveaway on my blog now, and I'd love it if you enter for the chance to win some YSL, Chanel and Essie products! :)
XO,
RosyChicc
I haven't yet tried an Illamasqua blush, but I'm a sucker for all things coral so this would be the perfect one.
ReplyDeleteAmy| The Little Koala Blog ♥
wow, so lovely. <3
ReplyDeleteAmazing colour for spring, I love it! xxx
ReplyDeleteMaddy from http://unstitchedd.blogspot.co.uk/
♥
I like Illamasqua blushers a lot! I have mine for so long and there isn't even a dip, they are just so pigmented, love them / Claire xxx
ReplyDeleteLove this colour! Illamasqua blushers are such great quality! So pretty :) xxx
ReplyDeleteI ordered this the other day after swatching it in store. Can't wait for it to arrive! xo
ReplyDeleteI only have one illamasqua blusher and I was blown away by the pigmentation! totally want to get my hands on more xx
ReplyDeleteThis looks stunning, I've never tried any Illamasqua products yet but I really want to, not sure what to try first, any recommendations? xx
ReplyDeletehttp://hollslucy.blogspot.co.uk
Ooh I'm actually fairly new to the brand myself so have only tried a lipstick and a couple of other bits and pieces!! This blush is the nicest product I've tried so far though :) I want to get one of their cream ones next!! Xx.
DeleteThis is gorgeous! In need of a new coral blush. my Coralista has just run out, and this isnt as expensive!!xx
ReplyDeleteSuch a GORGEOUS shade!
ReplyDelete♥ Filthy Fashion ♥
This looks beautiful! Looks quite similar to NARS Gina which is one of my faves ever! I've never tried any Illamasqua products but their blushes are top of my list. They sound such amazing quality!
ReplyDeletewww.absolutebeaut.com
xx
oooh this looks lovely! :) what a nice coral tone to it! <3
ReplyDeletexxx
http://eleanorcos.blogspot.com/
This colour looks fab! I've wondered for a while now about trying some of the Illamasque blushes and your post has definitely made me decide I have to get one! :) x
ReplyDeletehttp://www.beautyboxuk.blogspot.co.uk/
This shade is gorgeous, it's so summery! Love the coral tone xx
ReplyDeleteCurls and Swirls Beauty & Lifestyle
This colour is so pretty! Perfect for summer! I'm always lusting over Illamasqua products, but their price tags are a bit too steep for me. I'm sure the quality of the products reflect the price, though!
ReplyDeleteLuceeloves.blogspot.com.
Xxx
This looks so pretty! Don't think I could pull it off this shade, but might have to look out for one of these in a pinker shade :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
Some Sparkle and Shine
This blush looks so pretty. I've tried some of illamasqua's blushers before, I need to add more to my collection I think! ;-)
ReplyDeleteLeanne @ Leanne-Marie | Beauty, fashion & lifestyle. x x
OMG!! That blusher is such a pretty colour! I love this review it was really helpful! I will definitely have to buy it!! :D xx
ReplyDeleteI really love Illamasqua... I was treated to a peachy blush for Xmas and a lipgloss, both so so pigmented and last ages :)
ReplyDeleteXx
So pretty - this is a gorgeous shade and a fantastic review xx
ReplyDeletewww.poptartsandsexx.blogspot.co.uk
As you said the packaging is really pretty and the shade too.
ReplyDeleteAnd once is blended the colour is even more amazing.
Maria x
craftyowl93.blogspot.com
I'm sooo glad you love it! Illamasqua blushes are SO soft. I kinda started hoarding their orange/peach blushes and had a bunch of the same so I'm glad Excite found a home where it will be used often. I bet it looks gorgeous on you.
ReplyDeletexx
I have no Illamasqua products at all, I'm hoping to buy something from them very soon :)
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a lovely blusher, have you seen 'lies'? it is a cream blush. I think it looks lovely and that is the one I'm hoping to get as it looks as if it will give such a refreshed and soft look for the summer :)
Amy xx
A Little Boat Sailing
Ooh that is an amazing colour I've never seen a blush like that before. Getting it from a blog sale is a good bargain x
ReplyDeletelifeandlipsticks.blogspot.co.uk/
I really love Illamasqua blushers - my favourite is Ambition, I find it goes with everything.
ReplyDeleteSharon x
I love Illamasqua blushers, I have the blush 'Sophie' and I highly recommend it xx
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried any but this shade is gorgeous! I definitely think I might need to try some out!
ReplyDeletexx
http://abrunetteinthecity.blogspot.com/
It looks so so gorgeous!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.cocoamourr.com/
x
This shade is phenom & blends beautifully!xx
ReplyDeleteCat
MaybeBabyXo.com
I've lusted after an illamasqua blush for a long while. I tend to lean towards pinks (like macs dollymix) but this has turned my head :)
ReplyDeleteprettylittleus
Kate
Xx
I don't think this is the colour for me, but it makes me want to check out Illamasqua's pinker blushes, if they're this gorgeous :) I'm a new reader and follower, and I'm so glad I found your blog :)
ReplyDeleteAsha
http://theoxfordowl.wordpress.com
Never tried any product of the brand, yep 'cause of that price tag!, but this blush looks lovely, a bit scary but lovely! x
ReplyDeleteagirlsfancies.blogpot.com
This blusher looks and sounds gorgeous :) I've never tried Illamasqua before but I would love to give their blushers a try! xx
ReplyDeletebelle-amiebeauty.blogspot.co.uk
This looks lovely! It reminds me of their cream blush in 'Rude' x
ReplyDeleteKayleigh..I'm sorry to say this but I'm breaking up with you and your blog..the damage this relationship has done to my bank balance is simply irreparable! ;) xxxxx Just joking! You are such an enabler though!hehe xxxx
ReplyDeleteI adore their blushers.. Katie is my favourite, the perfect milky pink blush! it almost melts on your skin xx
ReplyDeleteGemma ♥ | Miss Makeup Magpie
This colour is gorgeous!! :) ♥
ReplyDeletehttp://abeautyromancee.blogspot.co.uk/
http://abeautyromancee.blogspot.co.uk/
i'm still yet to enter the world of illamasqua yet, this post has definhitly pushed me, looks lush and i bet it really suits you! I want the speckled nail polishes! xxx
ReplyDeletewhat a gorgeous color x
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely colour, I never used any Illamasqua products before they sound great I must give them a try! X
ReplyDeletesuch a pretty shade ! x
ReplyDeleteIllamasqua blushes are my fave! Ive been eyeing up excite for ages - My favourite is their Lover blush. Its been my staple for a good 2 years now - really recommend it :) think youd love it!
ReplyDeleteTheir cream blush in Rude is also fab! Love the vibrancy of this one - I might have to treat myself to a new shade of theirs in summer :)xx
Loved this post:)
ReplyDeleteI've been dying to get my hands on one of these blushes for ages!! Xx
Really gorgeous blush! I thought it would be quite neon-y like it was on your finger, but it's so gorgeous and warm, I really want it! Great review
ReplyDeleteLauren
Fashionswirls.blogspot.com
Wow i simply love this blush reviewed on my blog recently hey can you tell me which app do u use to type the twxr like swatched and blended on pic :))
ReplyDeleteHi! Need help in deciding- i love peach blushes and cant decide whether to get Nars Gina or Illamasqua Excite. Ive been a long time Nars user but been seeing great reviews on Illamasqua! I see youve reviewed both, which do you think is better?:)
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