Illamasqua Blushers - My Collection (so far!!!)

All my pretties together!

I know a lot of people out there are interested in Illamasqua's blushers, so I thought I would show you the ones I have, complete with some swatches/thoughts etc...

First of all, Illamasqua blushers come in two forms - cream and powder. Both types are well pigmented and I find that they last really well once applied.

Cream blushers - £16 for 4g of product, 14 shades are available. I have read a lot of comments/reviews about the cream blushers saying that people dislike the fact that at times (especially in hot weather) these sometimes get "beads" of an oily substance on the surface. While this is true, I've never found that it effects the quality of the product - I actually think this substance keeps the blusher moist and makes them really easy to blend. I can see however why some people might not like this, so this might be worth considering...

They can be applied on top of/under foundation for different effects. I usually dot it on with my used foundation brush and blend with fingers or a brush designed for creams/liquids (usually my foundation brush). They can be built up from subtle to full on dramatic looks. What I also love about these is that they can be used on the lips too.

So here are my cream blushers...
1. LIES

I actually don't think this would work as a blusher on most people apart from the super super pale - I consider myself really pale (MAC foundation NC15/20 for example) and this doesn't work as a blusher on me - I use this as a highlighter around the browbone and cheekbone. I also use it and a lipgloss. I think this could also be used to tone down other more vibrant colours or adding shimmer to other blushers (this is the only shimmery blusher they make at the moment).

2. DIXIE

This one is a really wearable peachy-raspberry pink. Goes with most colours and although it looks a bit loud in the pan, it's very wearable when blended.

3. RUDE

This one is has been described as a cream version of NARS Gina (by the lovely Bubblegarm) - I don't actually own that so I'm not sure, but as you can see by the dent I have created in it, its one of my most reached for cream colours - it also looks great on lips.

4. PROMISE

This one is a cool lilac pink with blue-ish undertones. Works well with blue and purple eye looks. Again, can be built up or kept subtle.

4. LIBIDO

OK, So I admit it, this one is farly scary in the pan - I have only recently purchased this. It is a gorgeous bright orange-red, a classic tomato shade if you will! For some reason I always feel attracted to red blushers, but I really really really love this on the lips - below is a (not very good) picture of this swiped onto the list using fingers...

I personally adore this shade, but it's definately not for the faint hearted!

Finally on the cream blush front, here are some swatches...

Top row L to R - Rude, Dixie, Promise. Bottom row Libido, Lies.

Powder Blushers - Again these cost £16 for 4.5g of product. 28 shades are available. All the ones I have so far are really well pigmented. Because of the size of the pan as well, they are easy to use even with bigger brushes (again, same goes for the cream blushers). Some of the powder blushers might appeal more to pro's or makeup artists - eg Possess - a yellow shade, however a lot of the shades are really wearable. They are all matte, and I find them easy to blend - they also last really well on the skin (unlike MAC's powder blushers in my opinion!)

1. INTRUIGUE

Obviously, this is not really best described as a blusher - it is a matte, pure white powder. I love this as a highlighter for more formal looks - it adds a sheen to the skin without adding shimmer if that makes sense. Can be used below the eyebrow as well as a brow highlighter. Can also be used over other more vibrant powder blushers in order to tone them down and give a "doll-like" effect.

2.MISCHIEF

Again, this is clearly not a blusher for most skintones - Illamasqua do a lot of "brown" blushers - all designed to be used as contour shades. This is one of the lighter ones and works really well on my skintone. There are loads of different contour shades available.

3. NYMPH

A really easy to wear pale dusky pink, with cool undertones - I'd class this as an "everyday" blusher, it goes with pretty much everything cool or pink toned...

4. LOVER

My other "everyday" blush - a pale peachy shade, warmer in nature than nymph (obviously what with it being peach lol). Again goes with anything peachy based - Nymph and Lover are probably the ones to go for if you like versatile colours or are pale. Would probably also work on darker skins but in a different way...

5. EXCITE

I have to say, this is my personal favourite of all the Illamasqua blushers I own - its a matte hot orange shade. Wierdly though, even though this is matte, it doen't look like a "flat" colour on the skin. Obviously if you are a fan of neutral looks, then this may not be the one for you, but I adore this shade. Both this shade and Tweak (below) and both pigmented enough to use as eye colours as well.

6. TWEAK

Yet another scary looking colour - this ones a pinky red shade. The reason I bought this? I saw this picture - http://krystleclayton.blogspot.com/2009/06/dotty.html on Krystle's blog, and I came over all creative lol... It can be applied with a brush like the MAC 188 for a less intense look though! A really pretty colour, which looks great paired with simple lips and a black winged eyeliner.

Powder Blush swatches...

Top row - L to R - Lover, Tweak, Nymph. Bottom row - Excite, Mischief.

So there you go - well done for getting to the end if you have lol! If you want any more info on any of the shades I own (No doubt further colours will be added lol) then please feel free to ask anything and request swatches or looks etc...Does anyone own any other shades? I'd love to see what ya got! After all, it would enable my addiction further!

MizzWorthy xxx