• Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Makeup and Beauty Blog | Makeup Reviews, Swatches and How-To MakeupMakeup and Beauty Blog | Makeup Reviews, Swatches and How-To Makeup

A beauty blog blooming with fresh makeup reviews, swatches and beauty tips from your friendly neighborhood beauty addict

  • Home
  • About
    • About
    • Contact
    • FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
    • Advertising & Media
  • Categories
    • Product Reviews
    • Makeup
    • Skincare & Fragrance
    • Style & Fashion
    • Hair
    • Nails
    • Tips & Tutorials
    • Just for Fun
  • Brands
  • Store

Illamasqua Powder Blusher, AKA Pigmentation Nirvana

July 29th, 2009 by Karen 35 Comments

illamasqua-makeup-reviews-excite-blush-1
Illamasqua Powder Blusher gets two thumbs up

“Sir, let my report show that Illamasqua’s Powder Blushers ($23) join their lipsticks and cream blushes in the oh-my-gawd-this-is-hella-pigmented department.”

I’ve been getting to know Excite and Beg, two of the 15 shades currently available online at Sephora.com, and I think I might be hooked on both.

Vibrant and buttery

As if their rich colors weren’t awesome enough, these finely-milled blushes feel just like buttah, melting seamlessly into my skin.

The texture reminds of Shu Uemura’s Glow On Blushes, some of the best blushes I’ve ever tried.

All-day wear

Both shades (and I’m guessing the others, too) last for hours, with the colors staying true on my cheeks from dawn until the freaks come out at night.

Excite, $23

Excite applies as a REALLY bright matte orange. Beauties who love bolder blush looks just might love it paired with coral lipsticks and glosses. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A

illamasqua reviews excite
Illamasqua Powder Blusher in Excite

illamasqua swatches excite powder blusher
Swatch of Excite

illamasqua makeup reviews excite powder-blusher-k1
Wearing Illamasqua Powder Blusher in Excite

Beg, $23

Beg, a matte rosy pink, creates a light, natural flush that I bet could look fab paired with pink, red or rose lippies. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A

illamasqua reviews beg
Illamasqua Powder Blusher in Beg

illamasqua swatches beg powder blusher
Swatch of Beg

urban decay fall 2009 fotd karen 2
Beg on my cheeks

Skip the blush brush

You’d think that bright blushes like these wouldn’t look natural at all, right?

I think they can with the help of the right brush. With intensely bright blushes, I try to stay away from regular blush brushes. For some reason they tend to deposit too much color for me, and I get better results with a fan brush (like Shu Uemura’s 7.5EX). They lay down sheer layers of color, giving me more control over how much blush ends up on my cheeks.

More to consider

Too bad these Illamasqua blushes are on the expensive side, but I think they deliver in terms of quality and color. Thankfully, the pans aren’t small. That certainly helps.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. What are you up to tonight? I think we might order a pizza (El Hub’s choice) and rent a movie, which is like Nirvana for boys.

Illamasqua Powder Blusher in Excite and Beg / Originally published July 29th, 2009

There are 35 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Makeup, Product Reviews

Previous Post: Illamasqua Adventures in Lipstick: Holy Pigmentation, Batman!
Next Post: Natalie Portman: Her Best Hair?

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kate & Zena says

    July 29th, 2009 at 6:31 pm

    I am going to take a shower in about half an hour and give my wrists a hot shower massage whilst in there. Now both my left AND right wrists hurt. I need a time-out from the computer I think. 🙂

    How’s the weather by you? It’s been very sunny and nice these past few days. I hope it stays. Knock on wood.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 30th, 2009 at 7:13 am

      Hi Kate & Zena,

      Hope your wrists are feeling better. My right one is acting up.

      The weather has been blah here lately. Very cold and overcast!

      Reply
  2. Stephie says

    July 29th, 2009 at 6:51 pm

    I’m really digging the blush in beg. Illamasqua is really giving NARS a run for their money in the blush department. I’ve been contemplating over Illamasqua’s cb in Rude or NARS in Cactus Flower for my last purchase on my last summer paycheck :p b/c afterwards I’ll be too broke for either brand XP

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 30th, 2009 at 7:12 am

      Hi Stephie,

      I’m voting for Rude. It’s a bad ass blush. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Paris B says

    July 29th, 2009 at 7:04 pm

    Wow Illamasqua is scaring me with all the strong pigment LOL… Still, I’m intrigued and I think Excite looks nice on you!
    .-= Paris B’s last blog post… Clarins Hydraquench Intensive Serum Bi-Phase & Clarins Smoothing Gel =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 30th, 2009 at 7:12 am

      Hi Paris B.,

      🙂 You gotta try it!

      Reply
  4. Hafsa says

    July 29th, 2009 at 7:59 pm

    Hi Karen, thanks for the post! Great swatches btw.

    I was wondering, if you had to only choose 1, would you pick excite or rude? Are they similar to color or no?

    You’re right, they are expensive, so i’m looking into getting one product to start with, preferably a nice coral-y color for the summer. I also tend to prefer cream blushes. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

    🙂
    .-= Hafsa’s last blog post… Sparkle =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 30th, 2009 at 7:11 am

      Hi Hafsa,

      I’d pick Rude. It’s a fantastic color and something one could easily hit the pan with!

      Reply
  5. shontay says

    July 29th, 2009 at 8:10 pm

    I cannot wait to take a look at these friday when I go to NYC for the opening of the new sephora in times square.

    I’m doing what I always do this time of night: watch Family Guy and The Golden Girls. LOL

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 30th, 2009 at 7:11 am

      Hi Shontay,

      I’m so jealous! I wish I could be there.

      El Hub loves watching Family Guy. That show has the wackiest sense of humor.

      Reply
  6. Marisol says

    July 29th, 2009 at 8:11 pm

    Awesome blushes! I will have to check them out in person once they arrive at Sephora.

    Tonight I am just chillin’ catching up on blogs & drinking wine. In a bit, I am going to continue to read my book. Hope it doesn’t keep me up late again.
    .-= Marisol’s last blog post… Daily Affirmation =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 30th, 2009 at 7:09 am

      Hi Marisol,

      Sounds like a fun evening. 🙂

      What book are you reading?

      Reply
  7. Ruth says

    July 29th, 2009 at 9:21 pm

    Karen, both those blushes look fierce on you girl !

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 30th, 2009 at 7:08 am

      Hi Ruth,

      🙂 Thanks, hon! Do you think you might try these colors?

      Reply
  8. gio says

    July 30th, 2009 at 4:32 am

    Thanks for the swatches. They both look great on you!
    .-= gio’s last blog post… Looks: Brown and Gold =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 30th, 2009 at 7:08 am

      Hi Gio,

      Thank you!

      Reply
  9. jojoba says

    July 30th, 2009 at 6:55 am

    the first blush looks scary in pan yet so nice on your tanned skin. the second one looks like something i can use.

    hey, you are always sooooo happy! 🙂
    .-= jojoba’s last blog post… Review/Swatch/FOTD: 13 Lumiere Skin & Beauty Bar Eye Pigments & Minieral Blush – Delicate Pink =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 30th, 2009 at 7:08 am

      Hi Jojoba,

      🙂 I’d like to rockin’ the Illamasqua!

      Reply
  10. Marisol says

    July 30th, 2009 at 7:16 am

    I am reading The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stief Larson. It’s the second book in the 3 part series called Millenium. The first book is The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. It’s a thriller & a fantastic book.
    .-= Marisol’s last blog post… Daily Affirmation =-.

    Reply
  11. Kajal Couture says

    July 30th, 2009 at 8:17 am

    I was trying to hold off from experimenting with this brand but all your reviews are giving me the itch to go down to Sephora RIGHT NOW!!! =)
    .-= Kajal Couture’s last blog post… Friends & Family 30% off at Gap, Banana Republic & Old Navy =-.

    Reply
  12. lexi says

    July 30th, 2009 at 8:35 am

    both colors are very pretty – don’t know if i’d invest in both colors. i have a hard enough time to remember to put it on once i’m done doing my eyes.

    Reply
  13. Meream says

    July 30th, 2009 at 10:56 am

    True, movie and pizza will make a man love you until kingdom come. 😀 Love your first photo. 😀
    .-= Meream’s last blog post… 6 Hottest Celebrity Buzz =-.

    Reply
  14. Redhead says

    July 30th, 2009 at 11:04 am

    Nothin’ much tonight. I have an ortho appointment this afternoon (HOPEFULLY I’ll be able to get these gawd-awful braces off before picture day at school!) and a voice lesson in the evening. I’m sad to say I didn’t get the part of Dorothy or Glinda in the Wizard of Oz; I’m one of the crows that bugs Scarecrow before Dorothy finds him and an Emerald City Citizen. It’s because I don’t have enough experience, boo!

    Reply
  15. Solé says

    July 30th, 2009 at 12:07 pm

    Both of them look beautiful on you! But I did notice they look different on your skin then they do in the pan. Ack, I want them both. 🙁 Maybe I’ll use a little bit of my student loan money for a mini Sephora haul…what? :X

    Oh, and…’til the freaks come out at night? I remember that song! Just like I remember that Knockin’ Boots song where you got the ‘Tweet Me Baby.’ Maybe it’s a Northern-Cali-in-the-90s thing but I get all your obscure pop culture references!

    Reply
  16. DoDe says

    July 30th, 2009 at 12:32 pm

    Karen you are such a hoot. Love the first pick. I will be investing in a illamasqua blush. Thanks for the info

    Reply
  17. Kate & Zena says

    July 30th, 2009 at 1:00 pm

    My wrists are a little better; it’s just finding that happy medium with things like typing. I use ice therapy for 20-25 minutes every hour or so and keep them in (very expensive) wrist stabilizing splints that are designed for those with wrist problems (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Arthritis). They literally keep my wrists in neutral so make-up brushes are out of commission for now (well, except my blush brush).

    Reply
  18. Citrine says

    July 30th, 2009 at 1:39 pm

    For some reasons I always ended up staring at you hair (it’s so thick and shiny!) every time when you are talking about some great makeup items…

    Beg looks so much brighter once it’s on your skin…I wonder if it will work the same way one paler/cooler skin tone…

    Reply
  19. Gigi says

    July 31st, 2009 at 3:17 am

    Excite looks DIVINE on you!!!! Great post, I think I’ll have to check these blushes out now 😀

    Reply
  20. Connie says

    July 31st, 2009 at 3:17 am

    Excite totally perks up your face! Beautiful! 😀
    It’s my boyfriend’s mom’s birthday today so we’re all going out for a family dinner 🙂
    .-= Connie’s last blog post… Totally Wearable Tutorials: It’s a Marvelous Night for a Moondance… =-.

    Reply
  21. Tavia says

    July 31st, 2009 at 3:50 am

    In summer season i like to wear even orange eyeshadow and lipgloss. It really gives a natural vibrant look especially if you went to the beach and your skin is becoming a golden shade glow. I really like the Illamasqua Powder Blusher in Excite, but do you know if exist some eyeshadow in the same shade? I think will be perfect for a vibrant makeup.
    .-= Tavia’s last blog post… Sensitive skin needs special care…advices, tips and recommendations =-.

    Reply
  22. Tiffany says

    July 31st, 2009 at 6:38 am

    Girl, thanks for the swatches!!! I wanted to try one of their blushes, but I hate that I can’t see them in person and the swatches on sephora.com are kinda lame. I think I want beg now!

    Reply
  23. Sarah says

    July 31st, 2009 at 4:15 pm

    I really love the Excite color! And your necklace is so adorable!
    .-= Sarah’s last blog post… Doggie in a Swing =-.

    Reply
  24. DeeDee says

    August 12th, 2009 at 11:47 pm

    Girl, I have been out of the loop with illamasqua but I’m thankful I have you to keep me updated. You are the absolute best and funniest chica in the beauty blogging world!!

    Keep strutting your stuff chica!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 13th, 2009 at 6:59 am

      Hi DeeDee,

      Woot! I’m glad you enjoyed the post… do you think you’re going to pick any Illamasqua goodies up? The cream blush in Rude totally rocks. 🙂

      Reply
  25. Indianglamprincess says

    December 12th, 2012 at 10:23 pm

    I have Illamasqua’s blush in Excite, and I absolutely love it!! It looks great on you, Karen! x
    Indianglamprincess recently posted … Kareena’s Makeup Tutorial- Sangeet/Wedding makeup *inspired* look

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

About Makeup and Beauty Blog

Welcome to Makeup and Beauty Blog
Hi there! I’m Karen, your friendly neighborhood beauty addict, and I’m a Bay Area girl who hoards brown eyeshadow and covets coral lipstick. Every morning, I wake up and say, “I’m going to do something other than a smoky eye today.” Then…I end up doing a smoky eye anyway (most days). When I’m not putting on makeup, taking pictures of makeup or writing about makeup, which I’ve been doing daily since 2007 (!), you’ll find me hanging out with my hubby (“El Hub”), my four-year-old daughter (Connor Claire) and my torbie girl cat (Pretty Girl Rosie, a.k.a. PGR).

SHOP THE STORE


Long Live Lipstick Tee 💄



Blush Is My Crush Tee



Mascara & Kitties Tee



Thank You For Being a Friend Tee



You Hair Me Tee


Recent Posts

skinfix hand repair cream

Checking In: SkinFix Favorites | A Possible Solution to Crazy Baby Hairs | The Dinner Rage Chronicles, Continued

loreal root cover up costco

Checking In: Beauty Deals at Costco, a Truly Game-Changing Tip to Make Life Less Gross, and Missing My Girl

you deserve to be happy doughnuts

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 673

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 654

weekend reading magazines april 2021

Saturday Surfing, April 10, 2021

Social

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Featured Posts

Lady Unicorn

Weird Things I Like to Do

brows fill out beforehand

Before You Pluck or Wax Your Brows, You Must Do This

current bare skin status

What’s One Thing That Drastically Changed Your Skin for the Better?

red brown smokey eyes tutorial top pic 2

A Glamorously Grungy Makeup Tutorial: Smoky Reddish Brown Eyes and Vampy Matte Lips [MODERATE SKILL LEVEL]

Copyright © 2021 Makeup and Beauty Blog. Get in touch.