Can a Hussy be sweet and kinda innocent? Sure, why the hell not? 🙂
Hussy and Lover, the two blushes basking in Illamasqua’s new Powder Blusher Duo ($41), probably sound more scandalous than they are. A lot less dramatic than scheming harlots and vengeful tarts, the look itself reminds me of sock-hop dances, candy necklaces, ruffled dresses and high ponytails with satin ribbons tied into neat bows.
Illamsqua’s funny that way, and ironic, and it’s one of the things I adore about the brand… Gotta love a colorful makeup line with a sense of humor and a flair for the dramatic.
The new duo, one of nine limited edition kits and sets available now online, and coming soon to cosmetics counters and stores, is part of Illamasqua’s holiday 2012 release; it also happens to be the brand’s first powder blush duo, ever.
As a certified makeup hoarder (I should get a stamp to prove it…like a notary, haha!), I find this very exciting. Even though both colors can also be found in Illamasqua’s permanent line, the duo itself still seems like a special collector’s item.
Additional makeup worn in this look
- Laura Mercier Metallic Creme Eye Colour in Copper (lids)
- Prunella Eye Kohl (water lines)
- MAC Lipsticks in Crosswires and Sandy B topped with MAC Viva Glam Nicki Lipglass (pink lip in the top pic)
- MAC Lipstick in Scarlet Ibis (red lip in bottom pics)
I love the way these matte blushes look with bright, saturated lips — namely hot pinks, reds, coral and fuchsia. I think they get along swimmingly, making bright lip looks appear even more intense.
I get my best, most natural, polished-looking results with these when I apply one or two layers using a circular motion, really buffing and working them into the skin with my brush. That way, I can get the colors to combine with my foundation and face powder; otherwise, the blushes, being as pigmented as they are, can appear a little stark and obvious.
Oh! And I think these have no qualms about layering. For a dynamic effect, I’ll buff Hussy all over the apples of my cheeks, swirl a bit of Lover on the very bottoms of my cheeks with a tapered eyeshadow brush, and run a clean blush brush all over my cheeks to blend the colors together.
Add mascara, and I’m ready for my date at the Peach Pit with Brandon Walsh.
Ah, the kinder, gentler mid-’90s…back before the whole Kelly-Dylan-Brandon love triangle on 90210. 🙂
PRICE: $41
AVAILABILITY: Available now at illamasqua.com; coming soon to stores
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A
Here comes the sun (little darlin’)
Yay! It’s been one of those perfect fall days here today, all sunny and warm. I’m tempted to swing by Starbucks to get a soy pumpkin chai latte (no foam, please).
Seriously, they should really warn customers about how addictive those things are.
Hope you’re having a nice Wednesday so far.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Dee says
October 17th, 2012 at 5:37 pmI love these blushes but I can’t stop wondering what lip products and eye products you used. Inquiring minds want to know!.LOL
Chelsea says
October 17th, 2012 at 6:04 pmHussy is gorgeous!
Karen says
October 18th, 2012 at 7:26 amHi Chelsea,
Super pretty, right?!
How are the fur kids today? Hi to Quincy and Jiji.
Chelsea says
October 18th, 2012 at 1:06 pmFurkids are great, as usual! They say hi to you and Tabs!
I’ve never used Illamasqua, but I’m on the hunt for a new blush, so this might be it…
Brian AKA Roulette says
October 17th, 2012 at 6:07 pmI was thinking the same thing, what is on your eyes/lips? Its REALLY pretty on you. Great combo!!! Kinda loving that blush duo 🙂
Karen says
October 18th, 2012 at 7:25 amHi Brian,
I’m wearing Laura Mercier and MAC. I just posted the links to the items in the comments and in the post. 🙂
How have you been? Got any exciting plans for Halloween?
Agata says
October 17th, 2012 at 6:13 pmI want this blush, both colors are gorgeous. And yes, can you tell us what are you wearing on your eyes? Looks stunning.
Karen says
October 18th, 2012 at 7:24 amHi Agata,
I’m wearing Laura Mercier Burnished Copper and MAC Prunella. I just updated the post with the links and posted the info in the comments.
Hope you’re having a nice Thursday so far. How’s your week been?
Here, lemme pour you a cup of chocolate macadamia nut kona…
Cheryl says
October 17th, 2012 at 6:14 pmLooking gorgeous as always, Karen! Love the overall makeup look! 😉
Karen says
October 18th, 2012 at 7:23 amHi Cheryl,
Thank you! 🙂 I hope you’re having a nice day so far. Is it Friday yet?
Marla says
October 17th, 2012 at 6:14 pmLovely colors.
Karen says
October 18th, 2012 at 7:22 amHi Marla,
Don’t you just love Illamasqua?
christine says
October 17th, 2012 at 7:12 pmBut what do you have on your eyes Karen? Love the Beatles mention 🙂
Karen says
October 18th, 2012 at 7:22 amHi Christine,
I’m wearing Laura Mercier and MAC. I just listed the items in the post and in the comments. 🙂
DJ says
October 17th, 2012 at 7:30 pmHa, gonna add my voice to the chorus, your eyes look amazing! What are you wearing??
Karen says
October 18th, 2012 at 7:22 amHi DJ,
Thank you! I just listed the items both in the post and in the comments. Let me know if you have any other questions. 🙂
virginie says
October 17th, 2012 at 7:49 pmIs it going to be available in Sephora?
Karen says
October 18th, 2012 at 7:21 amHi Virginie,
As far as I know, right now it’s just online. Here in the US, it usually takes a while for it to get to Sephora. So keep your eyes peeled over the next couple months.
Sandy says
October 17th, 2012 at 7:59 pmYes, your eyes look so pretty, do tell please!
Karen says
October 18th, 2012 at 7:20 amHi Sandy,
Thank you! I just put the info in the comments and post. 🙂
Karen says
October 17th, 2012 at 8:05 pmHi guys,
Thank you! 🙂
On my eyes I’m wearing Laura Mercier Metallic Creme Eye Colour in Copper on the lids:
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/cosmetics/unsung-heroes-laura-mercier-metallic-creme-eye-colour-in-copper/
MAC Prunella Eye Kohl on the water lines:
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/mac-makeup/mac-unsung-heroes-prunella-eye-kohl/
The top pic lippie is MAC Crosswires mixed with Sandy B (both from the Pro Lip Palett/6 Editorial Oranges) topped with MAC Viva Glam Nicki:
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/mac-makeup/mac-pro-lip-palettes-pics-and-swatches/
The bottom lip pics are MAC Scarlet Ibis:
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/product-reviews/lips-like-marilyns-are-one-swipe-away-pigment-abounds-in-the-new-mac-marilyn-monroe-lipsticks/
Hanna says
October 17th, 2012 at 8:05 pmI love the colors!
Hanna recently posted … Skirts NOT to Wear
Karen says
October 18th, 2012 at 7:20 amHi Hanna,
Super pretty, right? Have you worn Illamasqua makeup before?
Erica Falco says
October 17th, 2012 at 8:45 pmReally cool technique using the blending brush to apply blush! Nice! 🙂
http://abundanceoferica.blogspot.ca
Karen says
October 18th, 2012 at 7:19 amThanks, Erica!
Rae // theNotice says
October 17th, 2012 at 9:23 pmThe Copper/Prunella eye is really working for you, Karen — I love how the rusty tones work with the bright lips and cheeks! It feels really autumnal, but without being dull. <3
Rae // theNotice recently posted … Brush up a spell with the new Sephora + Pantone Universe Enchanting Dual-Sided Brush Set: review, photos
Karen says
October 18th, 2012 at 7:19 amThanks, Rae! Hope you’re having a great week so far. Do you think you might give the duo a try?
gio says
October 17th, 2012 at 10:21 pmThe colours are so pretty!
gio recently posted … Product Review: Astral Original Moisturiser
Karen says
October 18th, 2012 at 7:19 amSuper gorgeous!
Becca @ The Beauty Sample says
October 18th, 2012 at 12:26 amI LOVE how they look mixed together–that just about sealed the deal for me. I need this blush duo! Oh and PS: you really do look amazing! I like how you’ve been filling in your brows lately. Just a touch thicker right?
Becca @ The Beauty Sample recently posted … The Sample: NEW Giorgio Armani Maestro Eraser Dark Circle Concealer #2 and #3 Review & Swatches
Karen says
October 18th, 2012 at 7:18 amHi Becca,
Yeah, I’ve been using a different brush for a slightly softer look. 🙂
Sunny @ Mostly Sunny says
October 18th, 2012 at 2:22 amI’m TOTALLY kicking myself for not having put this in the cart when I made my Illamasqua order last weekend. It’s pretty, and it’s SO pretty mixed as well!
Sunny @ Mostly Sunny recently posted … Grace Your Cheek with Diorblush Sugar & Spice (& Everything Nice!)
Karen says
October 18th, 2012 at 7:18 amHi Sunny,
It’s still available online. 🙂
Jennifer says
October 18th, 2012 at 4:21 amThey really do look amazing on you! You look stunning!
Jennifer recently posted … SALE ALERT! Tarina Tarantino Sparklecity Lip Gloss
Karen says
October 18th, 2012 at 7:18 amHi Jennifer,
Thank you!
Kim says
October 18th, 2012 at 4:45 amHello! I’m not sure how anyone could *not* love a blush called Hussy, but maybe it’s just me. 🙂 Your eyes look amazing in these pics, btw. Really stunning!
Karen says
October 18th, 2012 at 7:17 amHi Kim,
Thanks! That’s the magic of Laura Mercier. Her cream eyeshadows work miracles, I tell ya.
How are things going this week? I’m so glad Friday is right around the corner.
Sandra says
October 18th, 2012 at 5:00 amKaren, this is a gorgeous look! You truly look stunning!
Date worthy for sure!!!!
Karen says
October 18th, 2012 at 7:17 amThanks, Sandra!
Have you ever worn Illamasqua before?
Nina says
October 18th, 2012 at 7:15 amWhat brush are you using to apply the blush (in the picture)? I love the idea but im not sure I have a brush that tiny!
Karen says
October 18th, 2012 at 7:16 amHi Nina,
It’s the MAC 224. I use it to apply the brighter pink on top of the peach just at the tip of the apple of my cheek.
Jamie Lynn says
October 18th, 2012 at 8:47 amHands down my favorite blush formula ever. They are pigmented and bold but blendable and never chalky. Lover is in my top two along with Nymph. I own hussy as well and have often been complimented on the “watermelon” color (said Sarah at MAC PRO on Union). My MAC blushers are almost 100% unused since I’ve discovered these beauties.
Tass says
October 18th, 2012 at 1:55 pmOh wow I love this duo. Hussy is my everyday blush at the moment but Lover looks fabulous, especially mixed together x
Tass recently posted … It’s always sunny in Santorini
varsha says
October 18th, 2012 at 1:57 pmStunning..everything and is that Llamasqua foundations?
Ankita@corallista says
October 18th, 2012 at 10:48 pmI love Hussy, its one of my favorite pink blushe. And I just ordered Lover!
Ankita@corallista recently posted … New from Neutrogena : Wave Power Cleanser
Linh @ Linh's Kitchen says
October 23rd, 2012 at 2:09 pmKaren, I’m still too shy to try out Illamsqua as it’s out of my price range but I needed to comment on how stunning the intro photo is! I’m not sure if you’re using new techniques in Photoshop but the composition of the shot is superb! I feel like it could be an ad in a fashion magazine.
Keep up the great work!