My Top 10 Blushes

I love blushes.. I love how they transform your whole look instantly.. A makeup look without blush just isn't complete in my opinion.. So writing this post was really hard because I have so many blushes but I did it!!

So here we go..

My Illamasqua Blush Collection

If you've been following me for a while, you'll know how much I LOVE Illamasqua and their blushes are my favourite! They're just such great quality and the price is pretty reasonable in my opinion..

Throughout the months, my Illamasqua blush collection kept on growing.. Here's what I own so far..
 

Dolce & Gabbana Bronzer, Blush & Lipstick

When I first came across Dolce & Gabbana cosmetics I was intrigued and attracted to the packaging and the counter set up and all that.. But after I swatched a few of their products.. I fell in love.. The quality was beyond what I expected.. Their products are such high quality I couldn't just walk away from them without treating myself to a few things...

 

So here are my D&G loves...

 

 

Forgive Me But Tom Ford Made Me a Savage!

Ain't nothing better than a blush that works as a bronzer and blush in one. I just couldn't resist the loveliness of the texture and shade of Tom Ford Blushes so I went ahead to check out what other shades they have to offer.. And this baby came home with me..  

Product

- A very unique bronzy shade with a slight red and peachy undertones as well as very fine rosy shimmers that give a beautifully subtle sheen

- Not as dark as it looks in the pan so don't be scared

- Very pigmented so you need a little bit 

- Blends well on the cheeks
- Good staying power

Who Will Like This?

- Anyone who is looking for a blush that works as bronzer and blush in one

- Anyone is wants that bronzy summery look without looking muddy

- People with medium to dark skin tones.. This will look amazing on them

Who Won't Like This?

- People who have a naturally pinkish skin tone as this can make you look redder because of the reddish undertones and the rosy shimmers

My Final Thoughts: Despite the dark scary colour in the pan, this shade looks surprisingly natural on the skin.. I love the effortless glow it gives.. And as you can see from the comparisons above, I haven't found anything like it.. It's truly one of a kind..

Which blushes stand out in your collection? 

Brighten Up Your Summer With Tom Ford Cheek Colour in 03 Flush

Feels soooo good to be back!!! And with what?! A blush post of course!! =P

I decided I wanted to try at least one product from Tom Ford.. And when I saw this blush, I thought it HAD to be this one! It's a gorgeous gorgeous colour.. I did my best to capture it on camera but I still feel that it doesn't show its true colour...

Product

- VERY pigmented.. I use a stippling brush with this as you need the tiniest amount

- Has a subtle sheen to it that it won't accentuate pores

- Gorgeous bright almost neon coral

- Good staying power

- Blends well

Who Will Like This?

- Anyone who is brave enough to at least try it.. I feel that it's the kinda colour that would suit even paler skin tones

Who Won't Like This?

- Anyone who isn't willing to spend that much money on a blush

My Final Thoughts: I absolutely LOVE this blush! It gives the most beautiful corally glow to the cheeks without looking like a clown.. I dab the colour on the apples of my cheeks and my look is transformed completely!

What is your favourite bright blush?

Yet Another Blush Combo for the Summer!

If you've read my review on the Giorgio Armani Blushing Fabric in #4 here, you'd know that although I really liked the formula and the colour of it, the fact that it applied sheerly (but buildable) did not impress me much.. However, now I have found a way to make that sheerness work for me beautifully..

Here's how...

First: I apply the GA #4 using my MAC 187 Brush

Second: Dust Illamasqua Powder Blush in Lover on top

The GA #4 turns Lover in to a deepened bronzy peach rather than the bright peach it is.. And it looks so flattering for the summer time!

Now most of you know how much I adore my Illamasqua Lover blush.. I found that it works sooo great with so many blushes (see how I used it in another combination here) and the fact that it's super smooth and blends effortlessly makes it one of my all-time favourite blushes!

Have you tried been combining your blushes to get that right shade?

The Blush That Took Me By Surprise!

The first thing I do when I visit a makeup counter is look at their blushes.. And it is not rare that I instantly fall in love with one.. But the reason this blush took me by surprise is because it's from Clarins.. Now don't get me wrong.. I really like clarins heaps.. Love their products, but I rarely ever look at the their makeup.. But walking past their counter one day, this blush was just calling my name! 

Product

- Not very smooth

- Applies sheerly but is buildable

- Very tiny shimmers that give a beautiful sheen finish

- Blends well

My Final Thoughts: I fell in love with the colour of this blush as soon as I laid eyes on it.. And it even looks just as pretty on the cheeks! The colour is so lovely and vibrant and it's my first ever Clarins blush.. Only thing I don't like about this product is that fact that it's not as smooth as my other blushes.. But still a great blush and I'm so glad I have it!

Have you tried any Clarins blushes?

Review: Giorgio Armani Blushing Fabric #4

Although expensive, the quality of Giorgio Armani Makeup is amazing.. Their Foundations, Powders, Blushes, Eyes To Kill Eye Shadows are all so beautiful.. So when GA came out with the Fabric Second Skin line, I just had to try it.. And being a blush junkie, I of course went straight to the blushes and picked up #4...

Product

- Gel/Silicone consistency which I find is best applied with fingers
- Very smooth and light
- Blends well
- Applies sheerly but is buildable
- Non-streaky or blotchy
- Matte finish
- Shade 4 is a dark reddish bronze

My Final Thoughts: This is a lovely product.. Very velvety and smooth.. But I wouldn't say it is a must-have.. The fact that it applies sheerly might be good for some, but I like my blushes to pop.. So I have to apply a few layers to get the colour the way I like it..

Have you tried any Giorgio Armani Products?

Illamasqua Dixie & Rude Cream Blushes

I can never have enough of Illamasqua.. It's a brand that I reckon by far beats MAC blushes and lipsticks..

Dixie and Rude are new to my blush collection.. But I have fallen in love with them instantly...

Product

- Creamy but light formula.. Almost emollient like

- Very easy to blend

- Very pigmented as all their blushes are so you'll only need a little bit

- No shimmer

- Gives a beautiful dewy look to your cheeks

- Lasts all day

- Makes a great base for other powder blushes by intensifying any poorly pigmented powder blushes

How I Apply It

- I dab my MAC 188 brush on the product and blend away at the my cheeks

Who Will Enjoy This?

- Anyone who is looking for a long lasting cream blush

- Anyone who likes a dewy yet not overly dewy look

- Anyone who is looking for a cream base for their powder blushes

Who Won't Enjoy This?

- Those who aren't really into cream blushes

My Final Thoughts: Amazing amazing products.. My favourite cream blushes by far.. And I can see this lasting me a long time..

Would I Re-Purchase? Hell to the Yah!

Are you a fan of cream blushes?

Have you tried any Illamasqua Cream Blushes?

My Favourite Summer Cheek Combination

If you follow me on Twitter (@DelytefulSpeaks), you'll know how much I ADORE my

Dior Nude Healthy Glow Powder - #2 Sunset

(Click here to see my mini review on it)

It's just such an amazing bronzer that does not give you that muddy look..

And of course, one of my all time favourite cream blushes is

MAC's Virgin Isle CremeBlend

(Mini review here)

Loooove this scary lookin shade

Now combining the two together creates such a beautiful bronzy peach colour...

This cheek combination gives such a nice warmth to my complexion.. And the with the brightness of the cremeblend underneath, it adds that little bit of glow to your face.. It's perfect for the summer time and I've been wearing this combination a lot lately..

What are your favourite summer blushes?



Blush Collection 2: MAC, Cargo, MUFE, Sleek, Benefit & NYX

Ok so here's part 2 of my blush collection... (click here for part 1)

Dainty - I don't love this.. It's nice but I don't love it.. It's a pinky peach.. More on the pink side with very fine gold shimmers that don't show up that much on the cheeks.. It does give you a nice fresh look.. The perfect spring blush but not my favourite at all..

Cubic - I have a problem with this blush.. It's such a pretty shade.. Very natural.. But this particular one I got is just so hard to even swatch.. The top layer is all weird and hard and doesn't give colour.. So when I use this, I have to scrap of the top layer and then run my brush on it.. Too much work.. But it's lovely blush that looks boring in the pan but is a nice dusty pink on the cheeks..

Margin - This is one of those underrated MAC blushes.. It's a peachy gold that instantly gives your complexion such a lovely summery glow.. Only issue I have with this blush is that it's a little too shimmery for my taste so I tend to use it as a highlight instead..

Warm Soul - I haven't had this for that long but it definitely jumped into my top 5 blushes.. It's a gorgeous peachy pink with fine gold shimmers that are not too shimmery at all when applied.. Love this blush.. Read my full review on it here

Pinch Me - This also is a super gorgeous blush! Looks too dark in the pan but with a light hand, it gives you that deep peach look that is just stunning! It's a matte finish which I love.. It adds this beautiful peachy warmth.. Perfect for medium to dark skin tones..

Bite of An Apple - A beautiful limited addition coral.. Before this came out, I was dying to get my hands on it.. It's just such a beautiful coral.. And when I got it.. I fell in love with it.. Except for the fact that I find it does not blend very well for some reason.. But still a shade worth having in my collection..

Her Blooming Cheek - Another limited edition blush.. But this one I wasn't planning to get at all.. It was just sort of an impulse buy.. And boooy am I glad I got it.. It's the perfect winter blush as it gives you that natural flush like you've been out in the cold.. Looks scary in the pan.. Very bright pink magenta shade.. But with a light hand, it's just lovely!

LadyBlush - This is in the old formula.. I don't usually wear this on it's on as I find it too be a little too pastel looking for me (I like my bright blushes =P).. But it makes a beautiful base for my pink blushes.. And adds that dewy look..

Virgin Isle - Ahhh now this is one I absolutely adore! Looks like a bright orangey coral but when blended on the skin, it is just superb! I love this cream colour base so much.. See how I like to wear it here

Echo Beach - Cargo blushes are up there for me with the Illamasqua blushes.. They're so pigmented and soft.. Very easy to apply and blend.. Echo Beach is a rosy bronze.. It is a gorgeous summer blush! Gives you that tanned look without the burn.. The shimmer in it is also not too much when applied.. A keeper for sure..

Tonga - This is such a creamy non-cream blush if you know what I mean.. It's just so smooth.. Very natural.. A perfect everyday blush..

Blu-Ray Pink Blush/Highlighter - I don't use this as much.. It's made for photographs and it does photograph nicely.. It's a very light pink and when applied, you don't noticed the highlight part of it as much as you do in photographs.. You don't need a highlighter with this as works as both a blush and a highlighter.. The colour a little too light for me but would be perfect for fair skin tones..

MUFE Aqua Cream #9 - I love this shade.. It's a bright peach that can be used as a blush, lipstick and eye shadow.. The thing with the aqua creams is that you gotta work super fast with them as they dry so quickly.. And because they're waterproof (like literally waterproof) once they're dry, they don't budge.. So they are a bit tricky but really great for those living in humid conditions where your makeup just slides off your face.. This does have little shimmers that also don't show very much when applied.. I love how this shade brightens up my complexion

MUFE HD Blush in #6 - This is a pink coral blush that also needs to be blended in quickly.. This stays on pretty well but not as long as the aqua cream..

Sleek Blush in Scandalous - You can easily look like a clown with this blush.. But if applied properly with a light hand, this gives you that beautiful sunburnt look.. This is an excellent dupe to NARS Exhibit A blush.. A good one to have for the summer time..

Dandeloin - Many use this as a face powder as it's very sheer with very fine gold shimmer that gives a glow to your complexion... I however use this as a blush if I do use it.. I find it to be a little too light for my taste but paired with a cream blush underneath, it does work very nicely in giving you that fresh faced look..But definitely not a must-have..

Benetint - This is one of the first blushes I owned.. It's gives a very long-lasting stain on the cheek.. But this can look so blotchy if you don't move fast with it..

NYX Peach Powder Blush - I don't really see the peach in this but I use this on the apples of my cheeks on top of my bronzer to add that lovely hint of pink when I'm rockin' a bronzy look..

NYX Glow Cream Blush - This to me seems very similar to MAC's Posey in the old formulation.. Very easy to blend.. Instantly adds a glow to the face.. And is a dewy finish..

Phew that was a lot! Glad I'm finally done with this..

Next will be foundations.. Stay tuned ;)

Peace

Review: MAC Warm Soul Mineralized Blush

I think I just found me a new favourite blush!

Swatching this on my hand it looked alright.. Nothing great.. But when I applied it on my cheeks.. WOOOOWI! Gave me warmth and a subtle glow at the same time..

Product:

- Peachy bronzy shade with very subtle gold shimmer

- Good pigmentation but applies sheerly which is great as you can easily build up the colour

- Goes with any look
- Good for those who are afraid of bronzers as it gives a beautiful warmth without the brown/orange undertones of the bronzer

- There is a bit of fall out with this product when you brush your brush on it.. But it's no biggie at all

Swatch:

If you wanna get a blush from MAC, don't let this pass you by.. It's so effortless and extremely flattering on all skin tones..

Have you tried this blush? What's your favourite blush?

My Blush Collection 1: Nars, Illamasqua, Bobbi Brown, Chanel & Estee Lauder

As some of you may know by now.. I LOVE blush! It's my favourite makeup item.. I think it transforms the whole look completely... So here's evidence of my obsession with blush...

So allow me to break it down for you...

NARS have one of the best colour selection in blushes.. And a lot of them have some kinda shimmer running through them..

Torrid is a gorgeous peachy blush with gold shimmer..

Penny Lane I don't love so much.. But it does make an ok base for other blushes..

Outlaw I've had for about 3 years now.. It's a beautiful plummy pomegranate colour.. And it's very pigmented that you'll need the tiniest amount.. I think it's been discontinued though..

I luuuurve Illamasqua blushes.. Extremely pigmented.. So finely milled.. So smooth in application, not chalky and Matte which I prefer.. The colours they have are amazing..

Lover you all know I adore this light peach blush.. Very similar to MAC's Melba in colour but not in formula.. This is I find to be much better

Panic looks scary but I promise you that with a light hand, it looks so natural on.. Very similar to NARS Exhibit A and Sleek Scandalous but less orange.. Panic is more like brick red.. Beautiful!

Tremble is such a soft beautiful pink for Medium Skin tones..

Bobbi Brown falls into one of my favourite makeup brands.. Her blushes are pigmented and long-lasting..

Apricot is one of my favourite blushes.. So gorgeous and really brightens up your complexion.. 

Pot Rouge Pale Pink is lovely formula.. Gives you that beautiful dewy look and it can be used on the lips too.. 

Desert Pink is a subtle dusty rose.. Really good if you're working a smokey eye..  

These are all pretty sheer.. So you gotta pack the product on to get the colour showing which makes me hesitate when buying any blushes from these two brands.. But they're still so gorgeous

Chanel Espiegle was a limited edition light peachy blush with a little bit of fine shimmer to it.. The shimmer doesn't show up that much on the cheeks which is why I loved it..

Estee Lauder Peach Nuance - This is a pinker version of Illamasqua's Lover.. It is really gorgeous on and it's Matte.. 

Chanel Caprice - I got this a long time ago.. Not sure if they still sell it.. But I love this colour too.. Gives me a beautiful summery look without the bronzer..

Stay tuned for part 2 ;)

Illamasqua Review - Foundation, Blushes, Lipsticks, Lipglosses etc.

To me Illamasqua is one of the few makeup brands whose displays and creativity really attracts me.

And on top of that, their products are really worth every penny as they produce products that deliver what they promise..

Now what I'm saying of course is based on the products I have tired only... Which are:

Rich Liquid Foundation

- So pigmented

- Thick formula that doesn't feel too heavy on the skin
- I like applying this with my Sigma F80 brush as it buffs it in so nicely.. However, using your fingers also works because it can be a bit tricky blend and if not blended well, it can sit on your pores making them obvious
- You only need a tiny bit for the whole face

- Great coverage but I do find that I have to use extra prodcuts on my stubborn acne scars

- Can be used a concealer

- Clings on to dry patches, so it must be applied to a well moisturized face or can be mixed with your moisturizer
- Not exactly a flat matte finish.. Can be more luminous depending on the moisturizer underneath

- Stays on all day

- I do find that it looks better during the day rather than when you first apply it
- Colour range is not so bad.. I found my shade in RF233 but it's a tad bit peach toned for me.. I have read that many people tend to mix up the shades to get their right shade with Illamasqua

Overall Thoughts - A nice foundation for those who have acne scars and for those who are a looking for a long lasting foundation.. But it does time a little bit of time to work because of it's thick formula..

Powder Blushers

- They're all matte which are my favourite

- So pigmented

- Stay on all day

- Stunning shades to suit all skin tones

Overall Thoughts - My favourite products from Illamasqua for sure..

Precision Ink in Abyss

- Glossy finish

- Felt-tip applicator

- Very small that it looks like you're not getting much product but you do

- Long lasting (Does not budge during the day)

- Very black

Overall Thoughts - If you're not into a glossy finish eyeliner, this is not for you. But I personally love it and I think it gives me such a nice polished look. And the applicator is really easy to work with..

Lipsticks

- Matte

- Amazing shades 

- Very long lasting

- A bit drying so you will need to put on a lip balm beforehand

- Very pigmented colours

Overall Thoughts - I looove their lipsticks.. Did I mention they are very long lasting?

Intense Lipglosses

- So pigmented

- Sticky but not overly sticky

- Stay on all day

- Controllable gloss (Meaning if you don't want it to be that glossy you can spread it out and still get a great colour payoff without it being too shiny)

Overall Thoughts - Uncomparable to MAC glosses which can be too glittery, watery, smelly and don't stay on all day. These are so nice and when the wear off, they almost melt away without patchiness..

Nail Varnishes

- Unique shades

- Easy to apply

- Not sheer

- Chipping for me occurs on the 3rd or 4th day like any other nail polish

Overall Thoughts - I like these polishes but I wouldn't go on a limp to purchase them as there are other brands that are just as good but with a lower price tag..

Blusher Brush 1

- So So So Soft

- Do not shed AT ALL

- Blends products so easily

- Great for powder and cream products

- Easy to clean

- Synthetic bristles

- Looks very sleek

Overall Thoughts - These brushes are very high quality brushes and the fact that they do not shed at all has me hooked on them..

What are you favourite Illamasqua products?

The Perfect Peach/Coral Cheek Combination

I have been searching high and low for that perfect coral blush but to no avail.. Everything I find is either too shimmery or too pink or just waay off..

So after playing around in my huge blush collection.. I came up with the Perfect Coral/Peach Blend! =D

So here it goes..


Firstly I apply my favourite cream blush..

The gorgeous Mac Virgin Isle CremeBlend using my MAC 188.. This cream blush is absolutely stunning! It's a bright coral that blends effortlessly on your cheeks giving you that beautiful flush..

And then I go ahead and apply my favourite peach blush..

The one and only Illamasqua Powder Blusher in Lover using any blush brush.. This bright peach is like no other.. It's so pigmented.. Lasts all day on your cheeks.. And is easily blended..



Result?

And that's all it is.. That's all I need to get my beautiful Coraly Peachy look for the summer..

This discovery has left me a very satisfied human being =)

What are you favourite Peach/Coral blushes?



Cream Blushes

So let's talk about my favourite topic.. BLUSH!

I thought I'd start with cream blushes as my cream blush collection isn't as big as the powder blush collection..

So let us begin....

Shiseido Accentuating Color Stick - S2 Peach Flush

I keep forgetting that I have this blush.. It's a gorgeous peach.. Applies sheerly but is definitely buildable.. Gives such a nice flush to the face.. It has tiny tiny gold shimmer that is very subtle when applied to the cheeks.. It is not dewy but not completely matte either..

Swatch:

When I apply this on its on, it doesn't stay on for long on my cheeks.. But if you apply a nice light peach (e.g. NYX Peach or Illamasqua Lover) or any pink powder blush on op, it makes your powder blush pop! So I'd use this as a base for my powder blush.

Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge - 11 Pale Pink

This is such a lovely barbie pink colour.. It's not as sheer as the Shiseido one but is not scary to work with either.. It gives your cheeks that dewy look without the sticky feeling.. The formula is so easy to blend and it lasts a fairly long on your cheeks..

Swatch:

There are so many other shades that are really beautiful.. I would recommend this for those who want to start with cream blushes..

Makeup Forever HD Blush - #6

When I used this the 1st time.. I was in love.. The formula is so light and blends easily.. It gives your cheeks a nice rosey coraly matte flush which I like as it looks very natural.. This did not stay put as long as I expected it to but it did pretty well..

Swatch:

I highly reccomend this product for those who like a matte flushed cheek.. I'm thinking of grabbing a few more of these.. The colour range available is stunning!

NARS Cream Blush - Penny Lane 

I had such high hopes for this cream blush but it was such a disappointment.. NARS powder blushes are so amazingly pigmented and long-lasting.. This was the total opposite.. The formula is extremely light that you need to pack the product on to get the colour to show on your skin (well on my skin tone at least - NC25-30)

Swatch:

The colour is really pretty and it gives a lovely glow to the cheeks.. So I guess I'll be using this as a base for better pigmented powder blushes..

NARS Multiple Duo - Orgasm & South Beach



Another disappointment from NARS.. I've heard such great things about NARS Multiples and I have been wanting NARS Orgasm Blush for the longest time.. So when I saw this, I thought PERFECTION! Just what I'm looking for.. My excitement however soon disappeared when I applied this on my cheeks.. The colour barely showed up on my skin and I had to rub such a huge amount of product to get the colour pay off.. The formula is exactly like the NARS cream blush.. It feels oily a lil so I did not expect it to stay on for long..

Swatch:

So since these don't work so well on my cheeks.. I only use them as eye shadows.. And the colours are really amazing for eye shadows.. But then again.. They don't stay on for that long unless you have a good primer underneath.. NARS should really look into changing the formula of their cream blushes..

MAC Blushcreme - LadyBlush

I don't even think that this product needs an explanation.. I'm sure most of you have this or have read reviews about it.. I was a little hesitant before purchasing this cream blush.. I thought it might be sticky and just too dewy.. But oh was I wrong.. This is such a beautiful cream blush.. It beats MAC's powder blushes hands down.. Gives such a glow and the colour is one that suits all.. It also makes a great blush base for any powder blushes.. I'm so disappointed that MAC has discontinued these.. Luckily I got mine before it's too late =P

Benefit - Benetint

I used this a long time ago when I was a teenager and when I came across it again one time, I just had to repurchase.. This is the only VERY long lasting blush I came across.. It gives your cheeks such a beautiful rosey tint.. Applies lightly at first.. But is surely buildable.. The only reason I don't wear this as much as I would like to is coz of the streakiness that may come with this product if not applied VERY carefully.. This stains your cheeks within seconds of application so you have to work VERY fast with it.. Also, I really don't like the nail polish brush type of application.. Wish it came in different packaging AND in various shades too.. But still a really great blush for those who do not like to reapply.. oh and it smells like rose water..

Last but definitely not least....

NYX Cream Blush - Glow & Golden

Now these were such a surprise.. But in a very good way.. They're sooo creamy and melt into your skin like a dream.. Glow is beautiful pink with no shimmer.. I thought it would be similar to MAC Ladyblush but it's brighter.. It's actually the reason why I did not purchase MAC's Posey Cream Blush as I thought it was very similar to it..

Golden on the other hand is a peachy beige with gold shimmers.. Makes an amazing highlighter and a perfect base for bronzers.. I love this colour.. When worn by itself it gives your cheeks the loveliest healthy glow.. If you're looking to get NYX cream blushes, you must try Golden.. Especially now that summer is comin up..

Swatch:

The formula of these cream blushes is the best I've come across.. They're so much better than MAC's Blush Cremes and a lot more pigmented too.. So you need only a tiny bit to get a really good colour pay off.. These give your cheeks a nice dewiness without the stickiness.. NYX Cream Blushes honestly surprised me..

And that is the end of my Cream Blush review... I really wanna try Illamasqua's cream blushes so I'll get my hands on those as soon as I can..

Do you wear cream blushes? If so, what are your favourites?