I keep having visions of myself using Illamasqua’s new $41 Blush Up Brush while I’m on the elliptical machine at the gym, I think because Illamasqua refers to the shape oval brush head shape as an “ellipse.”
(I know, I know. I’m easily distracted.)
You might wondering, “Why would anyone apply blush in the middle of their workout?”
Honestly, I don’t know…but I’m someone who applies makeup to run to Petco in the middle of the night, so I don’t rule anything out anymore. 🙂
About the brush, Illamasqua says it opens doors to a bold new world of blush application! The secret: the elliptical shape.
It’s designed to fit snugly beneath your cheekbones. Just gently pull the brush upward along the cheekbones to create a soft gradient of color.
Here’s the recommended step-by-step instructions I’ve been following…
I’m intrigued, but I’m also pretty set it my ways when it comes to blush application. I’ve been doing the bounce and swirl for so long that I could do ’em hanging upside down in a pitch black room.
After trying Illamasqua’s technique and the new brush for a few days, well, I think I’ll eventually get the hang of it, get to where I could create some sharp, defined ’80s-style cheeks, but it’s still a little tricky for me now.
First, the stuff I like about the brush: the soft bristles, and the long handle feels sturdy and comfortable in my paws.
Oh, and the density of brush head? Amazing. It’s so thick! It picks up plenty of powder and deposits it smoothly and evenly on the skin.
Really great for strong, defined blocks of color.
But I’m afraid I might be a little too lazy to regularly reach for this brush, because blending out the edges of those solid stripes of color with it takes me forever. Even when I remove every grain of excess product from the bristles, use a light touch, and follow the recommended application technique, I still need at least 5-10 minutes to fully feather out the edges.
Oh and, um, it’s also a little wonky on my left cheek! I’m right handed, so when it comes to applying on my right cheek — no problem — but when I switch to the left cheek, the brush head sits at an awkward angle below my cheek bone.
Hmm… I actually tried applying with it in my left hand and got a little better results, but yeegh, it was slow going.
It’s a skill, I guess, and like anything, practice makes perfect.
Might be worth it, though, especially if you like very sharp, defined cheek looks with blush or bronzer.
PRICE: $41
AVAILABILITY: Available now at Illamasqua counters and illamasqua.com
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
It is so thickly packed ! I already have a hard time blending and I am someone with lowest of patience. That first Pic I loved….
Whoa! That’s a lot of blush! I can totally see why you may not have been reaching for this application system that often. But it’s certainly something that the famous kitty model would approve of :).
I was waiting to read a review about this brush! It reminds me of the MAC LE one for the sculpting creams, but I prefer to keep my cheek color soft and understated, so it doesn’t sound like a brush I need.
Every part of me wants that blush brush right now…haha.
That looks…interesting? I think I’ll stick to my regular angled blush brush as I like my blush to be blended in, but QUICK hah.
I can’t stop staring at that first photo though. That pink powder on the bristles, so satisfyling!
Not a fan of that blush or the brush. I don’t like the thin rectangular shape of their blush palette. Seems like so little product for the price.
Hmmm I don’t know… I’ll just stick to my rounded brush. Or my kabuki.
This looks like one of those brushes that would create a disaster on most faces. But I can imagine myself turning it vertically to apply and blend. And getting obsessive over making it work!
This looks like the sort of brush for precision lines. If I had this brush I would use it as a highlighter. I can apply blush no problem, but every time I highlight I just end up blending it out so much you can’t see the highlight anymore.
Ooooh, is that Hussy on the brush in the first shot? I’m madly in love with that shade, haha :). Too bad that it requires more time with the blending, but I do like the idea of it. Maybe this is more targeted to make-up artists?
Hmmm, my first thought was this is very similar to the NARS Ita brush.
This brush is what I need.
Hmm, I wonder how this would work as a contouring brush. I’m intrigued, but not sure enough to purchase it.
I do prefer the round MAC 109 for blush. I would have the same issue spending time blending out the edges .. ya, I don’t have time for that 😛
Monica
sonia kashuk has a brush that is identical to that too..it just recently came out i think…it has a white handle…
I love this blush, I really need to give it a try!!
The brush looks great as well!!
I think I NEED that brush! I think it’d be nice to highlight with…
Cute brush, but not good if you have to put a lot of work into using it.