On paper, cream blushes are pure makeup genius. They’re easy to apply and to blend (no brushes required), travel well and deliver a beautiful natural flush.
But with great power comes great responsibility.
Many cream blushes also have an unfortunate downside — poor staying power. Some disappear faster than those tykes from Another Bad Creation.
The trick is to find one that lasts, and I think I found one that does: Illamasqua’s Cream Blusher in Rude ($26). It’s a pinkish matte coral that stays put for hours, even in sticky summer heat.
Won’t budge for nothin’
I’ve worn Rude on bare skin, beneath foundation and on top of it; I’ve even dabbed it on powder. No matter what, it has always stayed put, despite my oily cheeks, from dawn till dusk.
I even mistakenly forgot one night and went to bed with it still on (I couldn’t wait to try it and forgot to wash it off, oops). It was still there come morning, leading me to give it my Vampire’s Choice Award.
If I were a True Blood vampire, I’d soo rock this shizz till the break of dawn, yo!
It’s not marketed as sweat proof, but it might as well be. Even in hella hot weather, Rude doesn’t fade. Where other cream blushes have melted away, like when I’m covered in sweat, pulling a Whitney circa the Bobby Brown years, Illamasqua Cream Blusher’s still going strong.
Pigmentation, texture and scent
Rude is one of 16 Cream Blushers currently available on the Illamasqua website, and like the other Illamasqua products I’ve tried, it delivers rich color.
I think it feels thicker and stickier than cream products like NARS the Multiple, but it feels thinner than a pot of Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow.
And the scent? — In the pan it smells faintly of sugar cookies, but I don’t detect the fragrance when it’s worn on my cheeks.
Not cheap
It’s too bad that such a badass blush isn’t a little cheaper…
A pan of Rude runs $26, venturing into Chanel Glossimer territory, but a little goes a long way, with a single tiny dab delivering a visibly flushed cheek.
And Illamasqua doesn’t skimp on quantity, either, which helps the price go down a little easier. The pan is huge (I can barely wrap my fingers around it when I’m holding it in my hand)!
Considering the quantity of product you get and the quality itself, I think it works out to be a pretty good deal.
Illamasqua Cream Blusher in Rude
Price: $26 for a 4 g pan
Use: A richly pigmented pinkish coral blush with a matte finish
Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A
Illamasqua’s been receiving intense buzz lately. I’m so looking forward to seeing it carried in Sephora stores soon.
You might like Illamasqua Cream Blusher in Rude if…
- …you’re looking for a long-lasting blush,
- …you don’t mind paying Chanel/Dior prices for makeup,
- …you like cream products.
Do I look like a bed and breakfast?
Lately Tabs has been treating home like a bed and breakfast. He saunters in, gobbles down some food and then lays on top of me.
He treats me like a mattress, ignoring me completely.
Ahh… the joys of cat ownership. 🙂
I’ve been a little worried about him lately. El Hub and I may be moving soon (fingers crossed), and I’ve never moved with a cat before.
I want it to go as smoothly as possible. Do you have any suggestions?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
No suggestions on the cat front, but what my friends did with their dogs is before they moved, the took the dog to the new place a few times to let them get used to it, and then their moving was a breeze.
I can’t wait till my local Sephora gets Illamasqua in stores…I have been wanting to try them out for a long time!
.-= Kajal Couture’s last blog post… How to be hair-free when traveling? Check out the Schick Intuition =-.
Hi Kajal Couture,
I wish I could take Tabs a few times to visit the new digs… he doesn’t travel well (he hates being in his carrier). I guess he’s just going to have to get over a lot of stimulus at once.
well they say it’s like bringing a new kitty home almost.
you should show him first of all where the litter box is, and maybe partition off a section of your house as a “safe room” until he becomes 100% sure where his litter and food are. you should take his favorite blanket/pillow or whatever and put it there too… and lots of fancy feast and pets/cuddles don’t hurt either! expect him to be a bit scared the first few days, i guess.
at least tabs will now be an indoor kitty and be off the streets where, in san francisco, i fear he may be hit by one of those streetcar things. just give him tons of toys, treats and love! all will be well!
in terms of cream blush… if you want another super-pigmented one, bobbi brown cream pot rouge is another great option. i love stonewashed pink (now, sadly discontinued), which is not quite a bronzer and not quite a blush (brownish, creamy natural matte pink)… just a tiny dab with your fingers creates a sunkissed, stay-put flush. i think once i run out i will be substituting with blushed rose, which is quite close, or powder pink (which flatters my skin tone so much, but i don’t own yet due to all my other blush purchases).
a container lasts you way more than a year, especially if you tend to rotate your blushes regularly.
.-= ines + cha cha’s last blog post… Dance Photo Roundup – Winter 2008/Spring & Summer 2009 =-.
Hi Ines,
Thanks for the cat tips and the BB blush recommendation (*writes name on makeup lust list*). We’ll probably section a room off for him at first, and then introduce him to the rest of the place. But where to the litter box, aye! I hadn’t even thought of that…
Oh my, that is one gorgeous blush! It looks great on your skin too. $26 is a tad expensive, but if it wears that well and the colors are as pretty as that one, I predict a purchase in my near future! I am so excited for this line, it’s almost unhealthy.
As far as Tabs the Rambler, maybe you can try to gradually limit his time outdoors before the move. Just a few hours less a day. It may be easier to get him to stay in longer at the new home. Cats do get totally freaked out when you move, at least for a day or so. My old cat Chicken somehow climbed behind or fridge and didn’t come out for a day! And it was like a 6 inch space and she was a big ol’ porker of a girl.
And girl, ABC? I haven’t thought of them in ages. At the playground, ya know!
.-= Stef’s last blog post… FACE atelier review – Ultra Foundation and more =-.
Hi Stef,
Oh, that’s a good idea. I’ve been letting him out more than usual (I guess it’s the cat mom guilt). Le sigh. I hope he’s the same cat when we move him!
I wear that shade more than any of the others!! Love my Illamasqua!!
.-= tali’s last blog post… Pink Shoes & Inside My Handbag.. =-.
Hi Tali,
Do you have any other cream blush shades that you can recommend?
I love cream blush, even though it likes to slide right off my oily face. XD I’ll definitely have to try Illamasqua’s now.
In regards to Tabs, one of my cats was a stray when I found him and had been on the streets for around four years. When I moved to a new apartment, I brought him with me and made him strictly indoors without any problems. He was a little scared at first because of the new surroundings, but I just showed him his litter box, gave him time to get comfortable, and never had any problems.
After he passed away from cancer, I adopted two kitties and they both were the same way. As long as you show Tabs the litter box and let him get acquainted with everything on his own, he’ll be fine. I hope he’ll get to be strictly indoors now too. One of my neighbors had an indoor-outdoor cat that got hit by a car, and he was such a sweetheart. 🙁
Hi Marlo,
I hope the transition goes smoothly. I’ve heard from others that some cats don’t do well with being inside 24/7, but I know it’s better for him. I feel guilty sometimes, though, like I’m taking away his freedom.
Great review as always. I have one cream blusher from Illamasqua in Dixie and LOVE LOVE LOVE it. This is also on the coral side and it’s PERFECT for summer. It does stay on all day and gives an amazing glow. Did I say how much I LOVE this blush?
I am on book 5 of the Sookie series and can’t wait for this week’s episode on TV!
.-= Michelle (Lipstick Rules)’s last blog post… Operation Lipstick Lovin’ (OLL) – Day 1 =-.
Hi Michelle,
Looks like Dixie is next on my list. I’ve got a jones for coral blushes. 🙂
I’m still on book two! I’ve been stuck on the same chapter for days, LOL! I start reading before bed and immediately conk out.
LOL, Zena treats everything like a mattress or a body pillow! It’s actually quite a positive in winter when you’re freezing cold here as she’s a little radiator!
I’ve had a dog since I was three pretty much so I’ve moved with a pet about 10 times. One of the best pieces of advice I can give you is to put one or two of Tabs’ FAVORITE toys in the new house along with his bowls in a place he normally eats (such as the kitchen) before you bring Tabs to the house. It helps them in the way they see the toys and think, “Oh, my toys are here! This smells like home! This looks familiar! This isn’t so bad!” You’ll probably want to put his kitty litter and litter box in the new home too. Also, desensitize Tabs to his travel crate if he’s never been in it. Use some of his favorite cat nips. At first, put a few snaps in the cage and let him go in. Don’t close the door or anything. When he goes in, tell him, “Good boy!” You want to do this repeatedly over days so he’s comfortable with the cage. Cats and dogs don’t like confined, closed spaces so desensitizing is the way to go. If Tabs gets really uppity and goes psycho on car trips, you may want to talk with your vet about getting Tabs a tranquilizer if the ride is going to be long.
I will tell you my dogs liked to go on a food strikes for a couple of days when they moved to the new house. Zena went on a food strike for a whole month when we first brought her home! We tried every kind of dog food but she’d only eat if I had it in my hand or if it were human food! It was so frustrating! Part of the strike was because she had a puppy that died hours after birth a few weeks before we saw her picture so she was grieving. Another part was because everything was new–owners, home and all. I’m so glad we found a mix that worked and we were able to storm through the strike. I’m positively obsessed with her!
I am so looking forward to this brand coming to Sephora. I can’t wait to check it out. This blush is something that I could wear.
This may help for your cat situation – http://www.cat-world.com.au/MovingHouseWithYourCat.htm
Keepin’ my fingers crossed for ya!
.-= Marisol’s last blog post… Kindle me this… =-.
Ugh. I need this brand at sephora now! I was so excited, I woke up this morning ready to order when I realized it’s tomorrow :(.
Yet another brand we don’t find here….
But the color of the blush looks awesome! 🙂
.-= Vonvon’s last blog post… Kiehl’s Party For Readers Of Vonvon’s Interests! =-.
Hi Vonvon,
It’s an amazing shade. Hopefully they’ll come to your country soon.
haha, only you would come up like something like that “it stays on like DONKEY KONG”
Hi Charlene,
LOL! 🙂
I managed to move my cat from one apt. to another in the same town and later an 8+ hour trip to an entirely new town, without any problems. Then again, nothing phases her, while I’m a total wreck during the whole moving process. :/ Once you know where you’re going, how far you’re going, and how you are all getting there, planning for Tabs will be much easier. I think a lot of it depends on the individual cat and how they do with traveling. I will recommend asking your vet for some sort of tranquilizers, since it will take the edge off of kittie’s having to deal with the chaos of moving and setting off on the trip to your new place.
Hi Auroragyps,
That’s a most excellent idea. Tabs does not travel well in his kitty carrier. Having something to chill him out would definitely help.
Hmm I might try that when they come to town! I have only one cream blush and it’s from MAC. I swear that stuff disappears within 15 minutes of me putting it on, so annoying!
.-= Vampy Varnish’s last blog post… BB Couture Hot Rod Limited Edition Collection =-.
Hi Vampy Varnish,
The MAC ones don’t have the best staying power. When I wear ’em I have to get primer up in the mix!
Have you ever tried the NARS Multiples? They stay on pretty well.
Come Sephora and that Rude cream blush is mine. The swatch is soo pretty. It makes me drool a little. I do <3 my cream blushes but man do they melt off my face. Can’t wait to try this one out.
Hi Stephie,
It makes me drool a little, too. 🙂
Do you wear your cream blushes on top of your foundation or primer? Or on bare skin? For the ones that have a hard time staying, I’ve found that primer really helps increase the wear time.
Hmmm, I am really liking the idea of a blush that stays on that well. I’ll probably have to wait until the line comes to Sephora and test a few colors there.
Also, I think it’s horrible how my perception of makeup prices have been skewed haha. I bought a Jane Iredale lipstick the other day at Pharmaca and when my SO was a little taken aback at the $19 price tag I just replied “Oh, that’s actually not that bad – my Diors cost $26.” Ahaha…
.-= Catherine’s last blog post… Soft, summery FOTD & Jane Iredale lipstick in Lily =-.
Hi Catherine,
LOL, it gets easier once you break through certain makeup barriers, I guess. What color lipstick did you get?
Catwise. We have 2. One shy one outgoing.We’ve moved with them 3 times and pretty much no prep just threw them in and left them to explore. (after everything was moved in of course). The outgoing one was fine no problem. The shy one took a few days to go back to normal but to be honest they’re resiliant little buggers that took to new surroundings just fine. Best of luck with your move !
I should add we took the outgoing one in a catbox and wrapped the other like the baby she is in a towel. After one show of the food and litter location they were fine. However when we got the cats we didn’t lick them up like suggested as they were both adapted to their surroundings instantly.
Hi Abby,
Thanks for the tips. Tabs is pretty outgoing so I hope that he’ll bounce back quickly.
That blush looks gorgeous! It’s expensive but if it lasts that long I think I’ll give it a try.
.-= gio’s last blog post… Product Review: Max Factor Colour Collections Lipstick =-.
Hi Gio,
The best part is there’s a ton of it! You get a lot of bang for your buck.
Hey Karen! I think you should do a whole set of Vampire Choice Awards, LOL. All the products that stay put like nobody’s business!
This blush looks great; I am definitely checking it out when it hits Sephora. Do you know what date they are supposed to launch the line on sephora.com?
Everyone has provided good suggestions for Tabs – I think as long as he is surrounded by his family and his toys/food/etc. he will adjust quickly! When I have moved with my dog (3 times now) he always goes crazy sniffing everything in the new place, but then he settles down and is back to normal 🙂
Hi Tiffany,
I’ve heard rumors that today is supposed to be the online launch date, but I’ve checked several times and have yet to see anything.
I hope things go smoothly with the move. We’re also going to make him a strictly indoors kitty, which will also be a big change. Poor little guy… he doesn’t know what he’s in for next month.
I’m very leery of cream blushers that are so budge-proof. BB Pot Rouges were budgeproof and they stick to the skin and make pores bigger over time. Nasty stuff. Nars cream blushers last long, but so much healthier.
Oh great, now I will be obsessively checking sephora.com all day, LOL!
really? i’ve found that BB pot rouges don’t irritate my skin at all – and i have ubersensitive, eczema/hives-prone skin that reacts to everything! it’s one of the cream blushes i’ll go to because it doesn’t clog or irritate my skin. when i used MAC my skin went kaput and erupted in not-so-attractive hives.
.-= ines, felix and kitten (the office kitties)’s last blog post… Dance Photo Roundup – Winter 2008/Spring & Summer 2009 =-.
I love the color of that blush! I was thinking that was a tad on the expensive side, but then realized I’d paid the same for the Stila convertible colors. And the lighter colors need reapplying. I’d love to try those. We don’t have Sephora here. (I’d beg and plead to have one in Salt Lake).
As for the Madly Creative I have tried it with clear gloss and love it. I also really like it with Sally Hansen Diamond 12 hour lip treatment in Eternity. I know I tried those on your suggesting too, do you have that color?
.-= TaLaisa’s last blog post… Happy Valentines =-.
Karen,
As an unashamed cat lover, I can tell you that keeping Tabs indoors, especially when moving to a new place, is really important. And trust me, he’ll get used to it. You just have to keep his claws trimmed so he doesn’t scratch your furniture or whatever. I can’t imagine how bad you would feel if he got out in a strange place and was lost. Indoor cats are healthier and safer than outdoor cats, and I’ve had both. The advicee ines + cha cha gave you is right on. Just make sure he knows where the litter box and his food are, and if you feel you must, keep him confined to certain rooms. But that should be ok after a couple or 3 days, then just let him roam the place and get used to his new digs. nOK, enough soapbox. That blush sounds divine, but as you say, the cost stops me in my tracks. Dang those import fees! I still love MAC’s mineralize blushes!
And bless you for adopting a stray kitty – you ROCK!!
Karen,
As an unashamed cat lover, I can tell you that keeping Tabs indoors, especially when moving to a new place, is really important. And trust me, he’ll get used to it. You just have to keep his claws trimmed so he doesn’t scratch your furniture or whatever. I can’t imagine how bad you would feel if he got out in a strange place and was lost. Indoor cats are healthier and safer than outdoor cats, and I’ve had both. The advicee ines + cha cha gave you is right on. Just make sure he knows where the litter box and his food are, and if you feel you must, keep him confined to certain rooms. But that should be ok after a couple or 3 days, then just let him roam the place and get used to his new digs. nOK, enough soapbox. That blush sounds divine, but as you say, the cost stops me in my tracks. Dang those import fees! I still love MAC’s mineralize blushes!
And bless you for adopting a stray kitty – you ROCK!!
I’ve moved numerous times with cats. They’re pretty adaptable. On moving day, put Tabs in a bathroom with his litter box and food. Then he’s out of the way of the movers and you can find him. When you get to the new house, do the same thing. When all’s clear, just open the bathroom door and let him find his way out. He’ll explore the house on his own. Put his litter box and food wherever you’re planning on having them and he should find them on his own.
Good luck and best wishes in your new home!
JillyB’s suggestion to keep Tabs confined on moving day is excellent. Cats tend to get upset when they don’t know what’s going on and often will disappear. You’ll have to be extra vigilant, also, after he’s in his new home..he’ll try his darndest to escape and zoom right out the at first available opportunity. As far as Tabs being an indoor kitty, he may grumble & try to make you feel guilty, as if he’s being deprived of everything good in the world, but don’t give in. Indoor cats live longer and healthier lives by far. The world out there is not safe for your little guy. I had an indoor cat for many years who always tried to get out, but I told him, (of course I had “conversations” with him), that I loved him and didn’t want to risk his life and he’d just have to be pi**ed off. So..he was..for years. Pi**ed, but healthy and begrudgingly happy. Best of luck to all of you in your new home!