This blush was my first time trying something from ILIA.
THE BACKSTORY: This blush had its brief shining moment when it was launched. And like all other things on social media, the hype died down fairly quick. I picked this up after the hype had died down and the dust had more or less settled. ILIA is one of those “clean” beauty brands, with a very clear aesthetic and values.
THE PRODUCT: The dusty-rose hued plastic compact that the blush comes housed in has no mirror. I really do not like this no-mirror route that a lot of these high-end brands are taking lately. Give us a mirror. It’s the least you could do, after tacking on those exorbitant price-tags on your products. You and I both know the profit margins. A mirror is basic. A mirror is expected. Come on!
The blush can pop out of its compact and the compact can be recycled… You know another thing that could add to that? Refills! Refilling your compact with other shades, or your favourite one, is just so much better than buying a whole another compact time and time again. So, yeah, don’t just meet us half-way. But at least these guys are doing something, I guess. Still, give us mirrors!
I feel like the lack of mirror is my only gripe with this blush. Everything else about it, I love.
It’s a talc-free formula, which I appreciate.
It’s a tightly packed powder formula and there’s not a lot of product kick-up when you swirl your brush in the pan, if any. It’s so beautifully sheer that it makes me want to jump. The colour payoff and pigmentation aren’t immediately obvious when you brush it across your cheeks. But it layers so beautifully that I always enjoy the process of building up the blush to the effect and opacity I like on myself. That being said, it is extremely easy to overdo it because the blush doesn’t show up particularly well even after the first couple of swipes.
I love using a light hand for a veil of colour and building more layers if I want more of a punch. It blends out smoothly and melds into the skin, which I love. It doesn’t just sit atop your cheeks. The finish is radiant, glowy and skin-like.
Because of the shimmers coursing through it, I find that this can easily be labeled a “blushlighter”. You know, a portmanteau of blush and highlighter that beauty brands bring out from the vault every now and then. The shimmer pearls in it are fine and not chunky so it’s not like a blinding strip of highlighter à la 2016. It’s refined and sophisticated. Grown-up shimmer, if you will.
It also lasts a long time, especially if it has been set with a Setting Spray. I recently wore this blush, was out and about, sweating buckets, and found the blush intact. I did use Setting Spray, though. But still, I was impressed.
Ah, wait. I do have one more gripe. All the blurring and “soft focus” claims that the brand makes is completely false. At least, I think so. It’s a shimmery blush. Your skin texture will be highlighted. It’s not pore-blurring at all. However, it does photograph well.
I don’t think this is an everyday, getting-ready-to-run-errands blush in the slightest. But for special occasions, woof, it hits.
ILIA Soft Focus Blurring Blush in “Closer”.
ILIA Soft Focus Blurring Blush in “Closer”.
SWATCHES AND SHADES AVAILABLE: There are 8 shades in the line-up, as of writing.
- Closer – a cool baby pink with the finest shimmers.
PRICE: $36 (approx. 3,426 INR)
QUANTITY: 4.5 grams
AVAILABILITY: Sephora, Ulta, ILIA etc.
♥ OVERALL: I think this is a beautiful blush to have for special occasions or on days you feel like adding some extra sparkle and shine in your life. It’s nice but not a must-have.
ILIA Soft Focus Blurring Blush in "Closer".
$36
Pros
- Beautiful blush-lighter formula.
- Long-wearing, especially if sealed with a Setting Spray.
- Shimmers are super fine and elegant.
- Perfect for special occasions, parties and the like.
- Talc-free formula, which I appreciate.
Cons
- EXPENSIVE.
- Packaging doesn't make sense for the price you pay.
