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Illamasqua Expose Blush Review, Photos, Swatches

Illamasqua Expose Blush
Illamasqua Expose Blush

For Posterity: Illamasqua Expose Blush

Illamasqua Expose Blush ($24.00 for 0.14 oz.) is–apparently–discontinued.  I had already written up this review (and then reworded it to reflect the news) when I discovered there was no place to link to in order for readers to buy it!  This post is mostly for posterity, then, and if someone already owns it, since I couldn’t find it anywhere.  Perhaps a local store or counter has a lone one of these in stock, but otherwise…

It’s a matte, softened orange. NARS Taj Mahal is brighter, more tangerine with gold shimmer. The color can be applied intensely (think true-to-pan color) or lightly for more of a peach-orange tinge to cheeks.   Becca Damselfly is more coral. Make Up For Ever #5 is darker and more coral. NARS Exhibit A is much redder. MAC Optimistic Orange is brighter, more neon.

Illamasqua has one of the better matte blush formulas on the market, and when they really nail it, they hit it out of the park, which was the case with Expose.  Despite its matte finish, it almost has an ethereal glow when it’s blended out just right.  It doesn’t look chalky or powdery, and it wears incredibly well, still looking good after nine hours of wear.  Wonder why Expose got the axe…

Expose

PPermanent. $26.00.
A+
A+
10
Product
10
Pigmentation
10
Texture
9.5
Longevity
5
Application
99%
Total

Illamasqua Expose Blush
Illamasqua Expose Blush

Illamasqua Expose Blush
Illamasqua Expose Blush

Illamasqua Expose Blush
Illamasqua Expose Blush

Illamasqua Expose Blush
Illamasqua Expose Blush

Illamasqua Expose Blush
Illamasqua Expose Blush

19 Comments

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Maggie Avatar

I’d imagine the color didn’t sell too well – I think a lot of people are afraid of very orange blushes (I know they look terrible on me!), so I’d guess that’s why it was discontinued.

Adelita Avatar

It’s such a shame when a great product was discontinued (my heart still cry a little for my discontinued, beloved Chanel Dragon).

Anyway, CARGO Laguna or MUFE HD Microfinish Blush #12 First Kiss looks similar with this shade, maybe not an exact dupe, but similar. There’s also Sleek Blush in Aruba if you’re on a budget. I think Aruba is the most similar in color to Illamasqua Expose among all, IMHO.

Laura R Avatar

agreed- thanks to a CP i also have a Barry M blusher (just called “Orange” I believe) that is very close to this and to the Sleek one. i find it a tad tricky to use because i am very fair and even with a skunk brush or a big fluffy blush brush it goes on with so much pigment- you have to blend and blend- but it’s a lovely shade!

Ruthie Avatar

i got this as a gift to a friend..it looks good on her. oh wells, too bad for those people who love this but i hope they’ll come up with some new colors coz i love how illamasqua does their matte blushes! i have 4 but it doesnt mean i would stop there. i wish they could come up with a right coral tone. like a peachy-pink….as if i need more?!?!

Lauren Avatar

Naww… it must be such a pain when you put it all that effort, and the item gets discontinued. Regardless, thank you so much for all of your in-depth reviews and swatches 🙂

Anna April Avatar

I think it’s fine posting discontinued products, since one – most of the time – are able to find it in swaps-ebay-amazon-outlets or something like that. And this is really, really pretty!!!

Emi at Project Swatch Avatar

I’m glad you posted this, despite the fact that it’s discontinued! It reminded me how awesome Illamasqua’s matte blush formula is. I don’t own any [yet], but when I’ve swatched it, I’ve been super impressed at how soft and silky it is 🙂

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