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…

Illamasqua Expose Blush

Illamasqua Expose Blush

Illamasqua Expose Blush

Illamasqua Expose Blush

Illamasqua Expose Blush