Illamasqua Peaked Velvet Blusher ($26.00 for 0.18 oz.) is described as a “dusky rose.” It’s a medium-dark, muted raspberry pink with a satin finish. Chanel Fantastic is brighter. MAC Hot Nights is powder, darker. NARS Mata Hari is brighter, powder. MAC Mocha is less pink, powder. MAC Restores Dazzle is darker. Illamasqua Seduce is similar. See comparison swatches.

The consistency is part powder, part cream; it does feel a lot like velvet in some ways. The surface is stiffer, harder, but it’s not difficult to get pigment out of it. It’s actually quite pigmented and a little goes a long way. Unlike some cream blushes, you can’t really push on the blush and see it move or create dips. The texture is lightweight, thin, but creamy and blendable on the skin. As soon as it starts being blended on the skin, it feels more powdery, less creamy. It sets quickly but remains slightly blendable (like a powder blush). The formula reminded me a lot of Chanel’s Le Blush Creme de Chanel (and Illamasqua’s version is both cheaper and contains more product). This shade wore well on me for a full eight hours, and after nine, I saw some light fading.

Illamasqua Peaked Velvet Blusher

Illamasqua Peaked Velvet Blusher

Illamasqua Peaked Velvet Blusher

Illamasqua Peaked Velvet Blusher

Illamasqua Peaked Velvet Blusher

Illamasqua Peaked Velvet Blusher

Illamasqua Peaked Velvet Blusher

Illamasqua Peaked Velvet Blusher (with Shard Lipstick)