Illamasqua Sleek Velvet Blusher ($26.00 for 0.18 oz.) is described as a “dusky coral.” It’s a medium-dark coral with a hint of pink and subtle warm undertones; there is a dusty/muted element to it, which may make it a great coral for anyone who has tended to shy away from the brighter releases. MAC Passion for Colour is lighter, powder. NARS Soulshine is powder. Chanel Presage is more orange. Edward Bess Secret Affair is powder. Tom Ford Flush is pinker, brighter, powder. Aveda Hibiscus is a powder. Burberry Blossom is a powder. Dior Coral Glow is a touch darker, powder. See comparison swatches.

This shade performed similarly to Peaked when I test-drove it yesterday. It wore well for eight hours and started to show some signs of fading after nine hours of wear. The consistency feels like a very thin, lightweight cream initially, but once it touches the skin, it turns slightly powdery. I feels more like a powder but retains the blendability of a cream product. The surface of the blush, though, feels stiff and hard, but whether you use fingertips or a brush to get the color off of the surface, you’ll have no trouble doing so–the blush is incredibly pigmented. It is buildable, blendable, and as a result, you can sheer out just a couple of dabs on the skin for a subtle flush or pat on more before blending for a more intense look. 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).

Illamasqua Sleek Velvet Blusher

Illamasqua Sleek Velvet Blusher

Illamasqua Sleek Velvet Blusher

Illamasqua Sleek Velvet Blusher

Illamasqua Sleek Velvet Blusher

Illamasqua Sleek Velvet Blusher

Illamasqua Sleek Velvet Blusher (with Shard lipstick)