A mini magazine? Nope, it’s The Balm Instain blush in the cutest packaging! I know this blush has been out for quite a while now, but I got mine last summer during a sale on Hautelook. I’m not sure if I’m completely blown away by the hype around these blushes but read on to find out more!
The Basics
Price: $18
Weight: 6.5g
Shades: 6, I have Houndstooth which is described as a mauve
There is a nice size mirror inside.
Formula
The product is very soft, finely milled and overall great quality. The pigmentation is strong although I heard this is one of the softer colors within the range. I do think it’s not as crazy pigmented as I expected it to be.
Color
In the pan, it looks like a beautiful neutral mauve color. It’s a bit of a dusty rose and I always thought it looked like quite a unique color. However, when I apply it to my skin, it kind of turns a generic pink/red (see photos below). I still enjoy it though and I like that with a darker shade, I can put it lower on my cheeks so I can contour at the same time heh.
Pictures
Swatched on skin.
Before
After
As you can see, it brings a nice color to the face and perks up my complexion. In person the color was quite strong as I did two layers. It’s a great neutral color that would pair well with all sorts of looks. The wear time isn’t as long as I imagined, it wears off similar to other high end blushes I own.
Overall though I feel like this is a great price point to splurge on a higher end blush, and plus this has the most amazing packaging! I wouldn’t say this is holy grail or it changes my blush world but it does do a good job and especially since I got it at half price ($11), I have nothing to complain about. 🙂
Ratings
Color 8/10
Formula 5/5
Packaging 5/5
Value 4/5
Overall 22/25 A-
Do you guys ever shop at Hautelook? Let me know if you’ve tried anything from the Balm!