This blush is so darn perfect for summer, it kills me to not use it every time I do my makeup.
THE BACKSTORY: I’ve been dying to try 3CE products for the longest, longest time. It took me nearly 7 years to finally bite the bullet and buy a couple of products from them. And you know what? Not only were they well worth the wait but I also understand just why the brand itself and their products are so popular.
Also, now that I actually own some of their products, I no longer see the brand as something I can’t even fathom buying. I think the illusion I’ve had has been shattered, to a certain degree. So, if you, yourself, have a brand that you’ve been treading around lightly, maybe just give it a go and see why you’ve been pining after it and find out if it was worth your time. I dunno, you guys. 2018 has been a year of self-discovery for me. If you can’t tell already, haha!
INGREDIENTS: Talc, Mica (CI 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Silica, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140), Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Magnesium Myristate, Magnesium Stearate, Propanediol, HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone , Crosspolymer, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Dimethicone, Dimethiconol Stearate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Lauroyl Lysine, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Beeswax, Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Red 30 (CI 73360)
THE PRODUCT: First thing’s first, the packaging. Isn’t it adorable? The blusher comes housed in a delightful little cardboard box that looks like a tiny book. Excessive and unnecessary, really, but cute nonetheless. The blush itself is contained in an adorable little plastic compact that looks part-flower, part-seashell. It comes with the tiniest mirror ever but I’m just happy it’s there. Makes it that much more functional.
The actual blush is quite pigmented. It’s also very powdery and there’s quite a bit of product kick-up in the pan whenever you tap your brush in. But I find blushes that do that tend to blend out easier and more smoothly, which is exactly the case with this one.
Despite being so powdery, I find that it melds on to the skin beautifully and lasts for an exceptionally long time. I really was impressed with its longevity. But, like most blushes, it does fade away quickly when you’re out and about, doing chores, in humid weather. If you’re in an air-conditioned room and not lifting any muscles, except maybe drinking your wine, it’ll look fresh and wonderful for quite a while.
‘Giving Pleasure’ is a lovely translucent, pastel apricot shade. The name is a little cheeky but maybe they intended that? Anyway, I love the colour and the finish of this blush. It has a matte finish but it doesn’t really look too flat when it’s on.
While I do like the blush, I think the size and the price will throw you off. Unless you are really, really, REALLY attracted to these kind of softer shades – or perhaps the packaging – I definitely think there are more affordable alternatives out there.
Another con would be the shade range. Sure, the colours are a pastel lover’s dream but they just won’t look flattering on deeper skin-tones. These colours would only show up and look flattering on really fair to medium skin-tones.
Love the 3CE logo embossed on the blush.
SWATCHES AND SHADES AVAILABLE: Do you see how translucent the colour is, in the brush swatch? It’s rather pretty. Anyway, this range of blushers are available in 6 different variants.
- ‘Giving Pleasure’ – Slightly suggestive name aside, this is a wonderful and soft matte apricot shade. It looks very fresh and pretty on the cheeks.
PRICE AND QUANTITY: $21 – $25, depending on where you purchase it from, for 3.8 grams of product.
AVAILABILITY: Stylenanda, Style Korean, Cult Beauty etc.
♥ OVERALL: I think it’s a wonderful product but I would only recommend it if you’ve been wanting to try 3CE products or if you think the packaging is irresistible. I think their blushes and lip products are a good place to start. Otherwise, you’ll definitely find more pocket-friendly alternatives that are just as good, if not better.
3 Concept Eyes Love 3CE Cheek Maker in 'Giving Pleasure'.
Pros
- It's quite pigmented.
- It's soft and blends out nicely.
- The colour is really sweet and fresh.
- The packaging is adorable.
- It wears well throughout the day and lasts for a decent time too.
Cons
- The price. It's EXPENSIVE.
- It may be smaller than you'd imagine.
- Availability is an issue.
- There's quite a bit of product kick-up in the pan.
- The shade range won't be as flattering on people with deeper complexions.
