When I first saw this blush on Temptalia last year, I could only think of one thing: “I need to get me some of that!”. Of course, living on the other side of the earth also means that we were probably the last to get this. *grumble*
So, many months later, the InStain blush range was finally launched in Australia. I had my eye on only the Argyle. The problem was, this shade was bloody sold out at my local David Jones. For weeks. GAH!
As you would have it, life goes on and I actually forgot about this blush until about a couple of months ago when I decided to peruse the theBalm shelves at David Jones. Whaddyaknow, the Argyle was back! It was the last blush and I held on to it like it was the ring of power and no one was going to take it away from me because it’s my precious so touch it and die.
Yes, I can be a bit of a drama queen.
The InStain blush’s texture is pretty much the same as the rest of theBalm’s blushes. It’s smooth, not gritty, a tad powdery and has amazing colour payoff. The swatch looks chalky in the photo but it’s very smooth on the skin.
It’s a lovely petal pink that has pretty darn awesome staying power. I’d be wearing this for at least 10 hours and the blush is still there.
As always, theBalm did not disappoint when they came up with the InStain blushes. I’ve swatched the rest and while I was only interested in Argyle, the rest of the shades are pretty too.
I knew that this was going to be good but I must say that the thing that drew me to the blush was the packaging. It’s still the same cardboard powder compact that theBalm is popular for but instead of using innuendos and vintage pin-ups for the packaging, they had pretty illustrations of a woman on the cover of a magazine. Y’know, like InStyle but prettier. The cardboard packaging may be a bother to some but I’m fine with it as it’s light enough to bring along when travelling.
It’s a beautiful blush to have but in hindsight, I could probably do without it. Y’know, since I already have about a gajillion blushes and just 4 cheeks *oh snap*. 😛
The Balm’s InStain blushes retail at AU$26.95 each and is available at selected David Jones stores and pharmacies nationally. The blushes come in 6 shades: Argyle, Toile, Houndstooth, Swiss Dot, Lace and Pinstripe.
What I like about it: Beautiful pink, highly pigmented, good staying power, typical of The Balm’s popular powder blushes.
What I do not like about it: Nothing. Takes a lot for me to hate a blush. 😛
I love this blush! I got it at my David Jones a while back, the last one hidden behind some other products. I’ve got quite a few blushes myself but I’ve been using this one heaps since I got it.
So glad you love it too. OMG mine was hidden behind other products too! What are the chances that someone saw it, wanted it and decided to get it later so she hid it behind some products hoping she’ll be able to get to it when she’s back? Hah ya snooze ya lose! 😛
swatched these blushes 2 weeks ago, and wasn’t too excited about it. Maybe it’s because of the price. It’s pricier than their other powder blush counterpart, it’s around RM70. Unless there’s a good sales going on, I doubt I’ll be buying any Instain blush. I definitely have quite a number of blush that could easily be a dupe for these blushes.
I’m not nitpicking, right?
plue recently posted..Guerlain Sakura Cherry Blossom G Blush & TheBalm Down Boy – Excellent Combo!
Hahaha nitpicking is good. Better on the pocket that way. I’m too liberal when it comes to blushes 😛
they are having sales now! so I think I may pick up Toile. Argyle looks a bit like Down Boy. lol!
plue recently posted..Guerlain Sakura Cherry Blossom G Blush & TheBalm Down Boy – Excellent Combo!
It does look lovely on you. I didn’t pick up any because I have a number of similar shades and nowadays I only try to go for blushes that are unique or something limited edition (yes, I’m a sucker). But you’re right about theBalm blushes, they are very long-lasting and have a really wonderful texture.
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I haven’t been disappointed with any theBalm blushes so far. All are good. They kinda remind me of the Benefit blushes but in my opinion, theBalm’s are better. They’re certainly cheaper too, at least they are in Australia.
That shade looks so pretty! Love the packaging too. So adorable!
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Haha I know right? Love it! 😀
ooohh, this is so pretty! i have read a lot of good reviews about this blush and they all say that staying power is really good… i wanna get this, but i still have a lot of blushes… do you think one more blush wouldn’t hurt? hihihi…. Btw, Happy New Year Tine! 🙂
Err you’re asking the wrong person here, Issa. I have so many blushes and I still think I don’t have enough. 😛
PS: Happy new year to you too, lovely! xx
I laugh when I read this post. You are so funny. Hahaha. I have seen the older Balm blushes in Sephora and Sasa and the packaging looks really cute. Might just take a peek at this for curiosity sake 🙂
Oh for curiosity sake, why not? If you do get them, let me know which one you got!
Great colour!! Did not know that the Balm had such a decent blush! You have tempted me to go and have a look:)
The InStains are definitely worth checking out. The staying power is pretty darn good!