Maison Lancôme Blush Multilumière

Here’s a closer look at the eye-catching Maison Lancôme Gentle and Long Lasting Powder Blusher (S$70), part of the brand’s Autumn 2011 collection.

Based on a charming sketch of the Lancôme flagship boutique at 29 Rue Saint-Honoré in Paris, the print features the distinctive Lancôme rose in the boutique window and the Eiffel Tower in the background.

Like Clarins Colour Definition 3D Radiance Face Powder, there is subtlety in its composition, although Maison Lancôme is slightly more pigmented. Though it is labelled a blush, it can also be used as an all-over powder.

The colours in this palette are:

• A pale gold (the overspray on the lamp post and La Tour Eiffel)
• A light pink, like a strawberry macaron (the boutique)
• A warm peachy beige, almost café au lait (the background)
• A mauvey rose (the cobbled stones)

Left to right: lamp post, cobbled stones, boutique, Eiffel Tower, background

The all-over effect

As you can tell from the swatches, the colours have a soft satin finish, save for the gold. Do note that the gold shimmer gives way to the colours below it – the lamp post becomes soft pink (the body) and rose (the base), while the tower becomes beige.

The palette imparts a soft finish and a healthy glow, while the shimmery overspray gives a touch of glimmer, albeit a short-lived one, since it’s merely a superficial veil. (Why oh why did they not make it a shade of its own, extending to the very bottom?)

The rose, the deepest in tone of the four, makes a nice blush. I love the cool-toned shade. Layered with the light pink, it becomes more subtle yet still makes a pretty flush of colour. The beige is good for when you want something a little more neutral and can be worn on its own or with the other colours. This product doesn’t have the overt radiance of the new Estée Lauder Illuminating Powder Gelée but I think these two will pair well to add colour and dimension to the visage.

Its simple exterior belies its pretty contents – I was actually surprised by the plain compact when I saw the press sample.

Given its meaningful print, this is a collector’s item, for sure!

Image source: Lancôme Singapore