[unpaid/sample] I posted about these blushers on Instagram yesterday and everyone was so surprised that Mary Quant make up was ‘back’, but to my mind it never went away. There was a Mary Quant shop at Duke of York Square just off the King’s Road only a few years ago and of course, the Mary Quant exhibition (where I bought a lipstick). However, it does look like it went into hibernation for a while last year. I haven’t quite got to the bottom of the ownership, other than it’s Japanese, and Mary Quant sold her business to Japanese owners in 2000 – James Matsumiya. The company name now is Mary Quant Cosmetics Ltd (of which there are two branches, MQCL London and MQCL Japan) as opposed to Mary Quant Ltd. It looks like James resigned as a company director, and amongst others, Yukari Nakamaya and Masako Nakamaya are now listed instead. I can’t track it any further than that because otherwise I would be here forever going down Companies House rabbit holes.
It seems the company had a period of inactivity recently but is clearly now back and firing on all cylinders. I’ve got several products to review and I’m starting with the Cheeky Baby Souffle Blush. What I love about them is that they look so densely pigmented but are more of a translucent wash once on the skin. It’s a very natural, fresh finish.
One of the clear benefits of Japanese ownership is that the make up has to a certain degree a Japanese aesthetic. This pinched cheeks look is really significant in Asia and it’s a very beautiful way to wear blush. The shades I have are (left to right) are 01 Apple Red, 04 Candy Pink and 02 Apricot Orange.
I have Apricot Orange on my right cheek and Candy Pink on my left. You can see they look vibrant and fresh without looking bright and obvious.
In the swatch (bottom to top) it’s Candy Pink, Apricot Orange and Apple Red. They’re £23 each HERE. There are three other shades that I don’t have here. I really do love this blush – it’s just understated and easy to wear, actually great on bare skin as well as over make up. I applied with a brush – literally just gently dab it at the mousse rather than scoop a big amount so you can build it to your preference. There’s a bit of a stain element too so it’s a stayer although will definitely stay better on bare skin than over foundation or base. What do you think? Did you have a favourite MQ product from back in the day?
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12 comments
This is a lovely surprise! I bought a couple of MQ single eyeshadows online last year, thinking the brand had disappeared. These blushes look good enough to eat , so cute!
Back in the 80s I had a very violet mascara which was beautiful plus a vivid pink and turquoise eyeshadow duo. The counter was in Allders, Croydon ❤. Happy days. Thank you for this post Jane xxx
Wow, Alders! Blast from the past. We used to have a Cheeseman’s my way – long gone.
Thank you for posting this review. I lived in Japan for several years and would see Mary Quant makeup but never went out to buy it. It was an inconsistent brand. One year heavily promoted, the next year, silent. I’m glad to see that it’s back with beautiful products. I’ll definitely try this blush when I go to Tokyo this autumn.
I can see why you say inconsistent – let’s see how they do this time!
I used to love their nail varnishes in the little round bottles!
so pretty!
The mad colour range in the 70’s was very cool. A range inspired by that would be very welcome. My first metallic blue crayon eyeshadow – but Quant and Biba were daring and adventurous.
Ooh some lovely metallic liners would be great!
My lipstick to go to in the late 80s was Mary Quant Tokyo Rose. I think Miss Selfridge used to sell it. I’ve not been able to find anything close, colour wise, since.
I’ve asked MQ HQ whether any of their lipsticks are equivalent to Tokyo Rose because several people are remembering Tokyo Rose!
Mary Quant Havoc perfume was my teenage signature scent in the 70’s, sigh…..
I don’t think I ever smelled it – Charlie was my fragrance then!