Lately there’s been a lot of buzz around a bright, edgy new makeup line from the UK called Illamasqua, and the buzz recently kicked into high gear on our side of the Atlantic when the company started shipping across the pond.
To cultivate our new addiction, UK makeup artist Rochelle O’Brien wrote a guest post with a great introduction to the line (Illamasqua Makeup for Your Alter Ego), and this morning I took a break to play with a few goodies from the company’s latest limited edition collection, appropriately named Sirens.
Back in middle school I was a total FREAK for Greek mythology… I totes wanted to name my future daughter Athena, and the Sirens collection brought to mind images of gossamer gowns, glowing skin and long, angelic hair.
The 15-piece collection includes a nice spread of products for eyes, lips and cheeks ranging in price from $18-30 (US) and a palette of bronze, gold, blue, pink, green and brown.
The look’s all about glowing, golden skin punctuated by bright touches of bold, eye-catching color, BAM!
The Sirens of Greek mythology were three mystical half-bird women who lived on a remote Mediterranean island. They were said to be so seductive that the sound of their voices on the wind could entrance passing sailors, causing them to run their ships aground on the rocky coast.
Playing with a few items from the collection, I think I know how those sailors felt!
Lipstick in Resist, $23
HOLY MUTHA. I would sooo crash my ship on the rocks for Resist lipstick, yo! One of two lipsticks from the Sirens collection, it’s bold AND sassy. She’s a creamy, hot pink demon! — and not for the faint of heart.
Resist applies with rich, intense color. A single layer delivers full, opaque coverage that lasts for hours, surviving two slices of pizza and a glass of orange juice, too.
As if the incredible color weren’t enough, the moisturizing, fragrance- and taste-free formula feels silky and feather-light on my lips. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A+
Bronzing Duo in Glint & Burnish, $30
Glint & Burnish, one of two Bronzing Duos in the collection, comes with a shimmery golden brown powder and a golden peach, both for face and body.
The colors remind me of amped-up versions of MAC Beauty Powders.
These also pack intense pigmentation, and both finely milled powders feel ultra soft to the touch, literally melting into my skin.
And then there’s the glow…
THE GLOW!
It’s magical. Super fine shimmer particles — no chunky bits of disco glitter up in this mo’ fo’ — make skin glow like a pearl.
At $30, these duos aren’t Chanel-caliber expensive, but they’re not exactly budget, either. Here, though, taking into account the large compacts, I think you get a lot for your money. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A
Liquid Metal in Enrapture, $26
Illamasqua’s Liquid Metals are metallic cream shadows for use on the eyes, lips, face and body.
I tried Enrapture, a shimmery bronze, one of two Liquid Metals from the collection.
It applies with intense shimmer and dense pigmentation, like a cream version of a pigment eyeshadow, and it’s a snap to blend and layer.
Texture-wise, it feels thinner, drier and less creamy than MAC Paint Pots — Shu Uemura Cream Shadows come to mind. They have a similar dryness to the touch.
One thing to keep in mind if you have oily skin: consider using it with a primer. When I wore Enrapture by itself on my lids, it was all creases within two hours (my skin’s combo oily/dry). Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: B
Swatches from left to right: Lipstick in Resist, Liquid Metal in Enrapture
Bronzing Duo in Glint and Burnish, Lipstick in Resist, Liquid Metal in Enrapture
I hope Illamasqua opens some counters here in the US soon and updates their website. I think it’s pretty but a little tough to navigate (where the heck’s the search button!). And no one likes having to pay for international shipping, poo!
Still, props to the line, and I hope they keep up the good work. They’re edgy, quirky, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.
Happy Friday
TGIF, girls! I’m so ready for this weekend, not that I have any plans at all. I’m just looking forward to relaxing.
What are you up to? Any makeup in the mix?
I might go for a run before it gets dark. I’m talking about trying to get back in shape. 🙂
Drop me a line to let me know how you’re doing.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
wow, they look great!
that lipstick basically BLINDED me as i scrolled down your post. LOL XD
.-= Maggie’s last blog post… EOTD: Golden Odyssey =-.
Hi Maggie,
Yah, it’s no joke. It’s definitely a BOLD lip look!
Wow, I am loving Resist but damn I just placed another Illamasqua order! You are right, they need to start selling here I think they would be the next MAC fo sho.
Nothing makeup related (except more swatching on Sunday). Am going to Rutherford Grill for lunch tomorrow, the hub is taking me for my bday. I think it’s supposed to be nice up in Napa, so we may go on a photo excursion. 🙂
.-= Vampy Varnish’s last blog post… Zoya Truth Collection for Fall 2009 =-.
Hi Vampy Varnish,
Happy belated birthday! I hope that you have lots of fun up in Napa (it’s sunny up here so it should be really pretty up there). Take lots of pics!
What did you end up ordering from Illamasqua?
Wowza, that is some serious sparkle (and I adore that hot pink lipstick). I’m all about powdered bronzers but sometimes I feel like they make me break out–any suggestions as to which ones are sensitive skin friendly? Great post as always, Karen!
.-= tanya’s last blog post… hard candy =-.
Hi Tanya,
How do you feel about Clinique? They are one brand whose products normally don’t break me out (and I have sensitive skin, too). They have these duos right now that are pretty good — I’ve been using the Medium/Dark one and I like it a lot.
Another one that I always go back to is Stila’s Sun SPF15. It never breaks me out, either. It doesn’t have sparkle, though, so if you wanted some shimmer you might be better off with Clinique’s.
OH MAN, that bronzing duo is GORGEOUS. Can’t wait to see you do a FOTD with it!! I bet it looks AMAZING on you!
Ahhh… I do wish they had counters here so I could try first. I’m always wary of buying new products since my skin is so picky. T_T; Hopefully there’ll be some more reviews from sensitive-skin folks on MUA soon.
And TGIF INDEED! I’m just heading out of lab now. ;_;
.-= Catherine’s last blog post… Answers to some Questions =-.
Hi Catherine,
I think we’ll be seeing more of the brand in the future. Hopefully they’ll have some counters here in the US soon so you can try ’em out in person.
How’s your Saturday going? Doing anything fun this weekend?
That lipstick is pure sex 🙂
.-= Ally’s last blog post… Sumo Haul =-.
Hi Ally,
I know, right? 😉
I think I just died and went to heaven. Resist is INSANE! How will I ever be able to resist buying it 😛
.-= Rae’s last blog post… Red is the colour of the week, clearly. =-.
Hi Rae,
Seriously. LOVE IT! It lasts forever too and doesn’t dry out the lips.
That bronzing powder is divine!! It looks like it’s worth the $$ and waiting for it to come across the pond! 🙂 Thanks for the post, Karen and I hope you have a great weekend!!
Hi Lesley,
It’s a really great powder for the price. 🙂
How’s your Saturday going? Got any exciting plans? El Hub and I are off to run some boring errands in a few (sigh). Sometime this weekend I hope to go by Benefit to look at the new glosses and perhaps pick up a box of Hula!
I. LOVE. RESIST. LIPSTICK
EEK
MAJOR CREDIT CARD DEBT ALERT!
karen – you know how i can’t resist a bold lip. i even have a real “monroe” beauty spot right by my lip and can’t wait to try it out.
Hi Ines,
Seriously, girl. It’s a lipstick addiction in the making… it’s good stuff. 🙂
I really like the packaging of the products
Hi Maria,
I like it, too. It’s very elegant!
Wwo, that looks amazing. I love the packaging as well and you know I love me some bold lipstick 🙂
Hi Karen B,
Next time you’re in the UK you’ll have to hit up a counter so I can vicariously live through you. 🙂
I went to Selfridge’s yesterday to try some of this stuff out but sadly they don’t do samples. And you can’t return stuff. So I’m going to have to wait until someone does a proper in-depth review of the products (especially the foundation) because I’m not buying without knowing how good they are.
Hi Holly,
From what I’ve tried to far I really like what I’ve seen. It’s too bad they don’t do samples, though. Maybe go in and have them try some product on you and just walk around with it for a bit? That way you can a feel of the weight of it on your face and as well as a sense for the texture/scent/wear time, ect.
Now you can see why im addicted!!
HOLLY- Skip the primers, foundations and powders.. they are great but nothing you cant find anywhere else. The products worth buying are the powder eyeshadows, lipsticks, blushes, nail varnishes and lipglosses!
.-= Tali’s last blog post… By Terry & Beauty Lusts for Summer =-.
Hi Tali,
Oh yes, I can! What lipstick colors are your faves?
And thank you for weighing in on the face products. 🙂
Ummmmmmm WHAT is that model in the 2nd picture wearing on her eyes and can I please have all that rainbow-y goodness all up on my face???????
Seriously, can you find out from the company what she is wearing? I will buy all of it.
Hi Erin,
I’ll see what I can do. 🙂
O M G! thank you karen! I need to place an order asap. Resist is doing things to my soul. I love bright, bright lips. Too hot.
I am so loving that Llamasqua line. I think that this is one of the most exciting and imaginative bits of beauty makeup news that I have seen in a long time. You know how much I love Chanel but for the last few years it has been the same thing with them rehashed over and over again. How many glossimers do you need? Don’t ask me because I have way too many of them. How do you get these products? From the pictures that I have seen here on your blog and on their website, the makeup application techniques look like it would take some practice to master. Well, I am looking forward to trying some things. If you put any on you, make sure that you show us!!!!! Pretty please. . . . . Louise
OMG! I’m sooo with on the mythology thing! I was a freak of mythology also.
I love the concept of Illamasqua. I need to find work so I can afford their products!!
That bronzing duo looks sooooo pretty!
Hope you are having a great weekend, Karen! Last night the hubby and I stayed at a winery/resort to celebrate our 3rd wedding anniversary, which is actually tomorrow! The rest of the weekend is all about relaxing!
Hi Tiffany,
Congrats on your wedding anniversary! We are celebrating our third next month. 🙂
How was the winery? Did you enjoy it?
The promopics are amazing!
Hi Wendy,
I agree. I love how dramatic they are!
I will, promise 🙂 And make a public post so you can live as vicariously as you want 😉
Hi Karen B.,
Ha ha! You know that would actually make me totally happy. You will have to spend an extra long time checking out the lipsticks… then I’ll be truly vicariously living through you!
Okay, it’s noted.
Remind me again around the 10th or 11th or so, then I certainly won’t let you down 🙂
Or I could do a guest blog if you want :):)
Thanks, Karen! The winery was a lot of fun! I can’t believe how fast three years have gone by!
OMG it all looks amazing!