♫ Super Junior M - Break Down (Korean ver.)
I swear, this post has been sitting in my drafts for far too long.
Hello again, pretty peeps! Does the name
Illamasqua ring a bell? It's a really popular high street cosmetic brand in the UK and US, but due to its
extremely limited availability in our Asian regions, it doesn't have as much recognition here.
I was really lucky to win one of the giveaways by
Nancy last December, and she sent me not only the Illamasqua lipstick and lip gloss, but also added three Maybelline Color Tattoos in my parcel after knowing that we don't have them here in Malaysia. :') Thank you so much! ♥
Illamasqua Lipstick in "Underworld"
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Sleek, glossy and Gothic ;) |
The packaging for Illamasqua products is primarily black, and has a very Gothic feel to it, from their sigil-like logo to the sleek glossy black casing. The lid is large and snaps shut with a firm click, so no worries about it coming off by accident. The shape of the lipstick tube is also very unique, and is made from plastic that is lightweight without feeling 'cheap'. Unfortunately, the glossy surface also makes it a major fingerprint magnet.
Underworld is a iridescent purple shade with a strong blue duochrome. I have never worn or owned any purple lipsticks before, so this is definitely a first. The lipstick has a sweet scent, which kinda reminds me of cookies or donuts. (。♥‿♥。)
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The blue sheen is much more apparent than shown here; my camera couldn't seem to catch it. :( |
I expected the lipstick to be much more opaque, so I was a little disappointed when it swatched like this. The colour is very sheer indeed. However, the redeeming part is that this particular shade is
unique. It is
purple with a very ethereal blue sheen, reminiscent of dragonfly wings.
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Bare lips |
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Illamasqua lipstick in "Underworld" |
The lipstick is
sheer, so it merely adds an iridescent sheen to your lips' natural colour. The shade is definitely interesting, and a change from the usual pinks, reds and nudes you see every day. The downside of this lipstick, besides its sheerness, is that the formula is very
drying. I suggest putting a layer of lip balm to prep beforehand. However, from the reviews I'd seen, this problem only applies for Underworld, as the usual Illamasqua lipsticks are quite moisturizing in general. The lipstick itself is also very soft/fragile, as evidenced when it broke at the base when I was applying it straight from the tube. (; ̄д ̄)
Illamasqua Intense Lipgloss in "Boost"
The packaging for the Illamasqua Intense Lipgloss is pretty normal but classy nonetheless, with its clear tube to showcase the lipgloss shade and a glossy black cap.
Boost is a stunning purple lipgloss with a shimmery blue undertone. It's basically the opaque, lip gloss version of Underworld lipstick, and definitely not one for the faint of heart.
It comes with a
brush applicator, which works perfectly to apply the lipgloss. Normally I prefer doe-foot wands for lip gloss, but for this particular lip gloss, the brush works much better to ensure smooth and precise application.
Above is the swatch for Boost. It is a very
opaque purple shade with strong blue shimmer undertones. There is a faint scent of something
sweet and fruity to this gloss, which does not bother me, but those with sensitive noses should take note. Texture wise, this gloss is
thick but not too sticky, and lasts well over 4 hours with minimal eating and drinking.
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Comparison: Boost lipgloss and Underworld lipstick |
I would say that both are unique, and it really depends on personal preference when choosing between the Underworld lipstick and Boost lipgloss. Of course, in terms of colour payoff and texture, Boost wins hands down, but if you're looking for something a little more work-appropriate and daytime-friendly, Underworld is the one I'd pick. :)
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Rocking Boost over Underworld with my fave shades and trying to act cool (^_^;) |
Hope you enjoyed the review! Now I'm off to channel my inner Cyber Goth girl with
Purple Line. (ノ´∀`*)ノ