For creating Illamasqua Holiday Look I’ve received their False Lashes no.021 so here’s my review after I’ve used them twice so far.

I’ve never tried false lashes before receiving these. Not that I couldn’t try them, the thing is that I’ve been avoiding that because I thought it was something that’s really difficult based on those numerous tutorials I’ve watched on YouTube. To be honest, I really don’t understand why is everyone making a big deal about applying false lashes because it really isn’t something difficult and now I realize I’ve been avoiding something that’s amazing for nothing. I was just thrilled with them – the way they open the look is stunning.

These come in the standard cardboard packaging for false lashes (at least that’s what I’ve seen so far) and you do get glue with them as well. If I’m not mistaken, you can’t get this glue separately which is a shame since it’s an excellent glue if you ask me. The glue comes in that sample perfume packaging which has a longer tip which is used to apply glue onto lashes. I like that tip since it’s really precise so you can’t apply glue anywhere else besides where you want it to be.  That’s excellent, especially for beginners like myself.  :)

Application
I do recommend you usually take good care of false lashes when you apply them, be careful not to break them or anything, but Illamasqua’s false lashes are firmer so you don’t have to fear for that. Before applying them wrap them around a pencil or a thinner brush handle so they could become more flexible. Also, before applying glue remember to put them along your natural lshes to see if they’re too long and to see where and how will you apply them.

Once the glue is applied (more glue should be applied on the very end of lashes, to keep them in place) it should become tacky before putting lashes. Since this was my first time I used this glue, I applied it onto my arm to see how long it takes it to become tacky. I’ve also noticed that when it’s drying it becomes transparent which is also a sign when to apply lashes.

Lashes should be applied along the edge of the lid, above natural lashes and pressed gently to stick on. It’s important to glue edges well.

Removal
This is really simple – detach a bit ends of lashes and then simply pull gently with fingers or tweezer. I’ve had them twice for now and I never had issues with removing them.

After I remove them I put them back into their place and box so I wouldn’t destroy them. This way I can use them apparently up to 10 times and that’s why Illamasqua’s lashes are firmer. I do believe I will wear them at least a few more times.

In Croatia their price is approx. $27. True, not cheap for false lashes, but since I ahevn’t tried any other I can’t compare the quality (but I will). For now I’ll just say that I’m glad I got the chance to try them since I’m pretty sure I would never purchased them on my own. But not I’m thinking of getting a pair of false lashes for daily use since I’m so satisfied. I’m thinking of getting lashes no.14. And well, since I’ve received so many compliments thanks to no. 021 there is no way I could be anything less but amazed with them.

What’s your opinion about false lashes? Do you wear them? Have you tried them? Any recommendations?

Vesna

*PR sample

My love towards cream blushes started more than a year ago when I first tried NYX cream blushes. After NYX cream blushes I tried Inglot AMC cream blushes and their AMC blush in #82 is my favorite nato try Illamasqua’s cream blushes. I received Ravish as a PR sample, but I do plan to purchase at least one shade myself (probably Rude for now, but I’ll see when I visit their store).

The thing that I was worried about at first was how will I apply cream blush but since now. I have a few of them I really know how to deal with them. If I’m applying natural shades I use stippling blush (or my fingers, but it’s pretty the same since I cant apply too much of it) and if I apply bolder shades I definitely use my fingers because that’s the only way how I can apply it without applying it too much. I don’t think that even the formula matters but it’s more important to get used to work with them no matter if you use a stippling brush or fingers. Ravish blush is amazingly pigmented and it really needs a light hand to work with since it can look ridiculous in seconds if you’re not careful. :D It does have a nice formula so it does apply nicely and it blends well too so it looks like natural red cheeks.

Postojanost It’s really long-lasting. Though, my experience with cream blushes tell me that they do last longer than pressed blushes. At least they do last longer on me. So, this basicly stays on from morning till evening, until I remove it.
You can also use Ravish as a lip product though I haven’t tried that but I will do that this week and I’ll post a photo of how it looks. The packaging is, as usual when it comes to Illamasqua, amazing.

This blush retails for approx. $30 in Croatia and it contains 4,5 grams (0.17 oz) of product. It might be a bit expensive but I really think it’s worth every penny because it will last some long, long time.

How do you like this blush? Do you even like cream blushes? :)

Vesna

*PR sample

This a pretty simple look but thanks to two product it does stand out:
- False Eye Lashes #021
- Lipstick in Box

While I was putting my makeup on I kept asking myself one thing again and again: why I haven’t used false eye lashes ever before?! I alsways thought it’s difficult to put them well but it turns out it’s pretty easy! It took me about one minute to put them both on and I really don’t see a reason why all YT tutorials about applying false eye lashes last for 10 or more minutes! Okay, maybe these eye lashes are high quality and well made because they do fit perfectly and the glue that comes with them is also amazing – it gets tacky after about 5-10 second and the second you apply and press your false lashes they just stick there. :) The only thing I did before I applyied them is to wrap them around a pencil just to make them more adaptable. I also tried them on without using any glue just to see where to put them exactly.
These aren’t heavy at all but it feels a bit unusual at first. Also, these aren’t for everyday use though I’d like to use them every day! 

About the lipstick I can say only one thing and excuse my language but I have to: it’s pure sex. I don’t think I need to say anything more, you say see for yourself on by taking a look at my photos. :D

I used also few other products and here they are listed:

• Pure Pigment in Android
• Eye Brow Cakein Gaze
  Eye Liner Cake in Mislead
• Cream Blush in Ravish
• dermacolor (Kryolan concealer palette in light)
• Meow Cosmetics Pampered Puss Mineral Foundation in 2 Frisky Chausie

And here are my photos.

I was also planing to create two more looks with the same products but used differently. What do you think of that?

Vesna

*all Illamasqua products in this post are PR samples

After reviewing  Satin Primer, here’s my review of their Matt Primer and their comparison. :)

I’ve been using this primer for about two weeks now and the thing I can say for sure is that Matt Primer is way more suitable for my combination sjin than Satin Primer. Okay, my cheeks don’t actually mind but my T-zone does prefer matte products. When it comes to formula and scent it’s pretty much the same as Satin Primer, but there is a slight difference when I apply it – it feels actually more thicker on skin. I like about it that it absorbs fast and it doesn’t have that dewey finish which Satin Primer has. Everything – foundation, blush, etc. – lasts really long with it. As long as I don’t remove it. :)
Matt Primer is also white but it doesn’t look like that when applied. Also, if you’re looking for a base which will fill in your pores you should look elsewhere because this primer is here just to lightly even the skin like a body lotion would do. :)

Cijena This base retails for approx. $36 in Croatia (as Satin Primer). It contains 30 ml / 1 fl.oz.

(+)
- tube packaging
- light on skin + fast absorbing
- matte finish
- mild sweet scent

(-)
- price (not for me but it might be pricey for some)

Anyway, if you have combination or oly skin I recommend you to try this base instead of Satin Primer. :)

Vesna

*PR sample

I know, I’m all over Illamasqua lately but I just can’t help myself since they have so amazing products! So far I purchased only a few products, but I’m not stopping yet! Okay, it’s not the best option for my wallet but – who cares! :D

This week was all about one lipgloss which is a bit strange for me since I’m not really lipgloss fan, but it’s obviously changing. The thing that gets me with Belladonna is how amazingly pigmented and long-lasting it is. And yes, it’s tacky but I really don’t care and I got used to that right away. And I also don’t mind because that’s one of the reasons it’s so long lasting. Illamasqua Intense Lipgloss actually remind me of liquid lipsticks but without any bleeding (which does happen from time to time with liquid lipsticks).

This lipgloss contains 7 ml (0.2 fl.oz.) and it retails for approx. $24. True, not cheap but when I know what I get with it – I really think it’s worth it. So, if you’re into intense lipglosses on lips – definitely try these. You’ll love them! :) S

I will take a photo with it on my lips tomorrow (my camera is empty and I was away until today).

Vesna

And, here is what I got with it:
- Lipstick Scandal
– Intense Lipgloss Belladonna

For some reason, I just can’t capture the right shade of Belladonna but I did get a good swatch so please check my swatch to see the *real* color of it. Lipstick Scandal isn’t something I’d pick myself but the MUA suggested it for me and well, I was truly surprised how good it looks and how well it actually suits me! So, I did pick that one since it’s an unique color among my lipsticks. :)

Here’s how Belladonna looks like and I have to say it looks stunning on lips! I will try to take a photo tomorrow with it on my lips :)

(as you can see, this color has nothing to do with the one on the photo above?!)

And this is how Scandal looks like. As I said, it’s an unique shade and it just looks so special. It’s highly pigmented and long lasting on my lips. Also, it looks so good on cool toned skin, would’ve never thought that!

All in all, I think my picks are very good! :)

And tell me, if you were in my shoes – what would you pick? And do you think that gift certificate might be even better choice as presents instead of getting *real* presents?

Vesna

It’s time to say a few words about a lipstick which really got my attention and love because it’s so special and unique – Illamasqua Kontrol. I think this is one of those things that won’t leave you indifferent – you’ll either hate it or you’ll like it. Well, I’m one of those who just loves it! I’ve been looking for a perfect purple lipstick for a long time and I finally found everything I was looking for in this lipstick so, my search stops right here.

This is my first Illamasqua lipstick and well, I’m thrilled! I’ve read a few comments about how it is a bit drying but I didn’t experience that. Okay, it might be because I always wear a base lip pencil, but I always have it with every lipstick and still some of them are drying anyway. Kontrol is highly pigmented and you do need only one swatch to apply it, though I don’t apply it directly from the tube – I prefer applying a thin layer with a lip brush, then I use a tissue to pick any excess after which I apply it again with a lip brush and then, in the end, I apply it directly from the tube but I only pat it lightly onto lips. That turned out to be the best way for me to wear it. It lasts for hours with only one reapplication. The smell of this lipstick is mild, barely there.

I already mentioned in my previous post how Illamasqua has an amazing product design and there is no difference with this lipstick as well. It comes in black, elegant tube. The only thing that bothers me with it is that you can see all fingerprints on it which I hate, but I have that issue with other brands as well, not only Illamasqua. :D

Unfortunately, I didn’t manage to photograph it well on my lips, but thanks to Viola you can see how it really looks like – LINK. But I promise I will show you how it looks on me. :) Also, it’s important for me to tell you that this isn’t a color for those with warm undertones, it’s really cool toned.

You can get this lipstick for $28 in Croatia. It contains 4 grams of product. I knowit might seem too expensive but I don’t think it’s to much for a high quality lipstick with a such unique color. I am definitely not sorry I got it, and I would buy it again since it really is special. :)
I recommend it if you like unusual shades that will make you different.

I do plan to get another Illamasqua lipstick and it’s Disciple, gorgeous navy blue shade! <3

(+)
- pigmented
- long-lasting
- non-drying (with a lip pencil as a base)
- won’t emphasize your flaws on lips like dry patches or anything like that
- elegant design
- mild scent

(-)
- price (as I mentioned, it isn’t high if you ask me but I know it might seem too high for some of you)
- if you’re in Croatia you can get it only in Zagreb or online

And here’s my swatch of it, natural daylight with a hing of sunlight so it might seem lighter than it really is.

What do you think about such lipstick shades? Would you dare to wear anything like Kontrol? :)

Vesna

At the Illamasqua event, which was almosttwo months ago (time really goes by so fast!), I received my 1st two Illamasqua products and one of them is Satin Primer (pictured above).
Since everyone is talking about Illamasqua lately (of course, just good things) I have to admit that my expectations were set high and only about their products in general, but about everything – how will their store in Zagreb look like, will they be pricey, how does their design look in person, how will they treat their customers and many other things. :D At the opening of Illamasqua store I was pleasantly surprised both with their customer service and approach – they’re very polite, you can test everything you like (on your hand or your face), they know what they sell meaning that they educate you about their products and so on. But, enough about that, let’s get back to my review

I’ve used (and I still do) many face primers so far and to be honest, that is my daily to-go product because I never apply my mineral foundation without a face primer. The thing is, my mineral foundation looks way better with a primer underneath it than without it.
Anyway, Satin Primer isn’t something for those with oily skin, that’s for sure since it gives your whole face that healthy, dewy look which can easily be mistaken with oily skin if you have such. I can wear it during colder weather/winter time, but not during summer time.
The formula is interesting – it feels like after sun body lotion and it even smells like one – it smells so sweet. :D It’s kinda milky, thin and white, but it doesn’t leave any trace on your skin, it absorbs well and it is colorless once it’s applied. If you’re looking for a base which will fill in your pores you should look elsewhere because this primer is here just to lightly even the skin like a body lotion would do.

I apply this base over my regular moisturizer but I do wait for it to absorb well and after that I apply my mineral foundation which looks lovely on my skin – even, natural and, the most important thing, it stays there.
I haven’t mentioned something else I like about this product - the packaging. I just love this elegant and at the same time futuristic look. Their whole design is like that and well, it got me. :D

Thought I did check the price of this primer, but I forgot it and I really don’t remember 100% how much it was, but I think it was somewhere around $36 or $38. It contains 30 ml / 1 fl.oz. which is okay amount since you don’t need little of it for each use.

(+)
- thin texture which means you’ll need small amount (a.k.a. it will last)
- though it’s white it looks natural once applied
- gives that healthy/dewy finish (though, not a great thing for oily skin so I would recommend this for dry/normal skin oply)
- feels light on skin
- fine, sweet scent
- spf 20

(-)
- price (though you need a small amount, I supose it is pricey for some)

Have you tried this primer?

Vesna

Today I’m posting my interview with Joseph Corré which I did mention previously! It is a short interview and I hope you’ll enjoy!  :)

Please tell us, what is your role in Illamasqua and how exactly did you become a part of it?
I am the Joint MD of Illamasqua together with the founder Julian Kynaston. I became part of Illamasqua after noticing when it was a year old that it was the most vibrant thing ever seen in colour cosmetics. I liked their approach, bravado and the opportunity arose to become part of it therefore took it without hestitation.

Illamasqua is really a fastgrowing brand. What do you think is the reason for that?
We appeal to people, encouraging them to explore and express their own personal style through product and to not dictate the perfect image of beauty, connecting to a new generation of people tired of the old prescriptive ideas of the beauty industry. We have the highest quality of products  in the industry.

How come you decided to come to Croatia since it’s a such small market and what are your expectations and impressions?
Croatia is a very interesting new market which is developing in the new world.We are starting to see the old world scramble around its feet. The expectations are that our brand can communicate with new audience, not jaded by the predictable techniques of huge beauty companies.

Do you have plans for starting makeup courses in Croatia?
Yes we hope to start the second phase in the first quarter of next year

I’ve noticed how Illamasqua cooperates with international bloggers. Do you plan to do the same with Croatian bloggers?
Absolutely, we plan on placing more creativity in hearing real opinions about our products rather than pure image and branding.

What’s your favorite Illamasqua products so far?
Our whole range is excellent high quality, giving people the opportunity to experiment with Self expression . The new Skin Base Foundation is the best foundation on the market by far.

Do you use Illamasqua products and which ones?
I like to experiment liquid metal for the eyes, medium pencils and dark nail varnish colours such as boosh.

What is your vision of perfect beauty?
Real beauty lies in imperfection, the way that you’re able to notice real human qualities in someone. I celebrate imperfection.

Vesna

Last week I visited L’Occitane and I got this travel set of shampoo and hair conditioner for sensitive scalp (which mine is). Haven’t tried them yet but I just spent my shampoo so I’ll start using this today. I also got samples of the rest of the line so I’ll try that too. I’m really looking forward to trying hair masque from this line. :)

Sapunoteka sent me few products which you can see on photos above. Few of these products are new and aren’t available online, but they said they weill update their website pretty soon. Unfortunately, they still don’t ship outside Croatia, sorry guys. :/

And, here’s my Illamasqua shopping! I received a gift certificate at the store opening – $30 o I used that to get Kontrol lipstick (love that name!) but I also got an Intense Lipgloss in Perform. You can see my swatches below:

Kontrol, Perform

Did you get anything lately? :)

Vesna