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Illamasqua Adventures in Lipstick: Holy Pigmentation, Batman!

July 29th, 2009 by Karen 19 Comments

illamasqua swatches scandal lip
One layer of Scandal applied with a lip brush

Hiya, ladies. I wanted to share a few more pics of the two Illamasqua lipsticks from yesterday’s swatch post.

Like the other Illamasqua lipsticks I’ve tried, Obey and Scandal apply with intensely VIBRANT pigmentation, but that’s kind of a double-edged sword…

High pigmentation = tread lightly!

One the one hand, the richness and boldness of these lip colors took my breath away, but working with this much color proved tricky; I found it easy to unintentionally cross the line between dramatic and Baby Jane.

Scandal, $20

Scandal, a matte yellowish pink, has just the faintest touch of cream. I think it looks bold and bright applied directly from the tube — cool for dramatic makeup looks (like for theater) — but it may be a bit much for everyday use.

A lip brush seemed to produce the most natural look, and because of Scandal’s pigmention, I only needed to use a very thin layer of product for complete coverage.

Added bonus: Scandal photographs *really* well. 🙂 Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A

Obey, $20

At first I struggled with Obey, a matte coral pink, because it lacks Scandal’s creaminess.

That seems to make it look and feel somewhat drier than its sibling on my lips, and coupled with Obey’s intense pigmentation, it spelled a full-on recipe for lip trubs.

illamasqua swatches obey 1 lip
One layer of Obey applied with a lip brush

A single layer applied directly from the tube looks thick and kinda soft porn-ey (eww), and even a thin layer applied with a lip brush still looks heavy.

illamasqua swatches obey 2 lip
Obey applied as a lip stain

I like Obey best when I apply it with an uber-light touch, dabbing the tube onto my lips, and then rubbing gently with a fingertip. It produces a light, natural-looking lip stain — a fast, easy lip look (takes less than 30 seconds!). Yay for lazies! Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A

Dudes and gifts

Thanks again for those gift suggestions yesterday for El Hub. I can’t share what I got him yet *just in case* he reads the blog today (I’m watching you, mister!).

How’s your Wednesday shaping up? Let’s meet for a mid-day caffeine jolt!

Make mine a non-fat, half-caf latte, please. Hold the foam. 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Illamasqua Lipstick in Obey and Scandal: Pictures and Review / Originally published July 29th, 2009

There are 19 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Makeup, Product Reviews

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Next Post: Illamasqua Powder Blusher, AKA Pigmentation Nirvana

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tatiana says

    July 29th, 2009 at 3:37 pm

    Hey Karen,

    Did you use a lip liner for either color? But if you were going to, what would you use?

    Reply
  2. Tatiana says

    July 29th, 2009 at 3:38 pm

    By the way, “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane” is such a great movie, it makes me so pissed off!

    Reply
  3. Shells says

    July 29th, 2009 at 3:41 pm

    They look so pretty! What is your foundation color btw?

    Reply
  4. Sarah says

    July 29th, 2009 at 3:53 pm

    Loving Scandal. I’m curious about your foundation color too? I’m black and white but very light skinned. May I ask your nationality? You have BEAUTIFUL skin and hair. I’m jealous.

    Sarah

    Reply
  5. Hafsa says

    July 29th, 2009 at 4:06 pm

    oh dang you’re right! sooo pigmented! Karen I had a question, can you do a swatch comparison between “rude” and “excite” (or that orangey blush you just got 🙂 ) I love cream blushes and really want “rude,” but if it comes out more pink than orange then I feel like its a waste (I have enough pinky blushes).
    .-= Hafsa’s last blog post… Sparkle =-.

    Reply
  6. Catherine says

    July 29th, 2009 at 5:45 pm

    Scandal looks gorgeous!
    .-= Catherine’s last blog post… Sunscreen Series, For Lips: Jane Iredale Lip Drink SPF15 & PureMoist Lipstick SPF18 =-.

    Reply
  7. Babybubblz says

    July 29th, 2009 at 5:57 pm

    ooh scandal is beautiful on you! you have great lips for lipstick!! they usually apply so dry on me.

    Reply
  8. charlene says

    July 29th, 2009 at 6:00 pm

    i would take those two any day !

    Reply
  9. Marisol says

    July 29th, 2009 at 7:05 pm

    I ordered the cream blush in Rude based on your post. I also ordered their primer to see how it works. Not really liking the Shu Uemura one. Don’t see a difference with it.

    Those are some pigmented lips!
    .-= Marisol’s last blog post… Daily Affirmation =-.

    Reply
  10. mitzy says

    July 29th, 2009 at 7:08 pm

    Can’t wait for mine arriving tomorrow…Sonnet lipstick and Liv. :):) I also like the new LORAC lipstick, so not drying at all and pigmented, but apply like a sheer texture. Have U tried it Karen? I like your hair…:)

    Reply
  11. Stephie says

    July 29th, 2009 at 7:18 pm

    Haha. I actually like how Obey looks in the first shot but then again, I am a fan to porn star smokey eyes and uber nude lips. 😛

    Reply
  12. Elena says

    July 29th, 2009 at 9:37 pm

    Dang, that is mad pigmentation. And for $20, that is not half bad at all. I’m really excited you got your hands on some Illamasqua (how is that even pronounced…), I haven’t seen it in many places and I was looking for a good, honest review. The only thing that turns me off is that I might have to use a lip brush with them, but I’ll still look into them.

    I was in Sephora earlier today and didn’t see the line yet, so I hope it will launch in stores near me to test out soon.

    Hope you’re having a good day/night, Karen. 🙂

    Reply
  13. gio says

    July 30th, 2009 at 4:31 am

    I love Scandal! It looks gorgeous and soo pigmented!
    .-= gio’s last blog post… Looks: Brown and Gold =-.

    Reply
  14. Elle says

    July 30th, 2009 at 6:19 am

    These look great on you–but the uber-pigmentation just scares the crap out of me. Gorgeous though!

    Reply
  15. Kajal Couture says

    July 30th, 2009 at 8:20 am

    Very pretty and highly pigmented! I am not a fan of super light shades so I might have to check out their other colors.
    .-= Kajal Couture’s last blog post… Friends & Family 30% off at Gap, Banana Republic & Old Navy =-.

    Reply
  16. marisa says

    July 30th, 2009 at 9:34 am

    hm….well im glad to see you got a good look by applying obey with a lip brush. i got mine in the mail yesterday and i love the other lipstick i got (forget the name, but it was one of the deep hot pinks you showed). but obey looked like a pale orange on me….it reminded me of the old lady in something about mary.

    anyways, i will definitely try it with a lip brush but if it doesnt work i’ll have to exchange or return it. 🙁 any other color suggestions if i do?

    Reply
  17. Shefali says

    July 30th, 2009 at 11:39 am

    Hi Karen! It’s been forever since I’ve commented, but I read the blog everyday 🙂

    I bought an Illamasqua lipgloss and lipstick from Sephora and can’t wait to try them! I ordered Wanton and Fume because they seemed like safe colors (I ordered online and have never swatched or seen the colors in person). I’m excited that you say they are so pigmented, but I went the safe route SINCE you said they are so pigmented. I hope my decision works out!

    Reply
  18. alice says

    August 1st, 2009 at 7:48 am

    I don’t get the Illmasqua hype. The lipsticks are drying, and the shadows & blushes are not as smooth as I’d thought. I do like the color selection. The colors look nice on you, but I like easy makeup…

    Reply

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