I can’t decide if I like the new Illamasqua Intense Lipgloss in Opulent ($20) more because it’s weird, or because it’s wearable. A bit of both, I suppose.
In its tube, this blend of beige, gray and taupe could have fooled me. If I hadn’t known better, I would have guessed it was an eyeshadow. The complex color, the undercurrent of golden pearl, and the way it flashes purple and pink when the light hits it just right remind me more of traits I’d find in an eye product than something I’d slick on my lips.
Not that I’m complaining (at all).
I like it, but weird colors are always a risk… Some tend to sit unused at the bottom of my makeup bag like shipwrecks lost at sea (hear what I’m sayin’, Apocalips?).
But this time — hallelujah! — Illamasqua figured out how to combine weird and easy to wear.
The trick: they made it surprisingly sheer. When I’m standing in the shade, it’s a clear pinky beige on my lips, and not at all like the storm cloud of color it resembles in the tube. But then, when I step into full sunlight? — that’s when the real fun begins.
Wearing Opulent’s flecks of pink, gold and purple glitter, my kisser sparkles like Vampire Edward’s lips!
I tried to capture the effect in these pics, but I think it’s a little too subtle, except for some of the arm swatches, perhaps. In person, though, BAM!
What’s the scoop on Illamasqua Intense Lipgloss in Opulent?
- It’s part of the new limited edition Generation Q collection.
- While unflavored, it goes buck wild on scent. The best way I can describe it? — concentrated fruit punch. It’s too strong for me, but at least it fades quickly (within about 5 minutes).
- Comes with a brush applicator.
- Has a slightly gritty texture, on account of the glitter.
- The formula feels a little drying to me, but applying it on top of a moisturizing lip balm definitely helps.
Opulent might be better for parties than photo shoots, but that’s fine by me. I can’t wait to try it with a set of sultry smokey eyes (OOH! How ’bout golden brown?), or maybe layered on top of a bright lipstick like Illamasqua Magnetism.
PRICE: $20
AVAILABILITY: Available now at Sephora stores and sephora.com
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B
Sally Hansen Fingerlace Gloves: Part II
Did I mention that I’ve been playing with Sally Hanson’s Rock of Ages Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips in Fingerlace Gloves? Well, the verdict’s in. Love the idea, but these pre-printed press-on nail stickers don’t last as long as I hoped.
The box said up to 10 days, but they look pretty to’ up after five… When I hopped out of the shower this morning, I saw the stickers peeling from two of my nails in big chunks!
Bummer…but not altogether terrible. I’m pretty tough on my paws, after all.
Now I’ve got my sights set on these $12 Pink and Black Lace nail strips from OPI By Sephora. Ever tried OPI’s nail strips before?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
The gloss is pretty–but too subtle for me to consider buying :/ As for the Sally Hansen Polish Strips, I don’t always wear them/like the prints, but they actually last quite a long time on my nails! The first ones I ever tried (the cute flower-print ones) wore on my nails for over 2 weeks and there wasn’t a single flaw at the end (aside from nail growth). I think they’re great–too bad they didn’t work as well for you :/ Did you put a clear coat over them? (I didn’t the first time, but I’m sure it would help some)
You, lady, have the prettiest eyes! And you do the best eye looks!
That lipgloss completely reminds me of the duo chrome of MAC vex eyeshadow.
I was just thinking how it had a hint of MAC Patina to it 😛 Looks like we’re all thinking eyeshadows, Karen!
Who does your hair?? Your highlights are unbelievable. I’m getting my hair done this Sunday, and I need inspiration. I love my gal, but I sometimes have issues conveying what I want done.
I think it looks really pretty, I think it would look great on top of a matching lipstick shade.
Amazing, unique shade of gloss! I don’t mind that it’s picture-shy, really, as long as it looks stunning in person.
For the Sally Hansen nail strips, I bought a pack, like a year ago, but I haven’t even tried them yet! Have to say that I chose the zebra pattern, so it’s not the easiest to wear…
Wow, that looks gorgeous on you.
In the tube, it really reminds me of MAC’s vex eyeshadow, which I love!
I’m loving your look here! You look so beautiful and elegant. The lipgloss sounds lush, and now I’m seriously tempted. Just what I needed, more lipgloss >_< 😀
I LOVE that gloss!!! It’s so pretty! I have an obsession with that subtle, beige-y, pink-y, nude-y type glosses. I have tons and would still buy more!
Ooh, want want want the Illamasqua lipgloss!
I wore my favorite Urban Decay eyeshadow yesterday!
That looks SO pretty! Like someone else said, it totally does look like Vex.
I would check that gloss out in person, but my local Sephora only carries Illamasqua nail polishes. I bought Magnetism and Boost unseen, but not so sure about this one!
I get an extremely long wear time with these, but I’m applying them over acrylics with a clear cost over them. Aside from nail growth, they last two weeks! I do notice if they are applied too close to the nail bed or on slightly oily/wet nails, they do peel up. I like to swipe my nails with polish remover and use antibacterial hand lotion before application.
I was very curious about this shade ( I have the other gloss from this collection & LOVE it). The colour is fantastic and looks great on you, too. I just wonder how it will look like with my skin tone.
I am a total fan of glosses that look like this, and I like wearing them by themselves!