Illamasqua lipstick in test review and swatches

This is my first Illamasqua lipstick - I didn't actually mean to buy a lipstick from them, and didn't spend long choosing the shade.  I was actually buying a foundation and loose powder (although I haven't tried them yet as they're being given to me for my birthday) and ended up impulse buying this at the last minute.

    

Initially I was drawn to all the nude and pink / coral shade lipsticks, as they're my favourites, but nothing seemed to stand out as being all that different from colours I already owned, and as I hadn't spent any time researching I didn't want to get home and find I'd bought a dupe.  

I picked up the shade text because it seemed like a really lovely wearable warm lip colour, not nude, but neutral all the same.  On my first time wearing this, I had some quite dark eye makeup on and a brownish blush, and the lipstick appeared like a bit of a sludgey brown on me.  I think I applied it a bit too thickly too, and this left me feeling pretty disappointed and annoyed with myself for grabbing this on impulse!  Not one to be defeated, I gave it another go with lighter makeup colours and a lighter hand for application, and it came out very differently, and I liked it.  It must have been a very grey day when I tried it before and felt that it was showing up as a brown - in proper daylight it's a really rosey sort of nude which also leans towards some peachy tones too and I think it really suits me.

The lipstick has a fairly matte finish, but with a slight creaminess too, so it's not over-drying, but my lips do need to be in good condition to wear this.  Because of the semi-matte finish it's fairly long lasting - I get a good few hours from one application. This colour and finish also works really well with a nude gloss over the top too - I've been teaming it with a MAC cremesheen in a nude colour if I fancy my lips a bit glossier.

This lipstick costs £15.50 and you can pick it up direct from Illamasqua here.

I don't recommend choosing a new lipstick shade on a whim and in a complete rush, but luckily this time that method turned out okay for me!  

I have a feeling this won't be the only Illamasqua lippie in my collection for long - which colours do you recommend I try next?

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