Monday, January 14, 2013

Illamasqua Alter Ego Mystery Selection


As usual, despite having posted THIS video on what was inside my Ilamasqua Alter Ego Mystery Selection box, I thought it might be nice to do a post on the matter too. Maybe you didn't watch the video, or maybe you just fancy having a closer look at the products featured, but for anyone who is interested in what was inside this box of treats, read on.
When purchasing the gift set (I received mine as a Christmas present, but did drop some rather large hints about it), you are made aware that you will receive six full-size Illamasqua products, two of which are revealed on the box itself. Those two products are the best selling nail varnish shade Collide, which is a bright neon pink (much brighter than it looks in the image on the packaging), and the cult hit Liquid Metal in Electrum, which is essentially a cream pigment which can be used as an eyeshadow or highlighter. Illamasqua describe the shade as 'antique gold', which I think is pretty spot on.
Besides these two products, all you know is that inside the box, you will also find a lipstick, Intense lipgloss, powder blush and single powder eyeshadow, the shades of which are kept entirely under wraps.
So, which shades did I find inside mine, and what are my thoughts on them?


In my box, I received:

Powder Blush in Create
I would describe this as a sort of chestnut orangey-brown. Now, being very much a corals and peaches girl when it comes to blush, I couldn't immediately see myself going for this one. Really, it's more of a bronzer. I did have a go at contouring with this, which in hindsight was alittle ambitious as it's clearly too bold a shade for that. However, I have now found that a light dusting of this along my cheek bones can be quite flattering, and I think this will be a nice look when the warmer months roll round.

Powder Eyeshadow in Fame
This is a bright, highly pigmented emerald green. I have to admit, I'm not much of an eyeshadow wearer, much less when it comes to bright colours like this. I actually used to have an obsession with green eyeshadow in my late teens, but haven't worn it for years, and in fact I am only just getting back into wearing nude shades after some time going completely without. I am yet to give this shade a go, but perhaps it will encourage me back out of my comfort zone - however, I think this is definitely one for spring/summer, so might hold off on it until then.


Intense Lipgloss in Indulge
This is a shade that looks really quite scary in the tube, and while I love my pinks I feared that this one might be a bit too neon for me (it's pretty much the same colour as the Collide nail polish). I'm really not a fan of lipglosses and don't really wear them, much preferring lipsticks, but having given this one a go it does look quite pretty on the lips. It gives quite a subtle wash of colour, and is nowhere near as intense as it appears in the tube. However, it does of course have that sticky lipgloss consistency, which is not something I'm hugely keen on.

Lipstick in Flicker
Definitely the most disappointing item in the box. I was actually looking forward to finding out what shade the lipstick was more than anything else, so I was quite crest-fallen when I pulled off the lid. This is a sparkly golden-bronze number, and frankly something I'd just never, ever wear. I have tried it on my lips, and it's really not very flattering. Perhaps I could try using it as an eyeshadow or something, as it is quite dry in consistency as opposed to sticky, as some lipsticks can be.



All in all, I thought the contents of my selection box was ok, but unfortunately there was nothing in it that I can say I absolutely loved. This was actually my first foray into the world of Illamasqua, and I was expecting some bright shades. I think it could have been a lot worse, as I know that some people who had reviewed the box on the Debenhams website had got bright blue eyeshadows and neon orange blushes, which wouldn't have been my cup of tea at all.

I will be reviewing each of these products individually in the coming weeks, so keep your eyes open for those if you like the look of anything you've seen.

If you fancy dipping your toes into a bit of Illamasqua then you can get your hands on this set exclusively from Debenhams for just £25.33 at the moment. Down from £38 in the sale, which I think was already quite reasonable considering what you get inside, I'd say that's pretty bargainous!

Hope everyone has had a pleasant start to the week.

xx

10 comments:

  1. I have Illamasqua Nomad on my nails atm which is the same colour as the eyeshadow. I have the other mystery box on its way to me now (2 shadows, 2 polishes to be a mystery) and really excited about it! Love that pink! I didn't see this one on there.. only the one I ordered which was £23 something though I think if I had the choice, I'd still opt for the ones I got as I'm not sure I'd use the lipstick or anything.

    Lizzums x
    http://benebelle.com

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    1. Hmm, I wish I'd got Nomad in this selection! Collide looked really nice on the box, but in reality I find it a bit too neon for my liking.
      As for the eyes and nails selection, I'm generally happy to take a risk on nail polishes, as there are few shades I wouldn't wear, but as far as eyeshadows go I only wear neutrals really. I hope you get some nice, wearable shades though and will keep an eye out for a review on your blog :)xx

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  2. I have seen nothing but negative or so-so reviews on these mystery boxes. Most include really random and unappealing colors. I love experimenting with bright lips and eyeshadows but I would never wear a frosty gold lipstick. They should have gone with mostly neutrals, that way anyone who bought the box could have gotten a lot of use out of the products.
    Anyways, Illamasqua is one of my favorite brands. I hope you try out some of their other products :) xx

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    1. Yes, I agree - surely the people who could pull this lipstick off are few and far between. Even reds and pinks would have been a safe bet, as most people would at least give them a try, even if they're not what they'd usually go for. I did take a risk by going for this box, and I knew I might end up with products I wasn't keen on, but I can't help but think that they could at least have popped in one or two fail-safe products and shades.xx

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  3. I'm thinking the contents of these boxes are some of their least popular products; they threw them in a "mystery box" just so they would be bought. I do like the antique gold cream pigment, though.

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    1. Yes, my thoughts exactly! A bit disappointing really, and a few weeks on I can say that I haven't really used any of the products! :( xx

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  4. I have to admit to having nothing from Illamasqua, no-one stocks it near me and I feel very reluctant to purchase online. I'm not a massive neon fan, OK maybe nails, but I think I'd be too frightened to use a lot of their lines! That green eyeshadow might be nice used as a liner with a nude eyeshadow in the spring/summer months.

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    1. Hmm, I like your thinking Kay, that could look quite nice :) Will give it a try.
      Yes, I'm the same about neons! I used to like brights as a teenager, but not so much these days. I do like a bright lip, but within reason. xx

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  5. I don't know how they can call this a 'mystery selection' as I got the exact same things in mine! Pfft!


    Sara x
    www.beauty-lust.com

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    1. Ahh, really!? Yeah, I think Aviva's comment (above) was pretty accurate!xx

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