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