Illamasqua Climax Lipstick

I adore this lipstick, but it does get awkward when someone asks me what I'm wearing on my lips...

Illamasqua Climax is something that I didn't pick out myself, but was chosen by Oonagh at the Myer Bourke St counter in Melbourne quite a while ago when I had her do my makeup. I buy most of my Illamasqua from her and love stopping by for a chat, though I never walk away empty handed! She is one of the best makeup artists I have come across both in personality and in makeup application skills, and I highly recommend seeing her if you need help finding something amazing or learning a new technique. Oonagh rave aside, on to the lipstick!

The packaging of Illamasqua lipsticks are really classy, with squared off edges in a sleek black design. I did have a bit of a problem with this particular lipstick as the bullet broke off inside the tube, which resulted in scratches up the side of the lipstick itself. I can still use it, I just can't be too rough when I'm applying it.

You can see the damage to the edge in this shot, and also the super cool Illamasqua detailing on the top of the packaging. It feels luxurious in hand without being really heavy, so I think it's the best of both worlds.

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Climax is described by Illamasqua as a dusty rose pink with a matte finish, and I'd say that is right on the money. I'm often wary of matte formulations as my lips aren't always in perfect condition, but this sets onto the lips without looking dry and stays that way. I find the matte formulation suits the shade, and it adds longevity which is a massive matte bonus. It feels comfortable on as well, so you're safe there.

 I sometimes like to pop a bit of sheer gloss over the top of this, when Oonagh originally applied this on me she popped Illamasqua Sheer Gloss in Soul over the top, which is described by Illamasqua as a shimmering champagne nude shade. I absolutely adored the effect but didn't pick up Soul on the day, so I'm planning on wearing Climax with MAC's Tread Gently Tender Tone when it arrives in the mail. I think the dusty rose shade looks amazing with warm golden shimmers on top! 

I think that Climax really suits my pale skin tone, but I think that it would be amaaazing on a darker skin tone as well. It lasts much longer than a lot of my lipsticks (haven't actually timed it, sorry) and it sort of stains the lips and fades evenly so it's great for long days at work or university. I'm really happy with my first Illamasqua lipstick purchase, and I know I'll be back for more in the future.

Illamasqua Lipsticks retail for 15.50 pounds in the UK and approximately $42.00 AUD. Illamasqua counters are at limited Myer counters in Australia, and a visit to the counter is definitely worth the trek if you aren't too close to one. I recommend both the Chadstone counter (see JeNelle, she is amazing) and Oonagh at the Melbourne Bourke St location.

What are your favourite Illamasqua products?

Have you had a makeover with them before?

What do you think of Climax?