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?

Lasting Finish Lipsticks- Rimmel by Kate Moss

After checking out of life last week (all I did was work and sleep!) I am back and ready to blog my heart away!

Today, I bring you the new collection from Rimmel, in collaboration with the amazing Kate Moss! I had no idea this was about to be released in Australia, and was planning on roping my darling cousin who lives in the UK to get a hold of some of the lipsticks for me. On my lunch break last week, I found them at Priceline! This is their official description:

Rimmel London’s Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipstick consists of nine shades of lipstick inspired by Kate’s experience on the runway, in the studio and on the red carpet. The black packaging features Kate’s signature in red.

 #04 is a deep purple colour that swatched really glossy and opaque. I think it would be a beautiful shade for those bold enough to rock a purple lip.

#09 is a red that leans hot pink, and was also super opaque in swatches. Under the bright store lights this looked quite red until I swatched #11 next to it.

#11 seems to be a true red to my eye

#12 is a red that leans coral, I really liked the look of this one but didn't purchase it as I thought I had too many coral lipsticks. Beauty lover fail, 'too many' and 'coral' never belong in the same sentence, so I am regretting not buying this one.

#14 is a warm nude shade, that wasn't too 'concealer-like' despite being very opaque.

#15 is a weird one, it's a super frosty/shimmery mauve colour that applies sheer when compared the other shades in the collection. Not sure this would suit me, but an interesting shade nevertheless!

I was a good girl and only took home one, but swatched the 6 shades they had available at the time. I later visited another Priceline and saw they had all 9 shades available. Sad face.

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I chose #09 as I hardly wear my true red lipsticks, and rather than going for the coral like I probably should have I stepped out of my comfort zone and went for a pink toned red. I'm still unsure about it as it is quite a strong colour, but I wore it the other day and didn't mind it.

As you can see from this shot the shade definitely leans fuschia as opposed to a true red, and I think it's nice because it's different to anything I have. I do wish I had've bought the other pink shade from the collection, but I'm sure I'll pick it up next time. The formula of these is quite moisturising for a 'lasting finish' lipstick, but it does dry down to that typical feeling of a long last. I tend to keep a clear gloss at hand when it starts to feel a little tight, but compared to other long last formulas I have tried this one is much more comfortable to wear. I did find that this was a super smudgable sort of lipstick, I had to be careful when I had it on. For seasoned lipstick wearers, this may not be an issue, but I thought it was worth mentioning in case others aren't a fan of that. I adore the packaging, the red signature across the cap is a gorgeous touch and the tube itself feels sturdy enough to roll around in my handbag all day.

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Rimmel London’s Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipstick retails for an affordable $11.95 AUD and is available wherever you see a Rimmel stand;) I've only seen in Priceline stores thus far, so please let me know where else you see this collection (Australia & Overseas)