Illamasqua : Generation Q

 

Having been out for quite a while now, the Illamasqua Generation Q collection is something I reach for all the time. Since I am lucky enough to try new beauty products regularly, when certain collections stick around in my ‘everyday’ makeup stash, you know they must be good! I rushed out when the collection launched to buy the Complement palette (swatched HERE!) and was sent the other products to trial. The gloss in Boost is the coolest looking lip product I own, and surprisingly easy and lots of fun to wear. Magnetism is something I tend to reach for when the weather is cooler, and the raspberry tones make it a unique shade in my lipstick wardrobe. Sophie is probably my favourite piece from the collection, it is a shimmery powder blusher in the prettiest coral shade that really wakes up my face and adds light and dimension to it.

I’ve always been a big fan of Illamasqua and would highly recommend their makeovers and products in general. I like that they keep their limited edition collections out for a long time, so it gives you a chance to really dig into the products and review them, while the products are still available to buy. Big win for all! I have my eye on the Gleam in Aurora and the polish in Creator, but I’ll try to be good and refrain from grabbing more from this collection!

 

*As mentioned, some of these items were sent for consideration, and I personally purchased the Complement palette. In all honesty, they all would’ve come home with me one way or the other ;P

Current Favourites

Time to share my current beauty loves with you all!

Illamasqua Blush in Sophie*

 This coral shade has golden shimmer in it which just adds a glow to the skin, without making my cheeks look like chubby glitter pillows! I love the shimmer blushes from Illamasqua, so far they've only made a few shades in the shimmer formula but wow they like to do it right.

 

Dior Amber Diamond

I think everyone in the beauty world knows of this beauty! I love the way this blends so easily into the cheekbones, and makes me look awake in a natural way. I love to pair this with Sophie and the Clinique bronzer to create a pretty, sunny look, even on my fair bear face.

 

Victoria's Secret Amber Romance Body Lotion

I bought this in the airport on the way back from IMATS and BBU, and I am addicted to the scent. I don't think I've tried anything with amber before, and I suspect I may be a fan. The bottle is shimmery and pretty, and I can't wait to keep this on my desk when I set up my new makeup area.

Clinique Superbalanced Bronzer*

Usually not one for bronzer, I've been dusting this on almost every day for the past couple of weeks! I like that it suits my pale complexion, but is also buildable so would work for medium complexions as well. I get a real thrill when I shave off some of this sunshine in a pot, it actually makes me look forward to doing my makeup a little bit more.

 

Urban Decay Naked Palette

I've had this for an age, and go through stages where I use it non-stop and lately, that has been the trend. My favourites shadows from it are (obviously) Virgin, which I use to highlight, and Sin, which I either use all over or in my inner corner. Smog, Darkhorse and Toasted are other favourites that I've been using a heap lately.

 

Laura Mercier Eye & Cheek Palette

Have been obsessed with the African Violet eyeshadow from this palette, but every shade has graced my lids of late. Black Plum is a most beautiful colour for a wee smoky eye of an evening.

 

 

 

What are your current favourites?

Do you wear makeup every day, or just on special occasions?

 

*Marked products were provided, but are honest favourites of mine right now.



just read

Since I've been on university holidays, I've gotten my teeth stuck back into reading for pleasure again. I set myself a GoodReads challenge at the beginning of November to read 15 books by the end of 2011. I only managed to chew through 9 in the two month period, but I was still really happy with myself when I considered the crazy hours I had at work over that time. This year I've set myself a challenge to read 30 books. 1 down, 29 to go! Here are a selection of the books I read in my first challenge.

-Disgrace by J.M. Coetzee

-The Second Wife by Elizabeth Buchan
-Cocktails for Three by Sophie Kinsella as Madeleine Wickham
-The First Stone by Helen Garner
-The Five People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom
-Perfume by Patrick Suskind
-Sexing The Cherry by Jeanette Winterson

Top pick from this bunch goes to Patrick Suskind, Perfume was so well written and gripped me by the stomach (nostrils?) and never let me go. Has also got me hooked on scents of all kinds, have been stopping quite often just to sniff and sigh. The First Stone was also marvellous, was a wonderful example of strong non-fiction. A very scandalous subject matter too, which I'll delve into in my GoodReads review. Most disappointing of the bunch would definitely be The Second Wife, which I thought was crap, to be honest. Cliche storyline, characters not appealing or hateable enough for it to be worth it, and dragged on in a whiny fashion. I will note here that I do like chick lit, I find it relaxing, but I wish I hadn't wasted my time reading this particular novel.

Have you read any of these?
Come on over to GoodReads and set yourself a challenge- you can see my profile and track how I'm doing here, and also in my blog sidebar to the left <<
Do leave a comment and let me know what you're reading, or what novels I should download on my new Kindle.
Happy Reading!