I really couldn’t say if Illamsaqua’s new Intense Lipgloss in Shoot will find its way into the purses of pouty-lipped cougars stalking Thursday happy hours, or whether it’ll take the makeup world by storm! — like NARS Orgasm blush did, but I will say that based on my time with this pureed pea green gloss, it’s actually, well, pretty darned wearable!
All things considered…
Perhaps it’s due to the way this leafy green shade, with its waxy shine, contrasts against the skin?
Or maybe it’s because I feel like a kid again when I wear it, like I’m sitting on the lawn at recess with my friends, watching our tiny fingers thread through blades of grass as we look for ladybugs, four-leaf clovers and Smurfs.
Hmm…
Let’s face it, this color’s a little cray. Even El Hub, who’s infamous for never noticing these things (it took the man a week once to realize that I’d dyed my hair pink), blurted, “You’ve got Hulk lips,” when I came walking down the stairs.
If you like to scoot under the radar, you might want to wear something else…but if you like to push the boundaries between beauty and botany and/or work in an environment where bright green glosses are the norm, why not? 🙂
Shoot feels smooth, non-sticky and comfortable on my lips. The medium-weight formula tastes and smells like Hawaiian Punch when I slick it on my lips with the included brush applicator, and both the scent and flavor linger for 10-20 minutes.
The grassy green appears opaque immediately after applying it, but over time, as I press and rub my lips together, more of my natural lip color peeks through.
Hours later, I can still feel the gloss on my lips and see some of the green, but it’s much mellower than it started. You’ll need a touch-up every couple of hours to maintain that dramatic block of green.
Since Shoot is so punchy and unusual, I feel like I should temper the rest of my look, and limit the number of elements “Hulk smashing!” for attention…
LOL!
Shoot, I’m having fun with Shoot! — even if it’s only in my living room (although I’m seriously considering wearing it to Trader Joe’s).
We’re living in interesting times, people! Definitely in terms of lip color.
PRICE: $22
AVAILABILITY: Available now at Illamasqua counters, on the pages of Marvel Comics’ The Incredible Hulk and online at illamasqua.com
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B+/A-
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Liliane says
WOW. I’m surprised that they thought to create this color! I’m all for some out-there makeup combinations, but this is just a little bit too much for me. Did they create this color for St. Patrick’s Day or a release of something? That’s the only reason I can think of, haha!
Karen says
Hi Liliane,
It’s part of the new Imperfection spring 2013 collection, and chances are Pantone’s Color of the Year was probably part of the equation.
Liliane says
Ahh, that makes sense. I’m interested to see what other brands use the new Pantone color as their inspiration!
Karen says
Most of the things I’ve been seeing have been pretty standard — eyeshadows, polishes. Even though the green lips are kinda nuts, it’s still cool to see them actually going there, you know? I like it when lines do stuff just because they can.
Julia Alkaseltzer says
I am loving all the Hulk references in this post. I’m actually glad to see a brand come out with a lip color honoring this year’s Pantone Color of the Year (if that’s the case). And heck, why wouldn’t you go to Trader Joe’s wearing that? I would do it! 🙂
Karen says
Yup, it’s to honor the Pantone shade!
I absolutely LOVE that you’d wear this color to Trader Joe’s. 🙂
Rikki says
I’d totally wear this out and about.
Karen says
You’re officially a rock star in my book, Rikki!
Marla says
No way in he## would I wear that color on my lips. Imperfection collection is such an appropriate name for this.
Karen says
It’s not for everyone! 🙂
Meghan says
You’ve got to love Illamasqua! I actually find it really cool, it’d be amazing to work with on some fun editorial shoots! It’s also astounding how opaque it is! Some colors like that can go on really patchy, but this one totally doesn’t! I think you should wear it to Trader Joe’s! It might wake some people up and get you few smiles! :]
Karen says
That’s one reason why this gloss was great — the fact that it looks completely opaque once it’s on! Hmm, maybe I’ll rock this tomorrow when I go to TJ’s to buy some soup. 😉
Caroline says
As much as I’d love to think that I’m daring enough to rock a green lip, in reality, I’m probably not that adventerous. I wish I was though!
Karen says
So far I’ve only worn it around the house and to get the mail, LOL! Maybe I’ll build up enough courage to actually take it out for a spin.
Heidi says
I would wear that color on my nails or eyes in a heartbeat, but lips…. not so sure. That being said, I totally think you need to wear that to Trader Joe’s. You’d fit right in with the salads! : )
Karen says
Haha! So true! Speaking of salads, have you ever had their Champagne dressing? I’m seriously addicted to it.
Heidi says
I never buy premaid dressings, always make my own, but I’m IN MAD LOVE with their Orange Muscat Champagne Vinegar! That and a splash of olive oil is amazing on most salads. I made a lentil salad with orange slices, red onion, parsley, and fresh thyme, and added a bit of the vinegar … SO GOOD!
Karen says
Okay, I have to hunt that one down. The only other TJ’s Champagne dressing I tried was the pear and gorgonzola one and it was just meh. But orange muscat sounds om nom nom. Now I’m craving a salad…
Minsooky says
I would totally wear this…for cosplay!
Karen says
That would be rad. You’d need some sort of crazy wig to balance it out, for sure!
Jennifer says
She-Hulk would wear this a nude gloss
Karen says
Girl, you just made me LOL!
Rainy Days & Lattes says
Interesting color! Very bright and dramtic.
Karen says
It’s a little nuts, but fun! 🙂
Hope you’re having a good night!
Tracy@BeautyReflections says
I think it’s pretty cool actually! Even though I am old, I say wear what you want, and if it’s green lips you want, then by all means! I see a future of bright colours in makeup…someday. Good for Illamasqua for pushing boundaries!
Karen says
Totally. Like the folks who live in the Capital from The Hunger Games! (Before the revolution, of course.)
Solangel says
It’s pretty perfect for cosplays! I can easily imagine a She-Hulk or an Elphaba rocking this. I can see it in raves, parties, random “hey let’s wear green lips” nights…if only I had an excuse to wear it, I totally would 🙂
Karen says
Don’t forget the glow sticks and the platform shoes. 🙂
Kathleen says
I think that gloss looks awesome. You should totally wear it out, and take pictures! If I had this, I would pair a darker emerald eyeliner and a rich contour with it. I had wanted to buy Illamasqua Violate to go with a Lime Crime lipstick I’d gotten, but Sephora doesn’t carry it. Maybe this could satisfy my green lipgloss fixation?
P.S. I loved this part of your sentence! “…but if you like to push the boundaries between beauty and botany…”
Kim says
El Hub definitely wins with that comment! HAHA! I was actually reminded of Captain Kirk’s green “friend” but she’s really green with red lips. El Hub’s reference is much more apropos. 🙂
It’s a cool color and I think it would be awesome on someone edgy who loves bold lip color. I still haven’t worked up to reds, myself. 🙂
Karen says
You could do reds. SERIOUSLY! With your cat eyes that would be dope.
Kim says
If I do, I’ll send you pics. Of the boys’ reaction to cat eyes AND red lips. 🙂
LC says
Call me boring (because I pretty much am), but I don’t understand why companies make products like this! Or, for that matter, why people would buy—and wear—green lipgloss. For Halloween, sure. For everyday use, no.
Karen says
If I was in my teens, I’d wear this out in a heartbeat!
Emi at Project Swatch says
I love the kiss swatch 🙂 And this looks better than I’d expect a green lipgloss to, I love Illamasqua.
Karen says
Me too. They do some crazy things, but I love them for it.
Jennifer says
Even with Green being the pantone color…. there should be boundaries and lips shouldn’t be green. Sorry!
Karen says
So, no green lipgloss for you?! 🙂
Deanna says
I’m almost wondering what it would look like layered (maybe just in the middle of the lips) over like a burgundy/dark red lipstick? It might reflect and contrast in a really cool way because they’re color opposites on the color wheel! Worth thinking about, might try it next time I go makeup shopping!
Karla says
I kinda want this! I don’t know if I would use it so much but I would stare at it lol
Maria says
I am so glad to hear someone else does this!!! LOL
Jay @ Wayfaring Beauty says
Wow, that is quite a statement gloss! I kind of like it for its editorial look. For me though? – I don’t think that I’d have the confidence to fully pull it off. Well not now, I’m sure I would have in middle school, haha (once I tried to wear bright, bright blue mascara to church – mom put the kabosh on that look). Kudos to Illamasqua though for pushing the envelope.
Angela @ The Unprofessional Beauty Blog says
Love the bright green shade, although this is probably not something I can wear.
Patty says
Ugh…just…ugh
Dominique says
LOL Karen, it’s really Hulk’s gloss. Honestly, it looks hideous. 20 years ago or so Helena Rubinstein had launched 2 lipsticks, one purple and one blue, it was really pretty and bold at that time ! But this gloss is simply ugly. I love the brand though.
Becca @ The Beauty Sample says
Wow. Even though I would never wear this unless it was for a costume party, I must say the color is very interesting and kinda pretty and the formula looks amazing. It is SO smooth and even-looking on your lips. Crazy for such a pigmented, unique color!
Deb says
Awesome gloss! Love that illamasqua is so fearless. I wish I had a place to wear this! In college (when I made all kinds of out-there fashion and makeup choices) I would have worn this to class and to the clubs in a heartbeat. Not sure if I could rock it anymore.
Karen says
Yeah, me too. It has club gloss written all over it! 🙂 Just add glow sticks.
Felis says
I love Illamasqua. 🙂 They’re consistently releasing original, interesting stuff like this instead of the 200th iteration of Soccer Mom Beige.
That said, this would look like butt on me. I want the darker, sheerer Violate, but getting it in the US is a pain. A very, very expensive pain.
But yes, you should wear it to TJ’s! Rock it OUT and let the haters be silenced!
Karen says
LOL, soccer mom beige.
Looks like I’m gonna have to wear this bad boy next time I go grocery shopping! 🙂
Jan says
There’s a comidienne by the name Glozell who wears green lip color everyday in public.
Tasha says
What did you have for dinner? A HULK!!!!!!!!!??????? 🙂
Melissa says
If someone asked me if I’d be interested in a green lipgloss, I’m pretty sure my answer would be no. BUUUTTT your photos of this look really cool! I think because you’ve kept the rest of your look minimal, it makes it less weird and more just edgy. I actually like it?!?!
Rachel says
Hi Karen, where is Illamasqua available?
Susan S says
I just found this via your Baby Lips Minty Sheer review, and I’m in love. I don’t know if I can swing for it (curse you, tight money!), but I’d wear this and rock it hard. I’m paler than my platinum blonde pixie, so I can get away with a lot that most other people can’t when it comes to makeup, and I think this would look amazing with a light brushing of purple blush (which I have) and maybe a touch of gold at the eyes. Can you say Mardi Gras?