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The Weirdly Wearable Illamasqua Intense Lipgloss in Opulent Shines in Person (But Not So Much in Pics)

September 21st, 2012 by Karen 16 Comments

illamasqua opulent

I can’t decide if I like the new Illamasqua Intense Lipgloss in Opulent ($20) more because it’s weird, or because it’s wearable. A bit of both, I suppose.

In its tube, this blend of beige, gray and taupe could have fooled me. If I hadn’t known better, I would have guessed it was an eyeshadow. The complex color, the undercurrent of golden pearl, and the way it flashes purple and pink when the light hits it just right remind me more of traits I’d find in an eye product than something I’d slick on my lips.

Not that I’m complaining (at all).

I like it, but weird colors are always a risk… Some tend to sit unused at the bottom of my makeup bag like shipwrecks lost at sea (hear what I’m sayin’, Apocalips?).

But this time — hallelujah! — Illamasqua figured out how to combine weird and easy to wear.

The trick: they made it surprisingly sheer. When I’m standing in the shade, it’s a clear pinky beige on my lips, and not at all like the storm cloud of color it resembles in the tube. But then, when I step into full sunlight? — that’s when the real fun begins.

Wearing Opulent’s flecks of pink, gold and purple glitter, my kisser sparkles like Vampire Edward’s lips!

I tried to capture the effect in these pics, but I think it’s a little too subtle, except for some of the arm swatches, perhaps. In person, though, BAM!

illamasqua opulent swatch

illamasqua opulent swatch

illamasqua opulent

illamasqua opulent

What’s the scoop on Illamasqua Intense Lipgloss in Opulent?

  • It’s part of the new limited edition Generation Q collection.
  • While unflavored, it goes buck wild on scent. The best way I can describe it? — concentrated fruit punch. It’s too strong for me, but at least it fades quickly (within about 5 minutes).
  • Comes with a brush applicator.
  • Has a slightly gritty texture, on account of the glitter.
  • The formula feels a little drying to me, but applying it on top of a moisturizing lip balm definitely helps.

Opulent might be better for parties than photo shoots, but that’s fine by me. I can’t wait to try it with a set of sultry smokey eyes (OOH! How ’bout golden brown?), or maybe layered on top of a bright lipstick like Illamasqua Magnetism.

PRICE: $20
AVAILABILITY: Available now at Sephora stores and sephora.com
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B

Sally Hansen Fingerlace Gloves: Part II

Did I mention that I’ve been playing with Sally Hanson’s Rock of Ages Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips in Fingerlace Gloves? Well, the verdict’s in. Love the idea, but these pre-printed press-on nail stickers don’t last as long as I hoped.

The box said up to 10 days, but they look pretty to’ up after five… When I hopped out of the shower this morning, I saw the stickers peeling from two of my nails in big chunks!

sally hansen fingerlace gloves

Bummer…but not altogether terrible. I’m pretty tough on my paws, after all.

Now I’ve got my sights set on these $12 Pink and Black Lace nail strips from OPI By Sephora. Ever tried OPI’s nail strips before?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

The Weirdly Wearable Illamasqua Intense Lipgloss in Opulent Shines in Person (But Not So Much in Pics) / Originally published September 21st, 2012

Categories: Illamasqua, Lips, Product Reviews

The products in this entry were provided by the manufacturer for consideration. For information about my posting policy, please see my Disclaimer.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Becca @ The Beauty Sample says

    September 21st, 2012 at 5:52 pm

    The gloss is pretty–but too subtle for me to consider buying :/ As for the Sally Hansen Polish Strips, I don’t always wear them/like the prints, but they actually last quite a long time on my nails! The first ones I ever tried (the cute flower-print ones) wore on my nails for over 2 weeks and there wasn’t a single flaw at the end (aside from nail growth). I think they’re great–too bad they didn’t work as well for you :/ Did you put a clear coat over them? (I didn’t the first time, but I’m sure it would help some)
    Becca @ The Beauty Sample recently posted … The Sample: Chanel Rouge Coco Shine Hydrating Sheer Lipshine in 54 Boy Review & Swatches

    Reply
  2. musical says

    September 21st, 2012 at 6:59 pm

    You, lady, have the prettiest eyes! And you do the best eye looks!

    Reply
  3. Jamie Lynn Palmer says

    September 21st, 2012 at 7:42 pm

    That lipgloss completely reminds me of the duo chrome of MAC vex eyeshadow.

    Reply
    • Adrienne says

      September 22nd, 2012 at 6:14 am

      I was just thinking how it had a hint of MAC Patina to it 😛 Looks like we’re all thinking eyeshadows, Karen!

      Reply
  4. Janet says

    September 21st, 2012 at 9:11 pm

    Who does your hair?? Your highlights are unbelievable. I’m getting my hair done this Sunday, and I need inspiration. I love my gal, but I sometimes have issues conveying what I want done.

    Reply
  5. Sofia - As We Travel says

    September 21st, 2012 at 10:32 pm

    I think it looks really pretty, I think it would look great on top of a matching lipstick shade.

    Reply
  6. Lulle says

    September 21st, 2012 at 11:53 pm

    Amazing, unique shade of gloss! I don’t mind that it’s picture-shy, really, as long as it looks stunning in person.

    For the Sally Hansen nail strips, I bought a pack, like a year ago, but I haven’t even tried them yet! Have to say that I chose the zebra pattern, so it’s not the easiest to wear…
    Lulle recently posted … OPI nail polish My Very First Knockwurst

    Reply
  7. Louisa says

    September 22nd, 2012 at 1:59 am

    Wow, that looks gorgeous on you.
    In the tube, it really reminds me of MAC’s vex eyeshadow, which I love!

    Reply
  8. Isolde says

    September 22nd, 2012 at 2:58 am

    I’m loving your look here! You look so beautiful and elegant. The lipgloss sounds lush, and now I’m seriously tempted. Just what I needed, more lipgloss >_< 😀
    Isolde recently posted … Hart of Dixie’s Lemon inspired dress

    Reply
  9. Jennifer says

    September 22nd, 2012 at 7:44 am

    I LOVE that gloss!!! It’s so pretty! I have an obsession with that subtle, beige-y, pink-y, nude-y type glosses. I have tons and would still buy more!
    Jennifer recently posted … Mario Badescu: My Skin Care Superhero

    Reply
  10. Alison says

    September 22nd, 2012 at 10:03 am

    Ooh, want want want the Illamasqua lipgloss!

    Reply
  11. Tracy says

    September 22nd, 2012 at 5:58 pm

    I wore my favorite Urban Decay eyeshadow yesterday!

    Reply
  12. redlipsblackhair says

    September 22nd, 2012 at 10:39 pm

    That looks SO pretty! Like someone else said, it totally does look like Vex.

    Reply
  13. Kathleen says

    September 23rd, 2012 at 12:33 am

    I would check that gloss out in person, but my local Sephora only carries Illamasqua nail polishes. I bought Magnetism and Boost unseen, but not so sure about this one!
    I get an extremely long wear time with these, but I’m applying them over acrylics with a clear cost over them. Aside from nail growth, they last two weeks! I do notice if they are applied too close to the nail bed or on slightly oily/wet nails, they do peel up. I like to swipe my nails with polish remover and use antibacterial hand lotion before application.

    Reply
  14. Marina says

    September 24th, 2012 at 4:32 am

    I was very curious about this shade ( I have the other gloss from this collection & LOVE it). The colour is fantastic and looks great on you, too. I just wonder how it will look like with my skin tone.
    Marina recently posted … ArtDeco Dita Von Teese Fall Favorites Makeup Collection

    Reply
  15. Nina says

    September 24th, 2012 at 6:03 am

    I am a total fan of glosses that look like this, and I like wearing them by themselves!

    Reply

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Welcome to Makeup and Beauty Blog
Hi there! I’m Karen, your friendly neighborhood beauty addict, and I’m a Bay Area girl who hoards brown eyeshadow and covets coral lipstick. Every morning, I wake up and say, “I’m going to do something other than a smoky eye today.” Then…I end up doing a smoky eye anyway (most days). When I’m not putting on makeup, taking pictures of makeup or writing about makeup, you’ll find me hanging out with my hubby (“El Hub”), my two-year-old daughter (Connor Claire) and my cat (Tabs).

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