Currently Obsessed: Ilia Lip Gloss in Gypsy, Lipstick in Femme Fatale, and Lipstick Crayon in Karma Chameleon
Hi, everyone! If you saw my last post, you'll know that I chose three lovely lip products from Ilia as my March makeup purchase of the month. As I mentioned, I'd been stalking the brand for ages, as it truly seemed to encapsulate the "eco chic" mentality- quality, pure ingredients, gorgeous shades and formulas, and sleek, stylish packaging. What's not to love!? So I finally popped on by the Detox Market to give Ilia's products a proper go.
I swatched and tested several shades and formulas and, in the end, had a serious "bet you can't pick just one" moment. So I went home with three!
The three products I selected were Lip Gloss in Gypsy, Lipstick in Femme Fatale, and Lipstick Crayon in Karma Chameleon.
Here is a peek at each of the shades swatched on my inner arm. Aren't they stunning!?
(L-R): Gypsy Lip Gloss, Femme Fatale Lipstick, Karma Chameleon Lipstick Crayon
So let's delve into the promises and performances of each of these lippies:
Ilia touts that their Lip Glosses offer a smooth texture with a sheer finish. They are packed with nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, vitamin E, and shea butter and are designed to be worn alone or layered over other lipsticks.
The Lip Glosses come packaged in sturdy, clear glass tubes that allow you to view the colour of the product inside. They have a silver cap and accents and a slightly angled, decently-sized doe-foot applicator.
Ilia describes Gypsy as an "oxblood" shade that "channels warm saffron tones" (from iliabeauty.com). I have to say that when I purchased it (based on the shade in the tube and the way it looked layered over Femme Fatale), I assumed Gypsy was a deep plummy wine tone. When applied alone, however, it's much more of a a warm burnt orange. Luckily, I very much like it!
In terms of performance, I have to say this may be the best lip gloss I've tried! It is lush, smooth and hydrating without any hint of heaviness or greasiness. The colour initially goes on quite sheer, but can be built up for more opacity. It is not at all sticky and the shade is beautifully flattering!
Here is a closeup of Gypsy on my lips, then in the context of a completed makeup look:
Ilia states that their lipsticks offer modern colours and a creamy, semi-matte finish. They can be worn alone for a bolder finish, or layered with Ilia's Tinted Lip Conditioners (which I have yet to try) for a more sheer, slick look. The lipsticks also contain a variety of skin-friendly ingredients, including jojoba, aloe, and cocoa seed butter.
The Lipsticks come packaged in lightweight, round silver metal tubes that are made from recycled materials. How very cool!
Ilia describes Femme Fatale as a "seductive" shade that blends "sultry shades of berry and burgundy" for a "deep rich hue". I am in total agreement with this description! Femme Fatale is a beautiful mix of wine, berry, and red, that is rich and deep, but not too overpowering or vampy. It definitely has a vintage feel that I totally love!
In terms of formula, this lipstick is among the best I've used. The pigmentation is rich and intense and has a beautiful semi-matte finish that leaves just a hint of glow on the lips. It is not extremely hydrating, but does not dry out my lips either. Plus, the wear time is quite impressive!
Here is Femme Fatale on my lips, then in the context of a completed makeup look:
Finally, Ilia's Lipstick Crayons offer a "creamy matte finish" and are also (notice a theme?) filled with healing ingredients such as rosehip, sesame, and papaya. They are housed in a now ubiquitous chubby pencil-like packaging, but are unique in terms of the lightweight metal tube and ultra convenient twist-up mechanism.
Ilia notes that Karma Chameleon (yes, another amazingly fun shade name!) is one of their bolder shades that is "bathed in fiery coral hues". I agree that it has a striking vivid coral base, but it also has softer pink undertones that make it quite flattering and wearable.
In terms of formula, I'd have to disagree with the "creamy matte" claim. For this shade at least, there is nothing matte about the way it sits on my lips. Instead, I find Karma Chameleon to be slick and hydrating, which makes my lips look ultra lush! These are definitely creamier than the lipsticks, but this doesn't hinder the wear time one bit. The colour payoff is initially sheer but can easily be built up to a fuller opacity. Quite a great all-round lip product!
Here is a look at Karma Chameleon on my lips, then within the context of a completed makeup look:
Phewf! That was a lot of love for a lot of lip products! In a nutshell, I haven't regretted purchasing any of these items. I'm happy to have snagged products from three different ranges, as it makes me feel as though I've had a proper introduction to the brand. Each of these offers a beautiful, unique formula that feels comfortable on the lips, mostly likely due to the inclusion of so many nourishing ingredients. Each of the shades is fun and flattering- I've really been rotating through them all month so far!
In case this weren't a given, I am sooo eager to pick up more Ilia products. The sales associate warned me that collecting Ilia lipsticks is truly addicting, and now I can see why!
Have you tried anything from Ilia? Which of these lip products is your favourite?
Thanks for dropping by! xo
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