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Wednesday 11 March 2015

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 Lip Gloss in Gypsy


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:

Ilia Lipstick in Femme Fatale

And here is Femme Fatale topped with Gypsy. They layer wonderfully together!

Ilia Femme Fatale Lipstick topped with Gypsy Lip Gloss


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: 

Ilia Lipstick Crayon in Karma Chameleon

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


16 comments:

  1. Oh wow, yep, I'm definitely going to have to have a swatch fest at a counter now! These all look stunning, and they all sound like they have such amazing formulas as well. LOVE the look of Karma Chameleon!

    Tasha // shiwashiful.

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  2. glad you liked how the gloss came out cause burnt orange of the tube might not always end up well on the lips by themselves. i don't often layer products so the colour needs to good from the get go.

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  3. Love that lip gloss color on you Jen!!!
    I also wanted to add I have been loving your adventures into more natural brands.
    Amazing stuff :)
    TarteTanya

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  4. This is such a stunning post! Love all the shades that you've got. <3

    love,
    BEAUTYEDITER.COM

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  5. Oh wow, I love the crayon, so pretty!

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  6. Out of the three Karma Chameleon is the one that caught my eye, although the other two are pretty for sure as well! I've never tried the brand, but I think I've seen it somewhere. Must investigate :)

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  7. I've never heard of this brand because but you picked out some great shades for yourself! They look lovely (and really buttery!). I'm a lipstick girl true and true so that's the one I like the best on you!

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  8. I had never heard of this brand before, but I am loving Karma Chameleon on you. Such a beautiful and soft shade :)

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  9. The lipstick crayon is so lovely! Thank you for sharing this to us. Hope you have a fun-filled Friday! :)

    xoxo;
    STYLEFORMANKIND.COM
    Facebook / Bloglovin

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  10. they look great. the colors are really pretty!
    xo,
    nancy

    http://www.adoretoadorn.com

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  11. Gypsy is my favorite on you! So pretty! <3

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  12. I absolutely adore Karma Chameleon on you and that would be my pick out of the three. Glad to see your review on this brand and even happier to know that the quality is amazing.

    Shireen | Reflection of Sanity

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  13. Oh lord I need karma chameleon! I have neon angel and viola and have adored the textures! Definitely want to try more from this line

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  14. The gloss looks absolutely amazing on you! I have never tried Ilia :) but the brand sounds promising. x

    Alexandra | Glam O’Clock

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  15. Ilia are a fab brand! They're lipstick crayons are great and I definitely want to try their tinted lip conditioners next :) x

    Ria @ naturiabeauty.com

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All of your lovely comments make my day! Thanks for taking the time to share your musings, ideas, and opinions. Feel free to leave a link to your blog- I'd be happy to check it out :)