Illamasqua’s latest capsule collection celebrates the art of Middle Eastern make-up. Launching exclusively in Selfridges tomorrow in time for Eid-ul-Fitr (the feast which follows the end of Ramadan), Dusk* is a flattering ensemble to recreate the visual beauty of Arabic make-up. I am fascinated by Arabic make-up – it’s so simple yet expressive, dramatic and breath-taking.
Dusk brings to life the art of contouring, skin sculpting and truly artistic eye definition. The name itself is quite poignant as dusk marks the end of fasting during daylight hours.
The collection boasts an array of brand new product lines including ‘Slick Stick’ eye and lip crayons, a Sculpting Palette and an Illustrator Pen (not shown).
Let’s take a closer look, shall we?
Lipstick in Born (£19.50)
Another lip colour to add to Illamasqua’s growing arsenal is the limited edition Born, a neutral warm rose with a matte finish. Like the Glamore lipsticks, ingredient vitamin E keeps the lips moisturised so you have this subtle sheen with a lasting finish. I’m so pleased Illamasqua introduced this formula – makes wearing these lip colours so comfortable.
Slick Stick (Lips) £18.50
A change in direction from the usual pencil format, the new slick sticks are retractable and narrow for control and precision. The lip Slick Sticks are creamy and intense in colour, and can either be used to line the lips or for an all over colour. There are three shades to choose from: True (Luxe Nude), Flush (Luxe Pink) and Adorn (Luxe Red).
Slick Stick (Eye) £18.50
Exactly the same as the lip equivalent, these eye crayons have a creamy and water-resistant formula and come in three intense colours: Igneous (Luxe Plum), Alloy (Luxe Bronze – looks more like olive) and Mass (Luxe Intense Black). Alloy is my favourite – I have a weakness for olive looking shades. Arabic make-up is all about accentuating the eyes which the eye Slick Sticks do effortlessly as they are so soft. I love the fact they are retractable and not pencils so product isn’t wasted unnecessarily.
Quiver False Eye Lashes (£15)
Sticking with the eyes, these limited edition extravagant lashes add fantastic volume and length, adding the finishing touch to the look.
Powder Blusher in Cherish (£22)
For the cheeks there is this apricot-tone blusher with the Illamasqua logo imprinted. Again limited edition, it has a very pretty gold shimmer to add a warm, healthy glow. I’m sorry I do not have a swatch to show (pretty hard to capture the shimmer on camera) but it is divine.
Sculpting Palette (£44)
The the star of the show is this alluring six shade sculpting palette for contouring and highlighting. The spectrum of colours cover all grounds with shades and textures such as champagne shimmer, matte light peach, ash taupe and deep coffee. It’s quite a terrifying looking palette at first glance – I don’t think I’ve ever been presented with more than two shades for contouring and highlighting so it does take some getting used to. That said, the quality of the powders is phenomenal – buttery soft, pigmented (just sweeping a brush over lightly will pick up enough product) and beautiful to blend – it’s pretty precious, I’d say.
I also love the design and build of the palette which is a matte slick black casing with curved edging, a magnetic lid and a big mirror, a design akin to pro make-up packaging.
Intrigued to find out what you can really do with Dusk? Make-up artist, Immaculate Beauty will be demonstrating the collection in London’s Selfridges on 23rd July but if you miss this, don’t worry as there will be a video make-up tutorial on Illamasqua’s site soon.
Dusk will also be available in freestanding stores and online at www.illamasqua.com. I’m looking forward to showing this collection off on my face tomorrow at a family Eid party. Speaking of which…Eid Mubarak!
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