Illamasqua To Be Alive

Illamasqua To Be Alive

Glad to see that Illamasqua is back on point with the Illamasqua To Be Alive collection with a selection of challenging shades that make you think about makeup differently. My favourite item from the four strong collection (yes, please, more tightly edited seasonal collections) is the nail polish, Prismatic (£14.50), above. It’s all the unicorns. Pale, aqua blue, shot through with silvery pink glimmers – it’s going on my nails tonight!

Illamasqua To Be Alive

I can remember when blue lipstick was a shocking thing! Now, we’re so used to experimental, non-conformist shades that I really didn’t turn a hair when I saw this.

I’ve tried it – I look dreadful in it (washed out and witchy) – but in terms of offering up different routes to self-expression, it’s kind of wonderful. Illamasqua has gone back to its underground roots with Glamore Vendetta (£18.50) and while it’s not for me personally, I’m glad to see it.

You’re on safer ground with the Spirit Palette (£34) – the iridescent white Cascade is all kinds of useful as a multi-dimensional backdrop. Inspire is the royal blue shade, Refine is a beautiful matte navy (love a navy liner) and Awaken is a creme sheen.

Finally, and my top recommendation, is Iridesce Lipgloss (£18).

It’s the slick of summer that we’ve been waiting for. Iridesce is a clear gloss with a myriad of iridescent shimmer – it switches between a pink and a blue tone so you can put it over anything else and turn it into something magical.

The Illamasqua To Be Alive collection launches on 1st May.