I love bright lipsticks.

However, the other day I was walking through the Selfridges Beauty hall and had an MUA from the Illamasqua beauty counter stop me and say she had the perfect lipstick to go with my hair. I was taken aback at first, but also intrigued so I went along with it. We all know that Illamasqua tend to be a bit ‘Avant Garde’ so I was a little afraid she would be smearing on a bright green lipstick.

When I looked in the mirror though, I was shocked.

She applied a very deep, dark lipstick on me. And I liked it. No, I loved it.

The reflection of my lips ‘Growled’ back at me!

DSC_4606

It’s a really deep oxblood colour, think burgundy with a hint of plum. Illamasqua describe it as a ‘rich mahogany brown’. And they are so right. It’s Vampire-ish and ever so theatrical! I don’t usually wear darker lipsticks, mostly because they just look so boring. This lipstick has changed my outlook on that, and next time I’m out shopping I won’t be quite so dismissive.
Pairing this lipstick with smokey eyes gives a mysterious, seductive look. But in this case, in photos below, I’ve kept my eyes neutral to let the lipstick take all the glory.

DSC_4279

It’s opaque and the pigment is quite intense. As it’s a matt shade, it’s a little on the dry side but will last hours on the lips! I made the mistake of not exfoliating or applying lip balm. After application, I noticed that it accentuated the flakes on my lips. GROSS. Lesson learnt!

DSC_4179 

In natural light

 DSC_4324 
 DSC_4312 

 At night

Products used:

FACE:
Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation in No 12 (equivalent to MAC NC40 – NC42) 
MAC Prep and Prime Loose Face Powder

CHEEKS:
MeMeMe Blush Me – Coral 
Sleek Contour Kit in Medium 

EYES:
NARS Night Series Eyeshadow in Night Star (lid & inner corner highlight)
Clinique Brush On Cream Liner in True Black
MAC Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Industry (lower lash line)
L’oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black

LIPS:
 Illamasqua Lipstick in Growl – obvs! 

I own faar too many lipsticks which makes me both happy and sad at the same time. However, this was a complete guilt free purchase as I don’t own a lipstick in such a shade 😉 

I’m also kinda lemming towards their Apocalips, which is a pure teal colour. The look of it frightens me a bit but who knows, daring Halima may come out to play soon…

Also, on my Instagram post on Wednesday, I received a comment regarding my lip piercings. I won’t go into the specifics of what was said, but let’s just say it was a religious-type person slating me for the way I look. These kind of comments are a bit tedious, I mean what do these people think they’re actually going to achieve? My message for them? Simple:
6 
 Have a great weekend! And tell me all about your tales of products you thought you’d hate but actually love! 

What do you think?

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41 Comments
  • Heather Davern Makeup
    April 12, 2013

    Love it! I think you'd be one of few people who would look awesome in Apocolips too! 🙂

  • Yuli Conversations
    April 12, 2013

    You look gorgeous! The lipstick color looks great on you, something i could not pull off.
    YuliConversations.blogspot.com

  • Jenny
    April 12, 2013

    Stunning! I really love this shade and considering buying as I have been looking for a deep vampish shade I love the mystical look to things so this is right up my street 🙂 amazing review and don't listen to comments about piercings as its up to you and your body I love them personally and tattoos and really shows individuality to each persons style 🙂 x

    http://www.krystelcouture.com ♥

  • Sharon
    April 12, 2013

    Absolutely gorgeous,love it looks perfect on u darling!

  • Beauty's Bad Habit
    April 12, 2013

    Beautiful! I love shades like this on folk with your gorgeous skin tone. Apocalips would look awesome with your hair – I have it and it's a fave!

  • Unknown
    April 13, 2013

    You go girl! You're beautiful, and don't let anybody tell you otherwise. That lipstick is stunning. It reminds me of a grungier looking MAC Rebel.

    xxoo
    rebeccastrutt.blogspot.com

  • sgrmse.
    April 13, 2013

    OHMYGOSHHH, I love everything about your blog! The entire site design is STUNNING! And your hair is too beautiful!!!! So so so glad I stumbled upon your blog. Red lippie's gorge but I don't think I pull off bright red too well. Deeper burgundy is beautiful though.

  • Unknown
    April 13, 2013

    You look amazing! Love the lip colour. I love your blog xx

  • Carly
    April 13, 2013

    Love that lip colour – amazing! xxx

  • Emmylou
    April 13, 2013

    Love that last quote. Cant' believe someone commented on your lip ring! Like, really?!?
    Anyhoo, that colour looks fab on you:) Wish we have Illamasqua here.

  • Ellen Grace
    April 13, 2013

    That is an amazing colour, wish I could pull it off!

    A little bit Unique – Blog // Facebook // Bloglovin

    x

  • Trudy Danso
    April 13, 2013

    Omg Halima! Tell me how you take your pictures so perfectly. You always have the perfect light on u! Stunnin' color btw! X

  • Lima
    April 13, 2013

    Haha! It's the camera flash beb 😉 xo

  • Sheefa F
    April 13, 2013

    Love that shade. I can't wear bright lippies outside home but I think I can pull it off. It's mysterious yet wearable somehow 🙂 Give that hair to me now, will you! I'll turn the blue into pink for me 😀

  • FASHION TALES
    April 14, 2013

    I buy Illamasqua quite a lot and really love their products. It's funny how some colours we swear we don't like or wouldn't try can look great on us. You look stunning, Love the lip colour! /Madison

  • Anonymous
    April 14, 2013

    wow, love this lip colour! so dark & pretty, suits you very much. xx

  • Julie
    April 14, 2013

    Wow, the lipstick looks amazing. It's mature and sophisticated that balances out the edge of your green/blue hair. I'm not sure if you are wearing contacts, but I've fallen in love with your eye colour. There will always be haters, who have nothing better to do than just put people down behind the anonymity of the internet.

  • ANDYSTYLE
    April 14, 2013

    nice makeup love the lip color is pretty!

  • Ichraq
    April 14, 2013

    i love dark lipstick! it makes a lot of difference and looks just so fabulous on everyone! 😀

  • Jaz xo
    April 14, 2013

    Lovely colour, suits you! xo

  • Unknown
    April 14, 2013

    Wow this is a gorgeous colour! Not too dark, not too purple, not too red – perfect! It's so hard to find long-lasting lipsticks, maybe I'll give this brand a try! Thanks for sharing! 🙂

  • ALLIE NYC
    April 14, 2013

    That color does look lovely on you, I am currently watching Mr Selfridge here in the states on PBS. Have you seen it? They were the one of the first stores to put cosmetics out in the front of the store.

    Ali of

    http://www.dressingken.com

  • Bow Tied Beauty
    April 14, 2013

    Lovely shade, it looks stunning on you! I've definitely been tempted to try out Illasmasqua and now I definitely want to! x

    http://www.bowtiedbeauty.blogspot.com/

  • Cee
    April 15, 2013

    You look absolutely stunning, Halima! Don't let anyone tell you differently 🙂 I also own far too many lipsticks – I tend to go for deeper reds and pinks, with the occasional orange thrown in. I've heard great things about Illamasqua but haven't had a chance to try it for myself yet – you have me thinking I need to change that soon!
    xox,
    Cee

  • Rebecca Ragionieri
    April 15, 2013

    Bellissimo rossetto (: Reb, xoxo.

    *Nuovo post sul mio blog, fammi sapere cosa ne pensi:
    http://www.toprebel.com/2013/04/denim-shirt-striped-leggings.html

  • Sam
    April 15, 2013

    Thats such a gorgeous intense shade of ruby, looks fantastic !

  • LaaLaa
    April 15, 2013

    Your flawless skin and growl really does go really well with your hair. I think I might have to get that Illamasqua foundation xo

  • Monica
    April 15, 2013

    I don't think I could pull of this dark of lips – I'm far too pale. However, Growl is a gorgeous shade on you!

    M.

  • Jen27
    April 15, 2013

    What a stunning look! Growl is such a lovely vampy shade- looks great on you! xo

    -Jen

    http://www.vibrantbeautyblog.com

  • Sandra
    April 15, 2013

    It looks perfect on you!

  • The Style Rawr
    April 16, 2013

    Can you come do my make up? 😉 That colour looks lovely on you but I'm almost convinced everything would look lovely on you haha.

    Tara
    http://www.thestylerawr.com
    xoxo

  • Terri
    April 16, 2013

    Hey, great post love 🙂 you look gorgeous!

    I've just posted a new skull bracelet giveaway where 3 winners will be chosen. Please check it out and enter for fun 🙂

    http://terriface01.blogspot.co.uk/

    Thanks

  • Unknown
    April 16, 2013

    I don't own a lippy in such a shade either, I may have to sin 😉

    You are absolutely beautiful Miss. xx

  • RosyChicc
    April 16, 2013

    Ahh fab shade! It's so beautiful and looks amazing on you! (:

    XO,
    http://www.rosychicc.com/

  • Anonymous
    April 17, 2013

    I can't believe you usually avoid this kind of color- it looks so beautiful on you! Also, I love your eyebrows! >_< xo

  • White Bazaar
    April 19, 2013

    Gorgeous colour! stunning x

  • That girl; Saadiya
    April 22, 2013

    Thanks for your comment lovely! You're absolutely stunning! Love the lip colour on you – it really works! Also, I never get it when people leave comments judging others and then use religion as a way to back up what they said – it just goes against the whole point of Islam (or any other religion for that matter!
    Saadiya x

    http://www.thatgirlsaadiya.blogspot.com

  • Unknown
    April 24, 2013

    Your whole look is amazing, very jealous of your eyes! xx

  • KatiesWorld
    April 28, 2013

    Wow your eyes are amazing, your make-up looks so prefect. Very jealous xx

  • gigi
    April 29, 2013

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

  • Unknown
    June 24, 2013

    That colour is beautiful!! Love it 🙂 xx