FACE: Illamasqua Growl Lipstick

I love bright lipsticks. However, the other day I was walking through the Selfridges Beauty hall and had an MUA from the Illamasqua bea...

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!

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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.

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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!

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In natural light

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 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:
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 Have a great weekend! And tell me all about your tales of products you thought you'd hate but actually love! 

Lima is a Northern girl who chose life. Fashion and Makeup to her are just a little bit of fun, because life is already way too serious as it is. She's all about colour, because colour breaks down barriers, opens up the mind to new possibilities and makes everything feel a bit brighter.

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41 comments

  1. Heather Davern Makeup12 April 2013 at 17:37

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

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  2. Yuli Conversations12 April 2013 at 18:17

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

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  3. Jenny12 April 2013 at 23:25

    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

    www.krystelcouture.com ♥

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  4. Sharon12 April 2013 at 23:32

    Absolutely gorgeous,love it looks perfect on u darling!

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  5. Beauty's Bad Habit13 April 2013 at 00:00

    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!

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  6. sgrmse.13 April 2013 at 03:28

    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.

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  7. Unknown13 April 2013 at 04:12

    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

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  8. Unknown13 April 2013 at 13:46

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

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  9. Carly13 April 2013 at 15:52

    Love that lip colour - amazing! xxx

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  10. Ellen Grace 13 April 2013 at 18:45

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

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



    x


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  11. Emmylou13 April 2013 at 18:52

    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.

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  12. Trudy Danso13 April 2013 at 19:54

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

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  13. Sheefa F13 April 2013 at 21:33

    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 :D

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  14. FASHION TALES14 April 2013 at 01:04

    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

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  15. ANDYSTYLE14 April 2013 at 07:44

    nice makeup love the lip color is pretty!

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  16. Julie14 April 2013 at 08:56

    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.

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  17. Anonymous14 April 2013 at 11:27

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

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  18. Ichraq14 April 2013 at 13:35

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

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  19. ALLIE NYC14 April 2013 at 14:53

    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

    www.dressingken.com

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  20. Unknown14 April 2013 at 17:09

    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! :)

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  21. Jaz xo14 April 2013 at 18:08

    Lovely colour, suits you! xo

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  22. Bow Tied Beauty14 April 2013 at 18:59

    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/

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  23. Rebecca Ragionieri15 April 2013 at 08:57

    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

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  24. Cee15 April 2013 at 10:41

    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

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  25. Sam15 April 2013 at 11:41

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

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  26. LaaLaa15 April 2013 at 16:20

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

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  27. Monica15 April 2013 at 16:56

    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.

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  28. Jen2715 April 2013 at 19:33

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

    -Jen

    www.vibrantbeautyblog.com

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  29. Sandra15 April 2013 at 20:38

    It looks perfect on you!

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  30. gigi15 April 2013 at 20:44

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  31. RosyChicc15 April 2013 at 21:25

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

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

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  32. Unknown15 April 2013 at 21:41

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

    You are absolutely beautiful Miss. xx

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  33. Terri16 April 2013 at 00:03

    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

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  34. The Style Rawr16 April 2013 at 12:57

    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
    www.thestylerawr.com
    xoxo

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  35. Anonymous17 April 2013 at 20:04

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

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  36. White Bazaar18 April 2013 at 20:40

    Gorgeous colour! stunning x

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  37. That girl; Saadiya20 April 2013 at 14:18

    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

    www.thatgirlsaadiya.blogspot.com

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  38. Unknown24 April 2013 at 15:07

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

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  39. KatiesWorld28 April 2013 at 22:29

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

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  40. Unknown24 June 2013 at 20:21

    That colour is beautiful!! Love it :) xx

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