Is it possible to fall in love with a foundation? Figuratively (or FACEatively) speaking?
I’ve fallen before – and I know I fall again – but the current objection of my affection will take quite a bit to top.
She (I’m thinking this foundation is so beautiful she has to be a she) has a silky texture that actually softens and conditions your skin while you wear her. The coverage is natural but you can build her up to just the makeup canvas you’d like.
I can’t wait to introduce you …
What Illamasqua says:
Inspired by the cult Beauty Balm creams, Skin Base Foundation is a brand new, refined formula unlike anything on the Australian market. Easily blendable, it effortlessly creates a perfect complexion, and like the entire Illamasqua foundation range, is undetectable in a professional HD (High Definition) environment. Suitable for all skin types, it smoothes, softens and conditions your skin whilst providing natural, buildable coverage.
What I say:
Actually I think I’ll do a little bit of a show … before the tell.
1. My bare face with just Illamasqua Gleam Cream pearlescent primer $60 | 2. Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation in no.7 $65 | 3. Illamasqua Powder Foundation in 150 $55 + Illamasqua Concealer in CC130 $33 + Illamasqua Ambition Shimmer Blusher $42 | 4. Illamasqua Lipstick in Resist $39 + Illamasqua Intense Lipgloss in Belladonna $33
The (very un-airbrushed!) photos are convincing, aren’t they? I’m definitely ok with the starting place but, wow, how it all finished? Thank-you very much Skin Base Foundation. You’ve made an old chick feel pretty damn good.
The key to this foundation’s seemingly miracle-working properties is that it is inspired by beauty balm cream (aka BB cream). Illamasqua has taken the SPF and whitening elements of this cult Asian cream out of the formulation (SPF doesn’t work for high definition filming and the whitening aspects didn’t allow them to get the full 18-strong colour range) to create the world’s first beauty or blemish balm cream foundation.
The texture is such that you really can go quite sheer with your coverage or build it up to a heavy theatrical style.
Brisbane Illamasqua counter manager Tiarah Ormsby already gives the foundation a big thumbs up for withstanding Queensland’s summer humidity but she suggests using the powder on top too. Her biggest tip for applying it was not to use a “regular” foundation brush but instead use a smaller highlighter brush. The reason: it buffs the skin and means that the bristles get more skin contact, resulting in a more refined finish.
Now, the Ambition Shimmer Blusher, Resist lipstick (yes, I’m still obsessed by a “pop” lipstick) and Belladonna Intense Lipgloss used above are all part of Illamasqua’s new Theatre of the Nameless collection, which gives me the perfect segue way to introduce you to that collection.
Word of warning though, Illamasqua’s creative director Alex Box, insists that her makeup artists be “fearless” in its application.
I guess everybody’s idea of fearless is different.
Mine is a pop lipstick colour and a foundation that makes me look younger.
Tiarah’s definition of fearless (at the Brisbane blogger launch of this collection) was this:
She told me it took about 40 minutes to create AND she wore this on the train to work that morning. All power to you, Tiarah! On a fearless scale you are a cosmetic lion. I’m very much a mouse.
Illamasqua is available in selected Myer stores: Sydney City, Melbourne City, Brisbane City, Chadstone (Melbourne), Robina (Gold Coast), Bondi Junction (Sydney). Some of the range is available online at www.myer.com.au. At the time of publishing, these new products were not online at Myer, so I’ve included links to Illamasqua’s UK website. Delivery to Australia is £8.50 and can take 21-30 days.
What’s the most fearless thing you’ve done lately with your makeup routine? Are you searching for a new foundation? Or do you have one that is your one true love?
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Comments 23
Kathryn – I have the same trouble – I beleive Illamasqua has a ‘Matt’ primer, but I have not have a chance to try it.
MYER BONDI has not had an Illamasqua staff member for ages, very poor! I was so keen to try the foundation, so thanks Nikki for the inspiration – I will have to visit another store with staff to try. With so many shades I feel I need assistance.
Oh and warning girls – steer clear of the Illamasqua mascara – it is totally hopeless unless your going for a natural look – in which case you should just buy a natural mascara, such as Inika.
Author
Hi Melissa
Thanks for the tip – and yes, you want an exact shade match.
mmmm looks good Nikki, I wonder if I’d look that good though, I have loads of blemishes (pimples / marks) lol. Do you think they’d be well hidden?
Author
It’s a buildable foundation so yes, plus use of concealor.
I want your job :)You have so much fun!!
… I love seeing someone doing something that they are passionate about Nikki – and your passion shines. x
Author
It is fun and I do LOVE it! Thanks Vicky.
I too just found a beautiful light foundation that I love from Arbonne the other day – it feels amazing on! As for fearless, I bought my first EVER red lipstick (well it’s dark pink … but near enough). Previous to that it’s always been a VERY safe nude colour for my lips! Admittedly it was all with the help of a stylist … people like you are worth your weight in gold Nikki 🙂
As for your ‘before’ face … not bad at all!
Author
Well done, Kelly, I too have only recently started opting for a coloured lip. Changes my mood immediately!
I’ve been using mineral foundation for a couple of years- but getting sick of the mess! This might be just what my quickly aging skin needs!
Author
It’s at least worth a try on counter, Jane. I’m a mineral foundation girl for most days but this has become my “putting my face on” foundation for events and work.
I have that horrible kind of skin that eats my foundation and leaves me shining like a lighthouse after an hour! Not sure if this would help?
Author
By all accounts it will! Tiarah says that it will actually work in Brisbane’s humid summer. Using a primer also helps.
Next time I make it into the city I’ll have to go and check it out then!
Isn’t Tiarah fabulous! Props to her for catching public transport with that look. Oh the Skin Base looks really good on you!
Author
Tiarah rocks! She is so made for that job. And Skin Base is my new best foundation friend 😉
I have been/am on the endless quest for foundation to fight the effects of a poor gene pool with my skin!
This is on my list for sure.
Author
Go and get a trial and colour match of this Leanne and take before and after photos. I could see in the mirror it was good but when I downloaded my photos I was even more blown away.
AM getting to the bottom of my MAC, this one is next on my list! x
Author
You will love – have to go into Myer in the city but worth it. The camera does not lie!