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Product Breakdown:
Apocalips is the most recent lipstick addition to the Illamasqua stable, and in true Illamasqua style, it’s a very unique colour – bright teal blue.
It has a truly matte finish, however Illamasqua has recently reformulated their matte lipsticks, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that it didn’t make my lips dry and cracked.
Pigmentation:
Like most, if not all of Illamasqua’s lipsticks, Apocalips is highly pigmented, offering one-swipe opacity.
The high level of pigmentation combined with the matte finish means that this is not a good lipstick for dry lips. If the finish seems mildly patchy in the lip swatches below, it is purely because my lips were dry, so I applied a serum to them before applying the lipstick (not a good idea with any lipstick).
Ease of application:
The matte finish of Illamasqua Apocalips does make this a dry (although not drying) lipstick, which can complicate the application. Lips need to be well prepped, (exfoliated and moisturised) in order for Apocalips to look it’s best. Matte lipsticks do tend to highlight any dry or flaking patches on your lips, and the high pigmentation means that colour will cling to these patches, offering a patchy application at best.
With any bright or dark lipstick, I always advocate the use of a lip brush to get lovely crisp liplines, and the same goes here.
Longevity:
Apocalips lasts and lasts and lasts on my lips. I can wear this for 6 hours straight, and as long as I don’t eat anything greasy, I don’t need to reapply. When it does start to wear off, it leaves a blue stain on my lips that looks a little morbid. I can easily get this stain off by rubbing a little oil, or even clear lip-balm over my lips, and wiping with a tissue.
Packaging:
Illamasqua lipsticks are very consistent with the brand’s overall packaging aesthetic. The lipstick is presented in a squarish tube, that when viewed from the top is the typical Illamasqua diamond shape.
The tubes are a very solid plastic, and close with a satisfying click. Overall the packaging is functional, beautiful and luxurious.
Anything else worth mentioning?:
I was advised by Mikele (the Creative Director for Illamasqua Australia) that Apocalips is the exact complement (opposite on the colour wheel) to Illamasqua’s signature red lipstick, Box. Box is the perfect neutral red, and Apocalips is also neutral, meaning that if you are brave enough to wear it, it will flatter any skin-tone.
If you would like to see this lipstick in a full-face look, check out my Hunger Games – Capitol Style Face of the Day.
What they say:
Dare to be you with our vibrant new lipstick shade, Apocalips. This bright teal shade speaks of uncompromising self-expression, the fundamental desire to stand out and a strong connection with the power of pure colour.
Available from:
Illamasqua concept stores, Illamasqua counters and online at Illamasqua.com.
RRP:
Review Overview
Packaging
Pigmentation
Texture
Ease of Application
Longevity
Summary : My verdict: I'm slightly obsessed with Apocalips at the moment - I'm truly amazed at how flattering this teal lipstick looks on me. It makes my eyes look very green, and complements my red hair perfectly. There is no question, Apocalips is not an everyday lipstick (or even a special occasion lipstick) for most of the population, but if you enjoy looking a little unexpected, Apocalips may be a good lipstick for you.
