Illamasqua- any must have items?

[MooMinCow]

So, I've booked in for a makeover at their counter tomorrow and will have £35 to redeem. Any recommendations? I think it's just a basic day look they'll be doing, so nothing too 'out there', but being darker skinned I'm not afraid of bright lipstick and am quite adventurous with my make up! What is worth trying out?

I really like their skin base foundation. It's buildable coverage. It's lovely.
Brow cake in Thunder
Skin base lift in dark for contouring.

The cream blushes are amazing and last forever. The colours look a bit scary in the pots, but they look great on.

*blushers, obviously

I was looking at the Skin Base Foundation, but I think it has mineral oil in it which I try to avoid as it can break me out

I don't have a nice cream blush so will check those out, thanks.

I love matte lipsticks - anyone tried one of theirs?

The gel liner is great, and pretty decent value as its a huge pot

The vintage metallix cream eye shadows are fantastic!

Incidentally tk maxx have illamasqua nail varnish in today for £3.99. Bought one, put it on and loved it so going back for more shades!

Love their nail varnishes.

Yes, have seen those nail polishes in TKMaxx.

I do like a winged liner, currently use the Maybelline gel one, but might upgrade!

Anyone tried their eyeshadows?

Yes OP their eyeshadows are really nice but I think you can get better elsewhere. Their new nude lipsticks look gorgeous, they do a navy one that I want to try but it's always sold out but you need to be brave for that Have a few bright mattes, not too drying and they really last.

Cream blushes are gorgeous, their gel liner is my favourite liner ever.

I normally use MAC, Sleek or Urban Decay eyeshadows as they have good pay off and show up on my darker skin tone.

Will be interesting to see what their version of 'day time' look will be!

Yep, MAC and Urban Decay girl here too. They are nice but I'd rather go buy MAC! I guess if you've got the £35 though you may as well

They're quite good actually, we'll trained usually! I do weddings with an Illamasqua makeup artist friend who works a few doors down from the salon I'm at. I get her to do my makeup for staff nights out

Am I right in thinking that like MAC their staff are all 'proper' makeup artists?

Yep but unlike MAC you're also intensively trained in their products before you go near any clients, so there isn't as much deviation between a good and bad makeup artist. I find MAC a bit hit and miss.

Yes, I've had hit and miss experiences at MAC (in general I find the staff at the standalone stores lot more helpful)

I've got a couple of lipsticks and glosses which I love as the colours are so different I'd say try something a bit more far out and you might love it

Went yesterday, had a great time. Lady was lovely, didn't moan when I changed my mind about first eye look she did (wiped it off and started over). Bought a lipstick in 'bare', a brush and their new brow gel. Very pleased and would recommend!

Oh, that's good. I love their look, bit different. Off to google that lipstick..

WHAAAAAAT???SKIN BASE HAS MINERAL OIL IN IT????? I avoid that like the plague. Maaaaaan! I really like it as well. FFS!!!

ah bugger there's loads of bad stuff in it. Bugger bugger!!!

Yes clara a shame, as it looks lovely on, but I did have a few bumps/whiteheads on my chin on Sunday Not sure why it's in there - probably for 'slip'