Illamasqua Satin Primer and Skin Base Foundation

Illamasqua have gained a cult following for their seriously dark and glamourous take on cosmetics, creating collections that are beautifully crafted, striking and inspirational for anyone who loves and appreciates makeup. I was disappointed when their counter left BT2, leaving us with online as our only option, but that hasn’t stopped die hard fans from snapping up the latest collections in their droves.

So I recently ordered the Skin Base Foundation and was then sent the Illamasqua Satin Primer to review so here’s my thoughts on whether they’re worth taking a leap and ordering without actually sampling the products first.

Illamasqua Skin Base:

The product: The sleek black packaging contains a nice clear shaped squeezy tube so you’ll always know when you’re starting to run low. I ordered Shade 02 which (as the number says) is the second shade up. The first is completely white so this is really the first true skin tone shade and is a pink based foundation and is incredibly close to the Teint Miracle Lancome foundation.

Application: It’s a creamy foundation but sets rather quickly so using my beloved F80 Sigma Kabuki, I buffed this in and found it gave a very nice finish that wasn’t at all cakey but offered good coverage.

Result: I did love this when I bought it but after realising I had too many foundations I ended up selling it to Melissa (fellow blogger and makeup student) for her kit (hence me not having swatches). It’s a move I kind of regret now as it’s lovely! For pale skin tones, shade 02 is perfect, it offers light but decent coverage and looks lovely on.

Score: 7.5/10

Pros: Good shades for the very pale (like myself) and darker skin tones, good product, light but decent coverage

Cons: You have to figure out your shade online which can be a little bit harder

Would I buy again? I actually would and will probably end up ordering this again at some point!

Illamasqua Satin Primer

The product: The sleek black packaging contains a nice clear shaped squeezy tube exactly like the foundation.

Application: The primer comes out white but blends into skin, leaving it with a heavy sheen all over. This seems quite shiny when you’re looking at it but once you put a product over it you’re just left with a soft sheen under the skin. This glides over skin, doesn’t accentuate any dry patches and dries into skin reasonably quickly. It doesn’t have a blurring effect like some primers, and doesn’t help disguise pores.

Result: This reminds me of the MAC Prep + Prime SPF 50 and Rimmel’s new primer except this is far dewier. Oily girls may not handle the level of shine it gives as well but if you’re using a normal foundation over it you’re left with a soft sheen that’s lovely. Kudos for Illamasqua putting an SPF 20 in their primer which I love for added protection. I’ve been using this with both a foundation and BB Cream and it helps keep my base looking fresh and in place throughout the day. Personally, I think this is better suited for drier skin looking for a shot of hydration and radiance to their skin but to be truthful, I’m not quite sure about this one.

Score: 7.5/10

Pros: This blends in easily, has an SPF, hydrates skin and adds radiance

Cons: May not suit oilier skin tones as well

Would I buy again? On the fence

Illamasqua can be purchased  from ASOS.com or buy from the Illamasqua website

So girls I’m always intrigued by primers, do you have any recommendations? Let me know!

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