Illamasqua Lipstick in Box

Before we get into the review, I just wanted to wish all You’ve Got Face readers a very Merry Christmas. Have a great day! I’ll be back on Monday as normal so, if Aunt Mavis is driving you nuts, click here for beauty goodness.

When I received Box from Illamasqua, I was intrigued and a little frightened.  This is a red not for the faint hearted and, just to add a triple sowkow of daring to the mix, it’s a red matte.

I’m always wary of reds because my teeth aren’t a perfect white.  And I hate mattes with a passion because they tend to dry out my lips even more than lipsticks do, and flake mercilessly.

I had high hopes that this one might be different, purely because it comes from my favourite brand.  And it’s named Box, after Alex Box (I’m presuming).  Surely that maven wouldn’t release a red that wasn’t perfect, would she?

Packaging

The packaging on this is sleek and sexy.  Very Illamasqua.

Product

What looks like an orange red in the tube is actually a deep blue red.  A deep blue red matte.

This is gorgeous. Stunning. [Insert superlatives here, at your own will].

The moment I applied this (straight out of the tube, no need for a brush with this one), I was in love.  The shade is flattering against my skin and, despite being a matte, my lips don’t look dry or flakey (apologies for the hideous dryness around my lips. My skin is struggling at the moment with the change in seasons).

And it doesn’t make me teeth look bad.  This is a red I can wear confidently without worrying if people are making fun of my teefs when I smile.

This wears beautifully, but it does stain the lips.  So a regular cleanser simply won’t cut it.  Get out an oil based cleanser, and you’ll be right.

Oh, and see the lack of hair.  I haven’t shaved ONCE since I last got laser hair removal four weeks ago.  Not once.  I’d say 80% of my upper lip hair is gone.  Extraordinary.

Price

Bought online, this will cost you $AUD23.

Would I repurchase?

Oh yes. A matte that doesn’t dry me out, lasts forever and looks gorgeous.  No brainer.