Illamasqua | Vintage Metallix in Embellish & Bibelot

The Once… Collection from Illamasqua, is a study in faded beauty, but in the best way possible: Alex Box, Creative Director for the brand, was inspired by the “gentle and exquisite point when a flower starts to fade and becomes impossibly beautiful in its complex decline” – the theme of which is so perfectly and sublimely captured in the photos for the campaign. Calls to mind the opulence and textural beauty of pre-revolutionary France, courtesans, brocade, and mysterious dark chateau hallways. A beautiful example of the essence of this collection can be found with the new Vintage Metallix shadows (available in 3 shades, US $25.50) with their unique cream-gel formula, which are at once rich yet ephemeral – like trying to capture the feel of a memory … but so much better, because you can wear them.

Illamasqua | Vintage Metallix, Once Collection

Illamasqua | Once Collection

Illamasqua | Vintage Metallix in Embellish & Bibelot, Once Collection

Illamasqua | Vintage Metallix in Embellish & Bibelot, Once Collection, ingredients (click to enlarge)

Illamasqua | Vintage Metallix in Embellish & Bibelot, Once Collection

Embellish Vintage Metallix (US $25.50) | Described as a “rich cocoa”, Embellish is so much more than that; the warm chocolatey base is also filled with the most impossibly fine bronze/gold shimmer that seems to almost hover above the colour when applied with a light hand, but as though it comes from within when worn more intensely. The texture is unlike any crème shadows I’ve come across; gossamer-light and totally weightless in feel and which takes a couple of minutes to set completely, giving you enough time to blend, smudge, or feather out. There’s also a faint Play-doh like scent (that I love & brings me right back to my childhood), which I can’t detect once the shade is applied – good to know for those with sensitivities. Lasting power is UNREAL; even without primer (something I never skip as I have oily lids), I was able to get a solid 12 hours of wear, without any creasing, smudging, flaking, or fading. These shadows can be easily applied with a finger, but I prefer using a synthetic brush for more precision and and easier spread (plus I hate getting makeup under my nails), and then going in with a natural bristle brush for blending.

NOTE: Worn layered under a matching shade will not only give even longer wear time, but provide more depth of tone. Applied on top of a matching hue will help amp up the metallic factor, but don’t expect mirror-like shine; these shades are all about “faded gilt layers“.

Illamasqua | Embellish Vintage Metallix, Once Collection

Bibelot Vintage Metallix (US $25.50) | Described as a “rustic golden teal” (with olive, khaki and forest green added to that as well), Bibelot holds that complex brooding vibe that I absolutely adore, with the same gold shimmer as Embellish as well as ease of application. An amazing alternative to traditional greys & blacks for creating a unique smokey eye, there’s a decadence and overall lushness to this hue, while the texture once again holds court in its awesomeness – even by touch, you can immediately tell that something wonderful is going on, as the colour seems to literally glide along the skin, and yet closes to a powder finish. Even the shine factor can be adjusted to suit one’s tastes; applied densely yields a more metallic shine, while sheering the colour out will give the most intense shimmer. A beautiful paradox, no?

NOTE: One way to tone down the shimmer, if desired, is to apply the shade – wait a few minutes for it to completely set – and then go in with a clean brush and buff. This will eliminate most of the shimmery bits, but will keep the colour intact.

Illamasqua | Bibelot Vintage Metallix, Once Collection

I am beyond obsessed with everything about these new Vintage Metallix shades, and from my understanding, they are to become permanent. With hybrid cream/gel finishes becoming more and more prevalent amongst all brands these days, it’s becoming hard to reinvent the wheel – but somehow Illamasqua has managed to do just that with both Embellish and Bibelot, creating shades that have complex yet totally wearable colour, as well as impressive longevity and overall feel. Then there’s the entire concept behind Once … I am captivated by the doomed romanticism …

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