When I started writing this feature I was so worried that the Illamasqua Vanitas Rose Gold Palette would be sold out already, as I believe it’s a limited edition palette and I’ve had mine quite a while, but thankfully, whilst it’s no longer available directly through the Illamasqua site, it’s still available on quite a few other sites and Debenhams is still showing stock online, so hopefully that means you can still get it in-store…Phew!
The Illamasqua Vanitas Rose Gold Palette made it into my August Love List for very good reason, as it’s one of the most beautiful and versatile palettes I’ve come across in quite some time. I think we’re really lucky with palettes at the moment as there is literally something for everyone, suiting every taste and every budget, so with that in mind, it’s quite tricky to produce something that offers a bit of difference, but the Illamasqua Vanitas Rose Gold Palette does exactly that.
The packaging is interesting as it’s a rose gold cardboard in a mirrored chrome, which actually isn’t as bad as I thought it would be as it stays shut well – I thought the flimsiness of cardboard would result in breakage, and whilst I don’t think this is particularly well suited to travel, it’s certainly not falling apart after plenty of use. Inside the flip-top case is a mirror and a mix of 12 shades in matte and shimmering formulas.
The shades are absolutely beautiful, with everything you need for a huge variety of looks, without being too dull or traditional, yet also nothing too out-there or alternative; the balance is quite something. I’m really struggling to pinpoint my favourite shades, but I’d say the burnt orange Terra is one of those shades that works with so many different looks, Forgiveness and Fist (bottom right purples) are great alternatives to traditional smokey eye shades and Bronx and Vernau (gold and khaki, top right) are my most reached for, every day shades. There is genuinely nothing else like this on the market, and in typical Illamasqua style, this is a great way to gently open your mind to colours that are a small step outside your comfort zone, so if you love palettes, trust me when I say that you need this in your life. It’s £44 here – link.
*PR Sample
I love this palette the colours are amazing im just not impressed with the cardboard packaging its not what id expect from Illamasqua to be honest
http://www.beautyandtheboy.com
I know! So true! I was really surprised it was cardboard, but then it’s kind of quirky too.