Illamasqua Generation Q

Illamasqua always produce interesting collections with at least one or two great items, but for me Generation Q is one of their best collections yet and it launches today.

The theme behind Generation Q is the overarching Illamasqua concept of inclusiveness - beauty for all races, all genders, all ages. Alex Box has made non-models (although, to be fair, they are all gorgeous) of all ages (from 21 to 72) look great. She hasn't tried to make the over twenties look like they're fifteen and they're not in the normal matte/beige/subtle-is-the-only-appropriate-look-if-you're-over-thirty. Although the colours aren't vanilla they are all flattering and easy to wear.

You can find out more about the models and the products in the Illamasqua interactive lookbook for the collection www.illamasqua.com/interactive-look-book. Karen is my favourite, because you've got to love someone with pink hair and I love her statement 'I am Generation Q and I am not a watered-down version of who I used to be.'

I was sent samples of the Precision Ink eyeliner in Wisdom (antique gold) and the Lipstick in Magnetism (deep raspberry cream). Both are excellent, and both went on holiday with me (they arrived the morning we were leaving).

Swatches: Wisdom is a blackened gold shimmer - I think the base is black but it's packed with darkened gold shimmer. It catches the light on the eye very prettily. Magnetism is a creamy, very slightly dulled/broken raspberry shade. I think there is the merest hint of brown/grey pigment in it, enough just to take the edge off the brightness without pulling the shade warm. I found this much more comfortable to wear than Illamasqua lipsticks I tried when the line launched, which were quite drying on my tend-towards-dry-anyway lips.

Wisdom on my eye, just applied on the upper lashline. I found it best to lightly blot the applicator tip against a tissue before applying in order to get a thin line.

Magnetism applied. It's a very pretty deep raspberry, and is not screamingly bright. 

Both together: 

You can now purchase the collection online at Illasmasqua Generation Q, and at Illamasqua counters. 

Disclosure: PR samples.