When I finally decided to embrace the bold lip trend, the first lipstick that came to my mind was (of course) Ilia Beauty in Femme Fatale. A gorgeous brick red, which seemed to require just a little less bravery than its brighter sibling, Ilia Beauty in Wild Child.
Consistency: The consistency is very creamy. On very cold days I wore a thin layer of lip balm underneath for extra comfort, but lately, (and in these pictures I published) I have not used any balm. The lipstick has been gliding on my lips just as smoothly, as if it was a tinted lip conditioner. It is extremely comfortable and moisturizing, and it does not settle into lip lines, even after a few hours.
Color: This is a vibrant, medium-dark red. It is nicely pigmented and requires only one coat to give full coverage. It also gives a nice sheen.
Application: My favorite way to apply it is with a lip brush, and my absolute favorite lip brush is Cargo number 17, which has a square tip (review coming soon!) It helps me to apply the product more evenly. I do sometimes apply it straight from the bullet if I want to wear it as a stain. I just dab the lipstick on my lips, and then with a finger pat my lips until I have the amount of color I want.
Packaging: Classic sleek Ilia tube, which I love!
Ingredients: Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil*, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil*, Jojoba (Simmondsia Chinensis) Seed Oil*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Beeswax (Cera Alba)*, Triisostearyl Citrate, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Theobroma Cacao (cocoa) Seed Butter*, Manihot Esculenta (Tapioca) Starch*, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Rosa Canina (Rose Hip) Fruit Oil, Sage (Salvia Officinalis) Leaf Extract, Tocopherol. May contain: Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxide (CI 77499, CI 77492, CI 77491), Red 7 CI15850, Red 28 CI45410, Yellow 5 CI19140. *Organic Ingredients
Scent: Unscented.
Final Thoughts: I actually enjoyed the Ilia Beauty lipstick texture even more than my beloved tinted lip conditioners. I expected it to be more matte, while it actually gives a slightly juicy finish to my lips. Lovely pigmentation, beautiful color, extra-moisturizing. I will definitely purchase more shades!