Top 10 of 2012: Lipglosses

These are ten fantastic shades of gloss that I reviewed and tested in the past year.  You’ll notice that there are a few from Bobbi Brown’s High Shimmer range, and let’s just say it was hard not to include more!

• Bobbi Brown Firefly — iridescent pink and silver
• Chanel Merveille — muted plum-pink
• Clarins Grenadine — bright coral-pink
• Bobbi Brown Canary — gold on gold
• MAC Girl About Town — bright pink
• Korres Crocus — lavender
• MAC Ready to Roam — rich red
• Bobbi Brown Citrus — gold-shimmered coral
• Revlon Rosegold – pale rose gold
• Illamasqua Stranger — antique gold

What was your favorite lipgloss from 2012?

A Gold Lipgloss for the Season

Illamasqua Stranger Intense Lipgloss ($22.00 for 0.20 oz.) is described as a “metallic gold.” It’s a dirty, antique gold with a green-ish tinge and warmer, bronzy gold shimmer. It’s probably a shock to no one that I don’t have a laundry list of dupes for this shade–in fact, I couldn’t think of anything all that similar. MAC Liquid Lurex had a similar coloring in the tube, but it’s very sheer and glittery. OCC Triptych is warm, yellow-y gold. It’s different, and it’s certainly not a shade for everyone, but I’m really glad I picked it up. I think you can lightly dab it over various lipsticks/glosses to add a metallic shimmer if wearing it on its own isn’t your style.

It has mostly opaque color coverage, and the color applied evenly overall.  The Intense Lipgloss formula is designed to give rich color with a high shine finish.  It’s supposed to have a non-sticky texture, and there was no tack in the gloss to speak of.  It delivered a lot of color (and a ton of shimmer), and the finish was a bit glossy but very metallic.  Stranger lasted five hours on me, which is longer than average for a gloss. While worn, it was neither drying nor hydrating. The only downside is that ever since Illamasqua switched to brush-type applicator, nearly all of mine have had wonky, splayed brushes.

The Glossover

	Stranger A-
	For those who longed for a metallic, antique gold lip color, Illamasqua has your number. If you want to make it more wearable, mix it with your favorite red gloss or pat it lightly over a red lipstick.
	Product 9/10 Pigmentation 9.5/10 Texture 9.5/10 Longevity 9/10 Application 4.5/5
	Where to Buy
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Illamasqua Stranger Intense Lipgloss

Illamasqua Stranger Intense Lipgloss

Illamasqua Stranger Intense Lipgloss

Illamasqua Stranger Intense Lipgloss

Illamasqua Stranger Intense Lipgloss

Illamasqua Stranger Intense Lipgloss