Illamasqua Zeitgeist Pure Pigment

Illamasqua Zeitgeist Pure Pigment ($24.00 for 0.04 oz.) is described as a “shimmering black.” It’s new for fall/winter and available at Sephora state-side, while the full line of Pure Pigments is available at Illamasqua (they do ship internationally!).

Pure Pigments are loose, colored powder that can be used alone or mixed with other products. I find they work best when used wet or with a mixing medium, but shades like Zeitgeist have a more matte base color, which allows it to adhere better without an additional product. However, when used dry, the intensity is lackluster; the shimmer stands out more, but the base black color gets a little lost. It looks sheer and almost chalky when it’s applied dry. I like it better over a primer–especially as a crease shade–and it darkens nicely.

When it’s applied damp (I used just water for the swatch), it’s much more intense–very rich and deeply black–but the shimmer is softer and less apparent. Trade-offs! If you want the intensity and the shimmer, you could apply it damp first, and then pat a little on top dry. This particular shade would work well as an eyeshadow or eyeliner. The color reminded me of Lancome The New Black Eyeshadow but less shimmery.

The packaging looks sleek on the outside, and I appreciate that it has a smaller opening inside, but I think even smaller holes with a sifter would be more efficient.  Opening the “pot” can be finicky as well; it’s easiest to lift it up on all sides with the edge of something (like your nail), but it’s not the best.

Illamasqua Zeitgeist Pure Pigment

Illamasqua Zeitgeist Pure Pigment

Illamasqua Zeitgeist Pure Pigment

Illamasqua Zeitgeist Pure Pigment