REVIEWS: Illamasqua Kontrol Lipstick

  As we enter the final stretch of 2013 and life begins to gradually begin to slow down on the run-up to Christmas, I've found myse...

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As we enter the final stretch of 2013 and life begins to gradually begin to slow down on the run-up to Christmas, I've found myself reminiscing over or 'reviewing' the year so far. I can say without a doubt that 2013 has been the year of experimentation for me.

Looking back through some of my older posts, I came across one from 2010 that really caught my eye. I'd purchased NYX's Round Lipstick in Snow White, which is a crimson red shade, and I was talking about how I wasn't brave enough to venture outside the house wearing it.

How times have changed! 

Almost four years on, and rarely do I venture outside the house without a bright lipstick on. But this year I went one further and began toying with alternative shades, and this post is dedicated to one that really stands out: Illamasqua's Kontrol.

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 Swatch!

As you can see, Kontrol is a blue based violet with very subtle grey undertones. It's one of those shades that you just won't find in your local Boots or Superdrug, one of the reasons I love Illamasqua so freaking much. It goes completely against the grain.

And there's no half-measures here either, it's richly pigmented, full-on opaque with a smooth, creamy formula that applies effortlessly to the lips. Kontrol isn't quite like Illamasqua's matte lipsticks, where you need to exfoliate your lips and apply some decent lip balm. No, the creamy formula ensures this lipstick requires minimum effort. It's also incredibly forgiving on dry lips and doesn't accentuate any flakes. YES!

I'd say it's a slightly cool toned lipstick, something I tend to steer well clear of as they generally tend to clash with my skin tone. Illamasqua have surprised me with this one though, as I think it matches up pretty well with my NC37 - NC40 skin tone.

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As for the finish, it isn't quite matte. If anything I'd say it's slap bang in the middle of matte and gloss, more like a velvety-smooth finish. Topshop's Velvet Lips - take note!

The lasting power is pretty good for a non-matte lipstick, by lunchtime I find that it's beginning to wear off a little though so I give it a wee touch up. By the end of the working day my lips are left with a purple-hued stain but with a touch up a few hours after lunch, it actually begins to look more matte than glossy.

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Sigh 

So beautiful. 

Illamasqua's Kontrol is priced at £16.50, so I can understand why people may find this pretty steep for a lipstick. Personally I think it's worth it! If, however, you aren't so sure about it I've heard that Stargazer's 130 lipstick is a pretty good dupe, though it is a lot glossier. That'll set you back £2.99, so might be worth a whirl before you take on the real thing!

 Have you tried Illamasqua's Kontrol? What tones are you sporting this season?

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20 comments

  1. Aaahh this colour is amazing. I recently bought MAC's Cyber but it's waaay dark, almost looks black. I love how this is a proper purpley colour.
    xoxo

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  2. WOW! This colour looks beautiful on you Halima and it's so different! Illamasqua are fast becoming one of our favourite brands :)

    Eve & Faye x
    Sugar Spun Sisters - A blog about cosmetics, clothes & coeliac disease

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  3. Looks incredible on you! I know what you mean, I used to be scared to wear red lipsticks too :') it's fun being experimental xx

    mypalaceofalice.blogspot.co.uk

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  4. Love this colour ans sounds amazing, I've been trying to find the perfect winter lipstick for a while! would also like to say your make up looks amazing, wish I could make mine look like that :)

    Katie xx | Katies World

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  5. Oh wow, this actually turned out quite badass with your hair xD I adore this color, wore Kontrol out and I don't think people were quite used to the color xD

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  6. You look stunning! This really looks good on you such a pretty shade I recently got the Illamasqua lipstick in fabel it's very drying but I love it such a nice neutral colour but you can build it up to make it more neon :P x

    www.krystelcouture.com

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  7. Went back to your first year posts and wow how you've changed! Must say definitely loving the bolder look. It gives me hope that in a years time I'll be able to wear those lipsticks out that I find too daring x

    Holly ♥ petitepromise.blogspot.co.uk

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  8. The color is so saturated and amazing, I love it on you. Also, your make up is spot on! xx

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  9. Gorgeous color, it looks especially amazing on you! I really enjoy your blog so far and would love to follow each other--please join my GFC and I'll follow you right back!
    I recently joined Instagram and hope we can connect there too :)

    StylizedLuxe
    Instagram

    xo Jess

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  10. Wow this is gorgeous, I'm so impressed. Your makeup is out of this world stunning. I love this lip colour so much.

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  11. I wish I could get away with wearing this shade, it looks so awesome on you! Especially with your hair. <3

    Tara xo

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  12. Hello dear, beautiful blog and amazing lips colour :) i follow you with pleasure on GFC, bloglovin, instagram, twitter, facebook, if you want to pass me by :)

    http://teanonsolomoda.blogspot.it

    kiss Tea

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  13. You look more gorgeous for every post...! Love the lip colour x
    Maria // thefashionsucker.blogspot.dk

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  14. AHH, this is beyond amazing.
    xx from NYC
    Davie and Erica

    www.lpfashionphilosophy.blogspot.com

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  15. Wow your make up is so incredible. Your hair colour and the lipstick are such an awesome contrast!

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  16. wow, I am new to your blog but incredible makeup! love the hair as well, you're a very pretty girl :) xx

    www.tigerlilybeauty.blogspot.com | UK Beauty Blog

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  17. I've never tried this color, but on you it's gorgeous! You're bold and I love it! And I know the lipstick is the focus of this post, but your eye makeup is amaze as well :)

    The Indie Byline

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  18. the colour is amazing, love the fact of the great coverage, which is something really important to me when choosing a lipstick, especially at that price! :) xxxx

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