Wednesday 10 August 2011

Quick review: Illamasqua Powdered Metal: Ether

Illamasqua's Powdered Metal is one of the products I received in July's GlossyBox. It's basically a loose powder highlighter which can be used to add a subtle sheen to skin, or built up/applied with a damp brush to create more of a metallic finish.

Illamasqua Powdered Metal: Ether

The powder is available in three different shades, Thalia (Golden tan shimmer), Bebhionn (soft pink shimmer), and Ether (pale gold shimmer). I received Ether in my box and I'd say Illamasqua's colour description is a pretty accurate one.

Illamasqua Powdered Metal: Ether

Powdered metal is actually the first product I've tried from the brand and I have to say, I'm really impressed with the quality of the product. The powder is very finely milled, feels incredibly soft and applies beautifully. A light application of Ether leaves a pretty, glowy finish on skin and applied with a damp brush, creates more of an intense metallic finish which is shimmery but not glittery. I've mainly used it as a highlighting powder on cheeks and normally apply with a soft, fluffy brush which leaves skin with a hint of golden sheen.  

The result is pretty, but a little bit too shimmery for my taste. I prefer natural make-up and like my highlighting products to add more of a pearly, subtle glow rather than a shimmery finish. I've also found that Ether seems to be a bit too yellow on my skin too, which kind of adds to the unnatural finish. 

Ether Swatches: L - Outdoor R - Indoor with flash


 I was a little bit disappointed that I couldn't get the powder to work as a highlighter for my face, but I have found another use for it. I've been mixing a small amount with body cream and applying it to arms and legs. Mixing with a lotion seems to take the shimmer down and the cream/powder mix leaves skin with a lovely, delicate, golden sheen. 

I doubt I'll be repurchasing when the powder runs out because the finish just isn't natural enough for me. If you like shimmery highlighters or you're after a gold, metallic powder, it might be worth giving Ether a try.

Available from Illamasqua.com where it costs £22.50 for 15g tub.

4 comments:

  1. What a nice item from the glossy box. It look very pretty on the swatches. A shame you don't like shimmers:)

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  2. Too bad it didn't work well as a highlighter, but it looks gorgeous! I think it would make a fabulous eyeshadow :)

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  3. I'm always intrigued whenever I see those powders, I love how they feel when I swatch them... but then I'm at a loss as to how to actually use them so I don't get them. Too bad it didn't work for you, but at least you got to try it from the glossy box without wasting too much money on it.

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  4. Beautyshades - It was a nice item to get in the GlossyBox (there were quite a few great items in last months!) It is a bit of shame I can't get it to work, it's just too yellow and too shimmery for me!

    Vintage - I haven't actually tried it as a an eye shadow, will have to give that a go.

    Makeup and Macaroons - They do feel lovely, incredibly soft and light weight and it is a bit of a shame it doesn't work for me, but as you said, at least I didn't pay £22.50 for it. Think I would have been a little bit more disappointed if I had! :)

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