The first of September was when I broke down and purchased anything by Illamasqua for the first time ever. The price decrease was the catalyst and I was the willing buyer. I perused the shelves oh so carefully in order to walk away with a few gems to polish and shine.

Hooked on a look, that was me since about, oh, July. Lilit of Makeup and Macaroons reviewed it post-baby - let's face it, she didn't really need the extra glow, but Naked Rose certainly helped to intensify it in a beautiful way. With Illamasqua's Powder Blusher formula, a little goes a long way. Yes, it might be set in a pan, but wow, it sure dusts up easily with your brush of choice.

Naked Rose is a matte, pale pink with tawny undertones and I find it perfect for everyday wear. Lately, I've been popping it in my gym bag for a quick morning pick me up post workout. Whenever I apply Naked Rose, I noticed it carries a light, almost sugary sweet scent -- think hot cocoa powder :) In terms of wear time, Naked Rose sticks around for 8-9 hours.

Important Note: Don't let the thin plastic case fool you, I handled it delicately until I accidentally dropped it; lucky for me the pan stayed in place and didn't break apart.

Glister was a last minute addition. It struck me as fun and I don't own anything like it. Illamasqua describes this shade of Precision Ink as an "opalescent nude" -- put it a better way, a sparkly colour which hides Nicole's mistakes; my eye liner skills will get there. Promise!

Before applying Glister, make sure you shake the tube. I couldn't help but wonder why the formula was running thin and watery when I first applied it. Once Glister was in place I looked to the mirror and then peered down for a few beats; this exercise allowed my lids to close without crinkling. This manoeuvre also gives the product a moment to set and dry; the last thing I want to do is open my eyes only to transport the liner to the crease.

The only off-putting thing about Glister was the removal process. Once Glister sets, it really has no intention of going anywhere -- I know that's what anyone would want in a good liner. At the end of the day my eye makeup remover was able to loosen Glister and break it into chunks, which I then had to peel off my lash line. I likened this experience to picking glue off of your fingertips after completing a messy arts and crafts project.

Let's bow our heads together and observe a moment of silence for a few fallen lashes.

Like my lippie and eye makeup? I'm also wearing Bite Beauty's Velvet and a few shades from Urban Decay's Naked palette.

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Illamasqua's Powder Blusher in Naked Rose & Precision Ink Liner in Glister:

$ 28.00 AUS / $24.00 USD and $26.00 AUS / $27.50 USD
Total savings after the price cut: $31.50 AUS - that's 36% off!

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

9 out of 10 bags for Naked Rose – I love Illamasqua's blush formula almost as much as NARS
5 out of 10 bags for Glister – yes, it's a beautiful and unique shade, but I don't want to lose my lashes

Likelihood to purchase again: