ALU’s 365 of Untrieds – Illamasqua Purity
365 of Untrieds is my personal challenge to weed through the polishes in the ALU stash that I’ve been wanting to try but just haven’t gotten around to.
When I meet someone who is unfamiliar with Illamasqua I often find myself describing the brand as the UK version of MAC but that’s not really a fair portrayal. While both brands have playful, diverse color ranges and are very open to all walks of life, I dare say MAC has become a bit more tame under the Estee Lauder umbrella while Illamasqua keeps their underground edge a bit more prominent. This spring the Illamasqua Toxic Nature Collection delves into a a realm where nature is fighting back with conceptual and slightly off nail colors that include a funky ochre, Bacterium, and an acid lime, Radium. I opted to wear the grounded, more traditional, Purity for today’s 365 of Untrieds. |
Formula & Application: Illamasqua is a 3-Free brand based out of the UK that sells their products exclusively at Sephora in the US. The bottle has a removable outer cap that reveals a small ribbed inner cap that can be used for application though I prefer to just leave the outer cap on while polishing. The brush is thin and round and reminds me of the old OPI non-Pro Wide brush.
Purity is really well pigmented given how light the color is. The formula feels somewhat thick when it lays down and it looks pretty streaky on the first coat but once the second coat went down, it was flawless. Because the polish is thick with pigment I suggest applying one thin coat, which will be uneven, let that dry for a couple minutes, then apply one medium coat. You should be good to go. We’re talking two coats and done.
Illamasqua Purity is a Georgia peach creme. Sweet yet vivid. This is not a pastel. If anything I’d call it an energized pastel. The color balance in it is pretty spot on as it’s not too pink, like Essie Haute as Hello, nor is it too warm or reddish. To me this looks like a lightened version of China Glaze Peachy Keen from last year’s Up & Away Collection.
Bottom Line: The coverage is great and I’ve always been a fan of Illamasqua’s impeccable formula and color range. Though if I were recommending shades to a first time Illamasqua buyer, this one wouldn’t make the short list. It’s pretty and is a good collection staple but it’s not something I would be DYING to tell a friend to run out and get.
365 of Untrieds Stash/Share Verdict: I don’t wear a lot of peach and I already own quite a few so holding on to this one doesn’t feel necessary. I’m going to SHARE it.
Illamasqua Purity is available now as part of the Toxic Nature Collection at Sephora stores nationwide and online at Sephora.com and Illamasqua.com. Illamasqua Nail Varnishes retail for $14/ea for a .5oz bottle.
Are you a fan of Illamasqua polish? What is your favorite shade? Are you into Purity’s peachiness? Would you stash or share this one?
Disclosure: A product sample was provided by Illamasqua. For more info view my Disclosure Policy.
Lisa N.
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I love your color descriptions!!! I can see the color without looking at picture.
I don’t connect with peachy. It doesn’t go well with my skin tone.
The only peach in my stash is Chanel Orange fizz.
I have it and like it but it didn’t set my world on fire…
How does the formula wear? Im used to wearing my polish for a week with OPI. Would I be disappointed with illamasqua?
I just recently bought my FIRST Illamasqua polish at Sephora in NYC. I hate that there are so few Sephora’s that sell the brand in stores.
I had debated about what polish to get, and narrowed it down to Milf, Load, or Purity. I ultimately ended up going with Load. It was just so hilariously inappropriate, and I don’t have any comparable colors.
I plan to pick up some more Illamasqua polishes the next time I’m in the city. I’m sure I’ll still be debating Purity!
Thank you for the swatches!!
I love to see that you’re posting frequently again.
Samantha, I know what you mean about so few Sephoras carrying Illamasqua. I’ve yet to see any of the product line in person. Thanks ALU for swatching! It helps, but i’d still like to see it in person. Should we start a campaign?
I’m really happy to see Purity actually look nice on someone! So for that I thank you. I have this polish adn I don’t like it at all (on me). Illamasqua formula and wear is utterly flawless though.
I’m in the UK where Illamasqua has a far more “boutiquey” and extrovert image than MAC, which, you’re right, is a lot tamer these days.
I just tried to buy my first illamasqua polish and te people at my Sephora had never heard of it
I won this collection in a giveaway that I saw on your twitter, so thank you!
Purity is nice and I don’t have any other peachy colors, so it is definitely a good peach to begin with.
I am obsessed with Bacterium! That is one of the coolest neutral’s ever. It’s base color is kind of like Decorous, but then it has a blue duochrome.
Purity doesn’t look that unique, but I love Bacterium. And Stagnate.
this might be the peach i’m looking for. peaches are the only color i cannot get to look “right” on me. peachy keen looked too stark on me and others look either too orange or too pink. cross your fingers that this one will work for me
Despite summer approaching I don’t really feel this shade. I am not a peach polish girl. I think you’re right. This is a good collection staple but I don’t think I would say to anyone “You really need this NOW”. However, if Illamasqua’s polish formula is good overall I might splurge for some bottles.
Oh god I WANT IT! I WANT IT NOW!!
I like it, I’ve been looking for a good true peach and this one looks really pretty
You made me curious… What colors would make it to your short list to a first time Illamasqua buyer?
I knew someone would ask that question. I’m glad you did. Phallic, Baptiste, Milf, Muse, Fern and Elope. For a green/blue/purple polish lover, they’re all winners.
Oh, I’ve had Muse on my wanted list for months, just haven
Ohhhhh, that reminds me of that post you did like a year or so ago of the limited edition Baptiste and Boo set! Not having Boo in my life will forever torture and haunt me! I just can’t forget how amazing it looked over Baptiste which on its own is great, but with Boo on top is probably the best layering combo I’ve ever seen in my life. Seriously if I saw someone with a bottle of Boo I’d probably jump them for it! That’s how obsessed I am with it and for that I blame you! LOL!
Ahem… SHARE this way, lady! lol I have NOTHING in my collection around this shade. It’s so pretty! And yeah, I’ve been embracing my “pretty” side a lot these days.
I would stash this
I love love loooove peaches..but somehow don’t own a single one! My peach-polish list is long, but I haven’t ever really been able to pick any up…Maybe soon!
Oooo, I like it. Peachy Keen leans too yellow on me, so I wonder if this one would be any better.
Thank you so much for swatching this, I was thinking of getting it but I’m as mortified of sheer colors.
Also, Urban Decay used to carry a liquid liner called Radium that was a bright cobalt blue. It would be sweet to do oneself up in head-to-toe Radium.
It looks a bit like Chanel’s Inattendu!!
Meh, not totally bowled over by this color. Which isn’t to say I don’t like it, because I do like the peachy-ness of it and I don’t have anything like it in my stash– but for some reason, this just doesn’t grab me.
However, I do appreciate you reviewing some Illamasque because I know next to nothing about this polish and so it’s great to get your take on it. I also appreciate the color recommendations you made above!