Illamasqua Embellish Eye Trio (Strike, Infinity and Embellish) : Review and Swatches!

So, new year blogging hasn't started off too well seeing as I haven't actually posted anything in about three weeks. Oops. In my defense I have been super busy with work and I've recently started a new job. Also, I know I said my next review was going to be Illamasqua's Multi Facet Palette in Aura, but I did (another) mini haul of the Illamasqua winter sale and I REALLY couldn't wait to do a review of the following products, because I'm kind of a little bit in love with them. So without further ado, here we go!

If the title didn't give it away, today I'll be reviewing Illamasqua's Embellish Eye Trio! Can we just take a moment to appreciate this packaging?! I love how the black, gold and bronze tones match the products. It's super pretty, and would make a beautiful gift. With the two most recent collections - Once and Facets - Illamasqua have changed up the packaging a little. It's still classy and still very true to the brand, but it's always nice to see an aesthetic change. I'm not sure whether this will be a permanent thing or if it was only for specific products but I'm definitely a fan. 

Once you open the box you're met with this! Embossed in gold text is each product name and the individual shade. Included in this set is Brow Gel in Strike, which as far as I'm aware is the only shade currently available as this is a relatively new product. Wouldn't it be great to see the Eyebrow Cake shades released as Brow Gels? Also included in this set is Gel Liner in Infinity and Vintage Metallix in Embellish. 

The pots are glass, so you can see the product nice and clearly through them. They also have a gorgeous metallic rose-gold coloured screw lid, with the Illamasqua logo in the centre. Hmm, I might have failed to mention that this will be a super long post with A LOT of pictures... Shall we get on to the individual products then?

First up we have Precision Gel Liner in Infinity! This is a really REALLY deep black, and was first released as part of Illamasqua's Paranormal collection for Summer 2013. I found the formula of this very creamy, even for a gel eyeliner. It reminds me of MAC's Fluidline in Blacktrack, however I think the applied texture of Infinity is slightly smoother. Also, because of it's super-creamy formula Infinity doesn't dry straight away, which can be positive or negative depending on your preference. If you like your liner to dry quickly this product may require some patience, but if application takes you a little longer then this formula is perfect, as it gives you more time to play around and perfect your line, or alternatively to create that sultry, smudged look. Personally I find gel eyeliner much easier to use than liquid, and a small amount of this stuff goes a VERY long way. I can see Infinity becoming a staple part of my professional kit.

Next up we have Brow Gel in Strike! On Illamasqua's website this shade is simply described as "Brown" but if we're being specific about it I'd probably say it's a light brown with slight red undertones. It's a fairly universal shade and will compliment most hair colours. It wont be too dark for blondes, but it's not too light for darker hair colours either. Strike is very matte and dries fairly quickly. I love that it allows you to get a sharp, clean edge without having to use concealer. When I define my eyebrows with pencil or powder I always have to clean up with concealer to get the perfect line but with Strike that's completely unnecessary, yay for no more concealer clean ups! Now, if you don't like that harsh edge on your brows you can definitely use this lightly to create a more natural look. Oh and the best thing about Strike? Not only is it insanely pigmented, it's also waterproof! Rain? No problem. Sweat? Don't worry about it. Smudging? We've got it covered. In short, this stuff will not move. 

And do we have time for one more? I think we do! I've saved my favourite until last: Vintage Metallix in Embellish! *swoon* So, let me give you a quick product run down. Vintage Metallix were released as part of Illamasqua's Once... collection; they're a cream-based eyeshadow packed with shimmer which gives the product beautiful light-reflective properties. They come in three shades: Bibelot, Courtier and Embellish. I've used Courtier (a dusty-pink nude flecked with gold shimmer) for a while now, I find it makes a perfect base for powder eye shadows as it's highly crease-resistant and really brings out pigmentation. It's also a great highlight for anywhere on the face and body. I was super excited to try out Embellish, and as part of this set how could I refuse?! Bibelot, don't think I've forgotten about you, I'll get my hands on you soon!

So, back to Embellish. It's described as "vintage brown" which is accurate, but I would also describe it as a copper flecked with gold shimmer. The great thing about this product is that it's highly buildable, so if you don't want to go too intense you can just use a light wash or you can go all out and smother your eyelids in gorgeous bronze goodness. Like Infinity and Strike the formula is very creamy, so it's super easy to blend but it dries down very well and is completely crease-proof. I personally wouldn't use Embellish as a base because I think the colour is seriously lovely on its own, but it could definitely be used as an eyeshadow primer.

If you've made it this far, congratulations on your astounding attention span. What can I say, I like to be thorough. The time has now come...for swatches!

Natural light without flash

With flash

More than anything I think these swatches really reflect how pigmented these products are. Infinity is like staring into a black hole - it definitely lives up to it's name. And check the way the light catches the shimmer on Embellish, especially in the second photo. I'm in love. Totally in love. 

Now I hate to be the bearer of bad news but about halfway through writing this post I found out that the Embellish Trio has actually been discontinued as of yesterday. It was infact just a limited edition gift set for Christmas. I can hear the sobbing already. But it's not all doom and gloom! If checking your local Illamasqua counter/store for any left over sets doesn't come up with anything, all three products are still available for separate purchase and you can find them at Illamasqua's website. Personally I think it's worth having all three and in the next few days I'll be posting an eye look to show you how you can use them all together.

So, there you have it. Thanks for reading this looooooong post and I promise my next review will be of the Multi Facet Palette in Aura. I hope this review has helped - until next time!