PRODUCT REVIEW // ILLAMASQUA HYDRA VEIL, BEYOND POWDER, RICH FOUNDATION AND POWDER FOUNDATION FROM RY

One of those brands that I’ve always been fascinated with is Illamasqua, which at one point was sold in one of the department stores… but sadly that stopped, and it was no longer available in Australia, until RY started stocking it, which was incredible news, as the products are nothing short of amazing. Thanks to RY, I’ve put some products to the test. 

Let’s start with the Illamasqua Hydra Veil Primer, which is enriched with Microalgae and Vitamins C and B3 to hydrate the skin, along with Plant Extracts to calm, comfort and refresh the skin. The primer comes in a little jar, and while I am not overly fond of that, and would have preferred a tube, at least it comes with a little spatula so I don’t have to dip my fingers into it.

The primer has a gel-like texture, and you only need the tiniest amount to cover the full face, and it absorbs immediately into the skin without any greasiness, and leaves the skin feeling so soft, smooth and with a lovely glow, however, I’m not sure that the glow is actually visible after I’ve applied foundation.

It does make applying makeup afterwards is a little easier, and I feel I need a little less makeup, as it simply glides on, and I do feel that it helps control my oil production, making my makeup stay put throughout the day, without settling or sliding. It is a lovely primer, and I do like that it hydrates my skin and truly helps prevent makeup from looking dry or cakey, especially during the winter months when my skin tends to become a little drier.

The Illamasqua Rich Liquid Foundation is a foundation that promises maximum coverage while being long lasting, with a bendable formula, water resistant finish. It has a matte finish that conditions the skin whilst absorbing ingredients reduce excess oil, to keep it looking flawless throughout the day.

With increasing pigmentation and some scarring from past acne, I am always on the lookout for a great full coverage foundation for my combination skin, and one that will stay matte too. 

The actual foundation is quite thick, and I found that it was easiest to apply with either my fingers or a sponge, and and applying it very sparingly, as otherwise it ends up looking very thick and cakey on the skin and settling into fine lines. This also means that I do find the tit takes a little time to apply, and apply it properly, as if you rush it, and don’t blend it out properly, it really doesn’t look that flattering on the skin.

But once you perfects the application and the amount you apply, it looks great and really is giving the skin a full coverage, easily covering everything including even larger areas of pigmentation and breakouts as well as scarring - and yes, it does rally stay put all day, without any shine, even on my slightly greasy skin. It does settle slightly into my fine lines, so I probably wouldn’t recommend this very ageing skin. I also don’t think that it would be ideal for those with very dry skin, as I think it may end up looking a little patchy and highlight any dry areas.

However, all in all, as a stay at home mum, it is not a foundation that I’d use on a casual daily basis to go to the playground or kindergarten drop-offs, but it is fantastic for those times or special events where I feel like I need a little extra. 

Then there’s the Illamasqua Beyond Powder which is the most stunning highlighter you’ll ever see. The shade OMG has the most beautiful shimmering champagne-beige golden hue, and it is perfect for illuminating the face on top of the cheek bones, brow bones or even shoulders and décolleté. 

It has a silky soft formula and it is so fine and applies easily with a brush, and it can be used both wet and dry, making it a little more intense when applied wet. Personally I much prefer the subtle look of using it dry. It is easy to apply and blend, giving you the most gorgeous healthy and radiant glow, that can be built up to be quite intense if you like, but again, I prefer the subtle look. It comes in a gorgeous black compact in a sleek and stunning shape and design, that just looks incredible. 

Finally, there’s the Illamasqua Powder Foundation, which is offering medium to fill coverage. It has a fine and very smooth texture and it quite easy to applying blend, giving you a great coverage, with a nice velvety soft and matte finish. It comes with a little sponge so you can touch up on the go, but personally I prefer to use a brush, such as a kabuki. You can apply it lightly, but it still gives a medium coverage, which you easily build up as desired for even better coverage, yet without looking cakey, but rather still giving you a natural look. It is lovely wearing on its own, and setting with a setting mist, but I also like using a very fine layer as a finishing powder, adding a little extra where I’ve got a pigmentation or acne scarring. It also wears quite well, even on my combination skin, and doesn’t settle into the fine lines and wrinkles.


Illamasqua Hydra Veil Primer - $57 / 30ml
Illamasqua Rich Liquid Foundation - $55 / 30ml
Illamasqua Powder Foundation - $51 / 10g
Illamasqua Beyond Powder - $57 / 7g

Available from RY

Some products may have been kindly provided for editorial consideration, and have been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy, and reviews are 100% honest and based on personal opinion and experience. Note that The Beauty & Lifestyle Hunter is not a professional or expert, so please do not substitute these opinions as professional advice.

Also note, this post may contain affiliate links, which means you pay no extra, but I get a small commission fee if you click through and buy something. And if so, thank you much for your supporting the running costs of my blog. xx


Remember that in between my blog posts you can always keep up with me on Twitter, Facebook, Bloglovin or Instagram