The other day I was messing about in my stash. I realized that I haven’t given Illamasqua’s Pure Pigments (1.3 gm, £15.50)  much love on this blog. I ♥ them so much because they are very versatile in use, and are well packaged. So I’ve decided to share some gratuitous close-up shots of the Illamasqua pigments I own (with and without bases), as well as a few different ways you can use them.  Where relevant, I have included links to photos in which I use a particular pigment.

“Static”: This pigment competes with MAC’s “Vanilla” as most-flexible-pigment-ever. Besides the obvious use as an all over eye shadow, you can use it for a subtle dusting on the eyes (middle of lid only); highlighting the inner corners of the eyes; cheekbone highlight (any skin colour); use it over a darker base to really make it pop; mix it with your favourite lip gloss; or mix it with your foundation (fair-skin girls) to give your foundation a shimmer effect.

“Ore”:  Illamasqua’s #1 pigment, and overall top ten product. It’s a gorgeous old gold colour. I like to mix it with sealing gel to use it as liquid eyeliner or to draw on my face; or mix it with a lip gloss. “Ore” really pops on any skin colour, and does not require a base to get the full effect of the colour.

“Berber”: This is one of my favourites. It’s a shimmery coral-red colour that looks absolutely gorgeous on any skin colour. Brown and blue eyes really pop with this. When I’m feeling quirky, I like to use it with sealing gel to fill in my eyebrows or use it as waterproof eye shadow.

“Android”: This charcoal grey colour makes an excellent choice for traditional smokey eye or use it as eyeliner . If you are really daring, mix it with clear gloss and layer it over red lipstick. An even hotter look? Mix it with sealing gel and use it as a waterproof lipstick. Top with clear gloss for that super-wet effect.

While I have featured the Illamasqua pigments I own, you can do a lot of this stuff with any high quality pigment. Your imagination is your only limitation. If you have any suggestions that weren’t covered here, feel free to leave a comment .