October 19, 2011

Illamasqua Freak - not for the faint hearted

Does Illamasqua do anything by halves? If you've bought anything from the brand previously you'll know that their products can polarize opinion. You either love them or... no, I can't bear the thought that some people might hate them. No prizes for guessing which camp I'm in!

Their new fragrance releases tomorrow, 20th October, and is not for the faint hearted. Everything is unique about it: the campaign images feature a purple lady, with a purple octopus on her shoulder; the bottle will freak you out because it looks like it's about to topple over; and the scent...?
Image courtesy of Illamasqua

"Freak is concoction of dangerously exotic unconventional flowers which Illamasqua has unashamedly blended to celebrate the night".

Top notes 
Black Davana, Opium Flower and Belladonna bewitch the senses into uncontrollable lust and passion.
Heart notes
Poison Hemlock, Datura and Queen of the Night blossom, caress and kiss.
Base notes
Aromas of Frankincense, Oud and Myrrh, addictively mesmerizes and captures the senses.


The art deco inspired bottle is tilted to the side, with a smokey purple hue. And how adorable is the little snail on top?
Image courtesy of Illamasqua

What I think...
I was sent a very generous sample to try out. My first impression upon opening the bottle was "whoa, it's strong!". Then random words popped into my head - exotic, mysterious, dark, moody, sexy, provocative. Then over time my thoughts managed to form themselves a bit better so here is what I think.
  • It's not a daytime fragrance. No, don't even try to make it work during daylight. You'll just confuse everyone. 
  • At first spray the heavy woody scent is the most obvious, and it remains rich and strong for the first hour after you apply it. 
  • Over time it mellows a bit, and it starts to smell more floral, and even a little bit smokey. This is when I start to really like the fragrance.
  • It lasts a long time. After spraying this in the evening I could still smell it in the morning on my hair (I'd sprayed behind my ears).
  • It reminds me of the strong perfumes my mum used to wear in the 80s, in fact I can see us fighting over possession of this perfume as soon as she spots it on my dressing room table. Note to self, don't let mum take a sniff of this beauty. 
My PR sample of Illamasqua Freak
Bottom line...
If you like pretty floral fragrances, this is not for you. If you like intoxicating scents, if you like to come across as dangerous and provocative, and a little bit femme fatale, then this is for you.

And because I can be silly...
The promo images are so stunning, it led me to think how freaky I would look if I had purple skin. Seeing as I didn't have a purple foundation just laying about, I turned to Picnik to make me purple. I even got myself a pet purple octopus. Yeah. Silly.

Are you looking forward to trying this perfume?

Disclaimer: provided for review. I am not paid to review this product and all opinions expressed here are purely my own.  

    14 comments :

    1. sounds like my kind of perfume...cannot wait to try it :)

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    2. I'm actually excited to smell this now.
      The bottle is so freakin gorgeous :)
      xx

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    3. Hmm... I guess I'll have to try it myself but seeing as my favourite perfumes are anything Marc Jacobs and D&G the one I don't think this will be for me haha.

      Did you get lots of comments when you wore it?

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    4. Rachel - it releases tomorrow, so you should hopefully get a chance to try it soon.

      Makeup and Me - Gianna, it's very very strong, you need to apply it then walk away for a while before you can start appreciated the scent. At first I was put off because it was so strong, afterwards I couldn't stop sniffing my wrist!

      Ella - No comments yet, but that's because I haven't really worn it out much yet. I'll wear it for dinner out on the weekend and see what happens!

      Lilit
      xo

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    5. Haha, Lilit you are so adorable!

      I'm thinking this is JUST the kind of perfume that I'd love to try out! Dare I say it, but I have not yet tried a single thing from Illamasqua. Perhaps a trip into the City is on the cards soon?

      e. Xx

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    6. It seems the perfume houses are having an 80's moment. I received a sample vial of Tom Ford's new Violet Blonde EDP a little while back and it also has that heady aroma - it reminds me of Christian Dior's Poison which my mum used to wear - the sort of perfume which arrives in the room before you do!

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    7. Ebony! You've never tried Illamasqua? Yes you need to take a trip to the City and march over to Illamasqua and get yourself their lipstick in Corrupt. You will love it. And you will thank me later.

      Vita - yep looks like it's an 80s revival! It's definitely a strong scent reminiscent of shoulder pad wearing 80s power women. As long as the fashions don't come back in style I'll be fine!

      Lilit
      xo

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    8. I am completely inlove with this bottle. soooooo pretty! especially because it is purple and has a snail. Going to try and convince my mum to get this for me at Christmas. Do you know if they ship this from the website to Australia? or if you have to buy it from a counter?
      Grace xx

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    9. Based on your description alone I think I can get my boyfriend to buy this for me. I love perfumes that layer spices with florals, so this sounds like a winner in my book. And since it comes out on my birthday...

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    10. I am so jealous you have a bottle of your own to sniff! :) I can't wait til I get my hands on it!

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    11. Grace - the illamasqua website ships to Australia, and it is cheaper than at the counters. It's a very strong scent though, so see if you can smell it at a counter first before getting it.

      Rae - happy birthday for today! Hope your boyfriend gets you whatever you wish for, including this perfume!

      LauraJean - Yes, I was very lucky to receive the sample. :-)

      Lilit
      xo

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    12. I've read one other review of this perfume and it really seems like my kind of scent. I'll wear it in the day I tell you! I love confusing people!

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    13. Definitely can't wait to try it! I have a feeling I will fall in love! x

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    14. I LOVE the promo shots for this parfum! So pretty yet so edgy!

      And I agree- this is NOT a day time fragrance :\

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