Sunday Swatches: Illamasqua Matte Lip Liquid - Forbidden

Hello my lovelies!

Last month I posted a picture on my Instagram page of the new Illamasqua Matte Lip Liquid from the Summer 2014 "Matte Effect" collection and I've had a play around with it and absolutely love it!

 
I have to say I was a bit worried at first about the shade Forbidden as it seemed very cool toned for my dark/pigmented lips; but after trying Luster from the previous Illamasqua Glamore collection (blog post here), I've been more drawn to these cooler toned shades as I've been wearing them by blending the coolness away with my fingertips, which helps make the product look less pastel-like on my pigmented lips, as you can see in the swatch below.

Colour & Pigmentation: "Forbidden" is described as a "sensual pink" which is most definitely a cool toned pink. There's no doubt the Matte Lip Liquid is highly concentrated and pigmented.. a little goes a long way, particularly when I'm using it blended with my finger.
Texture: The texture of this product is fairly thick, which means less is more. On application the Matte Lip Liquid feels creamy, but once the product sets, there can be a slight dry feel to it. I always use lip balm and tissue off excess before wearing matte lip products to eliminate any discomfort.
Packaging: I like the fact that the Matte Lip Liquid has a brush applicator, however I'm more of a fan of squeezy tubes for hygiene/kit purposes, or for a product like this, I'd prefer a more precise applicator
Longevity: This product is actually probably the most long wearing lip colour I own.. which is saying something as I have a tonne of lip products! The fact that it is matte definitely helps with longevity, but I've eaten fairly oily foods with this product on the lips and it still manages to keep its colour on the lips once I'm done eating!
Scent: There's a faint vanilla/sweet smell to the product that I have to say I love too.
Price: At £18.50, this lip product is more on the pricey side, however if you're a fan of long wearing products like I am, it's worth investing in, not to mention the fact I wear the product thinly, so use much less than a usual lipgloss etc.

FrootiFactor: I have to say this product pleasantly surprised me as it is a lovely shade of pink, smells sweet and barely requires touch ups even after eating (which is handy with a baby now, as I rarely have time to check my makeup!)
I'd give this product a 4.5 out of 5, purely because I'd prefer a different applicator; I do love this product though and would love to see more shades as with the satin lipsticks, so I hope Illamasqua continue making more amazing products!

The new Matte Effect collection for Summer includes the Matte Lip Liquid in 3 shades, Velvet Blushers in 4 shades (one a web exclusive), a new Matte Veil primer/base, and a Matte Top Coat nail varnish.
All are available at Illamasqua.com or at Debenhams.

What do you think of the Matte Lip Liquids? Have you tried any of the products from the Summer 2014 Matte Effect collection?