Illamasqua Precision Brow Gel in Strike - before & after, swatches, review

Hello, Beautiful!

Brows have been a mandatory part of my beauty routine and it's one of the few beauty products that I get really, really excited to test out. I do my brows every single day, even days I'm staying in, because it makes my face feel more complete. I recently tested the Illamasqua Precision Brow Gel and it works beautifully. Check out the before & after pic, swatches and my full review below!

Illamasqua Precision Brow Gel
Shade: Strike

 

 

Illamasqua Precision Brow Gel Info & Review

Cost: $20.50 (0.2 fl oz full size)
Availability: Available on the Illamasqua website.

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Kisses

PRODUCT DETAILS...

This color-rich brow gel allows you to create perfectly defined brows. In a water-resistant, cream/gel formulation available in a range of wearable, versatile shades to suit multiple skin tones and hair colors. The soft texture and long lasting properties ensure no smudging throughout the day.

Currently available in four shades: Glimpse, Awe, Stare, Strike


MY REVIEW...

Illamasqua may not be as easy to find in the United States anymore (I used to get Illamasqua at Sephora), but I still love the brand. Some of their products are well worth trying to get your hands on, and I think their Precision Brow Gel is one of those products.

Now before you ask, yes I have the Anastasia Dip Brow, Too Faced Bullet Proof Brows and Tarte's Amazonian Clay Brow Mousse.... all of which are similar consistencies to the Illamasqua Precision Brow Gel, so when I started testing this out, those are what I compared it to.

First, let's talk about the shade - which I have in Strike. The kind of downside is there are only four shades, and as someone who has faithfully loved Anastasia for her amazing brow shades, I am always skeptical I will find another good match for my brows. Based on the shade descriptions and online swatches, Strike seemed to be the best match for my brows.

Here is how the Illamasqua website lists each shade description:

• Glimpse: auburn
• Awe: taupe
• Stare: dark slate gray
• Strike: dark brown

Basically, I knew Awe would be too light for me, as it seems like the option for blondes. Glimpse was also out because any red tones in my brow products look really noticeable on me since my natural brow hairs are a dark and ashy brown. Stare seemed to be too dark, and best suited for those with black hair or even gray hair. And then that leaves Strike, which I was skeptical if it would be ashy enough of a brown for my brows. 

In the jar, and especially in the photos under studio lights, Strike looks much warmer than it swatches or applies -- which is a good thing because I need an ashier tone. In person, this shade looks pretty natural in my brows. It's a good color match, but nothing has come as close as Anastasia has with brow color matching. 

Now let's talk about the application. I use a slanted brow brush; I think the one I use the most is from Sephora brand, but any thin angled brush will work, as I find it apply this type of product really easily.

It applies really smoothly and is easy to blend out with a spooley. One thing I did notice, in comparison to Anastasia's Dip Brow, is you can't go over the same area twice until it has had time to dry down. The Illamasqua formula is more of a gel feel with how smooth it is and how well it glides, but that also means it's a bit thinner and needs time to dry down before you build it up in sparse areas. Usually I don't have any issues; it just depends how much product is on my brush and how much time I have to do my brows. Rushed brows always result with me needing to go back over stuff because I hardly take my time.

Wear time is great! I never have issues with this brow product and never have to fuss with it or worry it's worn away or rubbed off on someone. It lasts all day on me without any smudging or budging. 

Everytime I wear this in my brows I always get compliments. I get compliments on my brows with the Anastasia too, so maybe I've just had some really good brow days or maybe this product is just so good that it makes me have a good brow day even if I don't try (and believe me, some mornings I barely try).

I really like this type of formula because it is quick, precise and easy. I rarely use brow powders any more; if I want a softer "more natural" look I will use a brow pencil. Don't get me wrong, I get a very natural look with this product, and if I want to make it look even more natural I will use this on the middle to the tail of my brow and then use a brow pencil on the inner part of the brow and blend everything together with a spooley. But to be honest, that takes more time and a lot of mornings I am just about using one product and getting it done. 

Overall, I really do like this brow gel and will continue to use this. The shade match might not be 100% ideal, but it works. I hope that Illamasqua expands their shade range and make some more ashy tones for us brunettes that need it.

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of this product? Have you tried this, or would you consider adding this to your beauty wish list? Discuss in the comments below!

xoxo with love & beauty,
Crystal Valentine

Disclaimer: This is NOT a sponsored post. However, these products were sent to me for consideration. I am not being paid to make this post, nor has the company influenced me in any way. I have made this post because I wanted to, not because I had to. These are my honest opinions, thoughts and experiences.