Organic makeup can carry a whole heap of connotations that we’ve been all too used to coming across in the industry. Whether it’s unappealing packaging or low performance and pigmentation, it’s rare to find a brand that gets every detail spot on. Which is why we’re over the moon to introduce Ilia Beauty online and in the salon.
Functional, organic and with skincare benefits, Ilia are an LA-based brand who have garnered a loyal green following since their launch in 2011. Starting life as a small collection of lipsticks, Ilia is the brainchild of Sasha Plavsic - a former designer and branding expert who’s lifetime love affair with lipsticks and all things organic inspired her to set up her own line of makeup.
Ilia ticks all the boxes when it comes to makeup that’s low in chemicals and high in bioactive ingredients - 85% of the ingredients are entirely organic and the products contain no sulphates, petrochemicals, silicones or parabens. You might hear us talk about these nasties a lot at Glasshouse - but when our body absorbs 80% of everything it comes into contact with, it’s important we know that the makeup we’re putting on our skin is of the purest possible form. Ilia’s aim is to make this easy.
With a background in branding and packaging, Sasha has created a premium organic brand with an aesthetic to match. It’s hard not to be impressed by the sleek, recycled aluminium packaging and it definitely provides a little make-up bag pick-me-up compared to most organic products.
However style over substance it isn’t, and the ‘Ilia look’ consists of a natural, barely-there finish created using a capsule range of go-together products. With lips being the focus, their best-selling Tinted Lip Conditioners contain sesame and sunflower oil to condition, hydrate and add a hint of colour. Full coverage lips come courtesy of Ilia’s famous lipsticks and crayons - in the most desirable of shades and packed with healing rosehip and papaya oil for added lip-smacking nourishment.
When it comes to bases, Ilia’s ethos is transparent - these are long-wear products that work as effective skincare, whilst giving a natural, light-reflecting look. So if you have sensitive or problem skin and are after a non-cakey, healthy glow then this will be right up your street.
Their tinted moisturiser, foundation and concealer all contain peptides (molecules consisting of two or more amino acids to get science-y) which in straightforward terms encourage cell renewal, in turn making skin look younger. You also won’t find any fussy application techniques or requirements - fingers are fine (although Ilia’s cruelty free, synthetic brushes are things of beauty) and products can be used sparingly, retouched throughout the day and blended together. Simple!
Everything works in sync and their Multi-Use Illuminators are prime examples of this. If contouring is your thing, then a sweep of Sway (a bronze-y luminizer containing 100% natural dye and healing rosehip) buffed under the cheekbones gives definition, whilst the cooler-toned Polkadots and Moonbeams is great for strobing and dabbling over the skin to highlight certain areas. If you’re after more of a flush of colour, Ilia’s top-selling Multi-Sticks (a creamy stick formula for cheeks, lips and eyes) are packed with Vitamin E and Shea Butter and are handbag staples for us at Glasshouse.
The list is never-ending and we can’t help but admire the brand’s uncomplicated mentality and commitment to clean organic beauty. With mascaras, eye pencils and a lip exfoliator to add to the mix, Ilia equips you with all the green tools you need to detox your makeup bag. As you can tell, we’re total converts and can’t wait to get experimenting with what Ilia has to offer!
Shop the entire collection here.
Words: Lucy Vincent
All images: Ilia Beauty
