Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editors and brandsSave this storySave this story
Some brands break onto the beauty scene and become instant classics, and the best Ilia products have proven to be all-stars by Allure readers and editors alike. Spanning makeup and skin care, these “clean” formulas feature powerhouse, sensitive-skin-friendly ingredients, such as niacinamide, shea butter, and peptides—offering nourishment and comfort, in addition to major color payoff.
As the recipient of countless Allure Readers' Choice and Best of Beauty Awards, Ilia's success can be attributed to its ability to hone in on what it knows best. "Our main mission is to protect and revive your skin," Ilia founder Sasha Plasvic told Allure. "Our core values are transparency and authenticity, and these two things are what I think people are really looking for today." A stellar lineup of mascaras, eye shadows, and mineral sunscreens certainly helps endorse Ilia’s ethos. Keep reading to discover our certified hits below.
Our Top Ilia Products
- Pocket Protection: Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, $40
- Sky-High Drama: Limitless Lash Mascara, $29
- Easy Glides It: Eye Stylus Shadow Stick, $33
- Serving Up Radiant Skin: True Skin Serum Foundation, $56
- Brush, Blur, Repeat: Soft Focus Blurring Blush, $36
- Eye See Results: Bright Start Activated Eye Cream, $46
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Pocket Protection: Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
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Ilia
Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Ilia
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Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Shanna Shipin
Why it’s worth it: In classic Ilia fashion, the brand’s first standalone sunscreen is so airy that you can’t even feel it on your skin—but the radiant finish it leaves is ample proof that you have a little something on. Sun Serum features 10.5% zinc oxide (a mineral filter that keeps skin shielded from harsh UV rays) plus seven molecular weights of hydrating hyaluronic acid, soothing coneflower (echinacea), and oil-regulating arctic root extracts that give the product its serum-like texture. We love that it melts into the skin seamlessly without catching on any dry spots.
Available in two shades (light-medium and medium-deep), it counteracts any white cast typically caused by zinc oxide, which is particularly difficult to achieve for higher SPF levels. Our testers said the colors are surprisingly flexible across skin tones; some actually prefer mixing the two together for a warmer undertone.
Shipin before applying the Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Shanna Shipin
Shipin after applying the Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Shanna Shipin
Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin
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“When Ilia named it 'Sun Serum,' I didn’t realize that on top of the SPF, it meant you’d have the kind of radiance found at the center of our solar system. I am a longtime user of mineral sunscreen, and I have never experienced anything like this. This is such an elegant formula that is so lightweight, it performs like a chemical sunscreen—I can hardly believe that there are mineral blockers in it. It’s not milky, runny, or watery, which is a problem I have with most mineral facial sunscreens out on the market.
I sit between the two shades available; I was concerned about the limited selection, but the sunscreen is so sheer that I can wear either one. I’ll be switching from light-medium to medium-deep as my skin tans throughout the year. It’s the kind of product that flips your mentality and makes you want to use it not just because it gives you SPF 50, but because it makes your skin look absolutely brilliant.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
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- Key ingredients: zinc oxide (10.5%), hyaluronic acid, coneflower (echinacea), arctic root extracts
- Finish: satin
- Available shades: 2
Sky-High Drama: Limitless Lash Mascara
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Limitless Lash Mascara
Ilia
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Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin applying the Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara
Sarah Felbin
Why it’s worth it: The genius of Ilia’s Limitless Lash Mascara? Let's start with the two-sided wand: One end has shorter, denser bristles to add volume, while the other is a straight comb to lengthen and separate hairs—in other words, it does it all. The formula itself, which is available in soft black and rich brown, is laced with conditioning shea butter, beeswax, and keratin to keep lashes soft and far away from spidery territory. No wonder it’s a three-time Readers' Choice Award and Best of Beauty Award winner—it simply doesn’t disappoint for an everyday mascara.
Felbin before applying the Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara
Sarah Felbin
Felbin after applying the Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara
Sarah Felbin
Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin
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“The key to this mascara is the wand, in my opinion. The shorter-bristled side is excellent at applying an even coat of mascara from root to tip, and even does a great job of reaching my inner corners without smudging mascara all over my nose. But my favorite part is using the longer-bristled side to comb through each lash, removing clumps in seconds. My lashes look way longer and lusher with just a few swipes. As someone with oily eyelids, I'm also impressed by its staying power—no smudging or flaking.” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor
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- Key ingredients: shea butter, beeswax, keratin
- Available shades: 2
Easy Glides It: Eye Stylus Shadow Stick
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Eye Stylus Shadow Stick
Ilia
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Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Ilia Eye Stylus Shadow Stick
Sarah Han
Why it’s worth it: A 2025 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner, the Ilia Eye Stylus Shadow Stick wears like a powder but glides on like a silky dream that effortlessly blends into a perfectly blurred finish. The secret is beeswax for that smooth slip, plus upcycled grape extract that’s rich in antioxidants to target fine lines over time. (Of course, we recommend applying an actual eye cream every day for more effective results.) With 20 shades inspired by Renaissance oil paintings, there’s a color and finish for every occasion: bright and shimmery or neutral and matte. Sweep Faun (a matte camel brown) through the crease for light definition, or dial it up with Oscuro (a moody midnight black) or Patina (a shimmery golden-olive). The angled tip makes it so easy to cover maximum surface area, while the thinner edge lets you line or define tighter areas. No matter which shade you go for, the waterproof formula is super reliable (even if you have watery eyes).
Han before applying the Ilia Eye Stylus Shadow Stick
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Ilia Eye Stylus Shadow Stick
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“I'm full of beauty contradictions. I love nothing more than taking an hour to put on my makeup before I go out for a special event, but most mornings, I go without makeup simply because I can't wake up early enough before I jet off to the office. Ilia's Eye Stylus Shadow Sticks are game-changers because they take 10 seconds to apply and blend out with my ring finger (incredible!), and there's a mix of my usual gold/pearl shimmers and fun colors, like this matte lilac called Nymph, that brighten my eyes with almost no effort. I love the shade variety, though I do wish they ventured out into more brights. One day?
I remember when they first launched, and the product was falling out of its packaging, but Ilia has since fixed that, and now the sticks stay wholly in place. I do like to warm up the pigments on the back of my hands because otherwise they tug on my lids a bit, but nothing crazy. Once on the lids, there's a small window to blend and blur, and once they set, they don't crease throughout the day. They're so handy, compact, and cute!”—Sarah Han, commerce editor
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- Key ingredients: upcycled grape extract, beeswax
- Finish: matte, shimmery
- Available shades: 20
Chapped No More: Lip Mask
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Ilia
Lip Mask
Ilia
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Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying the Ilia Lip Mask
Sarah Kinonen
Why it’s worth it: Dehydrated lips stand no chance against Ilia’s Lip Mask, which works overnight so you wake up with pillowy-soft lips. It not only deeply hydrates (thanks, hyaluronic acid, sea succulents, and mango butter) but also gently exfoliates with papaya enzymes that gently slough away dry patches or crustiness. The result? A perfectly smooth canvas for your favorite lipstick, oil, or gloss. Even though the richer formula is technically designed for nighttime wear, one of our editors keeps this at her desk in case chapped lips strike before her Zoom calls. (Ilia’s Lip Wrap Reviving Balm is a great, lighter daytime option as well.)
Kinonen before applying the Ilia Lip Mask
Sarah Kinonen
Kinonen after applying the Ilia Lip Mask
Sarah Kinonen
Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen
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“Just like my weighted blanket, I can’t go to sleep without a lip mask. My perpetually chapped lips need moisture 24/7, even when I’m deep in my REM cycle. One of my favorites is the Ilia Lip Wrap Overnight Mask, which is made with papaya enzymes to lightly exfoliate while it hydrates with mango and shea butters, and hyaluronic acid to lock everything in. Texture-wise, it feels like a traditional lip balm, but when layered, it gets nice and goopy—just how I like it—and lasts long into the night and early morning. I always wake up with most of it still intact!” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, sea succulents, mango butter, coconut oil
- Finish: 1
- Available shades: 1
Serving Up Radiant Skin: True Skin Serum Foundation
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Ilia
True Skin Serum Foundation
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Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Ilia True Skin Serum Foundation
Christa Joanna Lee
Why it’s worth it: When we’re in the mood for no-makeup makeup, we reach for Ilia’s incredibly lightweight, sheer-able True Skin Serum Foundation. Los Angeles-based makeup artist Aaron Barry previously told Allure that it’s his favorite serum foundation because it works across so many skin types, including mature. “I’ve used this foundation on clients aged 16 to 65, and I love the life-like, glowy finish [it lends each person],” he says, adding that it’s super blendable and its silky finish pairs nicely with cream blush, contour, and highlighter. The key ingredients to thank for this life-giving, radiant finish are allantoin, aloe, and niacinamide, which help smooth and calm the skin with every swipe and blend.
Lee before applying the Ilia True Skin Serum Foundation
Christa Joanna Lee
Lee after applying the Ilia True Skin Serum Foundation
Christa Joanna Lee
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“I’ll admit, I picked the wrong shade at first (I’m bad at that), but because it’s a serum foundation with lighter pigment, it ended up blending in surprisingly well. The texture is silky and easy to work with, and there’s none of that obvious demarcation at the jaw you can get with fuller-coverage formulas. It’s so lightweight I barely noticed I was wearing it by the end of the day and almost (almost!) slept in it.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
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- Key ingredients: allantoin, aloe, niacinamide
- Finish: radiant
- Available shades: 30
Glazed Donut Energy: Overglaze Hydrating Lip Gloss
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Ilia
Overglaze Hydrating Lip Gloss
Ilia
Sephora
Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto applying the Ilia Overglaze Hydrating Lip Gloss
Alessandra Foresto
Why it’s worth it: Weightless and invisible are the names of the game when it comes to Ilia’s Overglaze Hydrating Lip Gloss, thanks to moisturizing and plumping fenugreek seed extract and seaweed extract. For a thinner formula, we’re impressed that the color stays exactly where you put it without bleeding—and all the while, it never feels sticky or thick. The cushiony gloss comes in 12 opaque pinks, reds, berries, and browns that you can sheer out for a more subtle tint or layer on for a brighter look. And did we mention it has a doe foot applicator? This means no mess or stickiness left behind on your finger after application.
Foresto before applying the Ilia Overglaze Hydrating Lip Gloss
Alessandra Foresto
Foresto after applying the Ilia Overglaze Hydrating Lip Gloss
Alessandra Foresto
Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto
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“I'm a fan of Ilia's Lip Gloss mainly because it has a ton of color payoff (more like a stain would) without feeling drying. The applicator gives you a pretty precise application, though I do find that the color can be a little patchy on the first coat, so I like to go back over a couple of times to even out the color. I skip lip liner almost always, and even without it, this gloss doesn't bleed and stays on pretty well through the day—without needing to reapply it every five seconds.
I'm often skeptical of products that say they keep your lips moisturized long after you've worn them, but I do find that my lips are much less flaky and smoother after wearing this gloss. I like the two red shades in the range Studio (more of a raspberry) and Flambé (a classic red). It's basically flavorless, and in a world in which everything seems to taste like vanilla or chocolate, I'm so glad that's the case! I like that it's vegan, too!” —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor
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- Key ingredients: fenugreek seed extract, seaweed extract
- Finish: shiny
- Available shades: 12
Undereye Magic: Skin Blur Serum Concealer
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Ilia
Skin Blur Serum Concealer
Ilia
Sephora
Han applying the Ilia Skin Blur Serum Concealer
Sarah Han
Why it’s worth it: The silky texture of Ilia’s Skin Blur Serum Concealer is reason enough to keep it in rotation—but the formula works just as hard as it feels. It’s spiked with caffeine to help depuff tired undereyes, as well as Matrixyl 3000 Glyx peptides and sea fennel extract—a gentle, plant-based retinol alternative—to stimulate collagen production, keeping skin looking smooth and bouncy. Because of these nourishing skin-care ingredients, creasing is out of the question. The teardrop-shaped applicator also gets five stars from us, as it gets deep into those inner corners with precision.
Han before applying the Ilia Skin Blur Serum Concealer
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Ilia Skin Blur Serum Concealer
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from Han
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“There's no better concealer than a serum one—at least, as far as my preferences go. While I have redness, dark spots, and eye bags I'd like to cover, I still like my skin to peek through, and that's exactly what one layer of the Skin Blur Serum Concealer does. It's the ideal fusion of skin care and makeup for my everyday look but it can be built up if I'm going out for a special occasion. I like to use a dense concealer brush to apply this formula, and thanks to the self-setting, natural-finish formula, I don't need to apply setting powder on top—a game-changer, because my oily T-zone almost always needs some mattifying.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
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- Key ingredients: Matrixyl 3000 Glyx peptides, caffeine, sea fennel extract
- Finish: satin
- Available shades: 32
The Complexion Can-Do: Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
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Ilia
Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
Ilia
Sephora
Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
Shanna Shipin
Why it’s worth it: Even if base makeup has taken a backseat in your daily a.m. routine, the Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 may change your mind, thanks to its skin-care-makeup hybrid formula. The Best of Beauty-winning SPF-infused tinted moisturizer is packed with moisturizing squalane, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and tone-evening niacinamide, so you get a plumping, texture-blurring finish on top of your usual skin care—with the bonus of lightweight coverage in 30 shades. It leaves behind a healthy glow, so it may be more suitable for normal to drier skin types, but we’ve found that powder blends well on top if you’re on the oilier side.
Shipin before applying the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
Shanna Shipin
Shipin after pplying the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
Shanna Shipin
Tester feedback from Shipin
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“The Ilia skin tint is one of my most-used complexion formulas because not only does it provide beautiful, glowing, and even coverage, but it also comes with an amazing level of SPF 40. I have a lot of discoloration and reddish-purple hues in my skin—all leading to a very uneven tone that this formula does so well at concealing, while also allowing my skin to breathe. Caveat: It is quite thick and can be a little bit messy (it can slightly bleed out of the bottle), so it is not a product that I take on the go with me. That being said, it’s still very versatile, and whether I blend in with my fingers or my preferred brush, it leaves me with a radiant, healthy glow.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
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- Key ingredients: squalane, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
- Finish: glowy
- Available shades: 30
Are You Blushing?: Multi-Stick
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Ilia
Multi-Stick
Ilia
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Allure associate special projects manager Talia Gutierrez applying the Ilia Multi-Stick
Talia Gutierrez
Why it’s worth it: One of the things we love most about Ilia is how so many of its products serve several purposes. Case in point: The Allure Readers' Choice Award-winning Multi-Stick. Infused with sunflower seed oil, cocoa butter, and vitamin E, the smooth-gliding cream blush doles out the prettiest wash of color to cheeks and/or lips. (A monochromatic moment is always in.) Dab, swipe, and blend any of the twelve blush-highlighter shades using your fingers or, for a denser finish, use a lip brush or tightly-packed blush brush.
Gutierrez before applying the Ilia Multi-Stick
Talia Gutierrez
Gutierrez after applying the Ilia Multi-Stick
Talia Gutierrez
Tester feedback from former associate special projects manager Talia Gutierrez
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"This tiny but mighty twist-up Ilia Multi-Stick is called that for a reason. Acting as a three-in-one, I start my application with one swipe of product on my cheekbones before dabbing a tint of color onto my eyelids and lips for an illuminating, glow-from-within flush of color that can easily be thrown in my purse for on-the-go touch-ups when necessary," says associate special projects manager Talia Gutierrez. "Lately, I've been using Dreamer, a warm nude that gives a post-vacation illusion while I'm here, sitting in the office." —Talia Gutierrez, former associate special projects manager
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Key ingredients: sunflower seed oil, castor seed oil, shea butter
Finish: natural, luminous
Available shades: 12
Sketch N’ Stay: Lip Sketch Crayon
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Lip Sketch Crayon
Ilia
Sephora
Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen applying the Ilia Lip Sketch Crayon
Nicola Dall'Asen
Why it’s worth it: From the moment it launched, the Lip Sketch Crayon became an Allure editor-favorite for practically reviving the chubby lip product category. Though it's formulated with moisture replenishers found in dewier-finish products (read: hydrating hyaluronic acid and rosehip oil), this layerable, blurrable lip crayon comes in 15 soft-matte hues, perfect for lining or an easy all-over color. It stays put for hours too, lasting from morning coffee to afternoon snack without feathering or getting patchy.
Dall’Asen before applying the Ilia Lip Sketch Crayon
Nicola Dall'Asen
Dall’Asen after applying the Ilia Lip Sketch Crayon
Nicola Dall'Asen
Tester feedback from former senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen
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"My ideal red lipstick—deep but not dark, matte but not drying, just barely on the cool-toned side—is hard to come by, but Ilia's Case Study lip crayon lives up to my picky standard. It reaches full opacity in a single swipe, leaving behind a velvety look and feel that lasts for hours so long as you blot it." —Nicola Dall’Asen, former senior news editor
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, rosehip oil
- Finish: matte
- Available shades: 15
Eye See Results: Bright Start Activated Eye Cream
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Bright Start Activated Eye Cream
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Allure associate features director Dianna Mazzone applying the Ilia Bright Start Retinol Alternative Eye Cream
Dianna Mazzone
Why it’s worth it: Though Ilia’s makeup lineup is very much in tune with skin-loving ingredients, the brand’s standalone skin-care products shouldn’t be overlooked. One of our favorites is the Best of Beauty-winning Bright Start Activated Eye Cream, which is essentially a multitasking cocktail of peptides, caffeine, and antioxidant-rich extracts like sea fennel extract and avocado extract to brighten, hydrate, and firm. Together, these ingredients act as a gentler alternative to retinol. and skips the potential irritation associated with the active. We’re huge fans of the metal applicator, which cools undereyes for a depuffing, soothing effect.
Tester feedback from features director Dianna Singh
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"There are very few eye creams with results enticing enough for me to remember to use them—and Ilia Bright Start Retinol Alternative Eye Cream is one of them, says associate features director Dianna Mazzone. "The creamy formula brightens dark circles over time, while the cooling applicator helps depuff immediately." —Dianna Singh, features director
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- Key ingredients: peptides, caffeine, avocado extract, sea fennel extract
Brush, Blur, Repeat: Soft Focus Blurring Blush
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Soft Focus Blurring Blush
Ilia
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Shipin applying the Ilia Soft Focus Blurring Blush in Breathless
Shanna Shipin
Why it’s worth it: Newsflash: Powder blushes don’t look like the chalky formulas of years past. Need proof? Ilia’s Soft Focus Blurring Blush offers a dimensional, blurred finish that doesn’t fade by midday. The barely-there formula houses light-filtering powders that diffuse the look of pores and smooth texture, while antioxidant-rich edelweiss (an extremely resilient flower that grows in the Alps), firming kelp extract, and hydrating squalane add a burst of lightweight, non-clogging moisture with every sweep. Our editors have noted that it really does stay on all day long without budging—and it layers beautifully without looking cakey. Darker, more olive-toned skin pairs perfectly with Magnetic, a rich berry, while we predict fairer-skinned folks will love Closer, a baby pink that’s as cute as can be.
Shipin before applying the Ilia Soft Focus Blurring Blush in Breathless
Shanna Shipin
Shipin after applying the Ilia Soft Focus Blurring Blush in Breathless
Shanna Shipin
Tester feedback from Shipin
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"I love a dimensional blush, and the Soft Focus line from Ilia has to be one of the most stunning you can buy right now. The pigments are rich (and unique—especially in the pink arena!), and you get such a lovely glow without any speckles or flecks of glitter. The color payoff gives you wiggle room to try out a range of looks: a natural, diffused ‘watercolor blush’ vibe, or build up to a very bold look (hello, Pulse!). I love how dynamic this blush is—there's so much depth and interest depending on the lighting—and perhaps best of all? No acne!" —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
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- Key ingredients: edelweiss, winged kelp extract, plant-based squalene
- Finish: 1
- Available shades: 8
Frequently Asked Questions
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best Ilia products, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product's performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.