Wednesday 8 May 2013

Beauty Jelly: Astalift vs. Illamasqua?

When I clapped eyes on the new Hydra Veil from Illamasqua's summer collection, I instantly thought of Astalift's cult 'Aquarysta' product. They are uncannily similar in texture, but how do they actually compare? Is the Illamasqua really a cheaper alternative?


When I first discovered Aquarytsa's highly unusual formula not too long ago, I was totally taken in by it; a clear jelly that applies a little like a serum, cooling the skin and resurfacing it to leave you a with super-soft, smoothed complexion.



There is no denying that on first impression, Illamasqua's Hydra Veil is almost identical, the colour and scent are the only noticeable differences. Even when applied, they feel the same, and leave the same smooth texture and instant hydration-boost to the skin after absorption (as well as both returning to perfect, clear jelly after being thoroughly mixed up! See pictures below.)


But don't let the aesthetics fool you... there is actually a big difference in what these products claim to do. While Astalift claims to fight the signs of ageing, even skin tone and add long term hydration to the skin, Illamasqua designed Hydra Veil specifically as a 'Cosmetic Care' product, rather than Skin Care (which they don't currently make). They actually don't claim that the product offers any long term skin benefits at all. It is meant to be merely a quick fix, instant-effect product that hydrates and primes the skin ready for foundation.


If you take a peek at the ingredient list, Aquarysta contains a blend of Ceramides and Collagen, along with an interesting bit of background research, conducted by the brand's owner FujiFilm, on how and why the product is effective.

So while Aquarysta might be twice the price at £69 for 40ml, compared to £27 for 30ml there is a reason for this. Having said that... I've been using Aquarysta for about 3 weeks now and haven't noticed a big different in my skin. It does also contain parabens, while Hydra Veil doesn't, and if you are simply looking for that quick fix, and want a fantastic primer for dry or dehydrated skin, then I would recommend going with the Illamasqua.

Either way, both products are a really interesting, unique texture that I would recommend experiencing for yourselves next time you pass by an Illamasqua counter, or an Astalift retailer.

You can buy Astalift from CultBeauty.co.uk, and Illamasqua from Debenhams.

What do you think guys? Have any of you tried these products? If not, do you like the idea of them?
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54 comments

  1. OMG these look soo weird! Hhahah good review though as usual. Love your blog Fleur! Hope your all having a great night :)

    brainybeautyblog.blogspot.co.uk
    xx

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  2. Great review the whole jelly thing is weird to me the feeling must be funny xx

    http://mrsbeautyjunkie83.blogspot.co.uk

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  3. I really enjoyed this post! I've never tried these but think I like the idea of them. Maybe i'll try the Illamasqua one.

    Hannah x

    http://b-l-a-b.blogspot.co.uk/

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  4. Any recommendations for primer for oily skin? Great blog post :)

    amylaurenxo.blogspot.co.uk

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  5. Great review! I really like the Illamasqua one!
    -Natalie

    wwww.storiesbynatalie.wordpress.com

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  6. I'll have to try this one out! It looks really interesting :D
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  7. This sounds really good! I really want to try it out one day but it is pretty pricey!

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    GIVEAWAY HERE!

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  8. They look so different to what you expect them to look like! Haha, seem interesting though :) x

    http://touchofcrimson.blogspot.co.uk/

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  9. I have not tried any of these before :( but this is the first time I have ever seen a gel like product so thanks for sharing these however I have oily skin which sucks as I really want to try the illamasqua one out :'( I will see as they do sound very nice xx

    www.krystelcouture.com

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  10. Great review Fleur!!

    www.beautybanterblog.com

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  11. great review! :-)

    - Janine
    http://theeoptimist.blogspot.com

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  12. These look really interesting, I've never tried anything like this before. I'd love to try the Illamasqua one for my under my make-up, as the Astalift seems a little pricey if it doesn't fulfill it's promises :)

    Dusterknuckles | Fashion // Beauty // Lifestyle

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  13. I think these are both too pricey for me right now. That said, I do tend to be drawn in by 'gimmicky' products and the jelly formula looks really unusual and interesting. Unfortunately I think I'm going to have to wait until there is a drugstore dupe!
    http://lemonadebudget.com/

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  14. they sound really good although i don't think i could cope with the price tag xx

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  15. Both of these sound incredibly interesting- love the idea of a jelly texture! Your comparison was super helpful! Looking forward to testing out the Illamasqua version in-store :)

    -Jen

    www.vibrantbeautyblog.com

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  16. I've never heard of these products before. Does the jelly harden when applied to your face or does it remain jell like?

    http://janiecyxo.blogspot.ca/

    xo, Janiecy

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  17. I'd never heard of these before, but they look really interesting! Haha the texture seems like it would amuse me. Would definitely love to give them a try! :) Great review Fleur, the comparison is very helpful!

    http://littlexcub.blogspot.com.au
    xx

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  18. I've never heard of the jelly think before but it sounds really interesting! I may have to look into it more! xxx
    Maddy from http://unstitchedd.blogspot.co.uk/

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  19. great review! Thanks so much

    http://sydneycorporate.blogspot.com.au/

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  20. Seen this on a few blogs now, they look rather interesting. May have to give it a try

    Carrieanne x

    http://imjustalittlepixie.blogspot.co.uk/

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  21. I've never seen anything like these before! (bar on a few blogs!). Think I will check them out!

    chloeopinions.blogspot.com

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  22. hmmm they seem interesting! will def check them out. xx. gigi. food and beauty blogger @ www.gigikkitchen.blogspot.com

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  23. Fleur thanks for the post and for the article..so interesting to read :)

    I guess it does make sense having a product that in in a "jelly" format considering the collagen in it, although it's a bit of a shame creating such a product which looks great and obviously meant to be innovative, having the whole background research to prove that really works, and then realising that contains parabens?! :/

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  24. Fab review. Never heard of these product before but they sound really interesting Raspberrykiss xo

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  25. I have never seen a product like this...great post!

    http://MillieMagpie.blogspot.com

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  26. They look so weird never seen anything like them before!

    alittlebitsunshine.blogspot.co.uk

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  27. These look so much fun, I love playing with products that have weird textures! Bit pricey for me, but I'm really hoping this sort of formula filters down to the high street :)

    The Oxford Owl | Lush and Barry M Giveaway!

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  28. I've never seen anything like this jelly before! It reminds me of the edible jelly pies hahaha! They look great to put on your face though! :) Great post!

    XO
    scribblesofvalerie.com

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  29. These both look really interesting!

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  30. This looks really gorgeous, I'd definitely love to try it out!

    http://theperksofbeingahipster.blogspot.co.uk/

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  31. I've never tried anything like these before, thanks for introducing me haha!

    Amy| The Little Koala Blog ♥

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  32. That's such a strange texture! Would love to try them one day. Thanks for the review!

    I just started my own blog, would love for you to check it out!

    http://mollycurley.blogspot.com

    xo Molly

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  33. They both have such an interesting texture for there purpose! but they sound really nice so i may try one.

    jess xx
    dotofdaisy.blogspot.com

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  34. Thank you so much for writing this comparison post! I have been eyeing up the Illamasqua version, and I think I should go for it after reading this xx

    Gemma ♥ | Miss Makeup Magpie

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  35. I've never seen these in my life! They look really interesting and remind me of those aliens in goo you used to get as a child (don't ask).

    http://elrbx.blogspot.co.uk/

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  36. I have not heard of these either some I guess I need to check out!

    Pipp xx
    http://pippjones281190.blogspot.co.uk

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  37. Not heard of either of these products but they sound quite good :) xxx

    http://jeminixlife.blogspot.com

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  38. These do look really cool, not so much a necessary purchase but definitely a fun thing to try :)
    Rosalie x
    rosaliejayne.blogspot.co.uk

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  39. Wow the textures do look good. I have tried Illamasqua before but never Astalift. There is quite a difference in the price! Will be on the look out :)

    Belle x
    Mascara & Maltesers

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  40. So interesting!I love that they are a jelly formulation.

    http://blueeyedb.blogspot.co.uk/

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  41. they both look good though I think the price would definitely make me go to the cheaper end of the price range.
    daisyandmints.blogspot.co.uk/

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  42. Informative review, thanks.
    I personally never tried jellies before, but they seem interesting.

    http://treesmushroom.blogspot.com/

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  43. Hello,

    Nice review! I Didn't know these masks.

    But I do not share the same opinion as you when you writes "Aquarysta may be twice the price at £69 for 40ml, compared to £27 for 30ml there is a reason for this".

    Actually, you may think and... consummers in general may think there is a reason for it ....but I am not convinced at all. Why?

    Do you know the exact composition of these 2 masks? It is only by studying the exact composition of a product that you can tell if the products is "worth" the price. So please, if you have it, can you send it to me?
    I have also checked the "background research" and i am not too convinced about it as graphs have not been analysed in a statistical way.

    Thtat is my opinion.:-) I am a doc in biology and also write a beauty blog :-)

    www.mademoisellenature.blogspot.com

    Have a great evening! :-)


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  44. They look very intriguing... another great post!
    X

    elsbeautyblog.blogspot.com

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  45. Hope the illamasqua one comes out in australia. Would be great for my dry skin and as a makeup artist out on jobs as a quick fix.
    Thanks for the review!
    www.zemakeup.blogspot.com

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  46. Hadn't considered either, but thanks for sharing. It might be something to look into.

    <3 Carolyn

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  47. I've never heard of things like these before! They seem so weird haha!
    Laura xx
    cosysaturdaynight.blogspot.com

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  49. Fleur, do you find the Illamasqua one sticky? I tried some on the back of my hand recently but I did try quite a big blob so maybe thats why it felt kind of sticky. Would be really interested in what you think? x

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  50. I desperately want to try the Illamasqua, I think it's going to be a pay day treat!

    Sara - Pretty In Pink

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  51. I love the Astalift version too much and am too scared to branch out into Illamasqua, haha. Might have to give it a go! Lovely post :)

    Paige from Lux Cosmetics

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