Illamasqua Precision Ink in Alchemy

Hey guys!

Two things which are impossible to photograph in terrible light: tiny things, and sparkly things (seriously, any help re: how to set up studio lighting on a budget?). Thank goodness then, that the third present I received from my lovely friend Sam, is the Illamasqua Precision Ink Liner in Alchemy (£17), which is both tiny (fine nibbed) and sparkly (gold and glittery).

I always love Illamasqua packaging - I think they get it right every time. They embrace their background in theatre makeup and add that dramatic flair, which I love. Opening this feels like opening a tiny, sparkling fairy wand. Not to get to rapturous, or anything. The nib is fine, small and hard, but not so stiff that it hurts when applying to the eyes.

Swatched, Alchemy is not opaque. At least, it wasn't on me. It is a beautiful yellow gold sparkly liner , very fine, very sparkly and very pretty. I think it would work best (for me) layered over other colours to add dimension and sparkle.

As you can see here, I couldn't get it to sparkle opaquely on the lids. That's not fallout on my lashes, I just (stupidly) curled them before application. I have found that other blogs swatch it opaque though, so maybe I am doing something wrong.
I will say this - this does. not. budge. Not once. Not all day. It didn't flake, migrate, irritate or smudge. This is one long wearing eyeliner, and I think it would look lovely layered over any shade. I would love to invest in other, more opaque shades too - or maybe go to a counter and have the lovely ladies explain to me how to build it!

Have you tried any of the Precision Inks? What do you think?
S xx