This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a commission if you choose to purchase through links I provide.
If you’ve been researching ILIA, you’ve probably noticed that reviews vary a lot depending on when someone wrote them. The lineup has shifted significantly over the years. Some products I used to recommend have been discontinued. Others have been replaced with formulas I haven’t tried yet. And a few things are only available through the ILIA website directly, including exclusive sets you won’t find at Sephora.
What you’ll find here is an honest rundown of everything I’ve personally tested, including what worked, what didn’t, and who I think each product is actually for.
About ILIA
Ilia was founded in 2011 by Sasha Plavsic. She set out to recreate a version of her favorite lip balm formulated with “clean ingredients.” From there, the brand has expanded into a well-known clean beauty brand.
Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation
The Super Serum Skin Tint is one of ILIA’s bestsellers and I genuinely wanted to love it. SPF and light coverage in one step is exactly the kind of product that should simplify a morning routine. For whatever reason, I could never quite get it to work for me. It emphasized texture on my skin and left me shinier than I wanted, and the prep work it required just wasn’t worth it.
I’m not ruling it out completely. There’s a chance it’s an application thing, and I could see myself trying it again down the road. But right now, the Tower 28 SunnyDays Tinted Sunscreen does everything I want without any fuss, and that’s where I stay.
Who It’s Best For: Someone who wants light, skin-like coverage with a dewy finish and doesn’t have texture concerns.
Would I Buy It Again?
Maybe
True Skin Radiant Priming Serum
The ILIA True Skin Radiant Priming Serum is a lightweight primer with a pearlescent tint that’s supposed to add radiance. This is one of those products I tried as a sample since it’s not something I would normally buy.
I wouldn’t pair this primer with the Super Serum Skin Tint or with a tinted sunscreen, which are my usual go-tos. While it does have a pearlescent tint, it doesn’t really look radiant on my skin and I don’t find it particularly hydrating either. Lots of people love this primer, but I honestly don’t get it.
Who It’s Best For:
Someone who likes a lightweight primer with a subtle pearlescent finish.
Would I Buy It Again?
No.
True Skin Medium Coverage Serum Foundation
I had better luck with this one than the Skin Tint. It sits comfortably on the skin, feels breathable, and gives a natural everyday finish. The only reason I don’t reach for it anymore is that I’ve moved away from medium coverage foundations in my routine.
If you’re shopping for this one, I’d suggest buying it in person rather than relying on online shade matching. The shades tend to read warmer in person than they look on screen.
Who It’s Best For:
Someone who wants a medium coverage foundation with a natural, everyday finish.
Would I Buy It Again?
No.
True Skin Serum Concealer
The ILIA True Skin Serum Concealer was marketed as a lightweight, serum-style concealer meant to look natural on the skin.
This product has been discontinued, and honestly, no tears here. It just wasn’t good. It has been replaced with the Skin Blur Serum Concealer, which I still need to try.
Would I Buy It Again?
No.
Color Haze Multi-Use Pigment
The Color Haze is a lip and cheek product that’s designed to give you a monochrome effect with matching color on both. The formula runs a little stiff, so you need to warm it up on the back of your hand first. Once warmed up, it pats on nicely as a blush. On the lips it was harder to work with and didn’t apply as smoothly. This one is currently only available on the ILIA website in three shades.
Ultimately, I wouldn’t repurchase this. Instead, I would reach for the Jones Road Beauty Miracle Balm, which is also a tinted multi-use product but much easier to work with.
Who It’s Best For:
Someone who likes cream blush and wants a monochrome lip and cheek look.
Would I Buy It Again?
No.
Liquid Light Serum Highlighter
I really liked this product and was disappointed to see that it has been discontinued. It was easy to use and worked well for a soft glow. ILIA now has the Lightshift Cream Highlighter, which looks beautiful, but I haven’t tried it yet.
In the meantime, if you’re looking for something similar, the Saie Glowy Super Gel is the closest option I’ve come across.’?
The Necessary Eyeshadow Palette
This is one of my favorite products from ILIA and one I keep coming back to. It comes in a Cool and a Warm colorway, each with six talc-free shades. The formula blends easily, the color payoff is better than you might expect, and you can put together a few really nice everyday looks without a lot of effort. It won’t give you anything dramatic, but for everyday wear it’s genuinely excellent.
Who It’s Best For:
Someone who wants an easy, everyday neutral palette.
Would I Buy It Again?
Yes.
Liquid Powder Eye Tint
This is a cream-to-powder liquid eyeshadow that applies wet and dries down to a soft powdery finish. It’s easy to blend, stays put once it sets, and is one of the more effortless eye products I’ve used. The range is now limited to matte shades, but I’m glad these are still available on the ILIA website.
Who It’s Best For:
Anyone who wants an easy, one and done cream eyeshadow.
Would I Buy It Again?
Yes, if it’s still available.
Limitless Lash Mascara
The ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara is one of my favorite products from the brand. It gives length and definition without looking clumpy, and I love that it’s available in both black and brown.
This is one I have repurchased more than once. I go through mascara every 3 to 4 months, and this is one I keep coming back to. It separates the lashes really well and gives a natural but noticeable look.
Who It’s Best For:
Someone who wants length and definition without heavy volume.
Would I Buy It Again?
Yes.
Color Block High Impact Lipstick
The Color Block High Impact Lipsticks come in 8 great colors. The formula features apricot seed oil to lock in moisture, castor seed oil to soften and soothe lips, and mango seed butter to boost elasticity.
The formula is comfortable, the colors are genuinely nice, and it delivers real color payoff in a single swipe. I don’t reach for pigmented lipsticks as often these days, but when I do, this is a good one.
Who It’s Best For:
Someone who prefers a classic, pigmented lipstick with a satin finish.
Would I Buy It Again?
Yes.
Ilia Balmy Gloss Tinted Lip Oil
Ilia Balmy Gloss Tinted Lip Oil
This was one of my favorite lip products from the brand, and it’s been discontinued. It had the perfect balance of color and shine, felt comfortable, and was easy to wear throughout the day. ILIA has released the Overglaze Hydrating Lip Gloss in its place, which I haven’t tried yet. I tend to prefer oils over glosses, so I’ll be curious to see how it compares when I get around to testing it.
The Base Face Milk Essence & Lightweight Moisturizer
The Base Face Milk is a lightweight skin milk that feels hydrating without being heavy. I love this type of product because it gives moisture while still feeling breathable on the skin. Compared to the Rhode Glazing Milk, it’s a bit thicker, which might appeal to someone who prefers a slightly richer texture.
For me, I’m devoted to the Rhode, so I wouldn’t repurchase the Ilia. That said, it’s a nice option if you want a lightweight moisturizer with a touch more substance.
Who It’s Best For:
Someone who wants a lightweight moisturizer that still gives a bit of hydration
Would I Buy It Again?
No, but not because anything is wrong with it.
Overall Thoughts On Ilia Beauty
ILIA is a brand I genuinely like, even though not everything has worked for me. The Limitless Lash Mascara and The Necessary Eyeshadow Palette are where I’d suggest starting if you’re curious about the brand. Both are reliable, easy to use, and among the best in their category in the clean beauty space. The Color Block Lipstick is also worth trying if you want a pigmented option with a comfortable formula.
ILIA tends to be a good fit if you gravitate toward a natural, skin-first look and care about what’s in your products. If you want high-coverage glam, it’s probably not the right brand. But if you want makeup that lets your skin show through and a formula you can feel good about, there’s a lot worth exploring here.
I’ll keep updating this post as I work through more of their newer launches. Save it to Pinterest so you don’t lose it.
Recommended Reading
If you like this Ilia Beauty review, you may also enjoy:
I ❤️love❤️ your review. You are one of the few really honest beauty reviewers out there, and I hope to read more of your reviews:
Cosmetics (high end) are so expensive. Reading your review helps to America’s better purchasing decisions. Thank you so much!❤️🌸✨😊