Your Alter Ego gallery...

It's the Friday before Christmas and we are very excited here at Illamasqua! Here are some of our favourite alter ego's of the week...

Corrina’s Make-Up Playground felt she didn’t have enough self-confidence to share any of my looks until now and we are so glad she did as we love this creative use of colour and starry night feel.

Rosie Goldfarb Cass made a statement with this bright and bold look. We love her use of colour as a contour. Illamasqua Cream Pigments and Powder Eye Shadows would be great to create a similar colourful look.

How stunning is this Christmas look posted by V.A Rainbow Make-up!? Create a similar look with Illamasqua’s Liquid Metal in Phenomena, Powder Eye Shadows in Sex and Justify and Brow and Lash Gel to create a natural definition, and don't forget the classic Christmas red lip! Click here to see a range of our bold red Lipsticks.

Illamasqua Winter Sale

The Illamasqua Winter sale has just gone live!! You can get up to 70% off selected items with prices starting at just £5! 

Here are a few products you will find in the sale...

Illuminate, radiate, make your face come alive with the colour and drama of Illamasqua Powder Blusher. Now only £10!!

Get all of these beautiful bright Liquid Metals for just £20 saving you £32.50!! Use on eyes, lips, face and body, and apply with fingers or a brush. Release your inhibitions and free your inner siren.

Talk with your hands and make a statement. See a range of our Nail Varnishes for £7.50!!

What are you waiting for!? Click here to visit the Winter sale now!

Illamasqua Advent Calendar

Day 23 and next behind the Advent Calendar window we have Natalie! Our Marketing Director with her favourite product Lipstick in Maneater!

What is your role at Illamasqua?

I’m Illamasqua’s Marketing Director.

What is your favourite Illamasqua piece for 2011?

Lipstick in Maneater is my favourite for it's lasting effect! It’s a great creamy texture that lasts even under the mistletoe. Sorry could not help it, definitely feeling the festive spirit now!

I’m also a massive Precision Ink obsessive – it just does not budge which is amazing for a watery eye. Oh and genuinely don’t know what I’d do without Masqaura! It’s so lengthening and you can really build up the volume and length.

What has been your highlight for 2011?

So many to chose from, Freak and Theatre of the Nameless collection are definitely up there but it has to be the launch of the Leeds store in the Victoria Quarter. As a Leeds girl it is great to see Illamasqua in my hometown (and my Mum finally gets what I do!)

What are you most looking forward to in 2012?

The Spring Summer 2012 Collection! Oh and the small matter of the new website! We’ve been listening to online feedback and are currently working on a new site – Spring is going to be a one hell of a season!

Merry Christmas! X

Illamasqua Christmas Nails!

With only three days until Christmas, we have decided to have a look through some of your fantastic Nail Varnishes... Here are a few of our favourites. 

We love this icy snowflake design posted by 'Polish, and make-up, and cars, oh my!'. To recreate this design we suggest to start by priming your nails with Illamasqua's Base Coat. Then use Nail Varnish in Raindrops as shown in the image above. Using a nail art brush, toothpick or anything else with a thin edge (use your imagination) take Illamasqua's white Nail Varnish in Scorch to create the snowflake design. And of corse a Top Coat to give it that glam, glossy finish!

Another great design posted by 'The Nail File'. We really love this as you can mix and match with colours to create bespoke nail art. We suggest the following colours to develop a similar design (click the colour to look at the varnishes in more detail). Try Nail Varnish in Scorch, Boosh, Ruthless, Rampage, Untold, Harsh and Spartan... and of corse don't forget your Base and Top Coat!

For anyone wanting simple yet stunning Christmas nails we have plenty of festive shades to choose from including Scarab.. Shown in the photo above, posted by 'The Make-up Diaries'. 

Visit our website to see our  Festive Nail Duo's in enchanting shades which can be worn individually or together as a dazzling combination and save £7! Incase you missed our festive nail art tutorial we have included it below to inspire you this Christmas!

Merry Christmas! 

Illamasqua Advent Calendar

Next behind our window we have Charlotte, Illamasqua's Project Manager!

What is your role at Illamasqua?

I am the Illamasqua Project Manager at Propaganda, Illamasqua’s marketing agency based in Leeds.

In my role I’m lucky to get involved in a little bit of almost everything Illamasqua does, from organising photo shoots, to bringing our seasonal collections to life, designing new packaging or running Illamasqua.com… the list could go on!

What is your favourite Illamasqua piece for 2011?

How do I pick! Skin Base has absolutely changed everything l previously thought about foundation. But l often think one of our unsung heroes is Powdered Metal, applied with the Kabuki Body Brush.

This metallic loose powder can be dusted over shoulders and décolletage for a soft highlight or built to an intense metallic glow. Its my absolute must when heading out the door this Christmas party season; if you need any more convincing just check out Wanton Woman from our AW10 Art of Darkness collection – she positively glows!

What has been your highlight for 2011?

Freak, Freak, Freak! It really was a labour of love as l saw the process develop the whole way through from trying out all the test scents, to designing the bottle, to producing the Freak film and photo shoot with the stunning Nic Endo and launching the Freak page on Illamasqua.com.

When l saw the bottle propped up in Bloomingdale’s in New York last month l let out a little scream of delight!

What are you most looking forward to in 2012?

I have some big projects coming up at the beginning of next year but I’m most looking forward to launching our new SS12 collection! After shooting it in London recently. I promise it will blow you away. Plus we will be launching it on a whole other level than ever before – that is after all the Illamasqua way. 

Advent Calendar

Behind the 21st window of our Advent Calendar I'm going to share a little of my highlights from 2011...

What is your role at Illamasqua?

I am the Social Media Executive for Illamasqua and look after the Illamasqua blog and our facebook, twitter and youtube channels. I also work closely with our fabulous blogger followers. Every day is exciting as we watch our community grow and evolve!

What is your favourite Illamasqua piece for 2011?

The Theatre of the Nameless collection saw the launch of our first Powder Blushers with shimmer, something we eagerly awaited in HQ! Powder Blusher in Ambition has been my favourite piece for this year. It’s warm, neutral tones make it wearable and the subtle shimmer adds a beautiful highlight to the skin.

What has been your highlight for 2011?

There have been many highlights in 2011; from watching the brand expand and explore new cities and countries, to indulgent and vintage events such as the Glamour of the Gods in the National Portrait Gallery, to innovative and intoxicating launches like Freak. 2011 has been a fantastic year to be a part of the Illamasqua family!

What are you most looking forward to in 2012?

Being a part of Illamasqua as the brand evolves…watch this space

Illamasqua Advent Calendar

Day 20! Christmas is around the corner. Today we have the fabulous Sigrid...

What is your role at Illamasqua?

I'm the Visual Merchandising Assistant.

What is your favourite Illamasqua piece for 2011?

Nail Varnish in Purity or Precision Ink in Havoc, I just couldn't choose (here's a photo of me wearing Havoc).

What has been your highlight for 2011?

Opening the Leeds store two weeks ago. It was amazing to see an empty shell of a shop transformed into a beautiful Illamasqua store full of colourful products and gorgeous Make-Up Artists!

What are you most looking forward to in 2012?

Watching Illamasqua expand – watch this space…

Illamasqua Advent Calendar

Next behind our Advent Calendar window, with only 6 days until Christmas, is our Office Manager and Events Coordinator, Josephine!

What is your role at Illamasqua?

I am the Office Manager and Events Coordinator for Illamasqua.

What is your favourite Illamasqua piece for 2011?

Eyebrow and Lash Gel, I couldn’t live without it to keep the shape and definition of my eyebrows in place all day.

What has been your highlight for 2011?

My highlight was joining the brand full time. I started with the brand as a freelancer just after Illamasqua first launched working on events and supporting with training. I joined the Head Office team in London full time in May and have never looked back.

What are you most looking forward to in 2012?

The whole year, working with Illamasqua always keeps you on your toes, something new and exciting is always happening.

Your alter ago gallery...

Friday is upon us once again and we have that Friday feeling! Today we bring you a selection of our favourite alter ego looks from the week...

Claudia Santa posted this amazing avant garde take on classic art, we're inspired! Indulge and unveil your alter ego and share it with us this week. 

Everyone lusts after the perfect, deep smoky eye. To create a similar look this Christmas try our Pure Pigment in Android or Zeitgeist over Powder Eye Shadow in Lestat.

And because your nails can express your alter ego too...

A little Nail Varnish in Scarab for the weekend!

Illamasqua Advent Calendar

Behind the 16th window of our Advent Calendar we have Rebecca! With her favourite Illamasqua product, Nail Varnish in Scorn!

What is your role at Illamasqua?

Web Customer Service and Logistics Coordinator – providing excellent customer service for Illamasqua.com.

What is your favourite Illamasqua piece for 2011?

I love Illamasqua Nail Varnishes – especially the rubber and matt finish ones. Here I am wearing Scorn (I’m a big fan of black Nail Varnish)!

What has been your highlight for 2011?

I had a great time at the launch party for our debut Fragrance Freak. I started the evening at our store in Beak Street where our amazing team gave me a transformation before heading to the underground tunnels of London to party the night away.

What are you most looking forward to in 2012?

I’m looking forward to sampling all of the new collections and seeing what great surprises Illamasqua has in store for us all…

Illamasqua Advent Calendar

Day 15 and today we have Illamasqua's Creative Director and artist, Alex Box with her favourite product, Cream Pigments!

What is your role at Illamasqua?

I’m Illamasqua’s Creative Director.

 What is your favourite Illamasqua piece for 2011?

My favourite piece for 2011 has to be the Cream Pigments that launched as part of the SS11 Toxic Nature collection.

What has been your highlight for 2011?

Creating our collections, being able to finally see in front of you what's been in your mind rolling like a creative snow ball collecting force and magnitude. Seeing our debut fragrance Freak come together was another highlight for me, the scent, the bottle, the visual, everything we have been working so hard on for the past year or more.

What are you most looking forward to in 2012?

Blowing people away with more progressive imagery, truth and love, self-expression and zeal for all things that celebrate the individuality of our Illamasqua world.

Illamasqua Advent Calendar

Next behind our calendar we have our PR Manager Nicola with her favourite product, Illamasqua's first fragrance.. Freak!

What is your role at Illamasqua?

I am the PR Manager at Illamasqua and work with a fab team that includes Melanie Green and Fiona Scott (aka ‘my girls’)

What is your favourite Illamasqua piece for 2011?

There are so many to choose from but it has to be Illamasqua’s first fragrance FREAK. This was one of the most interesting and exciting launches I have worked on in my 10 year career. The ingredients, concept, bottle, name - everything about FREAK is different and like no other scent out there. I wear it every day and I love the look on people’s faces when they ask what it is and I say “FREAK!”

What has been your highlight for 2011?

Since I joined in February the entire year has been one big busy highlight. Launching the foundation innovation of the year “Skin Base” to such great  reviews was fantastic, as was the Theatre of the Nameless launch and again the successful launch of FREAK. The creativity and anything is possible motto at Illamasqua makes every launch a highlight. 

The new standalone store launches in Liverpool and Leeds have also been a big highlight, it’s so great to see such a demand for our brand nationwide.

What are you most looking forward to in 2012?

I am looking forward to pushing the boundaries even more than we already do in our busy press team and what we have seen so far for 2012 is going to be amazing, we all can’t wait to indulge in all that is to come.

FREE UK DELIVERY

We have a little treat for you this Christmas! Until midnight GMT on Sunday the 18th of December we are offering FREE UK delivery, so induldge your alter ego this Christmas! Don't forget to order before the 18th for arrival before Christmas. Just enter the promotional code UKFREEDEC at the checkout page to redeem your free delivery.

Why not check out our exclusive Christmas Gift sets and discover the perfect gift for every make-up lover! Here are a few of our favourites...

FREAK GIFT SET - Due to the sell-out success of our first fragrance gift set, we have created a new offering, which includes hardwearing Nail Varnish in Wink (soft lilac), Liquid Metal in Phenomena (molten silver), sensual Sheer Lipgloss in Tantrum (deep berry pink) and the 75ml Freak Fragrance.

MIDNIGHT POUT LIP DUO - Wear the red orange lipstick of Ignite alone for electrifying effect, or layer with the warm caramel nude of Sheer Lipgloss in provoke.

BRUSH ROLL INCLUDING LIP BRUSH - This really is the ultimate Christmas Gift for anyone who loves make-up; featuring a cruelty-free synthetic lip brush encased in a high quality leatherette brush roll.

Click here to see more Christmas Gift ideas.

Illamasqua Advent Calendar

Day 13 and next behind our Advent Calendar we have the wonderful Fiona, Public Relations Intern with her favourite product... Masquara!

What is your role at Illamasqua?

I am interning in the Public Relations department for a year as part of my university course. I work alongside Nicola (UK PR Manager) and Melanie (UK PR Assistant) and assist with organising fabulous events, liaising with press, reviewing our daily coverage and lots more!

What is your favourite Illamasqua piece for 2011?

My favourite product this year is Masquara. It is a great lengthening Mascara which separates your eyelashes making them look longer and fuller. It is a make-up bag must!

What has been your highlight for 2011?

There have been so many highlights since interning with Illamasqua, from going to London Fashion Week shows to meeting Kelly Cutrone and Whitney Port! My most recent highlight was spending the day at the Birmingham Clothes Show Live with Illamasqua. It was great to see our team in action creating alter ego looks for the Birmingham fans.

What are you most looking forward to in 2012?

Collection launches are such an exciting time for Illamasqua as so much hard work and preparation goes into the two launches we have a year. I cannot wait to be involved in the run up to the launch and watch the Spring Summer collection be unveiled.

Illamasqua Advent Calendar

It's time to open the the next window of our calender, we are approaching the twelve days of Christmas and today we bring you... Chinyee!

What is your role at Illamasqua?

I am the School of Make-Up Art Manager, based at the flagship store in Beak Street. I manage the day-to-day running of the school and course bookings.  I love speaking to potential students, advising them to select the right courses that suit their needs and nurturing them through their career in make-up.  

What is your favourite Illamasqua piece for 2011?

There are so many, it's difficult to choose just one.  The products last all day and are highly pigmented, what you see is what you get, which is rare with a lot of make-up on the market.  I love the Skin Base Foundation, it’s the first liquid foundation I've converted to after years of not leaving the house without powder foundation!  Masquara in Raven is a must-have that's great on oriental lashes.

Lipstick in Salacious is the perfect red for any age!

What has been your highlight for 2011?

2011 at Illamasqua has flown by - I joined Illamasqua towards the end of 2010 and one of my constant highlights is that we have no boundaries within this company - we're able to experiment, live and learn.  The innovation behind Illamasqua is also a highlight and was showcased with 'The Final Act of Self Expression'. Another highlight is working with our team, complete individuals with big personalities but strangely, quite similar and all share the same passions.

What are you most looking forward to in 2012?

For 2012, I'm looking forward to seeing the school grow with many more courses, more educators and more experimentation.  It's hard to say exactly what I'm looking forward to as Illamasqua is always full of surprises and that's what makes the brand so intriguing.

Illamasqua Advent Calendar

Behind the 9th window of our advent calendar, we have a Friday special for you, Jayde of our Australian team...

What is your role at Illamasqua?

I’m the Senior Account Manager at Tailor Maid Communications, Illamasqua’s Australian PR and Events Agency.

What is your favourite Illamasqua piece for 2011?

I have two, and was unable to eliminate one so my absolute must-have, can’t leave the house without, feel naked when forgotten product is the NEW Illamasqua Freak Fragrance and Lipstick in Atomic. As a fragrance fanatic I have completely succumb to the scent and as a former ‘neutral-lip’ kind of girl, this shade has opened my lips to a world of daring color!

What has been your highlight for 2011?

Firstly, commencing work on such an empowering and devoted brand, which has utterly reinforced my love of beauty, how we define beauty and that beauty IS in the eye of the beholder. Then there was the eerily beautiful Theatre of the Nameless launch with our very own Sebastian Droste and the unleashing of the dangerously delightful Freak Fragrance.

What are you most looking forward to in 2012?

Where do I begin – I can’t wait for the new collection launch.

I am on the journey to discover my next alter ego… 

Your alter ego gallery...

The festive season is upon us; the decadence, the opulence and the Christmas spirit has descended. We've selected our favourites from the alter egos you've shared with us this week from your Christmas party looks to your fantasy creations to continue our Alter Ego Gallery...

Natalie Louise Blundell's alter ego explores textures, broken pigments and striking shapes for this beautiful look. Her statement brows can be recreated with our Eye Brow Cake in Vehement 

This 1930's inspired look by Cecilia Meira has been given a modern, Illamasqua twist. Try our Medium Pencil in Sophie or Eye Liner Cake in Mislead mixed with a little Sealing Gel for the ultimate in 30's luxe

Marika D'Auteuil-Maquilleuse revealed the many faces of her alter ego, from geisha to goth. The fusion of pastels and brights in Marika's second look can be created with our highly-pigmented Powder Eye Shadows

Will you feature in our Alter Ego gallery next week...

Illamasqua Advent Calendar

We have another team member for you today behind the 8th window of the Advent Calender.... Stephanie!

What is your role at Illamasqua?

I’m Stephanie and I'm currently interning with Illamasqua, supporting with the office administration and front of house duties and also with the fabulous Illamasqua events.

  

What is your favourite Illamasqua piece for 2011

Precision Ink is my “can't live without” product.  The pen is thin and pointed, leaving a clean sharp line making it really quick and easy to use.  

What has been your highlight for 2011?

The Freak Launch party was amazing!  The guests made a huge effort with their make-up; the costumes and the alter egos on show were phenomenal! 

What are you most looking forward to in 2012?

I am really looking forward to my future here with Illamasqua. I have met some extremely talented and lovely people since working here and I am forever grateful for this opportunity.

Illamasqua launches in Leeds...

With the launch of our Leeds standalone store just around the corner, there is certainly a buzz building around our arrival. As we open the doors to our first store in Yorkshire, the team are busily preparing the store and putting the finishing touches to our beautiful new counters in our fabulous new home.

Illamasqua was originally founded in Leeds by our Joint Managing Director Julian Kynaston and so this launch has a special poignance for us as a brand.

Launching in the Victoria Quarter this Saturday 10th December , the store will be our third in the UK since we opened our flagship store in Beak St, London just over a year ago and most recently our store in Liverpool's Metquarter.

With an array of highly pigmented, colour-intense products, we're excited to see the visitors that will welcome us to the great city of Leeds...

Illamasqua Advent Calendar

Behind the 7th window of the Illamasqua Advent Calender we have Stacy Lewisen!

What is your role at Illamasqua ?

I am the Quality & Purchasing Controller for Illamasqua. I liaise with our suppliers and I also assist with QC to make sure our customers get the best each and every time.

What is your favourite Illamasqua piece for 2011?

Skin base foundation. I absolutely love it. I have to confess I demand a lot from a foundation, and this delivers in every way. It is light, but with amazing coverage and is a silky dream to apply.

What has been your highlight for 2011?

Playing the Dominatrix at the “Clothes Show live”: What an experience! I was gently asked whether I would like to be this themed character at the show and I agreed (took seconds to decide!). The outfit was borrowed from a friend but once it was on I became Domi-Stace-Trix. I wore Lipstick in “Maneater” (blood red), which seemed very apt for the occasion.

What are you most looking forward to in 2012?

I always look forward the art of our campaigns, and the way it’s reinvented twice a year. 

An Illamasqua Ice Queen tutorial

As winter sets in and the icicles are forming, we bring you an Ice Queen tutorial to inspire and unveil your Christmas alter ego...

Take make-up artistry to icy new heights!

Illamasqua Advent Calendar

Day 6 of our Advent Calender, counting down the days until Christmas! Today we bring you Alex! 

What is your role at Illamasqua or for Illamasqua?

I am the Social Media Manager at Illamasqua! Our team co-ordinates all the Social Media content for the brand, as well as liaising with national and international bloggers that want to learn more about us.

What is your favourite Illamasqua piece for 2011?

Sangers is my favourite product of 2011! It's absolutely "my" red: a perfect blood red that compliments my skin tone and makes my teeth like whiter, what else could you want in a lipstick? This picture is from our Freak ball, one of my highlights of 2011 - it was so much fun dressing up and letting out my wild side for one glamorous night!

What has been your highlight for 2011?

I got to meet some more of my blogger friends in the UK and Amsterdam this year! We hosted blogger events for SS11 Toxic Nature and AW11 Theatre of the Nameless and it’s always great fun putting together these events and seeing the reactions of everyone.

What are you most looking forward to in 2012?

The new collections are extremely exciting for next year. I am looking forward to taking the creative concepts and applying them across our Social Media platforms: videos, apps, blogger events, competitions… so much to look forward to!