The Official Blog of Illamasqua

Your Alter Ego Gallery

2012-01-27T04:30:00.000-08:00

We have receieved so much inspiration from all the alter egos that we have seen this week. As the weekend is upon us, why not indulge yourselves and reveal your alter egos!

Kelly Manu has really used her imagination and taken fantasy to the next level with this look. Use our Eye Brow Cake to create a statement brow, mix with Sealing Gel for a more intense, long lasting finish.

Hannah Ford sent us this beautiful gothic inspired and textured look. We have been inspired by Hannah's use of black powder eye shadow as a contour on the nose and cheeks. Embrace your darker side and use our Precision Ink in Abyss which allows you to create intricate designs.

We love this vintage look by Olga Hasior. A classic red lip is a perfect way to create a vintage look, we suggest our Lipstick in Box. Our School of Make-up Art offers a Vintage Glamour Course to educate you on how to create statement brows, luscious lashes and iconic shapes from the evolving cupids bow to the cut crease inspired by screen characters such as Greta Garbo.

As you may know, at Illamasqua we love colour! Rosie Scott has embraced colour to create this bold look. For a similar look, we recommend using Liquid Metal in Superior, Pure Pigment in Alluvium and Intense Lipgloss in Belladonna.

We look forward to seeing more of your alter egos. Upload your images to our Facebook page. Enjoy the weekend!

How to create the Sophie-I

2012-01-25T09:32:00.000-08:00

For those who haven't yet tried out the stunning Sophie-I technique, here is a step by step guide of how you can create it.

STEP ONE
Sketch along the upper socket line with the creamy black Medium Pencil in Sophie . Then buff with an Illamasqua Eye Shadow Brush to create a soft, diffused line. You can even wear this step on its own, to create a striking look in a hurry with just one product.

STEP 2
Take a pale neutral Powder Eye Shadow (we recommend Stealth) and gently press it to the centre of the eye lid, and underneath the brow bone for a subtle highlight.

STEP 3

With a charcoal black Powder Eye Shadow (try Machine) build over the previous black pencil line, working outwards and upwards. Then take an Illamasqua Blending Brush and blend the two Powder Eye Shadows together, ensuring there are no sharp lines.

STEP 4

Mix Sealing Gel with your black Powder Eye Shadow to create a colour intense, water-resistant paste. Taking a sharp Angled Eye Liner Brush apply the paste in a fine line along the upper lash line as a liquid eye liner. Artists’ Tip: You can also use this to redefine the original Sophie Pencil line along the socket for some serious drama.

STEP 5

Finish the look with a line of Sophie Pencil along the lower lash line, a coating of midnight black Masquara in Raven and your favourite Illamasqua False Eye Lashes.

THE FINISHED SOPHIE-I LOOK

You can simply create this look by using the following products:

Sophie Pencil

Powder Eye Shadow in Stealth

Powder Eye Shadow in Machine

Sealing Gel

False Eye Lashes

Masquara in Raven

Click here to shop the Sophie-I collection.

New courses available at the School of Make-up Art

2012-01-24T07:53:00.000-08:00

Visit our Flagship Store at 20 Beak Street to indulge in anyone of our fantastic courses available at the School of Make-up Art. We have introduced three fabulous new courses...

Teen Beauty Class

Discover the professional way to look after teenage and problematic skin and create a fresh and flawless complexion and master colour correction and concealment to take the stress out of everyday skin breakouts. Experiment with colour mixing and blending and try a host new textures to tempt and tease. A fun class for teenagers to be self-expressive, and create a statement look. Click here to see more.

Day - Night Time Class

Discover the professional way to achieve a polished every day look and how to transform this through to a dramatic evening make-up look, daring to take colour and texture as far as your comfort level allows! Experiment with colour mixing and blending and try a host of new textures to tempt and tease. Learn how to apply false lashes for instant glamour and allure. Create your statement look for every day to night or from bridal, vintage to your alter ego. Click here to see more.

Time for Two Class

Discover the professional way to apply your make-up to hold and stay through the day. Quality time for you and your friend to try a new look and refresh your ideas on make-up. Find a great base, a signature colour or master brows. Relaxing and informative, this class will answer your make-up questions and help you build your confidence with make-up application. A great course for friends, colleagues, mother and daughter, or sisters to have quality time together. Click here to see more.

Remember the 25% off professional courses ends on the 31st of January, to book your course email school@illamasqua.com. Download the full School of Make-up Art brochure here

Sophie-I Technique

2012-01-24T03:23:00.000-08:00

Discover a new smoky eye technique as we launch the Sophie-I collection! As you know, we work very closely with the Sophie Lancaster Foundation and the latest collaboration has produced this technique, developed further by our legendary Creative Director Alex Box. The Sophie-I smoky eye technique allows you to not only express your individuality, but create new depth and definition in your eyes.

Created using the black Sophie Medium Pencil, the technique is inspired by The Sophie Lancaster Foundation, the charity Illamasqua supports, and £3 from every Sophie Pencil purchased is donated to the foundation.

Click here to download and print out your own guide and learn how to create the look yourself, or watch our "how-to" film above.

Chinese New Year - Year of the Dragon

2012-01-23T09:53:00.000-08:00

Today is the first day of the Chinese New Year - The Year of the Dragon. To celebrate we have come up with the following aptly named Illamasqua pieces to allow you to indulge your inner dragon.

Lipstick in Blaze

Lipstick in Ignite

Intense Lipgloss in Fume

Powder Eye Shadow in Predator

Happy Chinese New Year!

Live Chat with Alex Box & David Horne!

2012-01-23T04:22:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday January 25, legendary make-up artist and our Creative Director Alex Box will be heading in to the Stylist (leading fashion, beauty and lifestyle UK weekly magazine) with our Director of New Product Development, David Horne to answer your questions and receieve their creative inspiration in a live webchat.

At Illamasqua we pride ourselves on making ‘make-up for your alter ego' – our products allow you to unleash your imagination and indulge in your alter ego. Behind all this is the visionary hand of our Creative Director Alex Box, a make-up artist who has worked with everyone from Gareth Pugh and Alexander McQueen to Stella McCartney and Chanel.

Our Director of Product Development, and founder of the School of Make-up art, David Horne, has 20 years experience as a catwalk make-up artist and challenges and explores the realms of beauty bringing us cult products such as the ultimate 'Skin Realism' foundation, Skin Base and pieces such as the poisonous pastel & hazardous neons in the Toxic Nature collection to the deep and decadent shades seen in the Theatre of the Nameless collection.

This is a great opportunity for you to put your beauty and make-up questions to the best in the business. This is one to book in your diary as it is a once in a life time opportunity to liaise with the creative minds behind Illamasqua. Just head to the Stylist website to log in and join the live webchat with Alex and David.

Sale ends Monday!

2012-01-20T09:12:00.000-08:00

Our winter sale is packed full of bold and beautiful make-up pieces that are set to not only beat away the January blues but ensure your alter ego steps in to 2012 looking its most decadent self.

With Prices starting at just £5, and up to 70% off, this is your final chance to take advantage of our winter sale before it ends on Monday. See below for just a few of our favourite sale pieces.

ALL £5

ALL £7.50

ALL £10

Your Alter Ego Gallery

2012-01-20T06:43:00.000-08:00

January is the month to step out of the ordinary and reveal your alter ego. Our facebook page has been a wash of colour and striking avant garde looks and we've shared just a selection of our highlights here in our Alter Ego Gallery...

We love this beautiful windswept look by ClaudiaS Make-up and her use of dark shades as a contour. We suggest using our Precision Inks which allow you to create intricate designs to then build upon.

Katherine Hancock embraced her alter ego for a circus carosel themed party. To create a similar look we suggest using Powder Eye Shadow in Taboo, Lipstick in Underworld and False Eye Lashes in No. 21.

If you want a little inspiration on how to unveil your alter ego for 2012, check out our Boudior Circus Starlet Course which allows you to discover the secret make-up techniques that are aloft in the alternative, mysterious world of the seductive boudoir circus. This course is available with a 10% discount until 31st January 2012. There are many other courses available to inspire, click here to see more!

Samuel C Degnan shared this beautiful look on our facebook page. With an array of metallic tones featured, we recommend our Liquid Metals, Pure Pigments and Powdered Metals for a similar effect, all are great for use on the face and body.

Will you feature in next weeks Alter Ego Gallery? Let your second self take over and submit your photos to our Facebook page.

Illamasqua Galaxy Nails

2012-01-20T01:16:00.000-08:00

We have collaborated with Rebecca Jade Wilson, nail artist to the likes of Vogue, Elle and i-D, to create galaxy inspired nail art

If you want to recreate this look and channel a little galaxy nail art you will need...

Nail Varnish in Phallic

Nail Varnish in Load

Nail Varnish in Gamma

Nail Varnish in Rare

Nail Varnish in Lament

10% Off Art Team Member Mika’s Most Versatile Products

2012-01-19T09:31:00.000-08:00

Here at Illamasqua we pride ourselves on finding new and creative ways to take make-up artistry to new heights. With a range packed with colour-intense and highly pigmented products, there is never just one way to use each of our products.

To encourage you to to embrace your alter egos, every month a member of the Illamasqua Art Team will be picking their four most versatile products. Our first Key Artist, Mika's product choices are...

To receive 10% off one of Mika’s selected shades; simply enter the promotion code 'MIKA' at the basket page before Midnight GMT 25th January 2012. Enjoy experimenting...

Illamasqua's favourite looks from the Golden Globes

2012-01-18T03:25:00.000-08:00

This year at the Golden Globes we watched the stars as they came together, crossed the red carpet and dared to be different. The British films stole the spotlight on the night with many awards celebrating the fantastic British films that are coming through this year. Here at Illamasqua HQ we have chosen a few of our favourite looks from the 2012 awards...

Emma Stone

Emma Stone wore a beautiful column dress in contrasting shades of aubergine and scarlet, belted in with an embellished belt with a suggestive split, which was both regal and alluring. Her hair let the clothes do the talking and a cat-like grey smoky eye emphasised her beautiful blue eyes. We’re definitely going to take inspiration from her look and experiment with a cool silver shade such as Powder Eye Shadow in Soul, deepened in the socket line with Powder Eye Shadow in Gimp, with Liquid Metal in Surge to line the bottom eye lids.

Source – Style Frizz

Kelly Osborne

We've been inspired by Kelly's silver toned hair, her look, statement and eye catching, has had us rethinking the dip dye trend of 2011 and favouring a more striking set. We admire Kelly's dare to be different attitude and her make-up complimented the look with dramatic lashes, deep smouldering eyes and a rose based lip. Our new mascara, 'Masquara', lengthens and dramatises the lashes for a similar effect.

Source – Celebutopia

Angelina Jolie

Timeless and effortless, the vintage pin up look is never amiss on a red carpet event such as the Golden Globes and Angelina stunned in ivory and red this season. Defined brows, a flawless complexion and a sultry scarlet lip ensured Angelina’s alter ego for the event, the screen siren, stole the spotlight at the awards. Try our Skin Base Foundation, Eye Brow Cake in Thunder, Medium Pencil in Sophie and Lipstick in Drench for this statement look. This look was a favourite with our Head of Professional Development, Spob

Source – MyDaily

Mila Kunis

Here at HQ we love how Mila has rocked this classic, seductive look. Opting for an effortlessly chic floor length black dress and slicked back hair, Mila epitomises the Black Swan look of last year. A neutral palette complimented Mila's timeless look with a bronzed smoky eye and soft blush lip. To create a similar, flawless finish, we suggest using a hint of Pure Pigment in Breathe on the inner corner of the high to make the eyes pop, Eye Brow Cake in Motto for a natural eye brow and Sheer Lipgloss in Artifice for added pout.

Source – MTV Style

What were your favourite looks from the 2012 Golden Globes?

25% off all Professional Courses at our Illamasqua School of Make-up Art

2012-01-16T09:37:00.000-08:00

Our Illamasqua School of Make-up Art is offering 25% off all professional courses booked by 31st January 2012 at our London Flagship Store at Beak Street. Here is a taster of some available courses...

Experimental Colour Workshop
Leave your preconceptions at the door and challenge the ordinary as you mix up a scintillating cocktail of colour on this exciting 1-day practical workshop. Revolutionise the way you think and see by experimenting with daring combinations and exploring a decadent new world of tantalising textures and cosmetic concoctions. Once you have attended this workshop you’ll never be cautious with colour again. Click here for more info.

The Boudoir Circus Starlet Course
Discover the secret make-up techniques that are aloft in the alternative, mysterious world of the seductive boudoir circus. Circus make-up artistry is at the height of technicality, and the Boudoir Circus Starlet course provides you with a make-up challenge to improve both your creativity and line work. Click here for more info.

Mastering Professional Make-up
The ultimate make-up education programme, this professionally designed intensive course will provide you with a solid platform from which to build your confidence and your skills. You’ll learn and practice a range of core technical and creative techniques until you’re precision perfect, then look at ways in which to develop more abstract styles and looks. This comprehensive introduction to professional make-up will teach your alter ego everything it needs to know about self-expression. Click here for more info.

Here a just a few of the amazing courses available to professionals. Other courses included in 25% offer are the Creative Couture Lash Workshop, Building Expertise & Confidence - Perfecting Eye Design, Building Abstract Creativity - Art & The Alter Ego Course, Bridal & Beyond Course, Building Creativity, Building Creativity - Vintage Glamour Course.

To book please email school@illamasqua.com or call the store on 0203 4323276. Make that New Years resolution a reality and enroll on one of our courses!

SALE - New Lines Just Added!

2012-01-13T09:28:00.000-08:00

Here are just a few of our favourites products that have been added to the sale...

Use Illamasqua Sheer Lipgloss on its own or with Illamasqua Lipstick for added pout.

Eye Liner Cake in Danger is colour-intense, quick-drying and non-smudge, it ensures your creation lasts all night.

Coat the nail with Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Glory and add Illamasqua Nail Top Coat for the perfect finish. Talk with your hands and make a statement.

There are many more products which have been added to the sale, so don't miss out! Visit the sale HERE and grab them while you can!!

Your Alter Ego Gallery...

2012-01-13T09:00:00.000-08:00

Leading on from last weeks fabulous looks. Here are our highlights from this weeks Alter Ego Gallery...

Natalie Grimes created this colour intense look. It reminds us of our Toxic Nature Collection.

Breana Rich got her inspiration from the Illamasqua Body Electrics Collection. This high colour intensity ignites the skin and creates such a dramactic image! We love it and the beautiful photography. Try this look for yourself with our Lipstick in Pristine.

It’s never too late to rock the holiday look. A natural base with a red lip is always a show stopper. Vesna Melkic used the following products to create this look… Cream Blusher in Ravish, Lipstick in Box, Pure Pigment in Android, False Lashes in no. 21, Eye Brow Cake in Gaze and Eye Liner Cake in Mislead.

We would love to see more of your Alter Egos! Keep on sharing them on our Facebook page!

Complimentary, exclusive consultations...

2012-01-11T08:54:00.000-08:00

Our London Selfridges counter is welcoming in 2012 with a little treat for you...

From Thursday 19th until Saturday 21st January enjoy a complimentary, exclusive one on one personalised consultation with our leading make-up artists in the biggest beauty hall in the world, Selfridges Oxford Street, London.

With a kaleidoscopic range of intensely pigmented products to select from, work with an artist to discover a new you in the January blues.

Appointments last half an hour, and with our current offer on counter of buy any two products, get a Nail Varnish free [worth £13.50] what better excuse than to indulge yourself?

Our fabulous artists include:

Key Artist Mika Johnson

Clients include - Courtney Love, Kate Nash, Ada Zanditon, Child of the Jago...

Make-up Artist Adam Sidwell

Clients include - Pussycat Dolls, Nicole Scherzinger...

Make-up Artist Nilofar Mussa

Clients include - Music Videos and Fashion Editorial including Disorder Magazine

Make-up Artist Salina Basran

Has several years excelling in the world of bridal make-up

Dates and times:

Thursday 19th with Mika + Nilofar

11 / 11.45 / 12.30 / 1.15 / 2 / 2.45 / 3.30 / 4.15 / 5 / 5.45

Friday 20th with Mika + Salina

11 / 11.45 / 12.30 / 1.15 / 2 / 2.45 / 3.30 / 4.15 / 5 / 5.45

Saturday 21st with Mika + Adam

11 / 11.45 / 12.30 / 1.15 / 2 / 2.45 / 3.30 / 4.15 / 5 / 5.45

Call the counter to book your exclusive appointment now on

0207 318 3114

The Night Time Before Christmas Master Class

2012-01-10T08:09:00.000-08:00

In the lead up to the festive period our Flagship store and School of Make-up Art on London's Beak Street were a buzz with people in search of the perfect party look and an outlet for their alter ego...

Our team hosted a masterclass to celebrate the night. Key Artist Mika executed a bespoke ‘holiday’ look and treated the lucky attendees to a Q&A session for the hottest tips and advice straight from our Professional team.

To share a little of the indulgence from the night, we have a selection of the key pieces Mika used for the look to help you to achieve this at home. Skin Base Foundation, the ultimate in skin realism was used alongside a little translucent Loose Powder in LP 010 to create a flawless finish.

For the eyes Mika applied Medium Pencil in Sophie all over the lid to create a base, this was then blended out and Pure Pigments in Beguile and Android were pressed on top. A little Medium Pencil in Vow was blended under the brow for a highlight and False Eye Lashes in 21 were applied to add definition.

The models sultry pout was created with Medium Pencil in Torment as a liner and Lipstick in Sangers, two beautiful pieces available in our Winter Sale.

With a glass of bubbly, a goody bag, and a customised face chart in hand the guests enjoyed the perfect party preparation for Christmas.

To shop these key pieces, visit our Flagship store at 20 Beak St, London W1.

Stay tuned to our blog for more news of upcoming masterclasses.

Thank you to our lovely model Emily England and to Stuart Stafford, our photographer for the evening.

Illamasqua Wins Temptalia Award 2012

2012-01-09T04:38:00.000-08:00

Your Alter Ego Gallery

2012-01-06T08:31:00.000-08:00

First alter ego gallery highlights of the New Year!

Tracy Hillis created this beautiful under-water shoot! I hope those eye wings held up...

Now THIS is a Christmas alter ego! Drag Santa by Matias Cornejo Acuna ... not sure where to look first! The corn rowed white hair, silver beard, piercing eye contacts, green brows ...

Mary McCusick Basso's New Year alter ego is an inky extravaganza with a real tribal edge ...

Love them all! Post to our Facebook wall all next week for your chance to be seen here on the Illamasqua blog!

Our cult favourite pieces and highlights from 2011

2012-01-05T09:36:00.000-08:00

Our Head Office is a buzz with the plans for 2012 and the exciting reveals to come. At the dawn of a fantastic year ahead we wanted to share a selection of our most anticipated launches and cult favourites from the past year.

Skin Base Foundation

Adored by bloggers and press, the launch of our Skin Base Foundation was awaited with baited breath in HQ for the Foundations flawless finish, medium coverage and easily blendable formula.

Precision Ink in Glister

A statement piece in the Toxic Nature collection, Glister, an opalescent nude was an alternative addition to the Precision Ink range, injecting light into a smoky eye.

Pure Pigment in Berber

The centre of all attention at the launch of our Theatre of the Nameless collection, Pure Pigment in Berber, as inspired by the Weimar Republic performer Anita Berber, offers pure decadence with it's deep auburn shimmer.

Nail Varnish in Throb

Introduced as part of our Throb collection, this Nail Varnish is a true blood red and a must-have in every make-up lovers kit. From vintage vixens to femme fatales this is the perfect red for every alter ego.

False Eye Lashes in Grandeur

Heralded as the longest lashes on the high street, Grandeur are glamour personified.

Masquara

If the irresistible name wasn't enough to tempt you to our new mascara, it's defining and dramatising effects will.

"If the eyes are the windows of the soul, our new Masquara in Raven in midnight black reveals a heart of darkness"

Nail Varnish in Vice

Debuting our new rubber finish formula, Nail Varnish in Vice, a deep cerise, was one of four exclusive shades which launched as part of the Theatre of the Nameless collection. The rubber finish shares a window into the underground society of 1920's Berlin that the collection was inspired by

Lipstick in Kontrol

Lipstick in Kontrol offers the ultimate vampy lip. It's blue, violet tones make this rich, colour-intense shade wearable and distinctive on all alter egos

Cream Pigment in Bedaub

Pastel perfection, Cream Pigment in Bedaub not only offers a great formula for the eyes but can be applied under your Foundation or base as a colour corrector for redness

Powder Blusher with shimmer in Morale

As one of the first Powder Blushers with shimmer from Illamasqua, Morale was a sellout success. The dusting of shimmer adds a rich radiance to your face

Where would our 2011 launch highlights be without the inclusion of our debut fragrance Freak! An intoxicating, provocative and distinctive scent, Freak has sent the beauty world's senses buzzing.

Indulge in Illamasqua this year as we unveil more captivating collections and draw out your alter ego...

New Year...New alter ego?

2012-01-04T07:57:00.000-08:00

With the turn of a New Year we set resolutions, detox and leave the festivities behind us and as 2012 commences, we're keen to discover and unveil your alter ego's.

We've put together a cult offering of decadent, Illamasqua pieces to tempt and draw out your alter ego...

Lipstick in Disciple

An intense and provocative deep navy, Disciple is the ultimate adornment for any alter ego.

Nail Varnish in Gamma

Nail Varnish in Radium

For the daring alter ego, these acidic, neon shades are a colour-intense addition to vamp up any winter look.

Freak, our debut fragrance

Freak's intoxicating scent will draw out and indulge your exotic alter ego this new year.

Medium Pencil in Sophie

Medium Pencil in Sophie enables you to effortlessly create a smoky eye, the ultimate look for the night-time alter ego.

Which alter ego will you reveal...

Our pick of the winter sale...

2012-01-03T09:33:00.000-08:00

Our winter sale is in full swing and we've seen many of you reviewing your favourite pieces and lust-haves so we thought we'd share a little of what we haven't been able to resist this new year...

Nail Varnish in Smash: now £5

A beautiful grass-green, this is perfect for the Spring (it's just around the corner now!). Try wearing this with Nail Varnish in Prism as a top coat for an iridescent green. Treat your talons this New Year for just £5

False Eye Lashes No.21: now £5

A favourite within our office, these lashes are great for a little night-time glamour and transform you from Boardroom to Bar. There's a sultry selection of False Eye Lashes in our winter sale so if you have the January blues or a fabulous night out soon, click here to see more of our sale lashes.

Illumine Oil in Pulse: now £7.50

Our Illumine Oils appear a firm favourite this year. At £7.50 these shimmering body oils are this years ultimate luxe sale item to illuminate and add radiance.

Intense Lipgloss in Besotted: now £7.50

Described by the beauty world as liquid lipstick, our Intense Lipglosses offer high-shine, richly pigmented colour and an array of vivid shades to choose from, from the sumptuous Besotted, a rich scarlet red, to Repulse, pure black decadence.

Powder Eye Shadow in Victim: now £7.50

Powder Eye Shadow in Synth: now £7.50

Highly-pigmented and long-lasting, our Powder Eye Shadows offer both matt and shimmer finishes to draw out your alter ego this New Year.

What has been your favourite piece from our winter sale?

Your Alter Ego gallery...

2011-12-23T04:31:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-23T04:10:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-23T03:22:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-12-22T08:23:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-22T03:46:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-21T10:11:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-20T08:33:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-19T08:06:00.000-08:00

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...

2011-12-16T08:53:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-16T03:12:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-15T09:40:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-14T09:36:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-13T08:50:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-12T08:56:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-09T09:00:00.000-08:00

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...

2011-12-09T08:02:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-08T08:21:00.000-08:00

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...

2011-12-07T10:55:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-07T08:49:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-07T03:36:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-06T09:18:00.000-08:00

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!

Illamasqua Idol : Katharine Hepburn

2011-12-06T09:05:00.000-08:00

Katharine Hepburn has always been revered as a beauty influence for Illamasqua due to her spirited personality and fierce independence in a time that female stars were regularly sexualized and patronised within the film industry.

Her outspokenness and difference was enough to ensure her early career [other than her Academy Award for Morning Glory] was largely a failure on a commercial level. Did Katharine fade away? Did she hell! She bought herself out of her current film contract, purchased the film rights to The Philadelphia Story and sold it on with herself as the star. The movie was a huge hit [and now a cult classic] and Katharine hit the dizzy heights of A List stardom, becoming the most bankable actress of the 1940s.

She ended her phenomenal, 6 decade career, with 4 Oscar’s under her belt and an array of nominations.

Not only was she a natural beauty, but when glammed up she was dazzling. She loved to wear trousers and other casual clothes – unconventional in the era of Golden Hollywood – but her make-up was very much in the style of the day.

GET THE LOOK

Defined brows, a full mouth and lashings of mascara were the focuses of Katharine’s 1940s make-up.

Illamasqua Eyebrow Cake - Gaze

Begin by applying Skin Base Foundation for a naturally glowy finish that needs minimal powdering over the T Zone only – try Loose Powder 010, a finely milled powder that will fix your make-up in place whilst never appearing heavy.

Katharine had natural cut-glass cheekbones, but if you are not blessed with the same, emphasise yours with Powder Blusher in ‘Disobey’.

For the eyes, minimal eye colour is needed – especially in black and white films! Emphasise shadow and light by dusting over Powder Eye Shadow in ‘Lestat’ over the entire eyelid, and highlight under the brow bone using a soft peachy nude such as Powder Eye Shadow in ‘Succumb’.

To get in to the 1940’s spirit, use a traditional Eye Brow Cake – Illamasqua’s one comes with a very useful mirror – and draw on using an Angled Eye Liner Brush, Line the waterline with a light coloured pencil such as Medium Pencil in Vow [a cool nude] that will brighten the whites of the eyes. Lashing of Mascquara in Raven [a deep jet black] will give eyes the sex appeal, or add on lengthening False Eye Lashes such as 005.

Illamasqua Lipstick - Box

The cherry on the cake of this look is a cherry lip! The cupids bow is softer than from the 20s and 30s, and extended across the entire lip for an exaggerated pout. Use any shade from bright red to vampy berry or mahogany brown: Illamasqua has 14 shades to satisfy your inner 40’s goddess…

Illamasqua Advent Calendar

2011-12-05T10:21:00.000-08:00

The 5th of December is here and with it we open the next window of our advent calendar. Today we bring you Laura, our lovely Social Media intern..

What is your role at Illamasqua?

I am interning with Illamasqua in their Social Media department. I have been supporting the team in the world of social networking. I’ve been amazed by the amount of bloggers who dedicate their time to writing about Illamasqua and I hope to create a great relationship with many of the bloggers during my time at Illamasqua

What is your favourite Illamasqua piece for 2011?

Cream Pigment in Depravity from the Theatre of the Nameless collection. It’s a deep violet colour that can be used anywhere. I like wearing this on both my lips and cheeks.

What has been your highlight for 2011?

I recently joined Illamasqua so the highlights for me so far have been settling in to my role and meeting the lovely people that work here!

What are you most looking forward to in 2012?

There is lots to look forward to…getting to know the team at Illamasqua, exploring the brand and the launch of the upcoming collections. I’m looking forward to all of the experiences ahead of me

Give the gift of education...

2011-12-05T07:05:00.000-08:00

Give the gift of education this Christmas with a voucher for one of our School of Make-up Art courses…the ultimate in make-up artistry indulgence.

For a little glimpse at the courses on offer and the alter egos they attract, I caught up with our School Manager Chinyee to put together a small overview of each course to help you (or should we say Santa) choose…

Night-Time Diva: for the ultimate diva inside us all, this course encourages you to draw out your inner sultry side. The ideal start to any big night out, it will equip you with the skills to give any look an Illamasqua edge!

Vintage Glamour: for the vintage ladies and gents about town. Drawing on the drama of making up, you’ll consider the influences of theatre, film and burlesque, and how techniques from the stage can be used to create an incredible array of looks. From statement brows to luscious lashes, we’ll encourage you to experiment and be bold.

Drag Star Superhero: For girls and guys who want to have fun! Create extreme night-time make-up and high impact looks inspired by everything from the London club scene, to catwalk couture and back again. From bold colours to brow blocking, set your glamour factor to maximum and prepare to stun.

Day to Night: From boardroom to bar and from desk to dance floor (we all know the sayings), this course offers the perfect opportunity to learn how to convert your day time make-up into an alluring evening look with minimal effort.

Maturing Beauty: Life begins at 39, and the Maturing Beauty Course is especially designed to help you discover vivacious colour and new ways to embrace textures and shades that will illuminate your features for a glamorous new look.

Teen Beauty: Especially for you and your BFF, learn the basics of teenage self-expression and create that individual, statement look. Reveal your alter ego and become an icon.

Experimental Colour: Stuck in a rut with neutral colours? Leave your preconceptions at the door and challenge the ordinary as you mix up a scintillating cocktail of colour on this exciting 1-day practical workshop.

5 Day: Mastering Professional Make Up: The ultimate make-up education programme, this professionally designed intensive course will provide you with a solid platform from which to build your confidence and your skills as a launch pad for your make-up artistry career.

To learn more about the course vouchers click here. Alternatively you can contact the School directly on +44 (0) 203 432 3276 or by email at school@illamasqua.com

Your alter ago gallery

2011-12-02T09:43:00.000-08:00

It’s Friday again.. and we have picked a few of our favourite creations from this week to feature on the blog! We have received so many amazing photos this week so thanks to everyone.. keep them coming!

An amazing look by Ivana Blazotiby inspired by the Illamasqua Christmas campaign imagery. Visit her blog to learn how to re-create this look here.

Barbarella Badillo was inspired by the Theatre of the Nameless collection for her birthday look. To shop the collection, click here.

Love this theatrical face & body make-up done by Danijela Brozovic Ex Vitkovic. Liquid Metal in Phenomena & Pure Pigment in Android would be great to use if creating a similar Halloween inspired look.

Illamasqua Advent Calendar

2011-12-02T09:05:00.000-08:00

Behind the second window of the Illamasqua Advent Calendar we have Melanie Green...

What is your role at Illamasqua?

I’m Illamasqua’s PR Assistant. Between Nicola (PR Manager) and I, we look after the lovely UK press, ensuring Illamasqua is seen in all the best magazines and featured on all the top online publications. I have meetings with journalists, showcasing our beautiful new collections and introducing them to the brand which sometimes involves a yummy breakfast or afternoon tea! I get to go to some great events, from London Fashion Week and Clothes Show Live to magazine launches and club nights in Soho.

What is your favourite Illamasqua piece for 2011?

Lipstick in Atomic from our SS11 collection, Toxic Nature. It’s a vibrant fuchsia violet shade with a very clever “bluey hue” which makes your teeth stand out bright white!

What has been your highlight for 2011?

2011 was my first year with Illamasqua, so the whole year’s been a highlight. The launch of our first fragrance Freak was incredible. This was a huge turning point for Illamasqua as we’re an independent British brand of only 3 years old. We held events throughout our stores and counters as well as a huge fancy dress launch party with the Last Tuesday Society where everyone got their Freak on! The Freak hype spread globally and is continuing to cause a stir throughout the beauty world.

Another great part of my job is working with Kelly Cutrone of Peoples Revolution. Kelly signed copies of her new book “Normal Gets You Nowhere” at our Flagship store on Beak Street in July and continues to represent Illamasqua and the SOPHIE charity in the US. Being such a well-known PR guru, she’s fascinating to spend time with and is happy to answer all my millions of questions!

What are you most looking forward to in 2012?

Things are constantly changing here at HQ which is always exciting! I'm looking forward to working closer with the Social Media team and on the international PR side of things.

Some Sneaky Backstage Pics...

2011-12-02T01:45:00.000-08:00

No description, just beauty ...

The Illamasqua Advent calendar

2011-12-01T09:42:00.000-08:00

The 1st of December is here and Christmas is nearing, to get you in the festive spirit and to celebrate the past year in the world that is Illamasqua, we will be revealing a member of our team each day with their highlights from 2011 as we undo the Illamasqua Advent Calendar. We invite you to indulge as we reveal our alter egos and what's had us most excited this year!

Behind the first window is Spob...

What is your role at Illamasqua?

Head of Professional Development - introducing professionals, students and make-up artists to the world of Illamasqua. I also train the wonderful Illamasqua Art Team on all things cultural.

What is your favourite Illamasqua piece for 2011?

Skin Base Foundation! I wear shade SB 11

What has been your highlight for 2011?

Our collaboration with the National Portrait gallery for the ‘Glamour of the Gods’ event…. this was the first time the newly formed Art team had the opportunity to work together. They transformed men and women into glamorous movie stars. The combination of the art training at the NPG and the development in the cultural world came together for what was a wonderful event.

I was also invited to attend Alex Box's Honorary Doctorate ceremony at Southampton Solent, a university I have been working with since Illamasqua launched. It was a joy to see her work recognised! I've also really enjoyed watching the evolution of Illamasqua as we launched our store in Liverpool in October and are opening in Leeds next week.

What are you most looking forward to in 2012?

The awards season as so many make-up designers have been using Illamasqua products on their projects and reporting back about how much they love the range.

Alex Box receives an honorary degree

2011-11-30T03:51:00.000-08:00

Our PR Intern Fiona headed to Southampton Solent University last week with Spob, our Head of Professional Development and Events Coordinator Josephine to watch and support Alex Box as she received her Honorary Doctorate. We've handed the blog over today to the lovely Fiona for an insight into the day...

On arriving at the University we were welcomed by key tutors and members of the University and joined Alex Box for a light Breakfast before the ceremony begun.

The graduation took place in the beautiful Guild Hall. As we showed our support to all of the students graduating, we spotted Sasha Wren in the crowd, our winner of the BA Illamasqua Distinction in Make-up Artistry Award in October 2011.

We eagerly awaited Alex’s turn and when it was time, Jennifer Anyhan from Southampton Solent intoroduced Alex and read a beautiful citation commending her work and telling the audience why she deserves and has been awarded the honoury doctorate. To learn more and to read the citation click here

As Alex proudly accepted her Honoury Degree of Doctor of Design, she gave an inspirational acceptance speech. She proudly told the audience that receiving this award is an incredible marker in her career and a great honour.

Alex believes that what has led her to success is having faith in her own beliefs, listening to her heart and trusting her instinct. She finished her speech with two inspirational quotes for everyone to think about...

‘Fortune favours the brave and believe with all your heart that you will do what you were made to do’ Orison Swett Marden.

‘The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible’ Arthur C Clarke

Congratulations to Dr Box, and a huge thank you to Southampton Solent for a great day and their continued support of Alex and Illamasqua!

A little Freak...

2011-11-28T10:41:00.000-08:00

As Christmas nears, the advent calendars are at the ready, the lights are up and the christmas shopping is in full motion, we wanted to offer you a little something to treat and indulge yourself this season. To get you in the spirit and to invite you to step into the intoxicating world that is Freak, every order placed online at illamasqua.com will include a free sample of our debut fragrance while stocks last

Tempted by our Christmas Gift sets or left wondering what the scent of this alluring concoction of dangerously exotic unconventional flowers will be like? Now is the perfect opportunity to indulge in those pieces you've been lusting after...

Your alter ego gallery...

2011-11-25T08:53:00.000-08:00

The alter ego gallery is becoming a regular Friday feature on our blog...we'll be showcasing and highlighting the Illamasqua HQ favourites from the creative, alter ego inspired looks you've shared with us over the week!

Share your Christmas party make-up, avant garde creations and iconic statement looks on our facebook page and you might just appear here next week...

Striking contouring from Yrtxcyrtxc Chaumet. We spy Liquid Metal in Superior.

'ClaudiaS Makeup' with her conceptual, monochrome alter ego

An intense look with lashings of opulent pigment, Natalie Grimes illustrated how to wear avant garde lashes...something for the party season?

Check our Natalie's Luxury Decadence Lashes in our latest Christmas Gift offerings

A Toxic Nature inspired creation from Tricia Davidge. To shop the collection, click here

To upload your striking look, click here

The Sophie Lancaster Foundation

2011-11-25T08:31:00.000-08:00

To mark Sophie Lancaster's birthday this Saturday, we want to share an insight into the incredible work behind the Sophie Lancaster Foundation with you...

Help us spread the message of Sophie and support the great work the team behind the Foundation are doing.

Our Sophie competition to win cult, Sophie inspired pieces in honour of Sophie's birthday also closes this weekend, click here to enter

Honouring Sophie Lancaster's birthday...

2011-11-24T09:08:00.000-08:00

In honour of what would have been Sophie's 25th birthday this Saturday 26th November and to mark our support for the Sophie Lancaster Foundation, we are hosting an internationally open competition to win a selection of cult pieces from the Illamasqua collection.

And for the best part...to honour the amazing work of the Sophie foundation, we will be picking FIVE winners!

The lucky winners will receive an iconic, Sophie inspired prize including Medium Pencil in Sophie, Pure Pigment in Zeitgeist, Nail Varnish in Unnatural, Intense Lipgloss in Repulse, False Eye Lashes in no.21 and a S.O.P.H.I.E wristband.

To enter the competition and show your support for the foundation, click here

The competition is open until Midnight GMT Sunday 27th November

The Sophie Lancaster Foundation aims to Stamp Out Prejudice, Hatred and Intolerance Everywhere, their fantastic website and Facebook page will tell you more

Help us spread the message of this inspirational foundation and enter our Sophie competition to be in with the chance of winning!

Get ready to 'Lol' this Christmas as This is England returns to our screens...

2011-11-24T03:37:00.000-08:00

We've handed the blog over to our fabulous PR & Press Assistant Melanie for a glimpse of what's to come from This is England this year...

As the cold wintery months draw nearer, we at Illamasqua HQ have finally replaced our gladiator sandals and hot pink painted toes with deep wine coloured lips and gothic nails. The Christmas lights are shining bright on Carnaby Street and as well as Gingerbread lattes, velvet party dresses, happy hours and an abundance of chocolate treats, what else is there to look forward to? Why Christmas TV specials of course!

December 2011 will see the return of “This is England” in a 3 part series over the Christmas period. At last, BAFTA winning Vicky McClure, star of Illamasqua’s brand films, will be returning to our screens revealing what happened to Lol, Woody and the gang.

We were thrilled to be invited to the preview of “This Is England ’88” last week at BAFTA, it has got us so excited for the release in December. Director, Shane Meadows left us hanging on the edge of our seats with his hard hitting story lines, transporting us back to the Midlands in 1988.

We were lucky enough to witness the “question and answer” session after the screening which gave us a great insight into Shane and Vicky’s friendship, what it was like filming the incredible new series and what’s going to happen next. Unfortunately we were sworn to secrecy, so our lips are sealed…

Being a friend of the brand, Vicky had her make-up applied for the BAFTA screening at our Flagship store on Beak Street. Business Manager Kim Terrell transformed Vicky making her ready for the bright lights and eager fans!

To create Vicky’s flawless, classic look Kim used…

Skin Base in SB.10 and SB.11 with Pressed Powder in 010

Powder Blusher in Beg and Katie

Medium Pencil in Sophie with Powder Eye Shadow in Machine

Illuminator in Odyssey

Powder Eye Shadow in Herione and Slink

Masquara in Raven

Lipstick in Climax

Sheer Lipgloss in Enchant

Medium Pencil in Ascend

Gleam Cream in Flex

Stay tuned for more on the make-up used on set and an interview with This is England 88’s Hair and Make Up Designer, Catherine Scoble…

Cat's Claws comes to our London Flagship store...

2011-11-23T09:22:00.000-08:00

Unique textures, intricate designs, colour clashing shades...nail art is limitless and has evolved from season to season. From the catwalks to the cool kids, and from the fashionistas to those who indulge in and adorn the classic and vintage, nail art encourages you to reveal your alter ego...

From this Thursday 24th November, we will be collaborating with Cat's Claws to offer a bespoke nail service for just £15 with our fabulous Nail Varnish range at our Flagship store in London.

Dates and times...

Thursday 24th November 5.30pm-8pm

All other Thursdays in December 5.30pm-9pm for late night shopping

By appointment or on a first come/first serve basis

From January onwards we will be offering beautiful nail art on Thursdays between 5.30pm-8pm.

To book your appointment, please call the store on

+44 (0) 203 432 3274

To learn more about Cat's Claws click here

An Illamasqua graffiti nail tutorial...

2011-11-22T09:09:00.000-08:00

Using a selection of cult Illamasqua Nail Varnishes, we collaborated with fashion manicurist Teresa Smith to create a unique effect known as Graffiti nails!

The key pieces used to create the look from the tutorial were...

Nail Base Coat

Nail Varnish in Phallic

Nail Varnish in Rare

Nail Varnish in Purity

Nail Varnish in Throb

Nail Varnish in Force

To shop the Illamasqua range of Nail Varnishes and to get creative with graffiti nails click here

Free UK delivery and Free International delivery on orders over £50...

2011-11-21T04:11:00.000-08:00

The nights have drawn in, and the Freaks and the Fabulous are preparing to emerge from the shadows to celebrate the festive party season in true Illamasqua style...

To help prepare your alter ego and to indulge in the avant garde, we are offering FREE delivery all this week across our range of colour-intense, night-time make-up.

To redeem your free UK standard delivery, simply enter the promotional code ‘FREEUK11’ when you reach the checkout page of the Illamasqua Shop.

To redeem your free international delivery, simply enter the promotional code ‘INTERNATIONAL50’ at the checkout – when you spend £50 or more.

Offer ends Midnight GMT Friday 25th November 2011.

For our international fans this is the perfect opportunity to begin your Christmas shopping as shipping times across the world can take up to 30 days!

False Lash Friday...

2011-11-18T09:45:00.000-08:00

False Lash Friday is a must in the Illamasqua office and our beautiful new Christmas Gifts are no exception...

Midnight Decadence (£25 saving £17)

Including Luxury False Eye Lashes in Decadence & Precision Ink in Glister

The night just got richer with the power of these utterly decadent, handmade antique silver diamanté False Eye Lashes. Combine with the opalescent nude of Precision Ink in Glister for an unique eye liner alternative.

Our lovely Liverpool team modelling the Decadence lash

MidnightVixen (£25 saving £9.50)

Including False Eye Lashes No.26 & Precision Ink in Abyss

Become an alluring vixen of the night and prepare to party until dawn with this daring duo. Featuring Illamasqua’s most audacious lashes to date, each feathered creation is an individual work of art that adds unmissable impact to any look. Combine them with the defined application of midnight black Precision Ink in Abyss, a cult and favourite Illamasqua piece.

To view more of our unmissable Christmas Gifts click here

You've been inspiring us...

2011-11-17T11:27:00.000-08:00

Our facebook page is a wash of creativity and inspiration with many of your alter egos appearing on our pages in beauty and avant garde looks you've created. These were too fabulous to keep to ourselves so we will be sharing some of those that have had the Illamasqua team in awe.

We love seeing you revel in your dark side, so here is a little thank you from us...

A beautiful goth inspired fantasy look by Simon James of "walkingwondersfx"

Halloween glam from Karlapowellmua

Janine Bailey rocking Lipstick in Kontrol

An icy blue alter ego from Matías Cornejo Acuña

Monochrome beauty with Intense Lipgloss in Repulse by Tracy Hillis

Will you alter ego capture our imagination next week...? To share your looks and alter egos with us, simply click here to post your photos on our well

A Midnight Kiss from Illamasqua...

2011-11-16T08:48:00.000-08:00

This Christmas all attention will be on the ultimate pout, prepare your lips for the intimacy of night’s darkest hour with this intense duo.

Midnight Kisses

Including Lipstick in Welt & Sheer Lipgloss in Rouse

Transform yourself into the embodiment of vamp with these ultimate midnight duos. Combine deep magenta pink, matt Lipstick in Welt and cool candy pink Sheer Lipgloss in Rouse to create stunning high gloss lips that are begging to be kissed.

Midnight Pout

Including Lipstick in Ignite & Sheer Lipgloss in Provoke

Wear the colour-rich, red orange Lipstick of Ignite alone for an electrifying effect, or layer with the warm caramel nude of Sheer Lipgloss in Provoke for a pout with depth and dimension that no-one can ignore...

Indulge in the Midnight seduction of these pieces at Illamasqua.com

Illamasqua is welcomed in Liverpool's Metquarter...

2011-11-15T08:05:00.001-08:00

Our new standalone store, our second in the UK, launched earlier this month in Liverpool's luxury Metquarter. To celebrate the launch in true Illamasqua style, we hosted an exclusive party in store to announce our arrival.

A hub of creativity and a wash of high colour pigment, the Liverpool store celebrates our position as a vibrant, unique and professional make-up brand at just three years old.

Illamasqua's Joint Managing Director Joseph Corre and Creative Director Alex Box hosted the event with a beauty savvy crowd of Illamasqua evangelists!

With performers from Garlands bringing a flamboyance to the night and with a touch of WAG glamour from our other fabulous guests, the event welcomed Illamasqua to what promises to be an exciting new location for our team.

‘Everywhere we went people were telling us that Liverpool would be perfect for Illamasqua…eventually it became too loud to ignore. We are looking forward to witnessing Liverpool’s reaction to the cult that is Illamasqua’

Julian Kynaston, Illamasqua Founder and Joint MD

A performance from La Fleur de Mechanique set the atmosphere of the night as guests indulged in complimentary make-up transformations.

Guests were also treated to Tequila Patron cocktails and Vitamin water by the fantastic Twist & Shake bar team.

For the bold, the striking and the fabulous, our new Liverpool store is now open in Liverpool's Metquarter

A dazzling Christmas Nail tutorial...

2011-11-15T02:49:00.000-08:00

Available exclusively at Illamasqua.com, these enchanting shades can be worn individually or together as a dazzling combination. Create an eye-catching diamand effect by layering Harsh, a clear-based silver glitter varnish, over Boosh, Illamasqua's best-selling deep black gloss.

To indulge in this sumptuous festive look, click here to visit the Illamasqua shop

Grazia late night shopping event!

2011-11-14T07:28:00.000-08:00

This Thursday 17^th November, Carnaby Street will open the doors to late night shopping once again in association with Grazia. From 6-9pm, our beautiful Flagship store in Beak Street, London W1, will be offering a 20% discount in store for one night only!

There will also be complimentary nail art from Cat's Claws and 'portraits' by our amazing event photographer. Key Artist Mika will be in store to offer transformations, make-up tips and advice, and to share his creative techniques to ensure you dazzle this Christmas.

Key Artist Mika

In true Illamasqua style, there will be a few extra surprises too… draw out your alter ego and indulge in Soho’s hottest night out with us!

To register for your free ticket to the event, click here

BBC interviews Illamasqua Founder and Joint MD Julian Kynaston

2011-11-11T07:27:00.000-08:00

This week the BBC interviewed our Founder and Joint Managing Director, Julian Kynaston, on the inspirations behind Illamasqua and our ventures into Yorkshire as we launch our first counter in Sheffield...

Sorapol and Illamasqua collaborate...

2011-11-09T10:19:00.000-08:00

The wonderful St Georges Church in the heart of Soho made a superb venue for the launch of Sorapol’s Spring Summer 2012 collection. Illamasqua supported the show as the official make-up providers with our Art Team backstage creating fabulous looks to compliment the stunning outfits that were to be unveiled...

The collection was inspired by the story of Coccinelle. Coccinelle was in a plane crash and soon faced the reality that in order to survive against raw nature and insects she would have to bring out her ‘true colours’. The brief for the make-up was based around this story and the Art Team were tasked to create the look of a 1940’s opulent woman.

Key pieces used to create this striking, avant garde look were Skin Base Foundation for a flawless complexion, Cream Pigment in Hollow as a contour and Medium Pencil in Sophie as a liner for the lips. Liquid Metal in Stoic was pressed onto the lips with Intense Lipgloss in Violate on top to add a high shine finish. The look was set with true Illamasqua brows in Pure Pigment in Conquer.

Sorapol’s first collection takes inspiration from exotic nature and is built up of contrasts, in the form of shapes, colours and texture. The clothes were luxe, with each item elaborately embellished with hand beading, painting and crystals, using rich contrasting colours throughout the collection.

Thank you to Nick Andrews and Chad from The xoxo Kids for the fabulous photos.

To recreate or draw inspiration from this look, click here to visit Illamasqua.com

The perfect gift for every alter ego...an Illamasqua Christmas

2011-11-08T08:40:00.000-08:00

In the velvety darkness of Christmas, the most dazzling creatures shine. Midnight strikes and the freaks and the fabulous burst from the shadows, dancing wildly until the dawn.

This season, our glittering collection of utterly decadent gifts demands that you outshine even the brightest among them – an inimitable spotlight for your alter ego...

Brush Roll (£95 saving £25)

Including five brushes: Foundation Brush, Blusher Brush 1, Eye Shadow Brush, Eye Brow Brush, Lip Brush

Midnight Kisses (£20 saving £8.50)

Including Lipstick in Welt & Sheer Lipgloss in Rouse

Midnight Pout (£20 saving £8.50)

Including Lipstick in Ignite & Sheer Lipgloss in Provoke

Midnight Decadence(£25 saving £17)

Including Luxury False Eye Lashes in Decadence & Precision Ink in Glister

Midnight Vixen (£25.00 saving £9.50)

Including False Eye Lashes No.26 & Precision Ink in Abyss

Harsh & Boosh Festive Nail Duo (£20 saving £7)

Including Nail Varnish in Harsh & Nail Varnish in Boosh

Spartan & Boosh Festive Nail Duo (£20 saving £7)

Including Nail Varnish in Boosh & Spartan

Untold & Ruthless Festive Nail Duo (£20 saving £7)

Including Nail Varnish in Untold & Ruthless

What will be on your wishlist this Christmas for a little alter ego indulgence?