Body Electrics Video

For all of you who are yet to see the short film we created for the Body Electrics collection, here it is for your viewing pleasure...

When Alex Box Met Lynne...

A couple of months ago Lynne and a couple of her colleagues from the Frag die Gurus came to London for IMATs, so we invited them to the counter for an exclusive interview with Alex Box...

Body Electrics: Behind The Scenes Part 1

I recall the Body Electrics photoshoot vividly as I was really sick that day, and yet determined to meet the legendary photographers Warren du Preez and Nick Thornton Jones as I can't remember a time when I didn't have work by these guys on my bedroom wall. Often described as 'hypervisual', their work brings an almost 3D like quality to the image and this was perfect for the Illamasqua vision of Body Electrics; an electric fusion of colour, texture and movement.

Alex brought the glam as usual - how cute are the matching pink bone clips and pink jumpsuit? With a call time of 8:30 am and working well in to the night, the level of attention to detail,
This was my favourite look of the day - a strong, sculpted cheekbone with more than a hint of 80s power-woman and that leather dress [by Hannah Marshall, styled by Katie Shillingford] brought an element of danger.

Illumine Oil in 'Pulse' was liberally applied to the model's limbs, and the Bronzer in 'Writhe' and 'Burnish' were used to add further definition.

The gorgeous, structured hair style was made by James Pecis, whose work has appeared in GQ, Vogue, Dazed and Confused, Numero and i-D magazines amongst others. I was wearing my studded leggings from Oasis, and James told me he worked on the Oasis shoot that included the leggings as part of their collection and thought they looked good on me, which was sweet of him.

James has also very kindly answered a quick Q&A on the photoshoot for Body Electrics...


What was your interpretation of Body Electrics?

I was extremely impressed with the reflective and metallic lustre the product had. I always look for interesting products that I can apply to hair for a new effect.

On a typical beauty/ fashion shoot, how much of a brief are you set and how much room for creativity do you get? How does this compare with the Illamasqua Body Electrics shoot?

Every shoot has a different team and a different way of working out the looks. Some times things can become over referenced and it kills any chance of spontaneity and originality.
Working with Alex [Box] is never that way and I know that what comes out of our shoot is always unique and not plagiarism.

Alex will provide the team with enough inspiration, concept, and mood. The outcome is always fun and magical.


Who/ what is your inspiration and who/what are you influenced by?

Inspiration and influences are constantly evolving and we take things in subconsciously on a daily basis. To stay current, you have to be influenced by what is around you.
Things that I have taken an interest in lately ranges from the purity and authenticity of the Native Americans, to the hyper-exposure we have to images continuously. I'm interested in people imperfections in a world trying to be perfect; Dr. Seuss, Tim Burton, and Courtney Love etc.

Why do you think the hair styling works so well with Alex Box's directional make-up looks?

The hairstyle is an important part and works well with Alex's work because we are creating mood and fantasy. A world of endless possibilities, transformations and fun.

What does Illamasqua mean to you?

Illamasqua means alter egos, no limitations, individuality, and having fun.

Body Electrics - Nail Varnish Breakdown by Sophy Robson

The brand new SS10 Body Electrics collection has now been live to purchase for three days and every day this week I will be focusing on a particular piece within the collection.

Today, I bring you the highly anticipated Nail Varnishes!

Sophy Robson - the nail maestro behind the likes of Louis Vuitton and Henry Holland, owner of Sophy Robson Nailcare Clinic at the British shopping emporium Fortnum and Mason's, London and co-judge on our fabulous Nail Varnish Competition [update coming soon!] - created the tantalicious talons of the models for our campaign.

She tells me: "For the new Body Electrics collection I created long powerful nails, to show off the light reflecting pigments of the electrifying colours from the new collection. I wanted them to be extreme but ethereal at the same time, almost like insect wings. I love the versatility of Prism - it can be used on its own for a very modern, chic pearlised white nail or over any other colour to give it a subtle glimmer.


On the Force nails, I added jewels to show off the richness and intensity of the deep electric blue."

The main colour gracing the nails of the Illamasqua HQ team at the moment is Jo'Mina, a beautiful pink/purple/lilac creme [don't you just love my colour descriptions...] - it's a perfect season transition colour. Not too bright as to screaming "Summer time!" but not too muted as to remind us of Autumn. Spring in a bottle, then!

Nobody's Daughter

One of the most anticipated album launches of the last ten years, Nobody's Daughter is the new album from Hole, due to launch on April 26th, to download or purchase in stores. Offer 3 includes a piece of Illamasqua that is currently a staple of Courtney's make-up bag; either Lipstick in 'Maneater', Liquid Metal in 'Solstice' or Medium Pencil in 'Sophie' could be winging it's way to you with a signed vinyl, unreleased photo collection and Hole messenger bag as well as the album!


Nearly five years in development, Nobody's Daughter showcases Courtney's raw, soulful voice and honest, heart breaking lyrics. My personal favourites? I love 'Samantha' and 'Skinny White Bitch' which I was lucky enough to see performed at the NME Awards show on February 17th, with Sylvia Lancaster also a VIP guest [second from left].

Courtney Love has always been a personal inspiration of mine with her baby doll grunge look in the 90s and dramatic, smeared make-up prompting Rolling Stone magazine to dub her "The most controversial woman in rock".

Finally, I couldn't post about Courtney without posting this brilliant image by the ever-original David la Chapelle of Courtney depicted as the Virgin Mary in a pieta scene...

Oh, and if you don't follow Courtney on twitter, I suggest you do...!

Summer 2010 Just Got Electric...

The collection has launched! Inspired by the power of kinetic energy and the fluidity of the body in motion, the Body Electrics range is designed to ignite the skin with intensity and highlight the body's every twist and turn to exquisite perfection, ensuring you exude a confidence that's more than skin deep...

The Body Electrics film has ignited the web [click here to view] and the collection is now available to buy online at www.illamasqua.com.

This latest collection steps away from the dark decadence of the Dystopia range and brings dynamic colour and energy to you in a variety of new textures. Rich body oils, glistening creams, smooth powders and luscious lacquers are just some of the new and unique finishes that make up part of this innovative new collection, plus some of the most startlingly beautiful images that I have seen used in a beauty campaign for a long, long time.

24 Hours To Go To Body Electrics ...

In celebration of the 24 hours left before Body Electrics officially goes on sale [my pick? Get your hands on the Illumine Oils before they fly out, as well as Nail Varnish in 'Force' and the Liquid Metal Palette...] I thought I would share a swatch or two...

Illumine Oil in 'Volt'

This beautiful oil absolutely blew my mind when we first received samples all those months ago. The combination of pinky sheen with a hint of electric blue is just so unique that I can't wait to hear customer feedback. The scent isn't at all overpowering, so it doesn't clash with your favourite perfume, and contains antioxidants for protection. Plus, it looks just gorgeous in the bathroom, and to me that's half the joy of beauty products ...

The swatch was very difficult to shoot, especially as body oils always look at their best when you are moving about, but it gives you an idea on the sort of finish you can expect.


Liquid Metal in 'Surge'

The latest in the saga of Liquid Metals, 'Surge' is set to be one of those products that is described as pewter/platinum/greeny... you get the idea! Almost undescribable, yet highly covetable and this is one colour that will take you through all the seasons due to it's rich, luxe colour and finish.

2 Days To Go...

I am sure you will be salivating for details on the Illamasqua SS10 Body Electrics collection, so I will be writing stories, product swatches and some great information on the inspirational new collection throughout the next couple of weeks...

Alex Box was in with me last night to speak to the NYC bloggers about the new collection and to host a Q&A session with them. It was great to put faces to blogs!

I grabbed a quick Q&A with Alex myself to ask her about the new collection...

AC: What was the inspiration behind this collection?

AB: It's the idea of the body having an inner energy, a kinetic energy. I wanted to create a collection that would highlight the contours of the body and the fluidity of dance movements. By igniting the skin and accentuating the twist and turn of the body in motion with a myriad of different colours and finishes I think we have created the most beautiful collection yet. I am immensely proud of Body Electrics.

AC: What are your favourite products from the collection?

I love all the iridescent finishes that we have created. Illumine Oil in 'Volt' is a completely unique product that captures a violet shimmer within a delicately fragranced body oil.

It is stunning finish that will compliment extremely pale skin and yet also look fantastic on darker skins. We were inspired by the New Rave sub-culture with this product as it is totally a night-time must-have. Slick over limbs and watch the light dance off your skin.

The iridescent story continues with Pure Pigment in 'Static' [part of the Sephora USA SS10 collection] - this is like a powder version of 'Volt' with a variety of different sized particles in pink, blue, silver... just stunning. As perfect for winter [it made up part of the AW09 Dystopia collection in the UK] as it is for Summer, it's so versatile in it's uses. I love to press it over Cream Eyeshadows to catch the light, or on the cheekbones to define, or even dusted over wet Nail Varnish.

Our gorgeous Gleam Cream [available w/c 21st April] is set to be a sell out, I can see it! If everyone falls in love with it like Julian [Kynaston] and I have, this is going to become cult. The pearlescent and iridescent pigments can be used sheerly as a beautiful luminous primer, or built up to create a full on sheen. It's both lifting and brightening - what this collection is all about!

The iridescent pieces are completed by Nail Varnish in 'Prism'.

It has a blue sheen shot through it, like a bolt of electricity. It can used on it's own but looks particularly beautiful layered on top of the other two Nail Varnishes in the collection; 'Force' [deep blue] and 'Jo'Mina' [bright lilac].



Sophy [Robson, who created the beautiful nails for our collection] stole four of these, so I think it's safe to say she is a big fan!

AC: What else can we look forward to in this collection?

Another Illumine Oil, Pulse, is set to do just that - get pulses racing. It's a beautiful bronze shimmer. You have no idea the amount of blind testing that we did with this product and the passionflower seed oil gives it a most delicious, evocative scent. The colour is like no other 'bronzing' proiduct in that it has a myriad of coloured particles in it that gives it more of a 3D finish than anything I have ever seen before.


Liquid Metal in 'Surge' continues the Liquid Metal quadrilogy [is that a word?- AC] and can be purchased seperately on as part of a fabulous Liquid Metal palette. As a working make-up artist, it is so useful to have all these four in one palette. With finishes that work as well on cheeks, lips, and eyes as they do on the body, this latest addition to the cult Liquid Metals is a stunning shade of pewter.



Due to popular demand, we have also created individuals of our Bronzing Duos; 'Writhe' is the highlighter and 'Burnished' is the deep, mayan bronze.


Finally, one of my favourite pieces from the new collection is the Kabuki Body Brush. I love using this brush for buffing in Powdered Metals [part of the Sephora USA SS10 Body Electrics collection] This brush is like my new pet; it is so soft! Each hair is lightly coated with a special anti-bacterial agent to keep it supple.


AC: Who was the team that helped create the images?

AB: Warren Du Preez and Nick Thornton [read their interview here] are two of the top photographers in the fashion industry. Their mutual vision and exploration of the body in motion, light and incredible, energy was exactly what I had envisioned for creating an avant-garde visual campaign.

Sophy Robson created the stunning nails for the shoot and Katie Shillingford, the acclaimed stylist, styled our models. Finally, the lovely James Pecis blew us away with his interpretation of the Body Electrics brief; candyfloss blonde hair and structured brunette. Beautiful.

AC: Any last words?

We created a collection of new formulas, new textures and new and unique shades that I believe were previously unavailable on the market. Whether you are a professional make-up artist, or just making your first steps in to the world of make-up, Illamasqua is here to surprise and delight you with our unprecedented range. I hope that everyone enjoys the range as much as I enjoyed making it!

What a Week...

It's been a funny one! Firstly, we had to make the two planned blogger events [Manchester and London] merge in to one large one [London] after a mix up of schedules with Alex Box - who is now working a fabulous shoot with a prestigious fashion magazine in Paris with Karl Lagerfeld; the life of the fabulous, eh? - and after re-planning that, the news of the National Rail strike happened!

And what do I hear today? Ah yes, the strike has been banned by the high court and is now not going to happen. Ho hum.

On the plus side, I have now shown all the judges the 25 finalists of the Nail Varnish Competition and they are very excited by what they have seen. Again, thanks everyone for entering and we will be announcing the winners in the first week of May!

Body Electrics... Countdown Begins

The SS10 Body Electrics imagery is still under top secret wraps, although we have put a sneak peak on the website...