Love Never Dies Sponsorship

When I was younger, my parents used to take me on an annual trip up to London to see a different theatre show for my birthday. I used to look forward to these shows so much and I would always guess as to what they were going to take me to see. Like many people, I'm sure, who started going to the theatre from a young age, the excitement and anticipation I felt was second to none. Among the fabulous shows I have seen are Oliver!, Whistle down the Wind, Joseph and his Tecnicolour Dreamcoat, Lion King, Grease, Cats and Les Miserables. But the first one I ever saw, and the one that captured my heart and imagination the most was Phantom of the Opera when I was 10 years old.


I could wax lyrical about this incredible show for ever, but you can probably start to gauge my reaction when I heard about the sequel being put in to production - Love Never Dies.

As if my excitement hadn't reached fever pitch already, I heard last week that Illamasqua had secured the exclusive make-up brush sponsorship of the show! I am beyond excited by this and once I get a copy of the program with our logo on I'll scan it and boast [sorry, post...!] about it :-)

Love Never Dies is on at the Adelphi Theatre in London - which is apparently haunted by the ghost of an actor who was murdered outside the stage door...

Ask An Artist: Porcelain Doll

The Porcelain Doll look is an iconic image now. We have had several questions as to how to recreate this look at home and so I asked Jon from Selfridges Trafford for his expert advice...

Jon: Start by applying Satin Primer all over the skin with the Foundation Brush to get a smooth, even and glowing finish. Then apply Cream Foundation in 100 or 110, depending on your skin tone and how porcelain you want to go! I find that using the Highlighter Brush to buff this product in gives the most flawless finish. Stipple the foundation over the brows to fade them out to fully replicate this look - the focus is on the lashes, not the brows. [nb: Alex Box likes to use soap and a toothbrush to press the eye shadow hairs against the skin to help them merge away!]

For the cheeks, apply Powder Blusher in 'Chased' under the cheekbones to faintly sculpt and work it up towards the temples, blending in to the hairline.

For the eyes, apply Powder Eye Shadow in 'Vision' all over the lid, then take the Powder Eye Shadow in 'Forgiveness' and apply all over the mobile lid and along the lower lash line. Apply Powder Eye Shadow in 'Wicked' to the inner and outer corners of the eye and along the lower lash line. Line the inner rims with Medium Pencil in 'Hex' for a natural colour that will make the whites of the eyes 'pop' - essential when using red and purple toned eye colours that can make eyes look a little bloodshot.

Take the False Eye Lashes '10' and apply several sets along the lower lash line for added impact. Heavily coat the top lashes with Volume Mascara in 'Harness'.

For the lips, line with Medium Pencil in 'Severe' and apply Sheer Lipgloss in 'Brilliant' for a glossy finish.



To book a lesson with Jon, call the Selfridges Trafford counter on 0161 629 1187

Illamasqua Icons: Maggie The Cat

This series will be homage to the great female icons of history. From Boudicca to Bridget Bardot, Zsa Zsa Gabor to Zeta Jones, this compilation will look at the life and style of these colourful characters – chosen by our Illamasqua team, both counter artists and Head Office.

First up this week? Well – me!

Alex Cummins, marketing assistant chose Elizabeth Taylor as Maggie The Cat…

Out of all the gorgeous women in the world, my favourite has got to be Elizabeth Taylor. From sassy child star [always seemingly playing second fiddle to an animal star… Lassie Come Home and National Velvet were among her early hits!] through to sultry starlet, Elizabeth was the media darling of the 50s and 60s for her stunning looks and turbulent love life. I particularly love her in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof [1958].

Get The Look

As Maggie the Cat, Elizabeth played a woman who was frustrated by her husbands complete disregard for her on a personal and sexual level even though she was undeniably beautiful and spent time perfecting her beauty. This was mirrored in the make-up that Elizabeth wore for the role.
Dark, arched brows [try Eye Brow Cake in 'Vehement' mixed with a drop of 'Sealing Gel'] were created using an angled eyebrow brush [try Eye Brow Brush]. A dark, smoky look enhanced her bright eye colour. Powder Eye Shadow in 'Lestat' and 'Gimp' would be perfect.

A contouring blush enhanced killer cheekbones; I love Powder Blusher in 'Create'. Add a light dusting of Powder Blusher [try 'Tweak'] for a sexy flush.

Strongly lined lips were typical of the 1950s. Medium Pencil in 'Ascend' is a very similar to the colour on Maggie’s lips and with a dab of similar nude coloured Sheer Lipgloss in 'Enchant' completes the look. Blend with a Lip Brush.

“If someone's dumb enough to offer me a million dollars to make a picture, I'm certainly not dumb enough to turn it down.” – Elizabeth Taylor