Swatch Request

Sarah has emailed us to ask for a swatch using Lipstick in 'Liar'.


As with the majority of our lipsticks, this is a very matt finish with a high level of pigmentation.

I have never really been able to pull of this kind of 60s pale pink - I am much more at home with a shocking pink or orange gloss on my lips! However, I am trying my best here - I think this colour works best with light skin tones but can also pack a punch on darker skins for a real contrast. If you have naturally red lips, this will cover that fully. Great for a 60's vibe that is not too nude.


To make this colour more 'me', I used Medium Pencil in 'Bait' under 'Liar' - this brightened it up and made it more of a luminous baby pink.

Nail Art Competition in Association With Sophy Robson

Calling all nail addicts! Been feeling a bit left out of the Mizzworthy/ Illamasqua Alter Ego make-up competitions? Fancy showing us your nail alter ego and be in with the chance of having your work seen by top nail artist Sophy Robson?

Then start getting your ideas together to win some fabulous Illamasqua Nail Varnishes that the Nail World has been going crazy for...

FEAR NOT if you have untidy cuticles or a slightly wonky hand [like me!] as this competition is being judged on creativity and artistic flair as opposed to technique and professionalism.

So How Do You Win?

Sophy and I want to see inspired and creative works that reveal your alter ego - either through your hand nails or toe nails [or both!] and with a brief introduction to yourself and why this look is your alter ego! For example, are you normally a pretty-in-pink princess?! How about unleashing your inner vixen with black and blood red talons?


Rules?


1. To enter, go to the Illamasqua Blog and post the entries in the comments section of the competition page [top right of blog page] with a link to entry. Entries can be submitted in video format on Youtube or can be a blog post, or just a link to the image with some details as to what you used and what your inspirations were. Alternatively, email me directly [please put Nail Art Entry into the subject] at info@illamasqua.com and I will put together a blog post of all entries that I receive through email.

2. The edgier, the more unique and the more creative and adventurous the better! Let us know the inspiration behind the look, too!

3. You don’t have to use Illamasqua products for this competition – but please list what you do use – this can include konad stamps or any other product you may have at your disposal.

4. The competition is open internationally.

5. Entries can use nails on their hands, feet or both.

6. You can enter a maximum of three different looks for this competition.

7. The competition will run from Thursday 13th August 2009 to the 6th September 2009 [midday UK time] so plenty of time to get your thinking caps on!

8. There will be a short list compiled on the 6th September and these will be shown on the blog on the 7th September. Sophy Robson will then choose a winner that will be detailed on the blog by the 16th September.

9. The winners will be notified and the winning looks will appear on the Illamasqua website and blog. Prizes will be sent out within the week to all winning



What Are The Prizes?

As well as getting world renowned nail artist Sophy Robson to view and assess your work, you could win...

1st Prize of the two brand new Autumn Winter collection nail varnishes + choice of two others from core range...

Two runners up win the 2nd Prize of choice of three varnishes from core range...


When Can I Enter?

From now until the 6th September! The winners will be announced on the 17th September, so plenty of time to unleash your alter ego and get entering!

Welcome to Jennifer!

We have a new team member at Illamasqua - say hi to Jennifer! Jennifer is heading up our Sephora account and will split her time between New York and London.

Jennifer was fortunate enough to be at the Sephora Times Square launch a couple of weeks ago, with Daniel and Adam from Selfridges Oxford St - they went to oversee the launch and to meet and greet some customers - I know some of you got to meet them!

Sephora is a very different retail environment than Selfridges, Debenhams and Fenwick in that there are no artists dedicated to one brand, so whilst the team were out there they met the Sephora Pro Team to educate and inform them of Illamasqua; who we are, what we represent and what products we make!

The Sephora Pro Team were really excited about the brand and according to Jennifer, there was much whooping involved at the end of the presentation! She sent me along this photograph and I will keep you all updated on the new from the USA as Jennifer keeps me in the loop on it all.

Krystle's Shoot With Andrew Collinge

With such a talented stable of artists working for Illamasqua, I regularly get sent images from shoots that they have worked on.

I am loving what Krystle [click here for bio] created for an Andrew Collinge shoot a couple of weeks ago. Krystle used products from the Sirens Collection, including the Bronzing Duo in Glint/ Writhe and the Liquid Metal in Enrapture on the eye lids. Very pretty - and also goes to show that if you are very pale, you can still pull of sparkling bronze shades.


Amie Dunn and Katheryn Davenport from the uber-exclusive Andrew Collinge salon at Selfridges Trafford Centre created the gorgeous hair looks for the models. I am loving the platinum blonde Agy-style crop...


** Thanks to Rachel Mawdsley for the photographs**

Illamasqua Officially Launches With ASOS.com

Have you ever wanted to buy a dress, shoes, necklace and make-up all in one order? Well, we have been fans of ASOS.com for a long time at Illamasqua as it is the ultimate one-stop shop. In fact, I regularly shop there as do many of our artists - its the perfect online department store where you can shop High Street brands, Jeans brands, Boutique brands, Independant brands and designer brands at the click of a button.

Where else can you find the likes of Adidas alongside Acne, Spanx and Sonia Rykiel, Lipsy together with Luella and Puma along with Preen?

With an already established stable of cult and designer cosmetic, skincare and haircare brands we are proud to announce that Illamasqua is now available on ASOS.com!

What I personally love about this partnership is now when you shop for that hot pink lipstick, you can get a pair of hot pink sandals to match, or that perfect teal eye shadow will look amazing with that teal handbag... the possibilities are endless!

I frequently lose hours on ASOS.com and I've come up with some great make-up/ clothing matches just for you...

This cute ASOS own label Border Print Dress [£28] would look gorgeous with a cat-eye [try Eye Liner Cake in 'Mislead' mixed with a drop of Sealing Gel] and Lipstick in Blaze is a fiery red/orange that would accentuate the pattern of the dress beautifully; see swatch below.


I adore this Stud Lace Body Con Dress [£40] - it's so tribal and tough. I would consider a matt red lip with this and a heavily contoured cheek for a real nod to the 80s. What could be better than Lipstick in 'Maneater' and Powder Blusher in 'Create'?



Lastly, this casual dip-dye dress from the Diesel Black Gold label [£110] is perfect for day or evening and I would add a flash of neon brightness with Nail Varnish in 'Rare' - an amazing fluoro yellow, or Nail Varnish in 'Collide' - a hot, hot pink.

The Moment You've All Been Waiting For!

The List to End All Lists...

The roll out begins mid-September and will continue for approximately a month into the following stores - where will you release your alter ego?!

34TH STREET, New York City

WESTCHESTER , New York

TIMES SQUARE, New York City

UNION SQUARE, New York City

5TH AVENUE, New York City

711 LEXINGTON, New York City

76TH & BROADWAY, New York City

ROOSEVELT FIELD, NYC

SOHO, New York City

ALA MOANA, Honolulu

DADELAND, Miami

DOWNTOWN SEATTLE, Seattle

FASHION VALLEY, San Diego

FLORIDA MALL, Florida

HOLLYWOOD & HIGHLAND, California

MANHATTAN VILLAGE, California

POWELL STREET , California

SANTA MONICA, California

SOUTH COAST PLAZA , California

SOUTH BEACH, Miami Beach

LENOX SQUARE, Atlanta

PRUDENTIAL CENTER, Boston

VENETIAN , Las Vegas

BOCA RATON, Florida

GEORGETOWN , Washington DC

Current Obsessions...

Top 5 current Illamasqua Head Office obsessions....

1. Kiki De Montparnasse Scented Candles

These all-natural candles are just lovely. We currently have 'Boudoir' burning at HO - I am not sure of the actual ingredients as I have checked the packaging and the website for a list, but I do know that it smells woody, earthy and very addictive. Plus, how gorgeous is the packaging?!


2. The Gossip - Music for Men

The latest album from Beth Ditto and her band, this is a real screamer of an album! Definitely worth checking out.


3. PPQ Laptop bags for Vodafone

Based on the very chic Gabriel bag, this elegant offering from PPQ is exclusive to Vodafone - I love the deep red croc-print and the size that will take you from office to bar. Seriously coveting one of these babies right now! Check here for more info.


4. Collette Dinnigan Autumn/ Winter RTW collection

A dark collection with a nod to the gothic trends that are set to be reignited next season, this was a beautiful collection full of dramatic but very wearable pieces that showcased intricate detailing and a playful mix of textures.


5. Nail Varnish in 'Loella'

I recently discovered how this product got it's name! Loella is the name of Guillaume Vappereau's [the celebrated hairdresser] daughter Loella, who is also Maurice [our HR manager's] Goddaughter! Loella is just such a lovely name for a shimmering bubble gum pink Nail Varnish, don't you think?

** Thanks to Marcio Madeira for the Collette Dinnigan image and to thenailphile for the Loella swatch! **

Mizzworthy/ Illamasqua Competition!

Wow, has it really been two months since we launched the last one?! To refresh your memory on the previous winners, click here.

So, we have a brand new theme this time of...

The Rules [copied from Mizzworthy]

There will be two categories for the contest - ie Superheroes and villains.

You can enter either or both categories. After a lot of discussion, we have decided to continue to allow people to enter as many times as they like, however, please remember that your favourite look that you have created may not necessarily be the one that myself and Krystle choose to go through to the finalists. If similar issues arise as did with the last contest as a result of our decision, we may be forced to reassess this, and limit everyone to one entry, which we really don't want to do!

The contest is about makeup, not costumes - you don't need to go out hiring a costume or anything like that!

Your entry may either be in the form of a blog post or a video on you tube - if you decide to do a video entry, then please also email me stills for judging purposes

Your entry should be your interpretation of a hero or a villain, your look must be original. In your entry, please tell us a bit about your hero/villain, about any superpowers that have and what led you to the look you have created. You don't need to go into massive detail, but we love to know about what inspires people!

When you have completed your entry, please post a response below to let me know, and make sure I acknowledge your entry by commenting back - feel free to harass me til I do this! I do not want to miss anyones hard work!

Use any products you like, and tell us about what you used (ie you do not have to use Illamasqua!)

Its fine to use a willing volunteer if you do not wish to be photographed yourself, however, the look MUST have been created by you.

The contest is open internationally

Please make sure you subscribe to the blog.

The contest will close at midnight UK time on friday the 4th September (which is slightly more than 1 month!).

Finalists will be selected by myself and Krystal - the winners will then be chosen by Alex Box, who has kindly agreed to be the final judge! Winners will be announced approx a week later. Judges decisions are final!

Final prizes to be announced, there will be ONE winner in Each Category - ie one SuperHero and one Villain, but each will win some lovely makeup of their choice from Illamasqua...


Prizes To Be Announced shortly! Get entering people and I will post my entry at the weekend!

LOTD: Severe

Medium Pencil in 'Severe' - the perfect deep berry shade for lips. Very vampy, I think! What say you?

This is going to be my go-to colour for Autumn, I feel!

Ask An Artist: Vitiligo

Leena from Selfridges Trafford has very kindly answered this weeks question. Leena has worked for Illamasqua since the counter launch at Selfridges Trafford back in February and has unbelievable product knowledge. She has worked with brands suc as Oasis, Al Saints and USC as well as at the Clothes Show Live. She also wrote some tips and tricks for Anjana Gosai's [the Beauty editor of Asiana magazine] 'Ultimate Guide to Beauty'. To book a make-up lesson with Leena, call Selfridges Trafford on 0161 629 1187 and to read her full biography click here.


I have vitiligo, so my skin is beige with patches of white. What do you recommend I use to match my original skin tone and completely cover the white spots while still looking natural and not made-up?

Leena says: "Basically, you need your base to look as natural as possible. I'm a bit of an expert at camouflage make-up as I myself suffer from vitiligo."


I'm Asian, with a very tanned skin tone, so the white patches are very white - I've helped many people with vitiligo and other skin problems whilst on counter and I have got it down to a fine art now! I use Light Liquid Foundation to give me a sheer, natural even base rather than using a heavy foundation which people seem to think will cover up skin problems.
Then I use our high-definition ready Concealer with Blending Brush 1 or 2 and buff over the vitiligo patches using a small amount of the Concealer in small circular movements.


After setting with a powder [I love our Loose Powder for it's finely milled texture] go over the patches again using the same Concealer and brush, but this time stipple the Concealer over the top to camouflage completely. Re-set with powder if necessary.