ILLAMASQUA

On Sunday, 28^th November 2010 we attended a master-class at Selfridges, Manchester hosted by Illamasqua’s Creative Director, the ground breaking Make-Up Artist, Alex Box, whose work has featured in publications around the world including Vogue. 

Alex has created looks for designers such as Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney and  Alexander McQueen to name but a few and has become one of the most influential make-up artists of our time.

Illamasqua is a new London-based brand which celebrated its second birthday in 2010. What makes Illamasqua products so completely different and unique is that it brings truly professional make up to the high street to provide a high performance look to anyone who wants to self express and accentuate their look beyond the norm and to bring out your alter ego.  The Autumn/Winter 2010 Collection “The Art of Darkness” contains products which are rich in colour designed to bring intensity to your make-up palette.

Illamasqua promises that its products are “designed to be colour intense, colour-true and long lasting” and both Debs and myself can confirm it certainly lived up to the hype.   After the Master-Class had finished, we were invited to test the products and redeem the cost of the class against our purchases.

Easier said than done!  We were like two kids let loose in a sweet shop, trying product after product and blown away by the quality and intense colours of the eye and lip products. Should we buy lipstick, eyeshadow, lip gloss, foundation???? No…. lipstick, get lipstick…..no gloss….what, gloss and lipstick? Yeah, get both…..noooo, foundation, definitely foundation……oh and an eyeshadow!!

After much deliberation, Debs purchased the Rich Liquid Foundation and I bought the Cream Foundation which comes in a handy compact. 

Debs wore her foundation the following day and fell completely in love with it – after using other quality brands in the same price bracket such as Lancome, Yves Saint Laurent, Clinique, MAC, Elizabeth Arden, Estee Lauder (you name it, she’s tried it!!!!) she’s now a convert to Illamasqua. She found the coverage second to none which suited her combination skin perfectly as it wasn’t greasy or too heavy.  We’re both used to applying foundation professionally using brushes, but Deb’s felt the warmth of her fingers helped her apply this make-up slightly easier and commented on how little she needed to achieve maximum coverage.   

As well as the foundation, I wanted to try and find a highlighter which could be used for Bridal Make-Up, ensuring it could last throughout the ceremony into the evening, with a subtle shimmer but not over-sparkly.  I found the ideal product in Pure Pigment and chose the colour “Future” after Phil, the Counter Assistant assured us the product had been used on Kylie – SOLD!!!!. 

Check out the Art of Darkness Make-Up Video on YOU TUBE.  It’s the most fascinating video promoting the use of make up we’ve ever, ever seen.  It’s totally mesmerising and the music definitely sets the mood!  The concept of the video is revolutionary. 

Although I don’t what we would do if we came across such a sumptuous scene whilst walking my Boxer dog “Tito” – he’d probably bounce about, lick his chops and jump on the table.  I think Debs has a soft spot for “Wolfman” and she’d see off that Wanton Woman dancing around the table!

After watching a true artist at work, it was a pleasure to have a chat with Alex and introduce her to Savvylash.  We would highly recommend anyone to attend Alex Box Master Class - you won't be disappointed as Alex is not only highly talented but also an incredibly friendly and approachable person.  We are now true converts to Illamasqua products and can't wait to bring out our Alter Ego's........even when we're out doing our Christmas shopping and dog walking!!!!