Alex Box Masterclass 15th March at Selfridges Trafford

Alex Box will be presenting an exclusive Masterclass at Selfridges Trafford Centre following on from the success of last year's event.

There will be two sessions on Monday 15th March that will allow you to witness the creative genius of Alex.

4-5:30 pm - Night-time Divas

How to release your alter-ego at night? How can you master those all important false eye lashes, a perfect cupids bow and what are the tools that you will need? Alex will cover all this and more.

6:30-8 pm - Dare To Be Different

Perfect for those who want to push the boundaries of artistic make-up and learn top secrets on contouring, highlighting, strong brows, intense colour blending and more.

There will also time to ask her any questions you may have...

What has been the highlight of her career so far?
What advice can she give to aspiring make-up artists?
What are her greatest influences?
What does she do to relax?

Anyone who knows her will tell you that there is no one more dedicated to their craft, more passionate about make-up and more excited about the success of Illamasqua than Alex Box.

Tickets are £25 redeemable against product purchases. Call the Trafford counter on 0161 629 1187 for more information or to book your place.

Perfect excuse to post my fave picture of the moment, too! This is Alex's work for Italian Vogue.

Beauty Theatre at Trafford Centre 1st February

I have been to Oxford St in the run up to Christmas and that, I can tell you, is not why shopping was invented!! The Trafford Centre in Manchester, however, is one of those places that make shopping a pleasure. The team at the Trafford Centre also know how to put on a show! Next week [1-7th February] will be a flurry of activity as they launch their annual Beauty Theatre! Illamasqua will be taking to the main stage on Monday 1st February to showcase products and techniques with Krystal Clayton, one of our most talented make-up artists. If you are free next week, I highly urge you to make a visit...

We will be holding demonstrations at 2pm, 4pm, 6pm and 8pm on Monday using the beautiful model from the Professional Selection No1 Kit tutorial on Youtube.

Call the counter on 0161 629 1187 for a place; tickets cost £20 and not only are they redeemable against purchases made on the day but you will also recieve a complimentary Medium Pencil in 'Sophie' - our best selling black liner worth £12 - and a S.O.P.H.I.E wristband. £5 from every ticket will go directly to the Sophie Lancaster Foundation. Each presentation will focus on key tips and tricks on theatrical, dare to be different make-up looks. Come along and be inspired!

As well as the beauty activity, there will be style consultations, colour analysis workshops and plenty of competitions and giveaways from a variety of brands.

The Beauty Theatre events will be located on upper Regent Crescent, elegantly dressed by the Royal Exchange Theatre.

Trafford Centre: Alex Box Masterclass

Alex Box hosted a Masterclass at Selfridges Oxford St on Friday 3rd July and Saturday 4th July for the make-up obsessives of London - as most of you are aware, we are now hosting a similar event for all you Northern lads and lasses at Selfridges Trafford!

The date of the event is Saturday October 3rd and there will be two classes - Night-time Divas is at 12-2 and this class has only 9 spaces left! The second class - Dare to be Different - has sold out, but we are asking Selfridges very nicely if they would mind if we brought along some more guests!

Come along and learn the art of application whilst honing your own skills and revealing your inner alter ego from a master of creative, artistically innovative make-up.

If you would like to attend the Night-time Divas class [or try your luck with the Dare to be Different class!] give the counter a call on 0161 629 1187.

I will post all the pics and gossip from the event next week!

Dystopia Look On Counter

So, you've placed your first order of Dystopia and now you have them sitting in front of you at your vanity unit.

So. What to do?! Well, one of the beauties of this collection is the versatility that it provides - an array of looks from robotic, smokey and stylistic, romantic, soft and shimmery through to full on, glitz and glam.

Our lovely artists on counter are here to give you inspiration for your new products and Krystle at Selfridges Trafford has sent in some photos of her work - Leanne from the Newcastle counter was her model!

So what products did she use?

Eyes

Concealer in 350 as a base with Pure Pigment layed on top. This was then followed by Pure Pigment in 'Lust' on the inner third of the eye for a romantic effect. Pure Pigment in 'Furore' kept the shimmer levels on full and was lightly dusted under the brow and across the cheekbones. Powder Eye Shadows in 'Virus', 'Maybe?' and 'Sex' were also used to add a multi dimensional look and to mix up the textures. Eye Liner Cake in 'Mislead' was mixed with Sealing Gel and a bold eye line created both under and on top of the lash lines.

Cheeks

Cheeks were sculpted using Powder Blush in 'Primal' and a subtle flush added with Powder Blusher in 'Unrequited'.

Lips

The lips were shaded in using Medium Pencil in 'Titivate' - a bright fushcia pink and coloured in using Intense Lipgloss in 'Petulant' mixed with Intense Lipgloss in 'Galactic' - my new favourite combo - for a vivid 80s twist.

Nails

Krystle's nails are a mix of Nail Varnish 'Obsess' [as the base colour] Velocity, Boosh and Glory - don't they look fantastic?!

Anyway, hope this has given you some ideas and I will keep posting new looks from the collection!

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

Dystopia Launches On All Counters!

Yesterday saw the launch of the Dystopia collection nationwide across our counters in Selfridges Oxford St, Selfridges Trafford, Debenhams Belfast, Debenhams Glasgow, Debenhams Cardiff and Fenwick Newcastle.

I had a quick catch-up with some of our artists on counter to see whether the buzz that I have seen on the internet has translated on to the counters!

First, I called Cardiff where I spoke to the lovely Chetna. "We only have four pairs of the False Eye Lashes 21 left!" She tells me, "The customers have been absolutely loving the dark and dangerous feeling of the Collection. We have received lots of pre-orders and spent most of our day yesterday calling all our customers back to let them know the Collection had arrived."

Any tips? "I have been playing with the products constantly and have found that mixing a drop of Sealing Gel with the Intense Lipgloss 'Galactic' creates a gorgeous, shimmering glossy eye liner." Great tip. Unfortunately I have yellow and brown eyes today, so I couldn't demonstrate, but will definitely swatch this look one day soon!

The artists at Fenwick in Newcastle said that same thing "It's absolutely flying!" Leena excitedly tells me, "I am just loving it all - especially the Pure Pigment in 'Android' - I have never seen a product fly off the shelves so quickly. I am currently rocking a look of Nail Varnish in 'Velocity' with Pure Pigment in 'Static' scattered over the top for an irridescent effect, followed by a coat of glossy Top Coat. I have had so many compliments - it looks awesome". I love our artists, they are always exploring outside the box with how to use our products.

A great tip also comes courtesy of Krystle at Selfridges Trafford. Sharon, the account manager at Selfridges, tells me, "Krystle has been mixing the Intense Lipgloss in 'Galactic' with just about everything! Her favourite mix is with Intense Lipgloss in 'Petulant'." Intrigued, I followed up on this and absolutely LOVE the results. I was not expecting the pinky/grape colour or the finish - I think it would go a bit murky in truth! But I am loving this and it is making me love 'Galactic' more and more as the days go on! I was, like many I think, a little sceptical on its versatility but I was so wrong - this is not just a professional product as you can see it turns solid glosses shimmery and is very buildable, for a subtle silver gleam or full-on knock out Silver glitter lips. I am going to keep an eye on the fashion mags and their photoshoots - I think this could be big.

I also spoke with Sian in Glasgow whose favourite tip is "to start with Lipstick in 'Avenge' all over the lip and mix in Sheer Lipgloss in 'Explode' into the inner third of the lip. Add a pop of interest with Intense Lipgloss in 'Galactic'." See my version below!


Belfast have also been seeing some great interest from customers - "The new Pure Pigment in 'Android'. Wow. It has been absolutely flying!" Explains Nykkol, account manager. "I have been using the Liquid Metal in 'Phenomena' all over the eye lid and smudging in this Pure Pigment to create a dramatic smoky eye."

How about Selfridges Oxford St? I spoke to Francesco - "I had a lady come in this morning and buy the whole range." He says, "Everything is so beautiful - I am using Cream Eye Shadow in 'Wail', a muted, soft grey and then then Pure Pigment in 'Android' for a smoky effect with Pure Pigment in 'Static' in the inner corners. Perfect." So what are the best sellers in London? "The Nail Varnish in 'Obsess' and Intense Lipgloss in 'Galactic' are the standouts at the moment."

I have also been doing a little bit of experimentation myself - I took home the Sheer Lipgloss in 'Explode' to have a play around with it and discovered that when I put it on top of Box Lipstick, this look came out. This is so me - a red lip with a real edge. It also flashes bluey in some lighting and pinky in others.



To purchase Dystopia online, follow this link.

Manchester Blogger Event

Friday 4th September saw the Manchester Blogger Event at Ithaca in central Manchester. This fabulous location mirrored the Dystopia collection superbly!



As I have very little knowledge of Manchester, I asked Krystle and Lucy [two of our gorgeous artists from Selfridges Trafford] to find me a suitable location and they really came up trumps with the dark, edgy and sultry atmosphere of this exclusive Manchester bar.

With a mix of modern and traditional pan asian canapes and some seriously cool looking cocktails, the bloggers who attended got to chat with Leena, Krystle, Lucy, Alex Box and myself about the new collection and the hero products within it.

Alex Box created a dramatic Dystopia look on Mizzworthy using the directional products from the collection.

We also had a very special guest come to the event - Sylvia Lancaster. Sylvia is the Mother of Sophie Lancaster who was tragically killed in August 2007 by a group of thugs for simply looking different to them. As you all know, Illamasqua support the Sophie Lancaster Foundation by donating £3 from every Medium Pencil in 'Sophie' [our blackest black pencil] to the charity. Sylvia gave a touching speech on her life after the death of her daughter and what the charity is doing to raise awareness.

On a personal note, it was really lovely to meet Sylvia and I greatly admire her for the work she is doing and her selfless attitude. She is an inspiration to us all.

I would also like to thank the artists and the bloggers for attending and I hope you had fun checking out the latest collection!

Saturday Night FOTD

I will get a full run down on the blogger events up tomorrow, including some great photographs - but I thought I would just share a tip that Lucy from Selfridges Trafford shared with me.

For a really inky black smoky eye, layer Concealer in 355 [the black one] onto the eye lid and press Pure Pigment in 'Android' [the gunmetal/black] on top. I then finished this with False Lashes in 14 [my new favourites] and a smudge of Medium Pencil in 'Sophie' all around the eye. I have never worn black all over before, but I absolutely loved the effect, even if it did take about 6 Simple wipes to get it all off!

I also used Cream Blusher in 'Rude' [I think I need to join an addiction group for this blusher, I can't stop using it!] on my lips. It looks like an apricot/pink/nude on the lips for a 60s style finish.


What do you think - sorry about the dodgy camera angle!

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**

Exclusive New Sirens Product Launch 8th-11th July at Selfridges Trafford

Wednesday 8th July through to Saturday 11th July sees Adam, one of our fabulous London based make-up artists [and personal make-up artist to the likes of Fergie, Rihanna and the Pussycat Dolls when they are in the UK!] is travelling to launch the next installment of Sirens products exclusively in Selfridges Trafford.

I can't give away too many details at this point... but it's a product that can used on the face and the body! To be in with the chance of winning this fabulous product, enter the Mizzworthy/ Illamasqua Alter Ego competition by following this link.

I grabbed a quick word with Adam this afternoon...

Alex - Hey Adam! How is the counter today?

Adam - Really busy, darling, but it's fabulous!

Alex - Are you looking forward to going to Manchester?

Adam - Of course! I love the Trafford centre and I love the clientele - everyone is so fabulously stylish and avant garde. I also love the night life; I will be heading to Canal street to party with the beautiful people! I will also be creating some beautiful Sirens looks on some gorgeous models and really showing everyone how versatile our products are. Did you know that Liquid Metal looks so glamorous in your hair? A bit of a gold highlight with 'Solstice'or a bronze low light with 'Enrapture'.

Alex - Thanks for the tip! Any other products you are loving right now?

Adam - Oh... Sealing Gel, as always! This is my absolute Holy Grail product - it automatically pretty much waterproofs any product you use it with - if you have naturally weepy eyes this is the ultimate product for you! I use it with every type of eye product.

Alex - I have already waxed lyrical about Sealing Gel. Any kooky way of using it that our readers might not have considered?

Adam - If you were a bright or bold lipstick and it tends to feature, swipe a little of this on a brush around the edge of your lips after applying lipstick and it will not budge.

Alex - Will definitely try that on a night out! So you have a great celeb clientele... do any of your clients love Illamasqua?

Adam - I use Illamasqua on all of them! I know for a fact that Nicole from The Pussycat Dolls loves Muse and Fern Nail Varnishes and that Kimberley adores Filth Lipstick. Rihanna has been known to work Maneater Lipstick, too!

To read Adam's bio click here or to book a make-up lesson with him at Trafford [8th-11th July] call 0161 629 1187 or at London 0207 318 3788.

Thanks to vexinthecityx.blogspot.com and makeupandbeautyblog.com for the swatches!

Product of the Week: Daemon Powder Eye Shadow

The wearable red eye shadow...

Red eye shadow was once considered a complete no-go area for everyone but the bravest make-up artists, however if applied in a balanced way, it can look very flattering and is certainly attention grabbing! Krystle Clayton, one of our artists from the Selfridges Trafford counter tells me more:

“Red eye shadow can be used a block colour, but looks best when softened with other colours – it looks great when mixed with browns such as Powder Eye Shadow in 'Jules' or 'Faith' to create a rusty, smoky eye look.

In the past, I have found it very hard to find a true red eye shadow, but Illamasqua have hit the jackpot! 'Daemon' has great, intense colour that is very buildable – lightly press an Eye Shadow Brush into the powder for a light wash of colour and build from there or mix with Sealing Gel and use an Eye Liner Brush to create body art or a dramatic liquid line on the eyes.”

“You can see here that I have used the product not only on my eyes but down the cheekbones, too. It makes a fabulous blush!”
To read Krystle's full bio, click here. To book a make-up lesson with Krystle please call 0161 629 1187.