The Illamasqua Christmas Party!

On Wednesday 24th November, Illamasqua celebrated Christmas at the Bath House in East London.

After a fabulous year, we all let our hair down to the sounds of DJ's Barnzley and Ronnie, MC Feral and the otherworldly performances of Scottee. The cocktails were delicious, the outfits were hot and the make-up was typical Illamasqua, with artists and the HQ team coming together to funk it up!

Here are some pics for those of you who petitioned on Twitter to get them on the Illamasqua blog...

Our lovely NPD Assistant Halimah looking very 1940s chic ...

 One of Illamasqua's investors Nick Brown gets jiggy with it...

MC Feral ...

Account Director Natalie Hargreaves celebrates with Katie Sangers, our ex- Product Development Manager who we miss very much! Love the 80's perm, Katie!

Madame Pain’s Boudoir Circus comes to London

Illamasqua have been busy in Woolwich, South East London this month to work closely with the performers of Madame Pain’s Boudoir Circus.  A recently launched charity show, the troop performed for 7 nights over the last fortnight to display their death defying aerial acts, entertain with cheeky can-can dancers and ‘Madame Pain’ performed some extreme stunts herself.

This circus is far from the ordinary. ‘Madame Pain’ created this visionary circus to be a dark and rock inspired performance theatre with comedy clowns and gimmicks left at the door in trade for stunning acts and stunts.

Illamasqua were very proud to provide the circus with professional Make-Up and Artists to help backstage.  The results were beautiful, with the head of Make-Up for the Circus, Adrian Martel, extremely happy with the results. 

He praised the quality and professionalism of Illamasqua, ‘The Make-Up stayed put throughout the show, which in my experience is very rare when you have a performer sweating their way through a ten minute trapeze act!  The pigments are perfect for performance as well, as you need the audience to see detail from the back of the room.’ Adrian Martel

Illamasqua's Head of New Product Development, David Horne was pleased with the collaboration and the success of the circus.
'It was a great opportunity to test the Make-Up in the circus and aerial environment and work closely with Head of Make-Up Adrian Martel to drive our professional formulas forward.' David Horne

This weekend saw the closing show, but fear not, it won’t be long before the Madame Pain troop are back, exhibiting their amazing array of skills once again…

The Illamasqua Christmas Wish List...

Today is apparently the day that we all suddenly realise that it's less than a month until Christmas and burn our credit cards up on the internet getting in our Christmas shopping! Now, I am not going to rub in that I have already bought and wrapped my presents [I'm a virgo...] but instead find out what the Illamasqua team are really wanting for Christmas ...!


Halimah Haque - Product Development Assistant

The Brush Roll - £95. This is one of the most exciting gifts that Illamasqua are offering this Yule Tide! With 5 of our best selling brushes available in a beautiful, bespoke brush roll with the iconic narcissistic woman, this is something that as a professional make-up artist who freelances in my spare time, I can't be without.

Rosa Sibaja - PR and Press Manager

This Christmas is extra special for me as I also turn 30! To mark the occasion I am hoping that Santa brings me this ultra-glam Vivienne Westwood leopard print dress [£845] to celebrate in! I will also be rocking the gold Opulence Luxury Lashes to really make a statement.

Hayley Smith - Marketing Assistant

With the party season fast approaching, I am looking for a way to stamp my individuality and dare to be different with my look this season! As a newbie to the Illamasqua team, I have been super excited to suddenly be exposed to such great products and such a fantastic team spirit, and the sense of originality and individuality has encouraged me to place an order of the Nail Quills [£35] that I will be rocking over Christmas and New Years!

Alex Cummins - Junior Brand Manager

With the cold snap showing no sign of snapping off, my skin is getting a battering! I have recently discovered SkinCeuticals, a science-based skincare company that have products that really deliver. I am loving the hydrating B5 serum - it has totally transformed my skin. And we all know how important a great base is for make-up!

 I am also really looking forward to picking up my third [!] bottle of Nail Varnish in 'Baptiste' - I've never finished a bottle of Nail Varnish before, let alone two, and this is my absolute favourite; a rich, multi-dimensional purple... [thanks to temptalia.com for the swatch!]

  
Carl Atkinson - 

I am looking forward to relaxing this Christmas after another busy Illamasqua year! I will be wishing for a selection of Neal's Yard Remedies products - they do a great mens range, but I absolutely love the Geranium and Orange Bath Oil [£13.70] for a sensory experience. They have a fantastic selection of Flower Remedies as well that will help to rectify any Christmas over indulgence!

Calum Mackay - International Account Manager

I joined Illamasqua this year and I have really embraced the men in make-up mantra of the brand! Every Friday night I am now rocking a smoky eye courtesy of the Sophie Pencil, but I think this Christmas I would like to experiment with different Medium Pencil colours - Debonair for a bright blue or Sorceress for a chocolate brown would be high on my list!

I also cycle to work every day which can be pretty chilly, so a Markus Lupfer merino wool crew neck jumper [£239] would be a lovely treat ...

Amy Jones - International Account Manager


I am going snowboarding this Christmas, so the thing that I would really like is that I come out of that with no broken bones! Last year I broke my elbow. Ouch.

Once I am back from being out in the snow, I'd love to warm up with some gorgeous candles - the Kiki De Montparnasse Ambience Candle Set [$75] is perfect for travelling.

 

Kathy Koonts - Merchanding and Operations Manager

New singles for my juke box are top of my list - I've recently treated myself to a 1958 wurlitzer jukebox!

I would also love to get some more Liquid Metals to add to my collection - I have my eye on Phenomena right now ...

Made With Love

Have you heard of Elizabeth Lau? A 'Made with Love' London Boutique label with a colourful, quirky and fun design aesthetic.

I have completely fallen in love with her Autumn/Winter 201o/11 collection 'The good, the bad and the kawaii'. The brand has a real identity for the fashion aware, quirky and confident individual.

Aurelia & DelphineDidcott & RowenaFay

For this Autumn/Winter collection they were inspired by the eclectic Elizabeth Lau girls that they have met and also the brand's signature style of contrasts - sweet with a sassy edge, cute with the right amount of chic - perfection.

LottieMaurice

Lovehearts are featured throughout the collection, tempered by subtle menswear details. The knitwear and coats are definite must haves and will be perfect for the cold snap we are currently experiencing.

NellieRoscoe

Tilly

"This season I had so much fun shooting with super talented photographer Jackie Dixon. I am sure you will agree she has captured the je ne sais quoi of the Elizabeth Lau style. I hope this

collection makes you smile as much as I."Viola & Dotty

And it really does make me smile! I am also sharing with you a little preview of their Spring Summer 2011 collection video. I can't wait! All these dresses are just perfect for summer!

You can also find Elizabeth Lau on Twitter - A real delight to chat to.

Best Wishes
Fashion Fantasist xx

MAKE A NOISE FOR SOPHIE!

This Friday is "Make A Noise" day, Sophie Lancaster's birthday and Sylvia Lancaster [her Mother] has asked that as many as possible record yourselves making a minute's noise and upload it to the Sophie Lancaster facebook site [click here]

Illamasqua are proud to work alongside the charity, supporting them in their objective to provide educational group-works that will challenge the prejudice and intolerance towards people from alternative subcultures, to campaign to have the UK Hate Crime legislation extended to include people from alternative cultures, and to create a lasting legacy to Sophie. 

We sell the Sophie Pencil - a blacker than black Medium Pencil that's great for eyes and lips. Every pencil sold [£12.50] amounts to a donation of £3 being made to the charity.

You can also donate online at www.illamasqua.com 

Taken from the Sophie Lancaster Facebook page:

"Since Sophie's death on August 24th 2007, following the horrific attack on her and her partner Rob in Stubbeylee Park, Bacup, Lancashire, the Sophie Foundation have had lots of kind offers of support and donations. Sophie and Rob dressed in their unique way, expressing their individuality as creative artistic people.



After consulting family and friends, we felt that a charity should be set up in Sophie’s name. The charity, known as The Sophie Lancaster Foundation, will focus on creating respect for and understanding of subcultures in our communities.


It will also work in conjunction with politicians and police forces to ensure individuals who a part of subcultures are protected by the law."

Melbourne welcomes Illamasqua...

A blog post from the wonderful Christabel of our Australian team...

On Sunday Illamasqua launched our first counter in Melbourne at Myer City to a group of fantastic Melbourne bloggers. We headed off to the newly refurbished Myer beauty hall to see Illamasqua’s new home. And the space is palatial!

Bespoke, hand- painted mannequins devised to feature in Melbourne and represent the influential subcultures behind Illamasqua’s visionary, the creative brainchild of Spob (Head of Professional Development for Illamasqua) and a team of young Graduates including Kat Sykes. With a large counter and a space to be used by visiting artists and for master classes, Illamasqua has already received a very welcome reception from Melbourne.

As ‘You’ve Got Face’ put it, the Melbourne bloggers were like a “well-groomed swarm of locusts”, checking out the colours and textures of the products as for most it was their first test of Illamasqua in person.

Transformations abounded, including Ponikuta who had an amazing interpretation of Body Electrics courtesy of International Trainer Daniel Busuttil.

One blogger was full of praise for the Illamasqua Make-Up artists, “The one thing that strikes me each and every time I deal with them is the absolutely stellar employees that they have attracted. Not just great makeup artists, but great people. Open and friendly, our afternoon was full of kooky humour and plenty of laughs. I can’t remember the last time I had such fun on a counter. Uh… because it’s never happened.”

It was absolutely fantastic to introduce the Australian bloggers to Illamasqua as a brand and to the new counter, and was a great experience to meet them all. What a lovely, supportive (and beauty-obsessed!) group of bloggers they are. I’m looking forward to my next trip to Melbourne.

Illamasqua and Selfridges play date

For Selfridges ten days of play this festive season, Illamasqua are providing some wonderful activity across each of the Selfridges stores. With performers and artists gracing the Oxford Street, Birmingham and Manchester Illamasqua counters over the next coming weekends, there is sure to be lots to capture your imagination and put you in the Christmas spirit.

(Image: Gary Crozier and Pearls & Swine)

From Burlesque Dancers to Drag artists, Cabaret performances and Singers, and a few surprise acts to entertain and amuse and Nationwide this weekend and next, visit your local Selfridges counter to enjoy the games and celebrate the season in style. The performers will be in store on this Thursday 25th, Friday 26th and Saturday 27th November and next Thursday 2nd, Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th December.

(Candee Photography)

A transformation with one of our professional Make-Up artists at Selfridges is the ideal opportunity to glam up for a Christmas party or a as a little indulgence away from the gift buying this month, so be sure to make an appointment with your local counter soon.

Head down to Selfridges from this Thursday to share in the start of the ten days of play with Illamasqua and Selfridges in the build up to what is promising to be a magical Christmas…

Menergy!

Lady Munter’s fabulous Menergy Ball took place in Glasgow earlier this month to celebrate Menergy's birthday and the end of the annual Glasgay event, and Illamasqua had the pleasure in supporting the night! As sponsors for the evening three of the lovely Make-Up artists from Illamasqua’s Debenhams Glasgow counter, Fiona, Megan and Alex headed down to celebrate with Glasgow’s finest.


With live catwalks and Voguing to entertain, the night was full of glamour and we just had to share a little of it with you…

There to perform transformations and looks on the guests, the Illamasqua team were also invited to judge the Vogue-off at the end of the night.

The team all enjoyed sharing the truly memorable event with Lady Munter, with many of the guests enjoying the Illamasqua brand heritage and products they were able to sample!

A fabulous night for Illamasqua and Lady Munter!

Mika hits Cardiff

Our wonderful National Make-Up artist Mika will be gracing the Debenhams Cardiff counter this week from 25th – 27th November.

Rapidly becoming known as the man to watch, iconic and daring in his sense of style, Mika was recently captured wearing the bespoke, limited edition Nail Quills.

He will be at the Cardiff Illamasqua counter to support the team and provide expert advice and creativity to any who visit or book in for a transformation.

Many of our National Make-Up artists are travelling around the UK to represent Illamasqua and spread their expertise in the coming weeks so be sure to keep an eye out for your local visit. This is a great opportunity to meet the artistic team of Illamasqua and learn more about our truly professional range.


Call the counter to book your appointment 029 2034 2278 with Mika or any of the lovely Cardiff team.


If you are in Birmingham this weekend don’t forget to book in for the inspiring Alex Box Masterclass that will be taking place on Saturday 27th November – 0121 600 6818