Freak and its distinctive trail

Today we are exploring the design of the Freak bottle and packaging as we look at and share the inspirations behind Illamasqua's first fragrance...and of course, where the idea to feature the snail came from!

Freak is encased in a beautifully ornate art deco-inspired bottle, tilted to one side, as though confirming to the dictates of an alternative reality. 

Its smoked glass dances in the light and features a delicate silver snail and its trail, symbolising an addictive passionate path of desire that is both distinctive and unusually provocative.

"A charming silver snail is attached to its side, a snail being a creature that is perfectly formed yet not admired as being conventionally beautiful by the masses, this represents Illamasqua's love of beauty in all things, especially the unconventional." - Lee Bennett, Head Designer on Freak of the Propaganda Marketing Agency

Freak is available to pre-order now, click here to shop

Discover the Freak collection today

Discover Freak, our first fragrance and the three limited edition Freak make-up pieces, each inspired by the rare blooms that create its exotic scent...

The limited edition Freak Gift Set houses the 75ml Freak fragrance and all three new shades; Sheer Lipgloss in Datura, a neutral mauve, is available exclusively within the Gift Set.

Embracing the mysterious histories of their namesakes are hardwearing Nail Varnish in Hemlock (pale opal green iridescent), the nocturnal heart of Pure Pigment in Queen of the Night (blackened plum shimmer), and a sensual Sheer Lipgloss in Datura (neutral mauve).

Nail Varnish in Hemlock

Nail Varnish in Hemlock is an opal green iridescent, apply on its own or layer over your chosen shade for added depth and mystery. In our new Freak imagery, Hemlock has been layered over the gloss black of Nail Varnish in Boosh, mirroring the iridescent shimmer of moonlight across the night sky.

Inspired by the equisitely rare Queen of the Night, that blooms fleetingly for a single night each year, this blackened plum Pure Pigment glistens under the moonlight.

Pure Pigment in Queen of the Night

Use on its own, or combine with Powder Eye Shadow or Liquid Metal to create a dramatic eye design. Alternatively mix with Sealing Gel and apply with an Angled Eye Liner Brush for a colour-intense, water-resistant eye liner.

Click here to discover the Freak collection today with our pre-order facility 

Uni City Fashion Face Off

Which Uni are you from Bristol or UWE? I am a UWE graduate and think they might just have what it takes to win this face off...

The lovely ladies at MyStreetChic.com have given students the opportunity to win £50 to spend at Merc Clothing and an exclusive MyStreetChic beauty goody bag.

During freshers weeks an undercover 'glam spy' from MyStreetChic will be scoping out both universities and snapping pics of the most stylish students. “The two universities have a history of friendly rivalry, so we’re hoping they’ll be pulling out all the stops to show us who has the best style,” commented Gina Dyer, Editor of MyStreetChic.com.

Just to make it fair the looks won't be chosen by the MyStreetChic team. Instead the users of the site are able to cast a vote so if you want your fellow students to win you need to log on and vote. Voting will open Wednesday 5th October.

Best wishes,
Fashion Fantasist xx