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.

Valentines Day At Selfridges...

Selfridges Trafford, Selfridges London and Selfridges Birmingham will all be hosting some fabulous Illamasqua theatre this coming Saturday 13th February.

For one day only [and between the hours of 12 and 6pm] we will have our top artists on counter creating some vivid and glam body art on some gorgeous male models. Those of you who are fans of Illamasqua on facebook may re call the voting procedure!

Using the classic Eye Liner Cake and Sealing Gel combinations to create some fabulous water resistant tattoos, our artists will be on hand to show off their calligraphy skills. Perhaps you would like to have a Valentine's message painted on for your loved one? Just come down to the counter and get artistic...

We will be giving away an exclusive Coco de Mer blindfold with every purchase of Eye Liner Cake and Sealing Gel.

Pixiwoo And Illamasqua

By now most of you are probably aware that Nicola - one half of the Youtube sensations Pixiwoo - works on our Selfridges London counter. She is leaving us in a few days to go back home to Norwich but will continue to work with us on some great events that we have lined up for 2010, including a tour of our Illamasqua counters with her sister, Sam.

We are still finalising details for this extremely exciting project. If you have ever wanted to discuss one on one with either of the Pixiwoo girls about colours, textures, tips, tricks and inspiration this is an opportunity you will not want to miss!

The below counters will be hosting the girls, however we are yet to finalise details. I'll keep you posted!

Debenhams Glasgow 0141 221 3889

Debenhams Belfast 0289 043 5582

Debenhams Cardiff 0292 034 2278


Thanks to Lynne for the above picture - Lynne is from the fantastic German blog www.fragdiegurus.de - herself and some of her team were down at Selfridges London this morning for an interview with Alex Box and myself - look forward to seeing that! Not a natural in front of a camera :S - unlike Nic and Alex here!

Adam in Birmingham Tuesday 19th - Saturday 23rd January

One of our National Make-up Artists, Adam, will be in Selfridges Birmingham this week as a very special guest of the Illamasqua counter!

Adam has experience working with some of the top names in showbiz including Rihanna, Fergie and Nicole Schwerzinger. He has also worked as a make-up artist for ten years and his experiences include alternative work as well as fashion shows such as Burberry and Alexander McQueen.

He loves to experiment with his variety of alter-egos - including the wonderful Medusa [below] - and is a wonderful make-up artist.

To book a personalised, one-on-one make-up lesson with Adam, call 0121 600 6818 - but hurry as place are sure to book fast - for £30, redeemable against purchases made on the day.

Ask An Artist: Black And White Shades

My daughter and I are freestyle dancers. I usually use black and white face paints on the eyes but would like to use an eyeshadow. Could you recommend any black and white colours that are dramatic on the eyes that will stay on and give a strong bold colour.Thanks a million - Sinead

*above - Lucy from Selfridges Trafford works the dark smoky eye look by using a similar technique to the one that Jay has outlined *

I asked James from Selfridges Birmingham to answer this question...

"Use Concealer 350 as a base all over the lid - I love using this for any smoky/ dark eye look; the staying power is incredible and of course the high levels of pigment give you a great base for any powder shadow to grab on to. I love to apply this with Illamasqua Eyeshadow Brush and use a pressing action to apply the concealer to the lid.

Next, take your choice of Powder Eye Shadow - I love 'Machine' for dark, sparkly drama - but you could use 'Lestat' if you prefer a more matt finish. Alternatively, Pure Pigment in 'Android' would look amazing if you want more of a sparkly effect.

Use the same Eyeshadow Brush to press the colour on top of the Concealer.

If you do want to create a more "winged" effect, you can use the tape method as shown in the Golden Goddess video, or you can use the edge of any Illamasqua compact as a stencil.

Use Blending Brush I to soften the colour into the crease of the eye.

Next, take Pure Pigment in 'Tingle' and press onto the brow bone. I would also add a dot of this onto the centre of the lid, this will stop the eye looking too heavy and add dimension to the look.


Line the waterline with either Medium Pencil in 'Elate' for a more wide eyed look or use the Sophie pencil for a dark, intense liner.

Line bottom lashes with the Sophie pencil and smudge over with your choice of black eyeshadow [as detailed above]

For intensity and a feminine flutter, apply False Eye Lashes - I love number 21."

Birmingham In Store Event

Pam - one of our wonderful new national artists - told us that the mood was very Phantom of the Opera; "We chose a colour scheme of red and black - lots of Powder Eye shadow in 'Daemon' and 'Gimp' as well as flawless pale skins. Lipstick in 'Box' has been a hit with the team, too. It was our take of the Prada catwalks - reds are suprisingly easy to wear on the eyes and flattering to most skin tones."


Sophie Jewes, Marketing and Events manager at Selfridges Birmingham, told me that Illamasqua added to "what was a fabulous beauty evening all around. Illamasqua added a gorgeous splash of colour - the team went to town onderfully with their make-up looks. Birmingham ladies are all set to fall in love with Illamasqua!"

To speak to the Illamasqua team at Selfridges Birmingham, you can call them on 0121 600 6818

Mika Comes to Cardiff!

Mika will be making a highly anticipated guest appearance on the Debenhams Cardiff counter on Thursday 19th, Friday 20th and Saturday 21st November.

If you would like to meet the Selfridges London National Make-up Artist, star of the Dystopia collection adverts and infamous mainstay of the London club scene, give the Debenhams Cardiff Illamasqua counter a ring on 02920342278.

I grabbed a quick word with Mika to find out more about the Dystopia photoshoot, his favourite products and his excitement about visiting Cardiff...

Hey Mika! How are you?

"Really well - looking forward to meeting the girls at the Cardiff counter tomorrow. They have all offered to take me out on the town and I haven't visited Cardiff before so it's all very exciting."

Your always out on the town! How do you think the Cardiff night-life will compare to London?

"You'll have to ask me when I'm back! I am currently running a weeky club called Vogue at Willa's in Mayfair. The theme of the night is always the current issue of Vogue - inspired by the photo shoots or the adverts running in the magazine, the night is an artistic melting pot of fashionistas, club kids, models, socialites and a variety of people from the fashion, beauty and art worlds."

I have been dying to ask you what the Dystopia photoshoot was like - it must have been fabulous!

"You were there?!"

For about half an hour! How long did your day last?!

"The call was 8am and when I got there, Alex Box was already in 6 inch heels, which she lasted on all day - what an icon! Even I can't manage that - the whole shoot, from start to finish was 13 hours. Alex created three looks on me and each took about two hours to complete. My favourite look is the black and white one, with the swirly face patterns. Alex did all of it in one go and I was amazed at how little post-production there was. I've always assumed that everything was airbrushed for weeks after the photo shoot, but I saw the final images a few days after the shoot. You can't airbrush art; you would lose the point of it."

Too right. So, what are your favourite products from the Dystopia collection?

"I adore the Pure Pigment in 'Android' - the dark, sultry shimmer is just such a versatile product. I love to layer it on top of Cream Eye Shadow in 'Debauch' or 'Entangle' or even the Concealer in '350' for a really gorgeous, but quick and easy, smoky eye.
I also love the False Lashes 21. They are stunning."


Will you be wearing them on the Cardiff counter?

"Perhaps, but I am currently rocking the Limited Edition Decadence lashes - the silver ones. At Halloween I put them in my eye brows for winged brows!"

You'll have to send me a photo. What has been your defining moment working for Illamasqua?

"That's a tough one! The past year has been absolutely amazing for me, both professionally and personally. I think that the crowning glory would be the advert that is going to run in next months iD magazine - a double page advert of the back-to-back image of me in the Dystopia ads. I am so excited to see that I can barely contain myself! I also loved that the Sunday Times Style featured a picture of me and of course the Dystopia shoot was just the best day ever."


Here is a photo of Mika and myself - we bumped into each other at Gay Pride in the Summer... his pout is substantially better than mine!


Book now for a lesson with Mika - £20 redeemable against purchases made on the day.

Ready to Rock Birmingham!

Selfridges Birmingham is the latest store to be excitedly anticipating an Illamasqua counter - we are looking at a mid- November launch at the moment, but will keep you all up to speed on the latest developments!

The team have been chosen and the training is taking place for them next week, so not long now!

Alex Box Book Signing 5th November

Alex Box will be at Selfridges Oxford St between 4 and 7pm on Thursday 5th November to exclusively sign copies of the Alex Box by Rankin book.

Alex and the artists will also be creating looks from the book.

I have also heard that Sharmadean Reid from Wah Nails salon in Shoreditch [the hot spot for creative nail art!] will be on the temporary site opposite the Illamasqua counter - the perfect excuse for an artistic beauty afternoon!

Did anyone else spot Mika [our lovely artist from Selfridges Oxford St and star of the Dystopia ads!] in the Sunday Times Style magazine last Sunday? In case you missed it, here is the clipping!

Lack of Posting...

Sorry I have been a slow on the updates over the past few days - lots going on with our Birthday celebrations so I will get back underway with these [I have lots to show you guys!] as soon as possible.

Just a quick snippet of today - Alex came in to sign copies of her Alex Box by Rankin book [book signing at Selfridges Oxford St this Thursday between 4 and 7pm for those of you who haven't got your copy yet!]

I love her hair clips! Halloween or no, Alex loves to channel her inner goth!

Celebrity Spot on Counter

The gorgeous Lily Allen popped in to Selfridges Oxford St on Wednesday to pick up some Dystopia products - I'm told she made a bee line for the Pure Pigments in 'Static' and 'Android' as well as Liquid Metal in 'Phenomena' and 'Solstice'.

Here are some swatches of the Pure Pigments that we have been pulling together for the new swatches for the website!

Welcome Nicola!

Nicola Chapman, aka Pixiwoo [well, half of...] has started working for Illamasqua!

I'm sure many of you are aware of Sam and Nicola's work, both through fashionface.tv and the Pixiwoo channel on Youtube. The irresistable blend of modern celebrity looks, classic and elegant looks and high fashion looks [as well as the odd theatrical look that we love here at Illamasqua thrown in] has seen Pixiwoo become one of the most popular beauty guru channels on Youtube.

We are thrilled to have Nicola's industry knowledge, application expertise and pure enthusiasm for our brand and our products and she is a welcome addition to the strong Selfridges Oxford St team.

Both Sam and Nicola have been along to our blogger events and I can honestly say that you could not wish to meet two sweeter people - both Sam and Nicola have been in the industry in the long time and have been extremely supportive of the Illamasqua brand and the values of the brand - they agree that make-up should be about experimentation and artistic expression, as Sam frequently says; "It's make-up; you can always wash it off!"

Nicola is going to kill me for putting this pic up but it's just brilliant! I believe this is what Sam and Nicola dressed up as last Halloween...

I'm boring, at Halloween I always go as a Spartan Queen [since 300, Queen Gorgo!] as I just love drapery! What are everyone elses Halloween plans?

To book an appointment with Nicola, call the Selfridges London team on 0207 318 3788.

Busy Day!

Just a quick update on my day for you all! We have lots of activity going on in the build up to Christmas [yes, it's that time of year again...] so I have been in and out of meetings discussing potential collaborations and events!

First up, we have our First Birthday on Saturday 31st October. Each counter will be having prize draws amongst other activity but Selfridges Oxford Street - where it all began - will be a hub of festivities! We have a great celebratory limited edition product [more on that later...!] and Mika [star of our Dystopia collection] will be a model for Adam to create some dramatic Dystopia looks on. Come along between 2pm and 6pm to catch Adam on the britney microphone [not an official name for the PA system!] for a masterclass on distorted, glamorous night-time looks.


Next up, Alex Box's launch party for her wonderful new book and exhibition "Alex Box By Rankin" next Thursday will be followed by her making a personal appearance at the Illamasqua counter at Selfridges Oxford St on November 5th between 4pm and 7pm. She will also be recreating looks from the book, so be sure to catch that! The book is published by Turnaround at £50. Read the Sunday Times Style magazine's review of the book here.

We are also working on our online swatches - it's going to be a revolutionary way of viewing our products and we are very excited - currently on track for a mid- November launch with this...

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!