IMATS 2010 - the Fallout

The International Make-up Artist Trade Show 2010 was officially the biggest and best attended IMATS in the history of the event. This year, the London leg of the show tour was at the Alexandra Palace in North London. Brands from all over the world attended; from the hair care, tanning, prosthetics and cosmetic industries. Our involvement with the show was very last minute; Alex Box signed up as a keynote speaker and Spob - Head of Professional Development here at Illamasqua - organised our participation.

We enlisted the help of some of our fabulous counter staff including Adam, Halimah, Lucy, Urszula [from Fenwich Newcastle] and Nicola. As many of you are aware, Nicola creates videos as Pixiwoo on Youtube and she was in high demand at the event for photos and signatures!


Lucy, who specialises in body art and fantastical make-up, went to work on a model creating a beautiful Avatar-like look whilst Adam set about creating a range of porcelain dolls.

My video from IMATS will be going on to Youtube - I'll post the link shortly!

I grabbed a quick word with an exhausted but exhilirated Spob this morning, who tells me "it was fantastic to meet so many make-up artist students. We can't wait to host more academy events at their colleges. If they would like more information, ask their head of year to email us at info@illamasqua.com. It was also amazing to meet so many of the bloggers and beauty press." What did she think of Alex Box's speech? "Thankfully, Trudi and I had a seat reserved for Alex Box's speech; the queue to get in was rather crazy! It was fabulous to see the reception she received." So, plans for next year? "Oh yes. Bigger, better... I can't wait! But I will definitely be booking a holiday for the week after!" I think you'll deserve it, Spob.

Trudi - "At Illamasqua, we have a determined policy to invest time in the professional world. It's an important message as we are the first truly professional make-up brand. During the next year we will be working with professional artists and make-up colleges to get them familiar with the brand and demonstrate what our products can do as well as to inspire and excite them."

"IMATS wasn't on our agenda but the opportunity presented itself and we just had to do it - it is THE make-up show!"

"I had a great time meeting professional artists, students, bloggers, press, the IMATS team... what a great reception we got! Alex Box's keynote speech was fabulous and the blue Medium Pencil in 'Debonair' that she was wearing on her lips quickly sold out."

"Someone said to me that Illamasqua is new but not new; that we have fitted straight into the professional environment, which is unprecedented for a brand only 14 months old. I thought that was lovely."

Below is the winner of the student make-up artist competition, where the theme was Alice in Wonderland. I think this look to some influence from one of Alex Box's images...


Spob, Trudi and I would also like to thank the entire Illamasqua team for all their hard work and dedication.

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!

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.