Illamasqua is probably my favourite makeup brand. I love the ethos and attitude that Illamasqua has and how they manage to make their products so relevant. I adore how they create and play with texture, luxury and colour! Especially their wonderful colours: who said we cant wear a teal lipstick? Right! I have been with Illamasqua since the beginning and have seen their collections get better and better, I absolutely loved the toxic nature and Throb collection, and I think their newest collection is my favourite. Human Fundamentalism is the brand new and exciting range by Illamasqua, they describe the collection below:
They go on to say:
'RISE ABOVE MAINSTREAM LIMITATIONS and exist in a world where individuality is received with celebration not derision, and breaking the mould is a sign of strength not instability'.
Check out the collection video...Whats not to love?
Here is the behind the scenes video:
And if your into nails, check out this video too - I do love the precision ink in Scribe! Very beautiful.
I love the look of these nails so much that I am definitely going to purchase the Precision Ink in White - AMAAAZING!
Take a look at some of the promotional imagery, absolutely beautiful, I love it all!
What a great collection for this Spring :) beautifully bright colours! Cant wait to get my hands on these products!!
Let me know what you think of this collection too!!
It was just over a year ago when I heard about ILLAMASQUA, a new and exciting makeup brand which 'DARED TO BE DIFFERENT' and it certainly is that.
I study at Southampton Solent University and for one of our projects we were able to collaborate with the budding brand. I was able to meet Spob, one of the Illamasqua team, she gave us a talk about the brand, their heritage and what they are planning for the future! Exciting Stuff!
We were shown their brand film, which I love, its great to know how they evolved and where they take their inspiration from. Have a look at the brand film below :)
The brand has influenced how I see and use makeup now, allowing me to push the boundaries of makeup artistry and creativity, creating a dramatic look which may be developed in unconventional ways or techniques. This I feel, is exactly how Illamasqua feels towards makeup, they want to create 'ground-breaking and enhanced formulations'.
I love taking inspiration theatre, film and television as well as period looks, as you can see on my website www.francescarosemua.com which is extremely similar to the inspiration behind Illamasqua.
I have loved each and everyone of their makeup campaigns, each has been unique and individual, as well as breathtaking and original, like nothing I have seen before! AMAZING!
Here are some images from previous campaigns:
Sirens - Spring/Summer 09
'Inspired by the powerful beauty of the Sirens, the captivating, brutal nature of their appeal and the undeniable pull of their decadent existence, Illamasqua has created a new make-up collection designed to glorify the divine being within us all.
The collection provides a cornucopia of sumptuous shades, from shimmering corals and aquamarines, to luscious golds and bronzed metallics. With products to enhance the face, eyes, lips and nails, Sirens lets you indulge your alter ego, and ensure that your summer nights are even hotter than the days.' Illamasqua.com
Dystopia - Autumn/Winter 09
'Dystopia is a futuristic vision of a fractured and dark society. Inspired by insane London club night Black Balloon, and Fritz Lang’s masterpiece, Metropolis, Illamasqua has created a collection that echoes the artistry of 1920s Berlin’s darkest films. A world of broken shadows and stark light. A distorted, nightmarish, mad reality. With eerie shades and twisted monochromatic tones, fused with a burst of neon colour, Dystopia is as cruel as it is beautiful.
Not for the faint-hearted, Dystopia is a strong statement of defiant confidence. Where the dark meets the light. Monochrome shades build and blend, brought alive by flashes of intense pink and lurid purple, while dazzling pigments, metallic textures and iridescent finishes all add to the drama of this strikingly uncompromising look. As the nights grow longer, bring your alter ego out of the shadows and illuminate your individuality.' Illamasqua.com
Body Electrics - Spring/Summer 10
'Introducing the first collection of make-up for the whole body from Illamasqua.
Inspired by the power of kinetic energy and the fluidity of the body in motion, the Body Electrics range ignites the skin with intensity and highlights the body's every twist and turn to exquisite perfection. Ensuring you exude a confidence that's more than skin deep.
The collection is an anthology of creams, powders and dry body oils filled with light, shimmer and shine, designed to highlight and contour your whole body. Containing hyper-pigmented light-reflecting particles that infuse the skin with intense colours and finishes, each product in the range has been created to accentuate every movement and take body make-up to a whole new level.' Illamasqua.com
Art of Darkness - Autumn/Winter 10
'Deep in an enchanted forest, the scene is set for a sumptuous feast. The chosen have arrived. Where this night will end no one knows. Not even death is inevitable.
Lured by the promise of immortality, a host of fantastical beings try their hand at creating the ever-elusive Elixir of Life. The resulting potions dazzle the eye and ensnare the senses, a beautiful array of jewel-like substances. They may not deny mortality, but they do make the theatre of life a more colourful stage on which to play.
It’s a melting pot of individuals, where ideas are exchanged, and new ones created. A surreal gathering from which the guests might never awake. Which is why this night can never end, and the game must be played for eternity.
So take your place at the table and let the banquet begin.' Illamasqua.com
This is Art of Darkness.
Inspiration from Valentine's Day - THROB Collection
'Feel your pulse quicken, your heart throbbing in your chest. These are Illamasqua’s latest offerings at the altar of beauty, guaranteed to make you gasp with pleasure.' Illamasqua.com
Check out more of the campaign imagery at www.illamasqua.com/collections
And last but not least, I wanted to show you the highly anticipated new collection for Spring/Summer 2011 - Toxic Nature!
'In retaliation against the genetically modified society that plunders it, the landscape has issued forth a torrent of hybrid shades. Corrupted hues glister amongst muted tones - extreme, intoxicating versions of their original selves.
This is an atomic-botanical environment where survival is key and camoflague by colour is the path to existence.
We scoured the abandoned toxic wastelands of the world to create an eclectic selection of corrupted hues for the eyes, lips, nails, face and body. Flitting effortlessly from poisonous pastel to hazardous neon, this cataclysmic mix of brave new tones take your look to the outer limits of nature's palette.
Become a herald of the new age of Toxic Nature with uncharted night-time make-up.' Illamasqua.com
Here is the new collections advertising film:
The collection is absolutely stunning and the imagery is perfect, I love how Illamasqua create a whole mood and atmosphere with their makeup, this film is incredible, I would love to be a part of this brand, so inspirational.
The images below capture Illamasqua at its best, I can still see their heritage and the links to theatrical makeup as well as editorial and artistry makeup.
I can safely say Illamasqua keep getting better and better, I absolutely adore these new promo shots and cant wait to grab myself some new pieces from the collection and see what they come up with next!!
Looking forward to what you think of the new collection!
And don't forget: Illamasqua is makeup for your alter ego :)
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Uni went pretty well today! I had a drop in session with Elizabeth Barnett Lawton, one of our new specialist lecturers! Much appreciated :) Her keen eye and exciting outlook on makeup helped to motivate me with broadening my portfolio work.
Elizabeth has worked in the fashion department of Elle, and beauty departments of British Vogue,Harper’s, InStyle, Happy and Good Housekeeping magazines as a stylist, journalist and beauty director where she capitalised on her fashion degree to style celebrities and models for her glamorous beauty shoots.Her specialty is finding the ultimate combination of dress, jewellery and hair and makeup for events and weddings. (http://www.styleoncall.co.uk/about.html)
We discussed my previous selection of work and went through the images which I have on my facebook page. She liked many of the shots and gave me advice and tips on how to enhance my images as well as ideas for re-shooting. We agreed on adapting a previous look that I have done, which is inspired by the 1920's.
1920's Research
I started by looking at make-up plans and design charts that have been designed with inspiration from 1920's. Here are some of the plans that I have liked.
MAC face chart for House of Holland London Fashion week 2009
An up-to-date perception of elements of the 1920's. Its interesting to see that make-up and fashion still take elements of the 20's to give a fresh new make-up look.
MAC for NYFW uncovered these designs for Spring summer 2011
Illamasqua
When thinking of makeup in the 1920's I instantly thought of creative make-up brand, Illamasqua.
Illamasqua is the product of a heady mix of influences. Its roots stem from the dark and illicit 1920s club scene and combines a rich heritage in the manufacture of make-up for film and theatre. It also takes inspiration from members of the ‘alternative scenes’ for whom self-expression is paramount. Alternative cultures have always dared to be dramatic. They have an emotional attachment to making up. It’s an expression of their darker side, a release for their alter ego. (http://www.illamasqua.com/about/)
The brand takes inspiration from the 1920's which can be seen within their make-up advertising campaigns, public images and colour range.
Picture references
1920's editorial of Vogue's Sept 09 issue as featured in the film The September Issue, styled by Grace Coddington.
This fabulous selection of 1920's inspired editorial by photographer StevenMeisel and model FrejaBeha are both exciting and evoke many different feelings and emotions.
The image above is from a 1920's themed editorial in German Vogue. I think it encapsulates everything about the 20's and is so pretty!
Make-up and hair by Kristy Basset.
Dandywilliamsmakeup
Paris Fashion Week 2010 - Christian Dior "All dolled up" - Inspired by 1920's black and white films.
Make-up Tips
Face: The base is natural and of a slightly pale shade to give a fresh, porcelain look. The foundation is applied lightly but is powdered with white face powder. This helps to enhance the lightness and set the foundation.
Cheeks:
Slight highlight on the cheekbones can be applied as well as slight contouring of the cheeks. Blush is applied lightly to the apples of the cheeks in light pinks and peach tones.
Eyebrows: The eyebrows are one of the main features of the 1920's and are thin and heavily arched, the arch is rounded. If your model has naturally thick, dark or coarse eyebrows it may be easier to block these out and apply the desired shape with an eye shadow or eyebrow pencil.
The perfect eyebrow shape for the 20's.
Eyes: The eyes are a focal point of this era. Eye shadow in dark shades of green, purples and blues as well as black is used on the eyelid only to give a bold look. Eye liner can be applied to give an enhanced image, only in black. The eyes can be enhanced further with luscious thick coats of mascara and the use of false eyelashes. This dark eye contrasts the paleness of the skin and gives a stunning overall look.
Lips: I think this is the most important feature of this era. The lip shape has to be enhanced/ adapted to give a strong look. The bow of the lips is exaggerated using lip liner and lip stick, as well as the bottom lip being made to look fuller. The corner of the lips are thinned out slightly to give slight points in the mouth. Colours that are used on the lips are; deep red, dark burgundy, maroon and rich purple.
Hair Techniques
Finger waves were a must in the 1920's. The design created a water wave effect in the hair as it had similarities to rippling water. The hair is molded into place using product and heat to set the overall look.
Im off now to do some of my own make-up plans :) hope you like the blog!!
