what's your canvas of choice?

to begin to beautify yourself

Did I say what a HUGE fan I am of Illamasqua?? I am so thrilled to share with you this piece of news - Alex Box, creative director of Illamasqua has recently finished wrapping up work on an extensive portfolio with photographer Nick Knight, getting model Kristen McMenamy camera-ready for Gareth Pugh’s spring 2011 concept video. Cannot wait to see that video when it goes LIVE.

Illamasqua, which opened the doors to a 1600-square-foot boutique and makeup school in London’s West End this fall will enable beauty enthusiasts who wander into the high-concept retail space enamoured by liquid-metal face pigments (in glimmering, straight-off-the-runway shades of teal and russet) or explosively colorful lipsticks. As for the adjacent school, Box says, “I wanted it to be a mix of talents: [professionals] from fashion and theater backgrounds and real people who just love makeup.” For that reason, Box—a democratic believer in beauty’s transformative power—has developed intensive two-hour courses for real girls who simply want to hone their skills. “People,” she says brightly of watching her master plan come together, “are already starting to congregate.”

The Illamasqua Store and School of Make-Up Art, 20 Beak Street London; makeup lessons from £50
www.illamasqua.com

the night the flashbulbs bursts into a million glittering stars

The divine looking Alex Box

Theatre galore at the party

Spob (Fairy Godmother to all Illamasqua makeup elves) & me
Claire & me
Iain (in hood & feather mask) - lovely guy, huge talent! Look out for his editorial in the Telegraph magazine soon!

Oliver Robb(designer & artist) & me - Good luck for your show today!

Mika (resident makeup guru)

Scenes from the party and the cool double decker bus

What a fantasticly glittery night!

DON'T BE AFRAID TO SHOW YOUR ALTER EGO!!!

i went to a party with a dapper little racoon

Doing this was sooooooo much fun. Having your face made up so dramatically and the feather lashes!!! WOW!! Is all I can truly say. It was an amazing experience from the start. Meeting Matthew, who very kindly did my makeup (he also does a lot of other work too, the latest being Britain's Next Top Model!). I am so humbled by the experience and learnt a lot. The outfit was inspired to be the opposite of the normal black garb that Illamasqua subscribes to. But nonetheless, the theatre of it was not compromised - I hope. So, dapper Mr. Racoon, was my date to this launch party which took place last night in the heart of Soho. The experience was totally awesome including all the people I met and came across. Amy, who was my chaperone was absolutely amazing and made sure I really had a blast. Thank you Amy!!

And last but not least, the master who wound his magic Illamasqua wand on me - Matthew. Thank you so so much!

All makeup by Illamasqua available at Illamasqua, Beak Street, London.
Makeup by: Matthew Pimm

(Dress from Topshop Unique, Open toe boots from Zara,Cuff from Mango, Rings from various high street finds)

gorgeously grungy

I just bought this super gorgeous nail shade. Nowadays, Illamasqua seems to be at the edge of my tongue - can't get enough of this stuff. I also love the false lashes that come in this collection. Can't wait for FW to come so that I can put them to the test! This intense olive shade is super gorgeously grungy. X!

spellbound in darkness

I cannot wait to get the new Precision Ink from the amazing new AW10 collection by Illamasqua!!!! Spellbinding beauty indeed!