A Little Fun With Illamasqua: A New Sephora Location Opens in NYC!!

Last Friday I dropped by the new Sephora store in NYC's Time's Square on their first official day of business. I have to admit I was giddy with anticipation to check out not only the new location, but some of the brands that were set to launch anew at Sephora, including one that was arriving for the first time in the US - ahem, Illamasqua! As you can guess, I spent most of my time over at their counter! I also met up with some other fabulous beauty bloggers/lovers at the store, and we spent a few hours swatching and ogling the goods. Special shout out to my fellow beauty girls Adina of Krasey Beauty, Yana of My Own Judge, and Barbara of Make-up Your World for helping make for a fun time!

Of course, this being the first time I've been able to experience the Illamasqua product line up-close and personal, I was excited, albeit overwhelmed at the number of choices. Many of the product offerings from the full UK range were available. I believe about 200 products all-tolled, each staring up at me saying "buy me!" What a dilemma! I didn't know where to start. Luckily, some super sweet and approachable Illamasqua artists had flown in for the launch all the way from London, and were on hand to introduce the range to eager American customers. They even offered little makeovers!! Adam, Daniel, and Jennifer are some fierce individuals (I completely mean this in the most flattering and complimenting of tones - think a la Tyra Banks on Top Model). I got to chit-chat a bit with each of the artists. I got a little taste of each of their personalities, too. Jennifer totally rocked out in a hot black corset and cute wrist cuffs from Kiki de Montparnasse, Adam amazed me with some bright and colorful eyes (and some beautiful contouring skills, I might add!), and Daniel was on hand to suggest a great blush color and gloss to complement it (Lover Powder Blush and Torture Sheer Lip Gloss for a gorgeous peachy cheek and juicy lip!) Daniel even tried the colors on me to show me how well they would work with my skintone for a great everyday look. I will post the complete haul with swatch pictures very soon!


So enough of my jibber-jabbering! You all want to see some photos, right? ;-) Some photos were taken using my camera phone, but all of the pictures with people in them are to be credited to Adina and Barbara (yes, I left my camera battery - fully charged, mind you! - at home).

Outside of Sephora's new home at 5 Time's Square

A taste of yummy Illamasqua product goodness

A little personal introduction? Why not! Here I am modelling in front of the display saying "you know you want some of these pretties, so come and get 'em!"

Group shot with Adam! L-R: Yana, Adina, Adam, me

Adam's fierce eyes up close

Adina being silly pre-makeover

Mid-makeover action!

Me and the lovely Jennifer! I think I need her corset!

Solo shot of me and Adam

Looking cute! Posing for the camera ;-)

With Jennifer and Daniel

MWAH!!

It was really a great night! I loved the whole experience; hanging out with friends, meeting some truly talented artists, and soaking up the excitement of a new launch! I'm already planning my next trip there with my "wish-list." It's too bad my eyes are bigger than my wallet!!!

Illamasqua Is Now Available at Sephora.com!!

I just wanted to give you all a heads up! Illamasqua has now launched on the Sephora website and the selection is phenomenal! Primers, foundations, Liquid Metals, lipsticks, glosses, pigments....they're all there! I am literally dancing with delight at the sight of the products. It now really feels "official," too! Illamasqua has finally solidified their presence in the US.

I am counting down the days until the collection pops up in the new NYC Sephora location. I'm totally there! Do you think it's too early to line up now?!? ;-)

Let me know if you'll be at the launch party! I would love to see you/meet you!

Illamasqua Set To Arrive On US Soil This Month!

Finally the answer to my prayers! UK-based Illamasqua will be arriving in America later this month (for some background on the brand, check out Illamasqua: Unleash Your "Alter-Ego")! On July 31st, Illamasqua will launch at the new Sephora location opening in NYC at 5 Times Square. By the end of October, you will be able to find their products in 26 Sephora stores across the country. Two hundred products will be available, each sure to captivate Illamasqua's overseas audience.

This launch is going to be huge! I have been intrigued and fascinated by the line ever since I was introduced to it, and the artistic images are a sight to behold. I have come so close on many different ocassions to ordering through the website, but I kept putting it off because I just didn't know what to purchase! The one frustrating element of the Illamasqua site is that their swatches are not very descriptive. It is difficult to get a real feeling for the colors. In general, unless I have seen a product in person and know what to expect, I refrain from ordering it online. It will be quite satisfying to finally be able to test out the different products and colors in my quest to determine exactly which ones might unleash my "alter-ego." I am anticipating a very large turnout for this launch. I might just have to camp out to make sure I can get a peek at the goods!

*Image credited to the Illamasqua blog

Illamasqua: Unleash Your "Alter-Ego"

I have heard so much great talk about the British make-up line, Illamasqua, in recent months, that ever since starting this blog, I have wanted to write my own piece about it. This is hopefully going to be my first post of several on this brand. To start off, I wanted to provide some background info on the company, what factors have influenced them to create their product range, and what they stand for.

Illamasqua pulls heavily from the "dark and illicit 1920's club scene" as well as the "alternative" cultures and their tendency towards the more dramatic. Illamasqua is all about "unleashing (one's) alter-ego," not being afraid to experiment with one's looks, and viewing personal style as the ultimate way to express the inner self. Each individual should be the master of his/her uniqueness, irregardless of what others think. The brand's products - with the professional quality and the wide range of products and colors being offered - allow for a great deal of self-expression. Intense, bold color is not shunned at all here!! All of the products are designed to be "color-intense, color-true, and long lasting."

Aside from being a brand that prides itself on "bucking the trends" in favor of doing what pleases the individual, Illamasqua can also state with confidence that their products are cruelty-free - absolutely no testing is done on animals.

I have to say every time (and this has become a daily occurence!) that I glance at the Illamasqua website, I am amazed - perhaps, in fact, slightly overwhelmed by the incredible products being advertised. There truly is something for everyone out there among the lipsticks, glosses, shadows, and face products! The images displayed on the site are stunning, too! Take a look!

To say that I am impressed at the quality of the artistry, is a most definite understatement!

I will say that these products are relatively pricey, however - roughly $23 (14 £) each for a lipstick and a single powder eyeshadow, for example. Nevertheless, this is really not too bad for high quality, pigmented make-up.

I am planning to provide you all with more specific reviews and swatches once I purchase some items from the brand, but in the meantime, check out the Illamasqua site at http://www.illamasqua.com/ for more information on the brand and to shop online. While this is a UK-based company, they do ship to areas outside of the country (but, man, I really do wish I were living in the UK right about now!)

Also, Illamasqua has recently launched their own blog. You can follow them at http://illamasqua.blogspot.com/.

Thoughts on Illamasqua? Are you as intrigued as I am?