Illamasqua

I love the new Illamasqua range, Theatre Of The Nameless launched this week in stores. There's some lovely colours within the make up the range, one of my favorites is Pure pigment in Berber.

What Illamasqua say about the range:

'Descend into the riotous scene of erotic adventure that is the Theatre of the Nameless collection.

In this nocturnal den of the dissident leaders of underworld subcultures, exotic dancers rub shoulders with actors and anarchists.
Infused with the essence of self-expression that transformed 1920s Berlin, this rich and indulgent collection envelops the senses.
Darkly sophisticated tones are accompanied by shocks of dazzling iridescence and kinky rubber-look finishes, creating a breathtakingly modern interpretation of the most illicit nightlife in history.
It's time to cross the threshold and embrace a world of unadulterated decadence.'

Alex Box has worked her magic again on the photos to accompany the range. I love her use of colour, the way the eyebrows have been shaped and the black outlining of the features.

Check out the range: http://www.illamasqua.com/collections/theatre-of-nameless/

Location, location, location

In my time as a Make-up Artist I've been to some stunning location but a few weeks ago I went to one that top the lot (well for the moment anyway!)

The beautiful Foster house (http://www.beachstudios.co.uk/property/143/foster-house/) is in Kent and is so versatile with so many different buildings and interiors.

Here are some photos of this fab location <3

Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation

I have now been using this foundation for around one and a half months and I absolutely love it!!!!!

What Illamasqua say about the product -

''Inspired by the cult Asian market Beauty Balm creams, Skin Base Foundation is a brand new, refined formula unlike anything on the UK market. Easily blendable, it effortlessly creates a perfect complexion, and like the entire Illamasqua foundation range, is undetectable in a professional HD environment. Suitable for all skin types, it smoothes, softens and conditions your skin whilst providing natural, buildable coverage.''

David Horne, Illamasqua Director of Product Development -

"Skin Base is an innovative formula that doesn't require any outlandish marketing claims. In my 20 years experience as a professional make-up artist, l have tried some fantastic foundation innovations, but nothing compares to Skin Base's winning texture and professional finish - it will leave you staring at your immaculate skin in wonderment."

The coverage is medium and very buildable, it builds really easily too. I use a kabuki brush to buff the foundation in, this gives it a lovely dewy looking airbrush finish. It doesn't feel heavy at all on the skin and it smells very clean, similar smell to other illamasqua products. The foundation retails at £25, which is around the mark for a high end foundation, I do think the foundation will last me over two months, I have been using it for a month and a half and it still doesn't feel empty yet.

As always with Illamasqua the shade range is amazing, going from 1 to 18 it covers nearly every shade. They have even done a helpful shade comparison chart with other brands, so if your ordering it off the Internet you can see which shade is most like your MAC, Bobbi Brown, Nars or YSL foundation. Here is the link to the shade chart's

http://www.illamasqua.com/news/122/

With Beauty Balms set to storm the market this year, I think we will see many brands creating them. Beauty Balm's first became popular in Asia and have grown in popularity since. In most of the creams include SPF and whitening ingredients whereas the Illamasqua version doesn't contain either ingredient.

Garnier has created the first high street BB cream, retailing at £9.99 and claiming to 'immediately perfected skin with even tone and boosted glow. Blurs imperfections and smoothes fine lines. SPF15 protection and 24hr hydration.' I haven't tried this one yet but will be purchasing it this week, I cant wait to try this product.

Kate Moss for Rimmel

Kate Moss is to design six lipsticks and a range of eyeshadows for Rimmel, the brand which she has fronted for 10 years. The packaging is rumoured to be black with union jacks and kates signature. There due to hit the shelf in September, Im sure they will be a hit. I cant wait to see the range!

Nail it

Over the last year nail art has become very popular. With lots of different technique's being created from transfers, to nail art pens, gems, crackle effect polish and marbling to name a few.

Nail art has become a firm favourite on the catwalk. Below are a few photos from the S/S 2011 Catwalks.

The likes of Celebrities like Lady Gaga, Katie Perry and Rihanna are making trends in the nail industry.

Wah nails have created some amazing design and have teamed up with nail experts models own to make a nail art pen, so you can create your own designs at home. With branches in around London and Topshop on Oxford Street, hopefully they should be expanding next year I cant wait for there branch to open in Birmingaham! I may have to stop by a London branch before then when Im down there.

Nail Transfers have also become very poplar. Minx are leading the way in salons but you can also pick up Nailsrock from Topshop and ASOS.

With new ideas and nail polish formulas being created all the time, Nail art is here to stay for the for see able future. I can wait to see what will be developed next.

Modern Style Icons

Over the pass few years the likes of Lady Gaga, Katie Perry and more recently Jessie J have played a big influence in fashion, makeup and hair.

Here's some iconic photos of them that I love and that I am very inspired by <3





Gaga in Versace


















Make-up Artist Billy Brasfield has been known for doing many famous Lady Gaga looks.









Katie Perry for GHD- I love these adverts <3





















Katie Perry's ET video - the makeup in this video is amazing! The makeup artist responsible for these amazing creations is Kabuki.
























The genius that is makeup artist Andrew Gallimore created Jessie J's studded lips! He's also known for his runway and editorial looks.

Karin Darnell is also known for doing Jessie J's makeup.


Who do you find inspiring?

Summer colours

Just because the weather isn't like summer at the moment doesn't mean we can't wear some bright colours, so it at least feels abit like summer.

Yellow is a big colour this season. Yellow eyeshadow made a big impact on the S/S 2011 catwalks.
It can be worn all over or in the inner corners of the eyes, this gives it a more wearable look. Mac's new range Surf Baby eyeshadow in sun blonde is a great lighter yellow colour for the eyes.




For a brighter look, Mac eyeshadow in Chrome yellow looks good on most skin tones.



Chanel's must have nail colour for the summer is Mimosa, a bright yellow.



Or if Chanel isn't in the price range try the collection 2000 Sherbet Lemon.



For maybe the more adventurous out there Loreal have bought out a yellow lip gloss called Aqua Lemon Tonic. Although yellow in colour it's not that bright when its on and surprisingly wearable on the right skin tones.





Orange has been the in colour for spring but its still sticking around for summer. I bought this beautiful pallet from Nars last week called Mediteranee. These are really wearable colours, I can't wait to use them.







Mac also do a lovely orange lipstick called morange. Looks lovely with a tan.




Be brave and try some colour this summer.

Dip dye

I'm loving the dip dye hair trend that's in at the moment. Brightly coloured dip dyes are very late 90s but the natural tone dip dye brings the technique upto date.