Illamasqua - Art of Darkness

 My interpretation of the theme

Yesterday I began a long day with the train to London, I was very apprehensive going alone as the tube system seems busy and fast with so many lines and platforms.

I  got to the Illamasqua store on time with thanks to a fast peddling man on one of those carts which by the way was an experience in itself. Oh the joys.

Once I opened the door of Illamasqua my mood changed, it was so calming and pretty, a visual wonderland.

I was offered a beautiful tumbler of punch which was gorgeous may I add, and I shimmied my way through the little groups to the make-up taking pictures.

I wasn't on my lonesome for long though as some gorgeous girlies I tweet arrived, Sarah, Milley and Leanne. (pinkpixiedoll, sarahloolaa and donotrefreeze)

We were then taken into the studio part of the store which was beautiful, there we watched the promo vid and had some insightful speeches about the brand which got me understanding what Illamasqua is about a little more.

All around the store there's inspiration, nothing has been left untouched. From disco ball floors to specially made leather curtains, creative nails and hand painted mannequins by Alex Box herself.

I personally wanted to gain as much knowledge about this collection as possible, I although I wanted to catch up with everyone I was just too distracted by Alex working her magic and the amazing M.U.A swatching each new item.

The collection is called the Art of Darkness, the colours reflect the title and story perfectly. There's rich hues of gold, blues,emeralds and rubies. It has a luxe feel and the quality is no different. The story is of mythical beings and that no one is excluded. There's a banquet for them all to meet in a dark forest where individuality is appreciated and stories are told. I felt very empowered watching this, each character having beautiful Strong and confident qualities which lead you past the appearance. 

The Art of Darkness characters

I spent quite some time with the make-up artist whom of which I have forgotten her name in my excitement. She showed me the collection, how to use the products and what the swatches looked like. We exchanged thoughts on layering and I asked questions that I know you guys will ask me.

I took some pictures of the products with swatches so that you can see how it translates on skin.

These are the liquid metals, I am in love with this royal blue shade.

This is the swatch on her hand

I can honestly say that Illamasqua products are true to their colour, each pot is packed with pigment that it looks almost like foil. The MUA swatched these for me and I asked about creasing as I know you lot feel that although these are aesthetically beautiful they just don't stay put on the eye.

She told me that they have added extra drying agents to the liquid metals to prevent as much creasing as possible but due to the texture it will inevitable crease a little. She said they are designed to be buffed with ease to create a fade. As she did a little demonstration I could clearly see myself using it on my eye thinking right I would put that there then layer that, So I asked " can you apply the pure pigment powder onto the the liquid metal to set it a little?" to which she agreed would work and definitely give some staying power to the products.

Pure pigment in Alluvium

 She also explained that the powdered metal (which was insanely beautiful) could be mixed with water to intensify. Apply to the shins, shoulders and decolletage to get that glistening glow.

The pigments can also be used as eyeliner by using a sealing gel see my eyeliner sealer post.

The precision eyliners were to die for, seriously I have not used a pen like it. The liquid is filled with pigment making it really opaque not like these watered down translucent types. The gold one was just so expensive looking and the black one is ingenious. Have you ever used a black liquid liner and it dries matte,cracks then flakes off during the day?

Well this is just your thing, the MUA told me the black had a gloss finish so I went testing and guess what It kind of does. It still shines and doesn't look dull at all. Annnnnd I did a test, I kept a swatch on my hand all night to see if it would crack or smudge and it was just as perfect in the morning. Hallelujah!!!

How bloody brilliant is that!

So my lust haves of this collection are-

• Precision ink in Alchemy and Abyss
• Pure pigment in Alluvium
• Lipgloss in Hermetic (perfect for autumn looks)
• Nail polish in Scarab 
• Powdered metal in pale gold.

I've kept the best part last and that was meeting Alex Box , I felt so nervous and wanted to ask her loads but felt a little silly infront of everyone but next time I'll ask away!

She was very approachable, friendly and enthusiastic.Everything you would hope for in a Make-up artist. Watching her working on the model was really the highlight for me. She has no fear and no boundaries I could almost see her mind dancing away with every sweep of the brush. It was surreal and a delight. Needless to say I asked for a picture...

I look like I'm the happiest little person ever.

This is Alex getting magical

Me and the models, look I did a similar make-up for my Illamasqua contest a few months back. I must share a theatrical imagination like Alex. Spooky!

So all in all I had a fantastic day, I travelled 8 hours in one day for it but hey I met one of my favourite artists ever. I am going to get architectural with my eyeliner and try all sorts of shapes. I noticed Alex's eyeliner which was very structured.

Thank you to Illamasqua and the beautiful girls there. Alex (PR) was fantastic and everyone looked awesome. 

Thank you to the lovey bloggers who looked after me and again sorry to Leanne for keeping you waiting :)