Showing posts with label Illamasqua. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Illamasqua. Show all posts

Quick Post of My Sephora Order

Above & Below: Cargo's Hands of Hope Eye Shadow palette and my 3 samples. This is so big, I was really surprised. The case is about 7" square. The case itself is very pretty, with a gold foil design and a little jewel in the center. It has a magnetic closure.
Below: Urban Decay's Get Baked palette is a great bargain at $18.00, and I love the shades for summer. My first Illamasqua polish, in Muse.
I just received my Sephora order and I love it! I used my $15.00 Beauty Insider discount code...I just couldn't let that go to waste! The Cargo Hands of Hope palette is huge. The shadows are at least the size of a silver dollar and the shades are all just lovely. This palette retails for $29.00, so that's not a bad deal, especially considering how big the product is. I also got Urban Decay's Get Baked palette, which is currently priced at $18.00. These are perfect shadow shades for me in the summer months, and it also came with a 24/7 pencil in Bourbon, and a mini Primer Potion in Sin. Lastly, I received my first Illamasqua, and I chose Muse. I had every intention of getting more Illamasqua polishes, but honestly, none of them really appealed to me all that much. There must be something wrong with me!

Yen from Victoria Nail Supply just sent me an eMail to let me know they just received their shipment of the Color Club Exclusive Japanese glitters I showed you here earlier this week. I don't see them on the site just yet, but they should be up in the next day or two.


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Illamasqua Viridian

Good afternoon, Dear Reader!

Today I got to try out Illamasqua Viridian, and it's every bit as good as Scarab.  Viridian is a bluish green shimmer, and it's also really glowy.  These two may have the best application ever.  Two coats was all it took.

Illamasqua Viridian
Illamasqua Viridian Nail Polish, Two Coats

Ain't she a beauty?  I think it's fantastic.

That's it for today, Dear Reader.  Until next time, love and nail polish to you!  


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Make Up School Part Deux: The Session School

The Session School is located in the heart of Central London and offers a range of make up and hair courses for the freelance industry.





This new and exciting school was founded by distinguished Make-Up Artist Dani Guinsberg (also a Fashion Week regular) to teach future Make-Up professionals the art of make-up within the fashion, beauty and advertising industry. With over 14 years experience in the industry, Dani has become a very well respected and fully qualified expert in Make-Up Artistry.

So, students can expect no less than to be taught by some of the most talented in the industry, tutors have a wealth of experience - from working on make up backstage at Vivienne Westwood, to styling Victoria Beckham's hair for her wedding!

Courses

The Session School offers a range of hair and make up courses, such as;

• Professional Foundation Make Up Courses

11 week beginner course (option to choose Saturdays/weekdays).

Includes a small professional basic make-up starter kit worth £300 and a professional brush kit worth £70 (from Illamasqua and Pixie).

Fee: £2,500

• Combined Hair and Make Up Course

5 week beginner course (weekdays).

Fee: £4,500

• Bridal Make Up and Hair Courses

5 day course for intermediate level.

Fee: £1,500

• Skincare workshops

2 day course, for either personal or professional.

Fee: £375

• Asian Bridal Make Up Workshop

2 day course for those with previous make up experience.

Fee: £375

• Vintage Beauty Master Class (love the idea of this one)

2 day course for those with previous make up experience.

Fee: £375

• Taster classes (which are only £15)

2 hour session for all levels. Great way to decide which course you would like to take.

Make up is available to use on all the short courses, but obviously for hygiene reasons and to build your own kit, you can buy pro brushes at the school for a discounted price of £40.

A variety of make up brands are used, such as Illamasqua, Laura Mercier, Pixie, Lucas PawPaw Ointment. However, the experts build their kits according to what they like to use.

The Session School is also BABTAC (British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology) and HABIA certified.

For more information, visit The Session School website.


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Illamasqua Scarab

Good morning, Dear Reader!

Today I'm wearing a nail polish with a good name for Halloween, Illamasqua Scarab.  It's a dark red shimmer with a hint of brown to it, and the shimmer really glows.  Application of Scarab was exceptionally good - the polish seems a little thick, but I used it as-is and it pretty much applied itself.  This is two coats.

Illamasqua Scarab
Illamasqua Scarab Nail Polish, Two Coats

From the picture, you can see how easy Scarab was to apply.  I didn't do any cleanup to my nails or to the picture, but the line where the polish ends at the cuticle is really crisp just because that's how it went on.  Good stuff.

That's what I have for you this morning, Dear Reader.  Until next time, love and nail polish to you!  


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In 'Ore' of Illamasqua

After my indulgent wax at STRIP, I just had to check out the new Illamasqua store on Beak Street. I felt so left out when reading about the beauty bloggers trip there, I just had to see it for myself.

I walked out of Carnaby Street and it was like a scene from a film, like only I could see the Illamasqua store, illuminated with a golden halo, calling for me. As soon as I stepped in the store, I  could see why fellow beauty bloggers are loving this place. It's a make up addict's fix!

Last week I bought a blush and lipgloss from Illamasqua in Selfridges and I foolishly believed that I could simply browse and not buy anything. I just couldn't resist buying a Liquid Metal (in Solstice) and a Pure Pigment in Ore.



These are amazing alone but glorious if used together. I quickly dabbed my finger in the Liquid Metal first and then the Pure Pigment, they can be used all over, anywhere and with fingers or brushes. 



I feel like giving myself 'gold fingers' with the Liquid Metal, he he.


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Bare Eyes, Bright Lips

On Friday, I rocked the ‘No Mascara’ trend which was hot at the Christopher Kane A/W show. I thought I would be horrified to look at myself without mascara and my signature eyeliner but I actually quite liked it. I enjoyed the freedom of not wearing mascara.



Only two people at work even noticed a difference, they both commented how much they liked it and how natural and fresh I looked. I’m glad I didn’t scare everyone at work and I will definitely be rocking this look again. I’ve listed all the products I used below.

The base: It’s important to have a flawless base with the no mascara look. I achieved this by using;

• Korres Quercetine & Oak Face Primer: a silicone free, wrinkle filling and skin perfecting primer which is enriched with powerful antioxidants and creates a super smooth surface.

• My face cosmetics ‘my mix foundation’ in Med/Dark. I never usually wear foundation, I normally use Chantecaille’s tinted moisturiser but I like this product because it is just like a tinted moisturiser. It matches my skin colour with and without fake tan.

• Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Oil on my cheekbones.

Cheeks: I tried to be as natural as possible with my cheeks but blusher is my make up weakness, just can’t live without it and you’ll never find me rocking the no blush look that Grazia was raving on about recently.

• Korres luminous finish blush in 15 Natural with Nars Deep Throat.

Eyes: Trish McEvoy is my eye-saviour. If I hadn’t been using the Lash Enhancer, I don’t think I would have had the courage to wear this look. The night time lash enhancer treatment has made my lashes so thick, healthy and a bit longer. I have also discovered a new star product – the Trish McEvoy Instant Eye Lift. This is an under-eye concealer which fills in lines and brightens eyes. I even used this on my eyelids and my colleague commented how she loved my ‘eyeshadow’, this would also make a great base for eyeshadow if you’re after a multi-purpose product. I used to recommend Bobbi Brown’s Secret Brightener or By Terry’s VIP Touche expert but I highly recommend the Trish Instant Eye Lift – especially if you have dark circles (like me) and you want smooth under-eye skin.

Lips: A pop of colour is key with the no mascara look, so I wore Mac’s amplified lipstick in Impassioned with Illamasqua’s Intense lipgloss in Indulge.

What do you think? Would you be brave enough to ditch your mascara for the day?


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Illamasqua Rare & Elope & Konad M44

Good morning, Dear Reader!

Today I decided to have more fun with brights and Konad to ward off the cold.  I started by selecting a highlighter yellow, Illamasqua Rare.  I figured I'd add some green Konad to it, but I noticed in picking it out that Illamasqua Elope was pretty close to Konad Green Special Polish, and added an accent nail of Illamasqua Elope before stamping the Rare nails with a striped tip pattern from Konad plate M44 in green.  I like the result, but something about it still reminds me about running shoes from the 1970's.

Illamasqua Rare & Elope Nail Polishes & Konad M44
Illamasqua Rare & Elope Nail Polishes with Konad M44

Rare, the yellow, is more neon than my camera could pick up, and a nice one.  It took three coats to be opaque and even, which is quite good for a neon yellow.  I used two coats of Elope, the green.

That's just about all I have for you right now, Dear Reader.  Until next time, love and nail polish to you!  


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Illamasqua Caress with D23

Good morning, Dear Reader!

This morning I tried out a pattern from stamping plate D23, and it turned out quite well.  It's the plate's full nail pattern, which is a lattice of tiny flourishy scrollwork.  It stamps very cleanly for having such fine detail.

I started off with a mani of two coats of Illamasqua Caress, then stamped the pattern using Blue Konad Special Polish and finished it off with a coat of top coat.  Here's how it turned out.

Illamasqua Caress with D23
Illamasqua Caress, Two Coats, with Pattern from D23

One thing I've noticed in the past week or so is that my nails are growing really, really fast.  I started taking biotin again a couple of months ago, 5mg/day, and I do think it makes a difference.  There was no reason that I quit taking it before, it was one of those things where I ran out and just didn't think of getting another bottle at a good time until it was completely forgotten.  I think I'm going to try to stick with it this time.

That's the news of the morning, Dear Reader.  Until next time, love and nail polish to you!


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Illamasqua Body Electrics Nail Varnish Set

Good morning, Dear Reader!

Today, as the title, tells you, I have a little something fun for you from across the pond: the Illamasqua Body Electrics.  I don't think I've ever called nail polish "varnish" before, but that's the official name of the set, and I find it charming, so I used the full name.

I got the full set because Illamasqua was out of at least one of the colors individually.  The set consists of the three Body Electrics colors, and they toss in a free base coat.  I've told you before that the base coat is pretty nice and that I use the one I got as a freebie before with Illamasquas, but I wouldn't pay the Sephora price of $14 for it.  I'm halfway through the first base coat, and I got a couple more Illamasquas not at Sephora as long as I was paying the £7.50 for shipping, so it worked out well to keep using it with them.

I took picures of the Body Electrics in natural light, and they're fabulous.  Each applied beautifully, as I expect from Illamasqua, and were easily two-coaters.  Let's get to the swatches!

Force is an amazing blue, really bright and vivid, and I think it's dramatic against very pale skin.

Illamasqua Body Electrics Nail Varnish Set: Force
Illamasqua Body Electrics Nail Varnish Set: Force, Two Coats in the Sun

Jo'mina is a gorgeous pale purple creme unlike any other I have.

Illamasqua Body Electrics Nail Varnish Set: Jo'mina
Illamasqua Body Electrics Nail Varnish Set: Jo'mina, Two Coats in the Sun

Prism is a sheer, not my strong suit.  I tried it over black, and it's too milky to go over black, so I ended up putting it over my Jo'mina manicure, and I like it a lot.  It softens the color a bit, but adds a blue flash.  This is one coat of Prism.

Illamasqua Body Electrics Nail Varnish Set: Prism
Illamasqua Body Electrics Nail Varnish Set: Prism, One Coat over Jo'mina

Those are the three Illamasqua Body Electrics colors, and I'm glad I got all three - I really love them.  

That's it for today, Dear Reader, so until tomorrow, love and nail polish to you!  


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OPI Shrek Comparisons: The Purples

Good afternoon, Dear Reader!

I'm back with some comparison swatches of OPI Shrek's Funky Dunkey and Rumple's Wiggin'.  I just grabbed a few polishes that were that were handy to compare.  The pictures are all in sunlight, all with a base and top coat, and dry.  In all, the OPI is on thumb, middle, and pinky, and the comparison color is on index and ring fingers.

For Funky Dunkey, I used China Glaze Grape Pop, RBL Mismas, and SpaRitual Shoot for the Stars.

Compared to Grape Pop, there's a minor difference in direct sunlight, but just walking around in normal light they're almost identical.

OPI Shrek's Funky Dunkey with China Glaze Grape Pop Comparison
OPI Shrek's Funky Dunkey and China Glaze Grape Pop Comparison

Rescue Beauty Lounge's Mismas is even closer to the OPI.

OPI Shrek's Funky Dunkey with Rescue Beauty Lounge Mismas Comparison
OPI Shrek's Funky Dunkey and Rescue Beauty Lounge Mismas Comparison

Shoot for the Stars isn't a match - it's redder than Funky Dunkey.

OPI Shrek's Funky Dunkey with SpaRitual Shoot for the Stars Comparison
OPI Shrek's Funky Dunkey and SpaRitual Shoot for the Stars Comparison

For Rumple's Wiggin', I used Nubar Lavender, Revlon Gum Drop, and Illamasqua Wink.  All three are pretty close.

Nubar Lavender is pretty much a match for Rumple's Wiggin'.

OPI Shrek Rumple's Wiggin' with Nubar Lavender Comparison
OPI Shrek Rumple's Wiggin' and Nubar Lavender Comparison

Revlon Gum Drop is a bit lighter than the OPI, but not by much.

OPI Shrek Rumple's Wiggin' with Revlon Gum Drop Comparison
OPI Shrek Rumple's Wiggin' and Revlon Gum Drop Comparison

Finally, Illamasqua Wink is almost a match for Rumple's Wiggin', again just a hair lighter.

OPI Shrek Rumple's Wiggin' with Illamasqua Wink Comparison
OPI Shrek Rumple's Wiggin' and Illamasqua Wink Comparison

I'll try to hunt down some blues to do comparisons for those next.  The greens are unique, so they won't be compared to anything.

That's all for today, Dear Reader.  Until next time, love and nail polish to you!  


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Illamasqua Muse With Chanel Illusion D'Or

Poor Muse, I only took one picture of it by itself. Not that it's not a perfect teal creme that applies like a dream in 2 coats, because it most certainly is all of that and more.

Below: But Illamasqua Muse also makes the perfect backdrop for Chanel Illusion D'Or...
...it looks like gold leaf over turquoise
...or patina over granite...
...or perhaps gold and blue stars in a far away galaxy

...sometimes it reminds me of blue mosaic sequin glass or a gazing ball
...and close up you can see all of the intricate details

This. This is what comes to mind when I look at Illusion D'Or.
Is it just me, or is this polish not gorgeous? I had this ready to order one night last week, and then I told myself it really didn't seem all that special, so I closed out the page and didn't order it. Then I thought I'd regret it if I didn't get one, so I placed an order the next day. Do I regret getting it or did it disappoint me? Absolutely not. This is probably going to sit out on my desk and I'll top every polish I swatch with it before I remove it just to see what it looks like, much like Essie Matte About You did!


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