Sunday, September 2, 2012

Illamasqua - Getting to Know the Brand and a Makeover Experience!

Hi lovelies!

I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend! I want to share my recent experience getting an Illamasqua makeover with all of you. I will warn you all in advance that it is fairly lengthy, as I want to share the entire experience fully, and also explain a little about the brand, if you are new to it.

Some time ago I was walking through Myer and saw a poster advertising a complimentary transformation (read: makeover) at the Illamasqua counter. Now, I've always wanted to try Illamasqua makeup as it looks theatrical, fun, daring and inspiring, but somehow had never gotten around to it, so I decided it was a great opportunity to book in for a trial session to get to know the brand a little better! I also made an appointment for my friend, R, as it's always more fun to have company when doing these things!

The Illamasqua product bar.

Murals at the Illamasqua counter in Myer Melbourne.

Our appointments were made for Friday night (the 31st of August), at the Illamasqua counter at Myer Melbourne. We presented ourselves bright and early at the counter, and were immediately greeted with a friendly smile from the staff, who promptly whisked us off to sit at separate counters. I was already impressed looking at the makeup the girls had on; they were on a black/white theme and had done two completely different looks, which I was already itching to try at home!

Rebecca's stunning eye makeup.

Tiarah's wearable, black and white eye look.

I had the lovely Tiarah doing my makeup, while my friend had Rebecca as her makeup artist. Tiarah asked me a few questions on what sort of transformation I was after, and I essentially gave her free rein to do anything she desired. I wanted bold makeup, but my only request was not to do anything too theatrical, as we were planning on doing drinks afterwards (so I wanted to be presentable enough for a bar). I also chose green to complement my mustard coloured coat (nothing worse than having your makeup clashing with your clothing, lovelies)!

Rebecca putting makeup on R.

Captured a quick selfie during my
makeover - as you do.

She began by working on my eyes, layering Illuminator over my lids as a base, before pressing on four powder shadows (she used Burst, Fame, Pivot and Obsidian to contour). After blending them all together beautifully, she applied a little of the pure pigment in Furore to the inner corners for extra effect, before dabbing on some precision ink eyeliner in Abyss and finishing with Masquara in Raven. After completing my eyes, she primed my face by adding Matt Primer, before using Skinbase foundation in #14 which she set with powder foundation in #215 for a flawless look. She then added a little blusher in Morale, a gorgeous purple. I've actually never used a purple blush but it was so very flattering! The look was finished using a sheer purple lipgloss called Tantrum,  to match my cheeks.

The products Tiarah used on me.

Me with my lovely makeup artist, Tiarah.

Posing with Tiarah (left) and Rebecca (right).

Selfie of the finished look.

R showing off her gorgeous makeup - look at her beautiful brows!

Close up of my eyes, can't wait to give it a try at home!

Selfie of the finished look.

She even gave me a beautifully written out card at the end, with a list of all the products used so I could come in and purchase them at my leisure. At no point did I feel pressured to buy anything, which was lovely given that the makeover was completely complimentary! As a matter of fact, they were both so lovely, it actually compels me to go back soon to purchase more products!

The front of the card, love the caption!

The list of products used during my makeover.
(Doesn't she have gorgeous writing?)

Tiarah did a beautiful job with my makeup and I was really very impressed by the service we received. Once she found out I was a beauty blogger and had a lot of interest in the brand, she was a fountain of information, telling me that Illamasqua was founded by the same man who created GHD, Julian Kynaston, 3 years ago in the UK. In the interim period, it has spread across the world and is now widely available in most countries (it's carried exclusively by Myer in Australia).

If you aren't aware, Illamasqua was the first company to ever begin petitioning for lower cosmetic prices in Australia, with their campaign to lower its Australian prices in order to better match their UK prices (you can sign the petition here). This was such a successful campaign that Illamasqua announced last week that they would be dropping their Australian prices significantly (think of margins between 25-40%, depending on products), as of the 1st of September, 2012. Yes, you read that right, they have significantly dropped prices as of YESTERDAY!

I think it is an exemplary step for a company to take, particularly when they have only been trading in Australia for approximately 2.5 years, and I think the best way to throw our support behind them is by purchasing their products in-store and proving that Australian consumers are supportive of such a momentous movement. With the drop in pricing, it mirrors their UK prices and it's truly the first time a company has made it more worthwhile for us Australian consumers to purchase in-store instead of from overseas (be it online, through duty free stores or while visiting other countries)!

If you've been thinking that Illamasqua only do theatrical or dramatic makeup, let me assure you that they also have lots of nude, soft makeup! I'd suggest going in and asking to try some makeup out, just explain what kind of look you're after and I'm sure the girls would be happy to make a recommendation.

Unfortunately, with the change in pricing, Illamasqua won't be offering complimentary makeovers any longer, but they will be pricing it at a very affordable $45, fully redeemable on product. You actually won't find any luxury beauty counter offering makeovers at that rate any longer, so it's an excellent chance to try some new products and having a new look to show off as well! While I hadn't tried the products before this makeover, I have spoken to quite a few Illamasqua staff before and they always seem friendly and approachable, so I would suggest going in, telling them what look you're after and booking in for a makeover to trial the products before buying. If you aren't close to a Myer store, never fear as you can purchase their products from the Myer website with free shipping (click here to browse the selection). You can also visit the Illamasqua Facebook page for more information.

I'm sorry for the lengthy post but I had a wonderful experience at the counter, as did my friend, and also learnt a lot about the brand. It always makes a world of difference when you get excellent customer service, as it truly inspires you to be loyal to a brand. I'm so impressed that I will definitely be visiting again to make some purchases. Top of my list is the Masquara (it made my lashes look amazing even without curling), a blush, some of their nail polishes and a lipstick.

And that, lovelies, is my experience at the Illamasqua counter! If you're in Melbourne and have access to Myer, I heartily recommend calling the counter and making an appointment to see Tiarah or Rebecca.

R and I in the middle, posing with Rebecca (right) and Tiarah (left). 

I hope you enjoyed my (rather long) post, thank you for for sticking with me to the end! Will you now be inspired to try (and buy) their makeup? If you already own some of their products, what would you recommend I add to my wishlist?

Much love,
MM.
x

35 comments:

  1. Love the mix of colours that Tiarahdid for you! The green looked strong in the case but on your lids, they were pretty subtle & blends gorgeously with the blue! You looked amazing! :)

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    1. Yes, she made it very wearable! Loved the little peep of acid green visible when my eyes were open. :)

      Thank you so much, hun!

      Delete
  2. Love this and while I have looked at there products, unfortunately don't own any. That is about to change as this is stunning! There makeup reminds me of Lime Crime which I do own. Loved the ladies makeup and R as well. Simply stunning darling.

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    1. I know, me too! I love how very striking the makeup is, and you can either wear it bold or tone it down for a more wearable look.

      Thanks for reading, love!

      Delete
  3. Your makeup looks gorgeous! Love the green....i would definitely wear the black and white look, except the brows...they're a little too dark/ bold for my liking. i have a couple of illamasqua products, but I will definitely be getting more soon. You're right, $45 for a makeover is cheap! Especially that you can redeem that on products!! xo

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    1. Thanks so much! I know what you mean, I'd like to recreate that look but with slightly more natural brows...it is really pretty for a very dramatic/magazine type look though!

      I agree, $45 is extremely affordable, think of it as the cost of one blush and one lipstick! :)

      Delete
  4. I loved this post! I'll be going to Bondi to visit my grandparents next weekend and will definitely go into Myer to buy some Illamasqua products.

    Thanks for talking about your makeover and experience with Illamasqua! :) I kind of want to go in and have my makeup done now. :D

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you so much (especially for sticking through with such a long post)!

      I highly recommend it, Kit used to be my favourite place for a makeover until they raised their prices!

      I love makeovers as it's a great chance to try some products you might never have thought to try yourself. Definitely post back with your haul, I'd love to see photos! :)

      x

      Delete
  5. Gorgeous!! You and your friend both look sensational! I haven't tried any of their eyeshadows but I do have I think 4 of their blushes, one foundation and I have their Skin Base on its way to me.

    Very informative post! :) I think based on your high praise I'll try the Masquara next.

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    1. Thank you so much, hun!

      I did like the Skin Base but I do have a lot of other half finished foundations to get through before they go off.

      Definitely give Masquara a go, it's pretty fantastic!

      Delete
  6. wow you look gorgeous Coco! Also the photo of rebecca looks like doll :) Love this brand so much!

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    1. Thanks so much, BM! I agree, she looks like a doll, perfect makeup and skin! :)

      Delete
  7. I love Illamasqua, especially their eyeshadows, liquid metals and nail polishes (Viridian and Monogamous are my favourites).

    The only negative is that I would love to try their foundations but they don't give out samples in store, they will only put it on your skin, and I can't risk having a reaction.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I love those names! I must investigate these liquid metals further, thanks for reminding me!

      I know, perhaps you can go by every day for a week to try it out! :D

      Delete
  8. Love this on you I am thinking that i need to look at their foundations. Glad they dropped the price! :)

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    1. Thank you so much, definitely go by and check it out!

      Delete
  9. This is such a great post and I'm loving all the eye looks! I was so shocked to see just how much they reduced their prices, I already have a wish list a mile long... it's a shame there is no counter in Perth to try out the products but at least Myer has free shipping :)

    Shell xx

    www.lovefromshell.blogspot.com.au

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I know, it's almost akin to buying Revlon/Maybelline products now!

      I do too, nothing quite like playing with the products to see how it works on your skin.

      Free shipping is always a winner in my book. :)

      Delete
  10. Awesome post, will definitely be checking out some Illamasqua products soon!

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    1. Thanks! You totally should, it really is quite affordable now, on par with the likes of Revlon and Lóreal!

      Delete
  11. This is a fantastic post, I really enjoyed it. I have always been a MAC girl with exception to the cheaper products like NYX and Essence. But after Illamasqua's campaigne I'm eager to try some of their products, espically some of their nail polish.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Glad to hear you liked it. :)

      I love MAC but hate their customer service, so I refuse to support them. Love Essence, they have such great products!

      Definitely give it a go and report back!
      x

      Delete
  12. I used to love Illamasqua, now they have moved away from Ireland! not a happy bunny about that:) x Marina

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    1. Oh, how sad! Good thing we can still purchase online! :)

      Delete
  13. Great post lovely ;) Very informative!

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  14. Looks like a fun experience girls :) You have such beautifully shaped eyes, I'm sure the make up artist had fun with them. I like the green on you. I have never tried Illamasqua either, living in Perth it is very difficult to have any access to these amazing brands. Can't wait till they decide to move a store over here ;)

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    1. Aw, you're such a sweetie, E-von! Thanks a lot! Yes, hopefully they move over there soon, if not, there is always online shopping! :D

      Delete
  15. Looking HOT HOT HOT! You look amazing! I am tempted to book into this for myself, just need to find the time Xx

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    1. Thanks, hun! Let me know if you book in, can't wait to see what you pick up also!

      Delete
  16. Wow what a fun and amazing experience! Your eyes looked AMAZING!

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  17. Tiarah did an amazing job! You look great!

    Go Illamasqua for getting the ball rolling in dropping prices for us Aussies!

    P.S. I've tagged you on my blog - My Makeup History
    http://shrinkingwallet.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/tag-my-makeup-history.html

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    1. Thanks a lot! I'm working on that tag as I type this. ;)

      Delete
  18. Love the green on you!

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