On the 24th Feburary, we were luckily enough to meet some of the Illamasqua ambassadors, Charlotte and Spob, who discussed their latest makeup trends and advised us to think about ourselves as a brand and how to market yourself. Whilst being in this day in age, we are fortunate to have such a massive social networking market, which is such an easy way of advertising yourself as a makeup artist. Illamasqua is a prime example, with their brand nearly 6 years old, they have yet to paid anyone to advertise their company, they have simply grown and sold themselves through social networking and connections.
A B O U T I L L A M A S Q U A
An empowered British make-up brand, portraying individuality with the influence of theatre and 1920's Berlin club scene. Their highly pigmented, quality products signify the use for professionals, yet still creates products that advise the everyday person whilst expressing their inner self. Illamasqua is also highly well known for their dramatic, dark style which most definitely sets themselves aside from other brands. 
They now have three standing stores in London, Leeds and Liverpool.
Within our discussion, we also had a demo by Charlotte of their latest catwalk make-up for Sorapol London. I asked a couple of questions to get a real feel of the look and why they created certain aspects. One element which I feel is vital, is what inspired them? Obviously their make-up was for Sorapoll, therefore it was mainly down to the designer. Spob explained they wanted 'nude'. Which is interesting because everyone knows Illamasqua to be outrageous and full on. I loved their take on nude, they didn't create a safe, 'just nude' look. They kept to the neutrals yet experimented with texture and different tones and was careful where they put these elements.
It seems clean, fresh skin is massively on trend at the moment and we are seeing it all over the catwalks in fashion week. Whilst researching trends and inspiration for my brands and final looks, I came across a makeup look with amazing glossy skin, flat yet textured eyebrows and nude lips and lashes. I thought to myself, this is exactly the type of make-up I love. Absolutely gorgeous however not your conventional nude look. Turned out to be the look from Illamasqua for Sorapoll London and was so great to see it re created in person!
Spob also asked what we think is the new way to wear makeup? What to people want?
Within a group we discussed what the market want and what should we try and make more acceptable within the make-up industry? We spoke about the natural red flush within womens cheeks, or just redness in general which it seems most want to cover up, but why? We thought about creating a product that enhances redness, maybe something to put under our foundation if we don't naturally get it.
However, individually I was thinking about a look in general rather than a product. Spob asked us what we could create that is different and new.
I thought about a smokey eye, but not your average smokey eye, edgy yet sexy. Smokey eyes are normally quite conventionally glamorous and beautiful. I also thought about colours and using colours on trends as a reference. Maybe instead of going darker on the outside corner but why not creating more of a shadow in the inner part of the eye, creating a mysterious, stylish yet sexy effect.
The concept behind it, is where to these trends come from? Who makes up the rules of where to put certain shades, etc. Obviously it is known that trends always come back around and past styles influence the industry of today but my quick concept was about making new rules.
VISIT FROM MAC
We were also lucky enough to have a visit from one of MAC's head make-up artists, Cher.
She gave us a brilliant insight into her job and what she does.
We were able to ask many questions and found out many things in what we can do to help build up our kit, how to get experience etc. We also went over MAC's most recent make-up trends.
Whilst we had a talk, Cher also done a demo on one of the trends from the catwalk. One of them was eyeliner. She created a strong eyeliner look with a pop of colour on the lips.
It was very interesting and so inspiration talking to Cher.
She really made me want to work hard upon this course.
