Illamasqua aims to fight prejudice

The Sophie Lancaster Foundation aims to Stamp Out Prejudice, Hatred and Intolerance Everywhere [take a look at the Facebook page which will tell you more] .

In honour of Sophie's birthday and to mark their support for the Sophie Lancaster Foundation, Illamasqua are hosting an internationally open competition to win a selection of cult pieces from the Illamasqua collection, including Medium Pencil in Sophie, Pure Pigment in Zeitgeist, Nail Varnish in Unnatural, Intense Lipgloss in Repulse, False Eye Lashes in no.21 and a S.O.P.H.I.E wristband.

And best of all, there will be FIVE winners! The competition is open until Midnight GMT Sunday 27th November [T&C's can be found here).

The aims and objectives of the Charity are as follows:

 

* To create a lasting legacy to Sophie.


* To provide educational group-works that will challenge the prejudice and intolerance towards people from alternative subcultures.


* To campaign to have the UK Hate Crime legislation extended to include people from “alternative subcultures” or “Lifestyle and Dress”

* To work in conjunction with politicians and police forces to ensure individuals who are part of subcultures are protected by the law.

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.

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.

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?