Preview: Illamasqua The Art of Darkness

Last week I was lucky enough to be invited along to the Pro Preview of Illamasqua's new collection, The Art of Darkness.

For those of you who haven't had a chance to check out the cult UK brand yet, Illamasqua was launched here in Australia in June this year.

Creative force behind Illamasqua, UK makeup artist Alex Box (below), was responsible for the gorgeous avant-garde makeup at this years Myer Spring/Summer 2010 show.

As well as these really soft and wearable beauty shots below.

I featured some of Alex's work on Another Makeup Blog a few months ago, which you can check out here.

Anyway, lets get to the products! Presenting.. The Art of Darkness..

Deep in an enchanted forest, the scene is set for a sumptuous feast. The chosen have arrived. Where this night will end no one knows. Not even death is inevitable. 

Lured by the promise of immortality, a host of fantastical beings try their hand at creating the ever-elusive Elixir of Life. The resulting potions dazzle the eye and ensnare the senses, a beautiful array of jewel-like substances. They may not deny mortality, but they do make the theatre of life a more colourful stage on which to play.

It’s a melting pot of individuals, where ideas are exchanged, and new ones created. A surreal gathering from which the guests might never awake. Which is why this night can never end, and the game must be played for eternity.

So take your place at the table and let the banquet begin.

This is Art of Darkness.

The collection features some absolutely gorgeous jewel-toned products, which you can have a proper look at here.

I particularly liked the Liquid Metal, which could easily be used on the lips or the eyes for a rich glossy finish, which you can buy individually or in a pallette.

I also loved the Precision Ink in Alchemy, a beautiful rich gold, that didn't bugde until I washed it off that night.

I also had a good play with the rest of the range, and I have to say, I'm hooked!

The pigments in every product at Illamasqua are so rich and gorgeous. They really pack a punch but can also be toned down for everyday wear. The colour choice alone is astounding! We learned at the presentation that Alex Box has tried to fill in the gaps in the market for products that she personally felt were missing.

The best part is that if you are a makeup artist, they offer really great discounts! There is no membership fee (like certain other brands that I won't name!), and signing up is really easy! The only thing is that in order to get your discount you must purchase online from the UK. But trust me on this, its worth it (I came straight home and ordered quite a few products for my kit! When they arrive I'll post about them!)

We were given a lovely goody bag too, which included full size products (yay!), a cream blush called Rude and a lipstick called Test, both of which I am in love with.

Cream Blush: Rude, Lipstick: Test

So, what did I order?

Lipstick called Perilous - a perfect matte tangerine colour that I have needed in my life for a long time! This one might find its way into my own makeup bag!

Nail Polish called Hectic - an opaque olive green which will be so hot come Autumn/Winter..

Pure Pigment in Ore - from The Art Of Darkness collection, its a prefect cool bronze shade of loose shimmer pigment.

Gleam Cream in Flex - an iridescent highlighting cream for using over or under foundation.

Medium Pencil called Hex - a soft biscuit nude, which I'm going to try out as a concealer pencil for the inner rim of the eyes. See how we go!

I'll let you know when they arrive!

Illamasqua is available exclusively at Myer in Australia, or online at Illamasqua.com.

Go and have a play!

I'd like to thank the gorgeous Christabel Draffin for inviting me along to have a good play and a long chat! Check out her work, she's amazing!