Skip to main content
The Illamafia

ILLAMASQUA PRO: NEWSLETTER, ISSUE 7, FEBRUARY 2021

ILLAMASQUA PRO: NEWSLETTER, ISSUE 7, FEBRUARY 2021
Krista Thurrott
Writer and expert4 years ago
View Krista Thurrott's profile

Illamasqua is not like any other beauty brand. Founded on the principles of self-expression, creativity and quality, our vision expands beyond the boundaries of makeup.

EDUCATE NEVER DICTATE

We set out to make professional makeup accessible from the high street. Our heritage is steeped in artistry and we continue to provide the richest pigments and formulations to deliver makeup that is easy to use and made for everyone. We’re inspired by inclusive movements that encourage self-expression and champion individuality.

We showcase our expertise through award winning products, skilful artistry and education. 

Education is in our DNA and we are always looking for new ways to inspire our customers. What we offer: 

WHATS NEW?

OUR TUTORIAL HUB IS NOW LIVE

A hub of education and artistry, these tutorial-style videos will help you find inspiration, create a look and hone your skills.  

ARTIST TECHNIQUES  

Using our pro team’s artist techniques, you can fine-tune your look and master your artistry. With makeup how-to videos from our Director of Artistry, Head of Training and Head of Professional Development, our pros dive into various makeup topics. 

MASTER THE LOOK 

Unleash your inner artist with these tutorial videos outlining our most popular looks.

OUR NEW PRO-ARTISTRY BRUSHES HAVE LAUNCHED

The cruelty-free pro brushes you love have had a glow-up. Dare to play with these 18 NEW pro brushes made from vegan materials and designed to help you smooth, shape and blend. Re-imagined and expertly curated by Director of Artistry Pablo Rodriguez, this collection provides the perfect set of face, lip and eye essentials. Shop Pablo's favourites (and our bestsellers) below:

LET’S TALK

With our new tutorial hub now live, learn from Pablo as he shows us how to master the winged eyeliner technique. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fb8HXJn-2Sc

MEET OUR ARTISTS

Our Head of Education and Training Mel Barrese was born in Manchester, but is currently London based. With over 10 years’ experience in the makeup industry, Mel started her career in beauty after joining MAC Cosmetics as an artist with a love of makeup. With a focus on beauty and bridal, she enjoyed making people look and feel like the very best versions of themselves. As she grew in her role, her passion for teaching and customer service became apparent and she soon became a regional trainer looking after MAC’s most prestigious free-standing stores and department store locations in London. 

Mel Barrese

In 2018, Mel joined the Illamasqua team as the Head of Education and Training. She has since worked backstage at Fashion Week under Pablo Rodriguez, while building strategic and educational content to ensure the Illamasqua heritage of artistry and service excellence is upheld to the highest standards. 

Tell us a little about your role at Illamasqua?

As Head of Education, I’m responsible for ensuring that in-store teams know everything there is to know about the brand and its products. I also support marketing with any customer-facing education, such as social media, blog posts and marketing material. My role fuses together makeup artistry with customer service!

What attracted you to Illamasqua?

I always loved the brand, specifically the products and the amazing campaign visuals. I was excited to be part of the brand’s heritage and to evolve it in a modern direction.

What makes Illamasqua different from any other makeup artistry brand?

Our product line up is amazing, it’s very concise but the formulas, wear and colour purity are the best. They make the perfect addition to any makeup artists’ kit, as well as being appealing and easy to use for any makeup lover.

What are you most looking forward to in 2021?

I’m really excited for our an upcoming summer launch. At the moment, we don’t have this product and it's much needed – I can’t wait to use them in summer.

What are your top three Illamasqua makeup products?

1. Skin Base Foundation – the ultimate foundation for any MUA, you can basically make it look however you want and it gives skin the most beautiful, real skin finish.

2. Colour Veil blushers – I love a cream blusher and this formula gives the same hydrating, soft sheen results, but locks into place for long wear.

3. Elemental Artistry Palette – If I had to choose one palette to use, it’s always this one. It’s just so multifunctional. It can be used for soft and dramatic eye looks, brows. It has soft muted purple tones for a softer take on wearing colour and, without any doubt one of the big things I love is, it has three of the best warm-toned blending shades ever!

Krista Thurrott
Writer and expert
View Krista Thurrott's profile
When I’m not writing or perusing the beauty section, I'm usually applying skincare or trying a new eyeliner. Most confident in minimal makeup with a bold lip, I invite you to join me on my journey to find the perfect mascara and red lipstick!
illamasqua