Illamasqua Sacred Hour Pre-Launch at Selfridges Manchester

A couple of weeks ago whilst casually scrolling through my Facebook updates I came across this:

I knew that a new Illamasqua collection was just around the corner but this was the first hard evidence I'd seen of it's actual launch.

I decided pretty much there and then that I would be moving heaven and earth to get to this most exciting of events. However living 200 miles from London and having little ones to care for it wasn't going to be easy.

I already had a trip to Illamasqua's Trafford Centre counter planned for the following morning because a lovely limited edition nail polish called Nightfall would be available for 4 days only and only at this one location!

I'm so glad I went because as I was  was chatting to Leena (Illamasqua's northern trainer) she told me that there would be a Manchester launch too! I couldn't believe my luck, I live a 20 minute train journey to the city centre, no need to travel down to London and no childcare problems! When I got home I had a message from Paddy Baston (one of the fabulous Illamasqua team at Selfridges Manchester) asking if I'd like to attend the launch party on the 9th, I called to confirm before I'd put the kettle on.

We arrived in plenty of time to check out the new collection before Grace and Philip set to work creating their 'Dawn Spirit' and 'Dusk Warrior'  looks using the new colours and textures. The collection is inspired by the these special times of the day, the dawn and the dusk, the times when we are most likely to apply our makeup, to create the face we choose to show to the world.

               Just arrived, waiting to get our hands on the new collection!

The star of the whole collection for me was most certainly the 'Reflection' palette, metallic contrasting super blendable shades in the same textures as it's beautiful predecessor the 'Paranormal' palette.

The 'Reflection' Palette, Clockwise Precipice (Soft Lemon), Acute (Ash Taupe), Graphica (Graphite Grey) Dart (Toasted Bronze)

Next came 2 new 'Velvet' blush shades in Sleek (dusky coral) and Peaked (dusky rose) , it was impossible for me to choose between the two so I had to buy both! They have a lovely new cream to powder formula that glides on beautifully, the texture is indeed like velvet.

Sleek (left) and Peaked (right)

Then something completely new for Illamasqua- Skin Base Lift,  an illuminating, brightening concealer designed to work in partnership with Skin Base foundation. It will come in 7 shades that will flatter all skin tones, it blends very easily and helps to correct uneven pigmentation. I bought  Skin Base Lift in White Light.  Perfect with my Skin Base 2 foundation.

Skin Base Lift in White Light

And just when you thought it couldn't get any better, a brand new lipstick shade - Shard, a beautiful soft violet red with a matte finish, perfect for red lovers but soft enough if you prefer something a little less bold .

 Lipstick  in Shard

Other pieces in the collection (ones I didn't buy, this time) were 2 nail colours, Hemlock-iridescent pale opal green, (already available) and a brand new shade, Facet-grey crystal taupe shot through with gold. There's also a set of huge fluffy false lashes called 'Lush'  to finish things off!

Of course I couldn't wait to get home to try everything out.

Even the feral eyebrows!

This beautiful new collection will be available at illamasqua.com, Illamasqua stores and counters (UK) from Monday 19th August, if you can't wait a couple of days you can purchase at Selfridges now!

I'd like to thank the fabulous Illamasqua team at Selfridges Exchange Manchester - Maria, Paddy, Grace and Philip, I had a wonderful evening :)xx