Product Review – Illamasqua Makeup Lesson

You all knew this moment was coming, right? I finally made it to the Illamasqua counters in Sydney last Sunday and no police were required.  Ok, there was maybe a discreet presence and a few warnings for me to stop screaming….

I was lucky enough to receive a complimentary makeup lesson courtesy of Illamasqua.  I was so excited beforehand that I think I might have done a little wee in my pants.  That’s just how I roll.  Like an 80 year old.

Read on to find out about my experience.

The Illamasqua Makeup Lesson is something I think everyone should try at least once. I learned more in the 45 minutes I sat in that chair than I have ever learned over the many years of wearing makeup.

For a start, there’s a little camera in the mirror where your lesson is filmed. Yes, the lesson is filmed so that, even if you forget what the makeup artist did, you have a permanent reminder with the CD you receive. I loved this idea because, quite frankly, I was so overwhelmed by the whole experience that I couldn’t possibly remember every moment.

Secondly, Mikele walked me through every single thing he did, and got me to do some of it myself. I’m very much a learn by doing person so this approach suited me perfectly, and allowed Mikele to correct my technique. I’m never going to look like an Oompa Loompa from bronzer abuse again, thanks to Mikele!

Me being a jacka**. It’s a natural state.

The final result was nothing short of phenomenal. I was gazing at myself thinking ‘Who’s that hot piece’. And it was me! And I wasn’t the only one impressed with the finished result. As I waited at the taxi rank a little later, a random lady asked me where I got my makeup done. And, at the Maxted Thomas PR event later that day, I had so many people ask where it had been done.

I came home that night, delayed by over an hour because my flight had been late.  I was tired. I was hungry. And the first thing Brett said was ‘Wow, you look hot’. Yes, the makeup lasted from 11am when it was done, until 10pm that night. A little tired and somewhat faded but still valiantly hanging on to my face. I seriously didn’t want to wash it off.

It’s been five days and I’ve been watching that damn CD religiously. I’m mortified at how stupid I can be – seriously, some of my questions to the poor Mikele…. let’s just say he did well not to smack me upside the head – but I’m loving having that on-hand tuition. Unlike watching You Tube tutorials, everything on the CD has been done on my face and to suit my face, so it’s easy just to copy and get a perfect result every time!

As I mentioned, I really think this is something everyone should try at least once. You not only walk out with a perfectly made face, but you walk out with a tool (the CD) that will allow you to replicate that face at home. Awesomesauce of a thousand different flavours.

Some of the products Mikele used.  Yes, there’s a lot but I need all the help I can get.

The only drawback to the makeup lesson is the price. I believe it was close to $100 which is alot of money, regardless of which currency you’re talking about. I think it’s worth it for the CD alone, but, ultimately, it’s a personal choice / budget issue. Update from Renee in the comments: The cost of the lesson is $70 AND it’s redeemable on product. This is superb value given you get a full face of makeup, a CD to take home AND you can use that $70 on products. Huzzah for Illamasqua!

In short, I had a ball. Mikele is a freaking genius and he’s beautiful to boot, so it was a very pleasurable hour for me. I think I might try and get up to Sydney for my birthday, at which point you better believe I’m getting Mikele to make me over again!