Well, I think we all know my first experience with Illamasqua in Belfast was a less than positive one.
I took everyones advice in regards to asking for the foundation to be changed and contacted their head office. Within hours I had received confirmation of my email and a full apology for my treatment from the UK Communications Manager and within several hours after that a phone call from their HR Manager here in Ireland.
He was equally apologetic, to the point where I felt a bit embarrassed about complaining, and very generously offered to refund the incorrect foundation, arrange for an in store makeup lesson with one of the visiting London artists, a video of the lesson, and a new perfectly matched “complimentary” foundation.
I was impressed. A man of action. He took my problem, scrunched it into a ball, threw it in the bin and got out a nice clean sheet.
My appointment was arranged for 11am last Friday. I was actually slightly nervous before I arrived, a combination of feeling bad about the situation we were meeting under again and also the fact I knew my lesson was going to be recorded. Silly I know. Especially as when I arrived they were clearly expecting me and couldn’t have been more welcoming.
My makeup lesson was with Daniel, a stunning looking man originally from Malta, this lesson was not going to be a chore 
Daniel asked me questions about what makeup I normally wore, colours, coverage etc and right away ruled out the Rich Liquid Foundation that had initially been sold to me as “much too heavy for your beautiful skin”, Jesus this man was good. By now I was like putty in his hands, he could have made me up like the Joker and I’m pretty sure I’d have thanked him profusely.
I gave Daniel free reign and he went for a fresh coral summer look. I was a little worried when he brought over coral eye shadow, its just never a colour I would think of for my lids. Cheeks or nails… yes, but never the eyes. I am so glad he tried it as its truly lovely on me, its adds warmth and opens up my eyes, I think it also accentuates the green in them.
Daniel’s technique in regards to blending was new to me too, he buffs EVERYTHING. Little small swirling motions, not a window wiper technique in sight. He did one eye, then I did the other, everything was shared, I thought this was fab.
Below are a few stills from the CD I received
We laughed so much, I made a complete hash of the eye liner on my side, but I wasn’t made to feel like an idiot. It was simply demonstrated again until I was happy I could recreate it myself. This is how it should be. I was learning something as well as feeling mighty pampered!
I ended up buying quite a bit, things that I didn’t buy that were used on me were:
- Erratic Medium Pencil, very creamy and blendable but right away I deduced if I rubbed my eye even lightly or was a little too warm this pencil would be halfway across my face. Its a no for me
- Pressed Powder, I’m perfectly happy with my Prestige one
- Thunder Eyebrow Cake, happy with what I’m currently using (post on this coming soon)
So what I did get 
- Satin Primer SPF20
- Cream Foundation CF205 (Complimentary)
- Under Eye Concealer UC140
- Excite Powder Blusher
- Blame Powder Eye Shadow (matt)
- Tango Powder Eye Shadow (shimmer)
- Brink Lipstick
- Alarm Nail Polish
- Volume Mascara (since returned, not impressed)
L-R; Blame, Tango, Brink
The recorded lesson is a fabulous idea, I think more counters should offer this service. Not only is it nice to have but its useful too. I was able to look back over mine and see how high up he went with the crease shadow, little things like that.
Last Friday left me very impressed with Illamasqua, I’m now putting my initial experience down to launch day nerves. I’ve also had lots of comments since my inital post of people telling me how great their experiences have been which is brilliant 
If there is anything you’re dying for a review on out of my haul, please let me know & I’ll put it to the top of the pile.
For now I’ll leave you with my finished makeover look, self consciously captured in a corner of New Look, I’m giving that Mannequin behind me a run for his money…….
xoxox
{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
This was such a funny post!!
Wow you look so stunning in the last shot especially! xoxo Anna
Thanks bird, apart from my Klingon sized forehead, what is up with that?
So glad that they managed to change your opinion – and it is right to complain is something is bad because look what you get in the end
You look lovely x
Great look and fab customer service at last a man who knows how to look after and value his customers! Excite blush, the satin primer & small powder brush is on my list for sundays visit! May ring and book a lesson after seeing how well yours went. The cd is a great idea too!!
I would definitely recommend the lessons ladies, I think its normally £20 but ask if they are still offering them half price during the sirens event for £10
That's great! I love the coral on you – if its good for green eyes I might try it!
I have had a makeover with Daniel in London!! Hes gorgeous – such great eyebrows
I lik ethat hes not AT ALL pushy – I think if you can get a lesson with him you should – I was told that he had a waiting list- which obviously made me think he was amazing so im glad I waited to see him. Worth it!
OMG You're so right. I was calling him "The King of Eyebrows" lol Mine never normally look that groomed!
And the fact he was so NOT pushy made me feel relaxed enough to buy a bit more than I mormally would have. You have to try the coral and let me know how you get on! xxx
Looking lovely as usual.
Glad to see they can do a natural look – I was a bit intimidated by all the crazy colours when I visited their stand in Dublin.
Do you mind me asking where your necklace is from? I really like it.
The coral is lovely on you by the way.
gorgeous altogether, I am deffo getting me a coral eyeshadow now, I need something to perk up my dull green eyes. Recording the lesson is such a great idea so you can really see how they are doing it. that necklace looks great on yopu, Im convinced it gives me a fat neck everty time I wear mine!!
I was pleasantly surprised too AM, was worried I'd be walking about the rest of the day in Belfast looking a bit OTT but my fears were unfounded!!!
Karen I don't mind at all! Its from Miss Selfridge, I got it in March, you never know, it might even be reduced now
Karen Quinn, thats so weird you saying that, I am forever thinking I don't suit this necklace too but Matt always compliments it on me. Goes to show we have a warped way of looking at ourselves! xx
Wow!! This is fab! I've never heard of having a recorded makeup lesson. Looks like you had a really nice experience this time
cute necklace!!! xx
Hi,
how are you getting on with the cream foundation? I bought EL double wear recently after reading your blog and think its great. Will be in Dublin soon and plan to visit the illamasqua stand so would love to know you're opinion on the foundation.
I initially got the Illamasqua Rich Liquid Foundation, its Double Wear x 2. Personally to me, its stage makeup coverage. Not for the faint hearted.
The Cream Foundation is a different kettle of fish. Its light coverage but buildable to medium. Its probably the least heavy foundation I own, I like a hefty coverage, however I'm a convert, it really does cover well and remains luminous and fresh. Would defintely recommend x
Still a double wear lover for nights out though, its a fave x
sounds good, think it'll be my next experiment!!! I can't wait to get to Dublin for a look at this brand. I am so tempted to buy some online but hate buying make up that i've never seen at all.
Thanks!
I really would try and wait until you can get into Dublin and see the colours in person. The site swatches are pretty but not what I would call realistic
xox
Your eyebrows look AMAZING! I'm so jealous! haha
When I went into Illamasqua (BT2 dublin) they did my eyebrows (filled them in and other such magical things) and they looked amazing! The eyebrow cake and all other parafurnalia envolved is top of my wish list right now! I've mentioned before about the rich foundation, very thick. I mixed it with my studio fix fluid at first untill I got the grasp of it. I love it, the shade is ideal for me. But I find I MUST use a brush when applying it because it tends to make my skin look slightly dry after a few hours wear
Daniel did a great job. You look classically beautiful yet fresh and natural in the pictures. I love your eyebrows, too. Unfortunately I live in Germany, so no chance to visit the Illamasqua counter any time soon. But thanks for the great review.
Awww thank you Lynne, I did feel amazing after the lesson and to be honest, I'm actually better at doing my own brows now, so his tips really have paid off.
Illamasqua seem to be gaining quite a following so I'm sure its only a matter of time before you get your own counter in Germany
xoxox
Hi I'm glad you had a better experience this time! I'm looking at going to the Belfast counter for false eyelashes and application but am wondering if a lesson/makeover might be worth it too as I am having a night out afterwards… do you think the local staff can be trusted now lol?
Absolutely! Also if you can make an appointment for the week beginning July 20th I believe that Daniel is back over from London
Give them a ring, they're a friendly bunch xxx