Introducing Illamasqua's Art Team

Illamasqua’s Art Team plays a pivotal role in spreading our message of tolerance, self-expression and make-up education to as many people as possible. Recruited from diverse backgrounds, each Key Artist brings their own individual creative approach to Illamasqua – and in return, we encourage them to express their alter egos as freely as possible. Whether they’re working on a photo shoot, film set or theatre production, collaborating with fashion shows or training our make-up artists, our Art Team are dedicated to sharing their love of Illamasqua and our unique, professional-quality products with the world.

Alex Box – Illamasqua Creative Director

Alex grew up in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, before relocating to London to study Fine Art at Chelsea College of Art and Design. Her installation-based work challenged and explored the relationship between the body, environment and desire to a pure form. As well as her site specific installations, Alex has exhibited in numerous London and international art galleries.

As the Creative Director for cult make-up brand Illamasqua, Alex Box is instrumental in shaping the brand’s product development, imagery and creative vision from conception to execution. Her masterful work with shade, texture, and contrast brings to life the fantasy and creativity inherent in everyone, inspiring them to explore and express their alter ego.

“Illamaqua is the palette of creativity that lets you be the artist; the key that unlocks doors previously closed and that hand that holds yours in the journey of personal empowerment. Marcel Proust said ‘The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes’.” – Alex Box, Creative Director.

Alex leads the field in experimental beauty with her beautiful, surreal, dynamic designs continuing to make an impact on the beauty, art and fashion industries.

Alex’s accomplishments…

Make-up shoots in titles such as Vogue, I-D, Dazed and Confused, Another Magazine, Stylist, Numero and V Magazine.
Celebrity clients have included Lady Gaga, Azealia Banks, Robyn, Rosie Huntington-Whitely, Courtney Love, Sienna Miller, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Eva Herzigova and Claudia Schiffer.
Awarded Doctor of Design by Southampton Solent University in 2011.
Make-up Director for fashion weeks in London, New York and Paris for designers which include Gareth Pugh, Karl Lagerfield, Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood and Chanel.

Alex loves…

Lipstick in Box – “I love this lipstick, I wear it every day. I still get a tingle down my spine when I think of the journey my own life has taken to be able to design a lipstick and name it after myself. It’s a make-up artist’s dream and I feel very blessed.
Skin Base Foundation - “Skin base is the holy grail of foundations. It's what make-up artists’ dream of and only dare to think could be made. It's a true classic that will be whispered about for years to come. The perfect shades, texture, weight and opacity. It's also the only foundation I have ever been able to wear! I'm a consumer too and am in love with it, thrilled to finally have my perfect shade and glow.”

Alex’s tips…

“When you’re stuck in a make-up rut, ask someone else to do your make-up. A friend or a make-up artist, someone who will see you differently and introduce new ways of application or different colours that you wouldn't normally use. A different hand will always bring new shape or shade to your routine and seeing yourself differently will inspire you to try new things.”
“Looking for inspiration goes beyond the celebrities you see all the time. Look at old films, artist's interpretation of faces and different cultural beauty looks. A totally different countries ethnic diversity and beauty motifs might be the key to unlock experimentation in new shapes shades and textures.”

Daniel Busuttil – Head of Training

Daniel joined Illamasqua as a make-up artist at the Selfridges, Oxford Street counter at the birth of the brand in 2008. Daniel was overwhelmed by the brand’s choice of colour and the professional quality of the entire range. Being inspired by everything in his surroundings, Daniel’s creativity towards make-up makes a perfect fit with Illamasqua.

Daniel’s journey began with assisting a theatrical make-up team in his birthplace of Malta, where he was encouraged to experiment with make-up in professional environments. Now with 16 years’ experience, Daniel travels to Illamasqua’s counters across the globe, training and educating staff on the brand’s ethos, collections and retail skills.

“Being responsible for the global rollout of the business, I had the great pleasure of meeting and training all the artists that work for the brand. Looking back and seeing the growth of our artists for me is priceless and gives me great satisfaction. We now have the inspirational Art Team, so the future is going to be even brighter. I cannot wait.” –Daniel Busuttil, International Trainer.

Daniel loves…

Eye Brow Cake – “I love the quick and easy application due to its highly pigmented formulation and the definition it provides is like no other.”
Powder Eye Shadow – “With the strong pigment they can be used wet and dry. You can just about do anything with them.”

Daniel’s tips…

“Use your fingertips to press Skin Base Foundation gently over areas you want to conceal including the eye area. It works like magic and it’s totally undetectable.”
“To give the illusion of fuller bottom lashes, apply Medium Pencil in Fidelity in tiny dots below the lower lashes. Simply blend with an Illamasqua Lip Brush to immediately double the appearance of your lashes.”

Spob – Illamasqua Head of Professional Development

With over 28 years’ experience in the make-up and hair industry, Spob’s expertise played a vital role in all aspects of product and colour development for the original Illamasqua range.

As Illamasqua Head of Professional Development, Spob works to develop make-up kits for colleges all over the UK, to assist in teaching and developing students in the art of make-up.

“Never stop learning, always challenge yourself. Then share your tips and tricks with others. Make-up and hair is all about team work and creating the right look. Whether it be film, TV, theatre or fashion. You will always get back what you give in work and life. I love to nurture new talent and watch them take off on their career paths. Never give up!”Spob, Illamasqua Head of Professional Development.

Her artistic flair and attention to detail has earned her an enviable reputation as one of the UK’s most forward-thinking make-up professionals.

Spob’s accomplishments…

Major box office productions ‘Kings Speech’, ‘Enigma’, ‘Inception’, ‘Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy’, ‘Ronin 47’ and the ‘Harry Potter’ films.
Phantom of the Opera’s 25^th Anniversary show as well as being part of the original team 25 years ago.
TV Commercials – Hovis, Heineken, Stella, Sky Broadband and John Lewis.
West Yorkshire Playhouse, the National Theatre, Opera North and Glyndebourne Festival.
Created all looks for Illamasqua’s brand films starring BAFTA winning Vicky McClure.
Painted 78 dancers for Kanye West’s MTV Awards performance.

Spob loves…

Illamasqua Lip Brush – “I have hundreds of lip brushes but Illamasqua’s is my favourite. It’s so versatile, I use it for lipstick, eye liner and it’s the best brush to glue down wig lace! Being synthetic, it’s also easy clean.”
Illamasqua Cream Pigment – “All colours in the Cream Pigment range can be used for almost anything. From eye, cheek and lip colour to colour correctors and eye bases. A make-up artist’s dream.”

Spob’s tips…

“Never read the label. If it says Powder Eye Shadow, mix it with a Cream Pigment and use it as a Lipstick. Experiment!"

David Horne – Director of New Product Development and Illamasqua’s School of Make-Up Art

David Horne has over 20 years experience as a sought after make-up artist/designer specialising in directional make-up, working within all areas of fashion, trend and editorial beauty make-up.

Embracing subcultures from a young age by getting into the fetish and alternative scene, David attended themed parties which encouraged people to dress up and release their alter ego for the night. It was inevitable this creativity was to pave way for a hugely successful career in make-up artistry.

‘I have been celebrating my alter ego for over 20 years!’ – David Horne, Director of NPD and Director of the School of Make-Up Art.

Today, David oversees two key areas at Illamasqua, one is Director of New Product Development and other is Director of Illamasqua’s School of Make-Up Art, helping people master a diverse array of professional techniques via a range of courses designed to suit all skill levels.

David’s accomplishments

David has worked with some of the best in the beauty industry; Alex Box, Sharon Dowsett and Val Garland.
Senior Lecturer and FDA Course Pathway Leader at London College of Fashion
Awarded a Distinction in PG Cert Teaching Art and Design
Managerial roles at MAC; Artist Training and Development, Artist Relations and PRO Business Manager
London, Paris and New York fashion week - Anna Sui, Alexander McQueen, Calvin Klein, Julian Macdonald and Balenciaga shows.
Celebrity clients have included Pat Cleveland, Anna Friel, Erin O Connor, Eva Herzigova, Sophie Dahl, Veruschkand and Karolina Kurkova.
Director of Education at Jemma Kidd Make-Up School.

David’s loves…

Skin Base Foundation – “Skin Base is an innovative formula that doesn’t require any outlandish marketing claims. It will leave you staring at your immaculate skin in wonderment. I was an immediate convert and take tremendous pride in introducing this to the market.”

Mika Johnson – Key Artist and member of Illamasqua Art Team

Mika was introduced to Illamasqua when his personal style and make-up artistry was noticed by Creative Director Alex Box.

He joined Illamasqua in November 2008, as a make-up artist at Illamasqua’s first counter in Selfridges Oxford Street, where he was given the opportunity to channel his creativity into a path of professional make-up artistry. Having been at Illamasqua from day one, Mika has grown with the brand and feels a synergy with it; so much so that he likes to think Illamasqua chose him as much as he chose Illamasqua.

“When I first saw Illamasqua campaign images, I realised I had to be with the brand, nothing else made sense. I am all about self-expression. Nowadays I couldn't imagine being elsewhere, this is home” – Mika, Illamasqua Key Artist.

In summer 2011 Mika joined Illamasqua’s Art Team as Key Artist, responsible for spreading the creative and professional brand message of make-up for your alter ego. He specialises in dramatic creations, including high fashion, drag, gothic and graphic looks and loves make-up that transforms people into something magical; always working in layers, building onto the skin with increasing detail and telling an otherworldly story.

Where you can find him...

Three years of BFC favourite Ada Zanditon fashion shows, videos and lookbooks.
Kate Nash “Later On” music video.
Model in the original Illamasqua Dystopia campaign.
Celebrity clients have included Courtney Love and Kate Nash.

Mika Loves...

Illamasqua Lipstick in Box: “The ultimate red lipstick, blue toned for brightening teeth and skin with a long-lasting matt finish.”
Illamasqua Powder Eye Shadow in Heroine: “I use this to contour eyes, noses, cheeks and jaw lines; a must-have for any make-up bag!”

Mika’s Tips...

“For an all-over body radiance, mix one third Skin Base in shade AU with your regular body lotion and apply liberally for a glorious, golden glow.”

“Never be afraid and don’t let anyone tell you what to wear as it usually just means they personally don't like it! Ask yourself if YOU like it?”

Clare Lille – South Trainer

Clare has worked as an Educator at the Illamasqua School of Make-up Art within the London Flagship Store, 20 Beak St W1, since it opened in September 2010.

“In order for people to progress and get to know themselves and others, they must have an outlet for their feelings which includes verbal and artistic expression. As a brand, Illamasqua allows people to express themselves through the art of make-up; letting people embrace individuality” – Clare Lille, Illamasqua Art Team.

Since studying Make-up for TV and Film, Clare has gained 7 years’ experience in the make-up industry, working with celebrities, creating looks for fashion shows and assisting Alex Box on campaigns. Clare enjoys creating avant-garde looks, and as a particular fan of all things vintage, she champions old-school glamour.

Today, Clare’s role as Educator at Illamasqua allows her to inspire individuals and pass on her knowledge; teaching professionals, aspiring make-up artists and members of the public how to express their individuality whilst encouraging them to push beauty boundaries.

Where you can find her...

Titles such as Glamour and Completely London.
Worked with photographers such as Rankin and Jem Mitchell.
Fashion shows including A Child of the Jago SS12 show and Ada Zanditon SS12 show.
Key Artist on Keanu Reeves film, ‘47 ‘Ronin’.
Celebrity clients have included Erin O’Connor, Lily Allen, Gabby Young and Kelly Cutrone.

Clare has been selected as Make-up Director for one of the biggest events on Australia’s fashion calendar; retailer Myer’s AW2012 Fashion Show. She will design the signature looks and lead the make-up team in creating her visions.

Clare Loves...

Illamasqua’s Eye Brow Cake in Peek: “It’s the only Eye Brow Cake that has matched my hair colour perfectly and it’s incredibly long-lasting.”
Illamasqua’s Skin Base Foundation: “Skin Base has changed the way I work as a make-up artist. Due to the wide variety of shades I can use it to define and contour as well as for flawless coverage, creating the perfect sculpted face. It’s the first purchase our students make once they’ve used it in the School.”

Clare’s Tips...

“Add Skin Base SB01 to your existing foundation shade and, using an Illamasqua Eye Brow Brush, apply underneath the brow line to create a subtle matt highlight. Great technique for sharpening and lifting the brow.”
“Apply Pure Pigment in Furore on your cheekbones, down the nose, above the cupid’s bow and the inner corner of the eyes. This will give a subtle highlight with a touch of Hollywood glamour.”

Daniel Sallstrom – School of Make-up Art Educator and member of the Illamasqua Art Team

Daniel joined Illamasqua in September 2010, around the time the flagship store and the School of Make-up Art launched. Illamasqua’s Director of the School and New Product Development, David Horne recognised Daniel’s talent and gave him the opportunity to join the team as a Key Educator at the School.

Having worked as a professional make-up artist for over 5 years, working in London, Sweden, Berlin and France with a number of fashion designers and stylists, Daniel was drawn to the creativity of Illamasqua. It wasn’t until he moved to London and started doing drag that he discovered how much he loved make-up, and as a self-taught make-up artist he spent many hours at home practicing and building his skills.

“Illamasqua’s products are every make-up artist’s dream. With such high colour pay off, you can literally go beyond boundaries and achieve whatever look you are trying to accomplish” – Daniel Sallstrom, Key Educator at Illamasqua.

Daniel searches for inspiration in everyday life, from his friends and objects on the streets to contemporary culture and music. Expressive fine artists including Francis Bacon, Glenn Brown and Joshua Petker also inspire his work, which has been featured in publications including i-D, Vogue US, Vogue UK, W, SuperSuper, Clash Magazine and Celeste.

Daniel seeks to continue his mission of making people feel beautiful about themselves in his role as a Key Educator at Illamasqua; educating staff, make-up artist students and customers who have a passion for make-up.

“Working with colour on a 3D surface, on a living object, the face, is something that continues to fascinate me. It almost seems like a dream to be able to work with something that is pure pleasure” – Daniel Sallstrom, Key Educator at Illamasqua

Daniel Loves...

Illamasqua Powder Blusher in Intrigue: “This is the softest, smoothest blusher I have ever touched. It's perfect for a natural highlight when used in small amounts and when applied heavily creates a bold, amazing night-time effect which is to die for...it’s every Goth's must have product to achieve the perfect white base!”
Illamasqua Skin Base foundation: “I will forever worship Illamasqua’s New Product Director, David Horne for creating this beautiful foundation which has made my job as a make-up artist a bit too easy. Flawless skin within a minute!”
Illamasqua Eye-Shadow in Heroine: “This is just the most beautiful mushroom contour colour that can be used everywhere when you want to create depth.”

Daniel’s Tip...

“Don't be afraid of products and always be up for a challenge. I see a lot of people who are stuck in a comfort zone and never get out of it. That's my worst nightmare. I always try to challenge myself, and if I can’t do it, I will attempt it over and over until I can.”

Leena Adesara – North Trainer

Leena joined Illamasqua as a make-up artist at Selfridges Trafford Centre counter, in April 2009. She was instrumental in championing the brand’s ethos of self-expression and make-up for your alter ego in the early stages.

“Illamasqua lets me be who I want to be, be it soft and natural or wild and colourful. The point is I decide. I choose.” – Leena, Illamasqua Key Artist.

In summer 2011, Leena joined the new Illamasqua Art Team, bringing professional artistry, theatre and creativity in-store and to external events across the country. With over 7 years’ experience in the beauty industry, Leena is an extremely versatile member of the Art Team.

Having suffered from a skin condition called Vitiligo, which causes de-pigmentation, Leena saw make-up as a vital tool to even out her skin tone. Motivated by the confidence make-up gave her, Leena decided to study make-up artistry. She feels the avant-garde transformations she creates using Illamasqua make-up give people the confidence to express their alter-egos.

Where you can find her...

Company magazine
Channel M
Ultimate Guide to Beauty by Anjana Gosai
Manchester fashion shows
Lovebox festival
Leeds Victoria Quarter fashion show
Celebrity clients have included Helena Bonham Carter and Hilary Alexander.

Leena Loves...

Illamasqua Skin Base: “This is the most perfect foundation ever; it gives your skin unbelievable clarity and a more uniform tone...a foundation and concealer in one!”
Illamasqua’s Lipstick in Pristine: “Illamasqua’s Lipstick in Pristine makes the most amazing eye shadow base. When teamed up with Illamasqua’s Powder Eye Shadow in Machine, it creates a super black smoky eye. I personally love it with Pure Pigment in Fervent.”

Leena’s Tips…

‘Illamasqua’s Cream Pigments are quick and easy to use if you’re on the go. They’re versatile; making great eyeliners, lip colours, cheek colours, etc. Cream Pigment in Bedaub magically takes away redness on the skin, so I use it on my clients who have rosacea.”

Charlotte Savoury – Key Artist and member of the Illamasqua Art Team

Charlotte joined Illamasqua as a make-up artist at Cardiff’s Debenhams counter in June 2009 whilst studying BA Hons in Art Practice, specialising in Fine Art. After graduating in 2011, Charlotte joined Illamasqua’s Art Team with the role of Key Artist.

Charlotte finds inspiration from everything around her; from feelings, thoughts and imagination to nature, words, music, colours, textures and the future. Her artistic influences range from Francis Bacon and Lucien Freud to fashion designer Gareth Pugh and Illamasqua’s Creative Director Alex Box.

Today, Charlotte is fuelled by creative energy and thrives on pushing boundaries, focusing on unusual textures and alternative colours. She strives to continue her journey embracing individuality, whilst working with a team of talented individuals that inspire one another.

“In the two years that I have worked as a make-up artist at Illamasqua, I have seen people become more experimental with make-up and open their minds to a world of colour that they would have normally shied away from. It’s definitely onwards and upwards to a brighter bolder future in the world of make-up.” – Charlotte, Illamasqua Key Artist

Where you can find her...

Titles such as WM Magazine
Fashion Showcase Wales
Theatre productions such as ‘The King and I’
TactileBosch Studios
Exhibitions in Muni Art Centre.

Charlotte Loves...

Illamasqua Sealing Gel – “Illamasqua Sealing Gel is a must for stay-put brows and waterproofing eyeliner under the lash line.”
Illamasqua Lipstick – “Illamasqua Lipsticks are a prominent fixture on shoots with me. I use them as paints on the face and body. They work great as a quick eye base and as a blusher too.”

Charlotte’s Tips...

“Mix Illamasqua Skin Base in shade SB01 to your foundation to illuminate and highlight paler skin tones.”

“Apply a lighter shade of Illamasqua Concealer or Illamasqua Medium Pencil in Vow under the brow to lift and highlight the brow area whilst concealing those new growing hairs!”

Mikele Simone – Key Artist and member of the Illamasqua Art Team

Being a part of the launch of the first Australian Illamasqua Counter in 2010 and taking the reigns of managing the Sydney City counter saw Mikele Simone fast become an integral part of the Illamasqua family. His skill and contribution to the company cemented his position as Key Make-Up Artist and member of the Illamasqua Art Team.

Mikele’s love of beauty stems from his childhood, growing up in Italy, were he became very interested in fashion, culture and looks created on runway shows.

His passion is eye make-up and flawless skin. Mikele loves perfecting the skin but still allowing skin to look naturally flawless and accentuating eyes using tones and techniques that define the windows of soul.

“Illamasqua is a place you can be who you want without being judged. I love teaching each customer on how to be more expressive by using our make-up and some of the secret techniques that I have learnt since I started being a make-up artist.” – Mikele, Illamasqua Key Artist

Where you can find him...

Publication Titles including; InStyle Consumer and Trade, Shop til You Drop, Grazia, Vogue Australia, Madison, Emporium Magazine, House & Garden, Women’s Health, Dolly Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Cleo Magazine
SS 10/11 Rosemount Australia Fashion Week - Backstage Makeup Artist – HUSSY
2011; Make-up Artist for the MYER Spring/Summer Collection Launch
2012; Make-up Artist for the MYER Autumn Winter Collection Launch
2012; Make-up Artist for the MYER Spring/Summer Collection Launch
2011; Make-up Artist for The Australian Burlesque Festival
2011; Make-up Artist for the Illamasqua Theatre of the Nameless Collection Launch
2011; Make-up Artist for the Illamasqua Theatre of the Nameless Collection Launch
2012; Make-up Artist for the Illamasqua Human Fundamentalism Collection Launch
2012 Hair Expo Sydney – Makeup Artist for Redken

Mikele Loves...

Illamasqua Medium Pencils – “The versatility of the Medium Pencils and the range of shades makes this product a must-have in everyone’s make-up kit”
Illamasqua Gleam Aurora – “This gorgeous iridescent cream is my all time favorite and the perfect shade to create a beautiful dewy complexion and enhance glowing skin.”

Mikele’s Tip...

“To brighten up or refresh your make-up in the middle of the day (or night) rub a small amount of Illamasqua Gleam in Aurora in your finger tips and gently press on the cheeks, this will instantly add radiance without moving your make-up. Works well in the inner corner of the eyes to brighten and minimize tired looking eyes.”