Yesterday afternoon I attended the Illamasqua School of Make up : Beyond Black Beauty, hosted by David Horne, the Director of Product Development and MUA extraordinaire who has over 22 years of experience!
Illamasqua's Director of Product Development, David Horne
The class focused on how to use the Skin Base Foundations to create a flawless finish on black skin.
I blogged about the launch of the Skin Base range way back in September of last year – so I was keen to learn more about the product and how it can be used on those with a darker skin tones.
There are 4 shades in the range that are suitable for black skins:
Skin Base 15 – Olive Tones
Skin Base 16 – Red Tones
Skin Base 17 – Red/Olive Neutral
Skin Base 18 – Deep Neutral (Literally Alek Wek tones!)
Skin Base 17
I learnt that all 4 shades can be used in combination, to achieve a perfect match.
Now, the average gal like you and me, is unlikely to purchase 4 foundations at a time…so the brand MAY be looking at developing a pallet for the consumer market – which is really exciting!! So watch this space!
Thanks to Twitter (again!) I found out about the event in good time because as soon as it was announced it filled up very, very quickly! There seems to be an insatiable demand for quality information and education about the products to use and the methods to employ to enhance black skin.
I secured my place!!
The masterclass was aimed at the pro MUA (which I am not!!!), and it was encouraging to see professionals from all backgrounds eager to learn about working with dark skins…because nothing is worse than when we, as black women, approach a beauty counter to test or ask about a foundation and are met with a look of terror from the sales consultant, who has no knowledge of how to work with a darker skin tones. Their fear and inadequacy make us BOTH feel very uncomfortable.
As a customer I want to be able to trust those who say they are the experts, and I usually will if you as an MUA/sales consultant exudes confidence in their craft!
Displays of confidence, expertise and knowledge were certainly in abundance as Horne led the class.
He showcased his skills on the flawless model Jess (who had the most impeccable eyebrows!!) , using a variety of shades from the Skin Base range. pointed out one of the cardinal sins that is commonly committed by MUAs working with black skin is using products that contains too much white pigment, which results in an ashy finish.
The hour and a half session was packed full of technical information for all of the MUAs present, but what I really commend Horne for was his ability to teach the MUAs how to treat the consumer and how to connect with her and reassure her that she indeed beautiful. It was clear that this is a man who is consumed by his profession and it is always inspiring to be in an environment of excellence and raw passion.
This coming Thursday (17th May) see the launch of 7 new ‘half’ shades that will join the Skin Base range. On the company website Horne states that ‘following on from the phenomenal success of Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation globally, Illamasqua have extended the original 18 shade range to reach out to even more diverse tones which takes the total shades to 25.
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