Beauty Brand to Watch: Illamasqua

If you're a true beauty junkie, you've probably already heard of Illamasqua, the European brand that touts itself as "make-up for your alter ego." (I'm familiar with the name because all of the big nail polish blogs have been swatching them for a while now!) Well, I hope your alter ego is ready to get pretty, because the brand is now available Stateside at (you guessed it!) Sephora. Here's a quick rundown on what you can expect:

Known for their intense colors and dramatic makeup, Illamasqua is your go-to brand for nighttime makeup—whether it's an evening out at the opera or the dance club. Conceived amidst the dark drama of Berlin in the 20s, Illamasqua was developed by professional makeup artists and launched in 2008 in the U.K. Embraced by celebs and alternative cultures alike, their colors allow you to express your most daring, boldest, and most intense sides with professional nighttime makeup that's richly pigmented and long lasting. Are you ready to release your night-vixen alter ego?

I haven't been able to stop into the store and check it out in person yet, but judging from the photos online, I know I'll be coveting some of their over-the-top fake lashes, several shades of the powder eye shadow and lipstick in their signature bold colors, and - of course - the nail varnish, which comes in colors like Baptiste (shimmering deep royal purple) and Rampage (dark forest green). Have you tried Illamasqua yet? If not, what are you dying to get your hands on?

- Theodora