The Makeup Show Chicago 2017 - Event Coverage

Last weekend I went on a press trip to cover The Makeup Show and media event in Chicago and learn about exciting new product launches from experts in the industry. What I love most about the show is that it isn’t just about buying discounted makeup and topping-up your kit (although it is a fabulous opportunity to do so) it’s also about making business connections directly with brand owners and furthering your career.

Attendees also had the opportunity to sign up for workshops/classes and seminars to help expand their brand, improve their skills and learn how to keep clients happy with a well-stocked kit. The show is open to professionals in the industry which provides an opportunity to meet a diverse community of artists. There was also a play area specifically designed for artists to gain hands-on experience with new products.

At the press event, celebrity Makeup Artist - James Vincent explained that this year’s show was about diversifying the business and celebrating artists and women of all ethnic groups, religions and backgrounds. He also showcased some of his favorite products of 2017.

In the press kit:

In the press kit this year, James included a variety of makeup and skincare from popular drugstore brands to high-end and products used behind the scenes at some of the hottest runway shows.

The Mehron Celebré Pro-HD Correct It Palette ($21.95) is great for neutralizing various skin discolorations and the formula is infused with Vitamin E, Aloe Vera and antioxidant-rich pomegranate for smooth blending, great coverage and hydration.  

-Deep orange: (for dark skin tones) conceals under eye circles and hyperpigmentation.

-Tangerine & pink: brightens olive complexions and diminishes signs of fatigue.

-Green: neutralizes redness, acne marks, scars and windburn.

-Yellow: hides purple or blue discoloration, bruises, veins and under eye circles.

-Purple: eliminates yellow undertones.

NYX was a new vendor at the show so James included the bestselling Strobe of Genius Illuminating Palette ($19.00) with a variety of silky shades to compliment all skin tones.

Note Cosmetics is one of the few brands I hadn’t tried prior to the show but the Terracotta Blusher ($17.95) is one of their most popular items. This shade is called Vintage Pink, although it emits a beautiful golden tint. The sheer, bronzy hues provide a natural glow with seamless, buildable coverage and the soft, weightless texture blends effortlessly.

We all know that Bdellium has great brushes and their booth at this year’s show was huge! They also make a variety of matte lipsticks - the deep purple below is called Dark Carnival ($16.00). Crown (also popular for their makeup tools) has a line of creamy, matte lipsticks that glide on smooth, vibrant and full-coverage. They retail for $13.99 each and this gorgeous shade is called Crown Me.

In terms of skincare, there was a wide range included in this year’s press kit.

-The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil ($13.00): nourishes blemished skin, treats acne, blackheads and irritation.

-First Sanitzer ($16.00): removes bacteria and cleans makeup brushes, lipstick and cream formulas with an all-natural, organic formula.

-Mustaev Mood Therapy Mask – Moisture Lifting ($4.00): replenishes and refreshes dry, tired skin.

-Mario Badescu Drying Lotion ($17.00): Award-winning formula that dries-up whiteheads and pimples overnight.

-Embryloisse Lait-Crème: “24-hour miracle cream” used by Makeup Artists, models and celebrities to restore the skin’s natural glow and deeply moisturize.

-Twinmedix Vitamin Skin Sprays (samples): to balance, hydrate and protect before makeup application.

-Bioderma Makeup Removing Micelle Water ($24.90)

We also got Michael Devellis’ new book called Ten Words - focusing on building a stronger career, meaningful connections and a focused life. The book is available on his website - thepowdergroup.com for $12.00.

Last but not least is the Kevyn Aucoin Molten Lip Color Top Coat ($39.00) which can be used alone for a radiant, metallic glow or on top of your favorite lip colors to create an ombré effect.

There were over 70 top pro-focused brands including: Make Up For Ever, Temptu, MAC, Danessa Myricks Beauty, Smashbox, Senna, Graftobian and more offering fabulous deals, discounts and bundles so artists have all the tools needed to succeed.

For more information on The Makeup Show or to buy tickets for the next show visit the website at themakeupshow.com.

My Trip to Chicago & The Makeup Show!

Last weekend I flew down to “the windy city” for a cocktail party, sightseeing, press events and of course The Makeup Show Chicago!

This fabulous annual event is hosted in major cities throughout the U.S and is open to professionals in the industry including- cosmetologists, models, photographers, stylists makeup artists, business owners and the media. This wasn’t my first time at the show, a couple of years ago I flew to L.A for the event where I had a chance to network, connect with brands and meet fellow bloggers, youtubers and celebrity makeup artists. It is also a great opportunity to fulfill your wish-list and add to your kit since the discounts are worth battling the long lines. James Vincent is the Director of Education and Artistry for the show and they just celebrated their 10 year anniversary in NYC.

I flew in to Chi Town on Friday morning, checked in to my hotel and started my day touring the city. I visited the Shed Aquarium, did some shopping on The Magnificent Mile and visited the famous Chicago Bean!

On Friday night the Makeup Show hosted its first ever Masters of Makeup cocktail party at the Crowne Plazza to celebrate Emmy Award winning Artist from Dancing with the Stars- Melanie Mills, Pro Makeup Artist Danessa Myricks creator of Elevation Lashes and the founder of Senna Cosmetics- Eugenia Weston.

Melanie and I have worked together before and I love her Gleam Cosmetics line. Her artistry has graced many famous faces so when she complimented my makeup and told me that I was “stunning” the recognition was amazing! The press kit included two samples of Melanie’s lightweight, highly pigmented Radiant Dust Loose Illuminating Powders in Deep Gold and Light Gold. This beautiful shimmery formula can be applied to the face and body as blush, bronzer, eye shadow or highlight for a rich, beautiful glow suitable for all complexions. You can check out her website by clicking HERE & check out my review of her fabulous face & body brush HERE.

I also met fellow bloggers and youtubers from the Chicago area, had some drinks and spoke with the bubbly Danessa Myricks. If you love lush, full lashes her collection will enhance your eyes with innovative designs that are weightless, stackable and reusable for up to 10 wears. The hairs are individually tied by hand and made with 100% human hair so they are virtually undetectable! Her lash gel makes adhesion quick and simple with a black formula that dries fast! The lashes retail for just $8.99 each and come in a wide variety of styles. Special thanks to Denessa for the wonderful Lashes! You can visit her website by clicking HERE.

Bright and early on Saturday morning before the show opened I attended the press event hosted by James Vincent. He gave us the low-down on some of his favorite products and let us know about the educational seminars and guests that would be attending. The show is not only about loading up on makeup, it is also dedicated to enhancing your business and improving your technique.

The press kit 

NYX Conceal Correct Contour Palette ($14.00) includes 6 shades for customizable coverage.

NARS empty small palette ($14.00) for creating your own collection of pigments or de-potting your eye shadows.

The new Make Up For Ever Lash Show falsies ($18.00): The collection includes 50 handmade designs with easy application and long-wear.

NARS Audacious Mascara ($26.00) hooks each hair to elongate and amplify with a long-wear, buildable formula.

Tools from Crown Brush

Static Nails Empire Gel Effects Nails ($16.00) from the designer that does Cookie’s nails on the hit show Empire! The kit contains 24 nails, pouch, non-damaging glue, buffer & file. I love that the nails can be reshaped, painted and used for several applications! You can apply them for one day and pop them off or leave them on for up to 2 weeks!

Kevin Aucoin Matte Lip Color ($33.00) in the shade Bloodrose is a deep wine-burgundy perfect for fall! The formula of this lipstick is ultra smooth and creamy with great pigmentation.

Makeup tools: Cinema Secrets Brush Cleaner (60 ml $8.00), Bdellium Smudge Brush ($8.00), Esum Pro Finishing Sponge ($24.00).

Senna Cosmetics has a beautiful range of highlight pens to illuminate the face and eyes. These dual ended beauties give you that coveted glow and the pencil shape makes application easy and precise. They retail for $22-$32.

Embrolisse Lait Crème Gold Concentrate ($28.00) This 24 hour “miracle cream” is said to be a must-have for makeup artists, celebs and models. It boosts and nourishes tried, dehydrated skin and can be used as primer, moisturizer and makeup remover. Enriched with fatty acids, vitamins and nutrients it protects and soothes with a satin soft finish. It can also be used as a repairing mask for men after shaving and as a baby care product.

MustaeV Tension Liquid Liner Brush Pen ($18.00) & Maxi Volume Mascara ($18.00)

If you are going to attend one of the Makeup Shows you can also enjoy a weekend getaway and turn it into a mini-vacation like I did. On my last day in Chicago I did a city tour and visited the Willis Tower, Navy Pier, shopping streets and other historical sites.

I also tried Chicago’s famous deep dish pizza which was delicious but a bit too heavy and cheesy for me. It consisted of a few inches of toppings plus thick mozzarella and after eating a couple slices I wasn’t able to eat again for a day and a half!

For more information on The Makeup Show visit their website by clicking HERE

*Special thanks to Melody Joy, Chase Mallen, Denessa Myricks James Vincent & The Makeup Show for having me!*

The Makeup Show L.A

The Makeup Show took place in Los Angeles California last weekend in the hub of the fashion and beauty district downtown. I also attended the blogger preview show organized for a small gathering of people involved in the industry.

For those who do not know what the makeup show is about, it is "the largest pro-driven event on the West Coast." It is a 2 day event “dedicated to artistry, community, inspiration and education.”  

The Makeup Show L.A featured over 75 beauty brands, 7 keynote speakers, 20 seminars, 8 hands-on workshops and 13 Artist Kit Building Sessions. A few of the brands at the show included: MAKE UP FOR EVER, Crown Brush, Temptu PRO, NARS,  Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, Smashbox, Ruby Makeup Academy, Pinnacle Cosmetics, The Power Group and On Makeup Magazine. 

This year I was given the wonderful opportunity to attend the show as a part of the Press.

Many brands showcased their new products and collections at the show. Makeup For Ever, which is a brand I love debuted their HD pressed powder and HD blush which I will review shortly.

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics also showcased their Plastic Passion collection for spring!

I had a great time hobnobbing with the owners and creators of some of the best beauty brands in the market. I was also introduced to many new companies and had fun experimenting with brilliant colors. By the time I left the show my arms were covered in gels, powders, creams and glitter!

Due to the excellent discounts it was a great time to shop, replenish professional kits and try new items. Although the booths were teeming with makeup enthusiasts I was able to network, meet some wonderful people and gather information from brand owners. I also found many new and innovative products I plan to try and review.

The seminars were great educational opportunities to learn the tricks of the trade from experts and stay up to date on all things beauty. I was also invited to attend an event by Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics for the launch of their Plastic Passion collection but I had to fly back to Toronto before the event.

The women in L.A seem to share my obsession for makeup and even outside of The Makeup Show I engaged in some interesting makeup chat. I look forward to attending another Makeup Show in the future, it was skilfully organized and an enjoyable experience.

*Special thanks to: Melody O'Flaherty, James Vincent (Director of Artistry for the Makeup Show) and everyone else who worked on this event and made it possible.