Tag: Beauty

Chicago Makeup Show

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There are many things that can get a girls attention.  Jewelry, fashion, money and makeup.  While not all of these things were represented at the Chicago Makeup Show, this was definitely a makeup lovers dream.  Wherever you find yourself on the makeup spectrum, from novice to top celebrity makeup artists, there was something for everyone at the Chicago edition of the Makeup show.

As stated on their official website:

The Makeup Show is the largest pro only beauty event in the United States. TheMakeup Show provides an experience and strives to inspire, educate and build a community. Our focus is to create a place where artists from all areas of the industry and all levels of their career can find mentors, meet industry leaders, refill their kit and learn about new products and programs that will bring their career to the next level.

Meet the CEOs & Executives behind the brands and stock up on all the essential products from large, indie, pro and prestige brands that will make a perfect addition to your makeup kit and retail line up. The show is open to makeup artists, hair stylists, cosmetologists, aestheticians, students, beauty executives, experts, aspiring artists, photographers and anyone related to the beauty and fashion industry.

Experience stages of education filled with legendary artists and industry experts as they share their insight on how to elevate your artistry and career through discussion, demonstration and participation. Watch & Learn as industry’s finest shows you the new trends for the season and introduces you to the new products and techniques to help refine your makeup skills.

The Makeup Show provides many different experiences in each city from multiple stages of education, industry cocktail events, fashion shows to an international presentation, beauty brunch, art gallery plus so much more!

While I am not a makeup artist, I do wear makeup practically every day of the year.  My makeup kit is quite expansive and has so many brands represented, that people may think I am a professional.  I love brands such as The Crayon Case, Juvias Place, Fenty Beauty, MAC, Huda Beauty and more, and yes I have products from each of these brands in my kit.  It was great to get to see other brands that I may not be as familiar with represented at the show and to have an opportunity to see their products up close and in person.  It was also a great help to be able to ask questions and sample some of the products, (something you don’t get to do when you purchase online).

The demonstrations and the talks on trends in the beauty industry were also very interesting.  It helped to connect the trends that are in magazines and IG posts with what industry professional thought were things to watch.  The makeup demonstrations were amazing to watch as well.  Being able to see the pro’s transform models into their visions using the tools in their makeup tool kits was amazing and inspiring.  As a non-professional, learning about techniques and tools that are above my level of expertise piqued my interest to add some new trick to my personal toolkit.

I enjoyed being able to see new products that I had no knowledge of.  One such company was Marmalade Nails.  I religiously got my nails done for over 30 years.  As I got older my finger became more and more irritated by the products so I had to stop getting my acrylics and gels.  I do miss the look of having my nails polished and looking good and I have not been able to do in home manicures and have the polish last longer than 48 hours, so having great, high quality, press on nails may be a good choice for me.  What I liked about Marmalade Nails was that they had a variety of nail shapes, colors and the always popular accent nails as well.  There were a variety of colors to choose from, and I was able to ask questions about things such as water on the hands.  I am the dishwasher in my house and I love long bubble baths, so having press on nails that can withstand water would be a plus for me.  While I did not purchase any at The Makeup Show, Marmalade nails are definitely on my to buy list.

Another product I received a sample of at the makeup show was the Pumpkin Turmeric Facemask by Yensa.  This product has been working wonders on my complex, problem skin.    Prior to trying this product I would make my own masks with Turmeric and chickpea flour, and if you know anything about Turmeric you know it can be quite messy.  This mask is not messy at all and has exfoliating ingredients in the product which is gentle and just enough to add an extra dose of brightness to my skin.  This is a product I would definately add to my skincare regimine.

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My first experience The Makeup Show was amazing.  Not only did I learn a great deal from industry professionals and insiders, I came home with lots of additions to my makeup tool kit.  This also inspired me to clean out said, toolkit to make more for the new items.  The educational portion of the event was great as well.  As a lifelong learner any opportunity I get to learn makes me excited.  Learning about trends in the makeup industry as well as new application tools has been a big take away for me.  I truly enjoyed the experience and look forward to next year.

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Sparkle & Glam Beauty Fair

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If you are a makeup lover like myself and you were not at the #Sparkleandglamsoiree then you missed a fabulous experience.  Sparkle & Glam lived up to it’s name and was definitely an intimate, glamorous beauty event.  Sparkle & Glam is explained as an A-Z beauty experience and it lived up to its description.

The Venue

Sparkle & Glam was held at the beautiful and swanky restaurant BLVD in Chicago’s West Loop.  The venue is a beautiful tribute to the times when glitz and glamour were the rule of the day.  Satin draped semi-circular boots and spectacular chandeliers grace the space.  Mirrors, dim lighting and plus furniture greet you throughout the space.

The space has two levels.  The downstairs is an open area with a bar in the back of the room and then there is a curved staircase that leads you to the upper level where there are smaller rooms, rooms that could accommodate a private party complete with a fully stocked bar as well.

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The day started with a skin care class sponsored by Erno Laszlo Skincare.  The two masterclasses, skincare and makeup, were a apart of the VIP experience.  The skin care line, who was the go to line for Marilyn Monroe and JFK, included an opportunity to experiment with their products.

The full scale demonstration was led by one of the company’s representative and allowed us to clean our faces and have the opportunity to experience the step by step skincare process on the spot.  This doesn’t usually happen, you get your samples in most cases and go hoe and experiment.  The Laszlo class allowed us the opportunity to have the full experience, including bowls of water for washing and rinsing, and individual mirrors.  I must say that while I did not try all of the products all over my face (I suffer with adult acne and problem skin) I did spot test some of the products and they made my skin feel amazing.  The only complaint I would have is that later that day the moisturizer made my skin a tad oily.  The line is carried at high end stores and while maybe a good choice for some, it was out of my skin care budget.

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After the skincare class, we had an opportunity to go downstairs to the glam hall and experience some of the makeup and skincare brands that were onsite.  But before that we all received a complimentary drink ticket and there were refreshments provided as well.  The cookies that looked like MAC cosmetics were so good and went well with my drink.

The best of the best beauty brands were represented at the soiree.  Most brands you could think of from Burberry to Benefit were represented.  Not only did they have products for sale, many were offering complimentary makeup applications or the opportunity to have your browns done (they knew exactly what I needed).  There was no shortage of new fall products, samples or consultations.

 

After the drinks, snacks, mixing and mingling, it was time for the next masterclass which was a makeup demonstration by MAC.  The makeup artist Christy Wielosinski (@Christywillowmakeup) did an amazing job of showcasing some of the colors in MACs upcoming holiday collection.  Her makeup skills are amazing and she has a genuine and bubbly personality that made the demonstration enjoyable.

 

 

Of course we left the event with a bag full of swag.  Everything from full sized lipstick MGS Beauty (mgsaccessories.com) to perfume samples from Burberry.  Sparkle and Glam also provided samples of their brush cleaner and a beautiful bag to carry all of our purchases and freebies in.  It was a great event and a fabulous afternoon.  When the Sparkle & Glam Soiree returns to Chicago make sure to grab your ticket.

 

Be Blessed, Be Fabulous!

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