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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My Crush on Lush

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So a few years ago I received a Christmas present from my bestie.  It was a Bath Bomb Bath Knot from Lush, and I have been in love ever since.  Lush has an array of skin, hair and body products, for the entire family.  There store is addictive and you can leave with bags of items to take home and explore and the items can make you feel as if you are on an exploration.  I suggest beginning with a single bath bomb and allow the experience to grow from that point forward.

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A few months ago I was working with a professional makeup artists and we began discussing our skin and our skin care regimens.  I have always had problem skin, one product may work for a short period of time and then the breakouts would return.  The makeup artist explained that she had similar experiences and that she had found great success using Lush products.  So after just buying the bath bombs for years, I decided to try Lush for my facial needs.

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She suggested that I try the Herbalism facial wash, the Tea Tree toner and the Enzymion moisturizer.  Well that combination did not quite work for me.  The Herbalism is awesome, I tried several other toners and found that Eau Roma Water worked best as a toner and Vanishing Cream was the best moisturizer for my skin.  I have been using this combination for a few months now and I am noticing a ig difference in my skin.  My breakouts are becoming more and more infrequent and the oiliness is balancing out.  Recently I have added the Ocean Salt scrub a few days a week just as a kind of in home facial a few times a week and it has wonderful effects.

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One of the best things about Lush is that they allow you to sample their skin, hair and body products before buying.  Since you are making an investment, taking care of your skin is an investment, it is great that you have the opportunity to essentially, try before you buy.  This was a great way of helping me to find out what worked best for me.   A great thing about the samples is that it is an ample sample size.  The samples are not single use; they provide enough of a sample for you to actually have the opportunity to experience the product.  Lush totally wins in this department. You can also return items that do not work for you, another win for Lush.

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If there is a Lush near you I suggest that you just go in and take a look around.  I also suggest that you purchase at least one bath bomb to unwind and have a great relaxing bath at the end of a stressful week.  My favorite bath bomb is the Sex Bomb.  Not only because it is my favorite color, pink, but it smells amazing.  After soaking in this bath bomb you are also left feeling smooth and soft.  But they have several other bombs to choose from so I would suggest making a choice that is in line with your needs and bathing preferences.

If you get a chance, stop by your nearest Lush and browse the store and see what works for you.  If you are experiencing problems with your hair, skin or body (eczema, psoriasis) then find out what products they have that may assist you with that issue.  They also have a lavender infused lotion called Dream Cream that help promote calm and sleep.  So there is something in the store for everyone.  There are even bubbles for the kids.  I encourage you to go to the site and see how their products are all natural and use natural ingredients.  A big boost for those who are more eco conscious.  Again go and check them out and you will find out why I have a Crush on Lush!.