Have I lost my makeup mojo?

Well, this feels a little strange, doesn't it?  I haven't done this in a while.  I wasn't sure if I was ever going to do it again, honestly.  I stopped painting my nails and wearing much makeup for awhile.  Grief can manifest itself in so many unexpected ways.

We moved about a year ago, and my 'Beauty Room' (really, the Disaster Room!) still hasn't been set up.  But, I think that may be about to change.

Not much that's beautiful in the 'beauty' room right now!

This past weekend, I had lunch with my friend Alison.  She runs 10amBeauty.  I met her at The Makeup Show Orlando a few years ago, but we didn't really connect until the following year at...yep, The Makeup Show Orlando!  We spent the day together, shopping, talking, going to speakers and demonstrations, and connecting with other industry folks.  And now, we're good friends.

At lunch, we talked about all kinds of things, but we came back around to makeup.  We talked about our favorites, what was working for us, and what wasn't.  And, it felt really good - like a favorite outfit that feels comfortable, looks good, and you can wear it anywhere. 

Me, with Alison of 10amBeauty

Makeup doesn't happen in a vacuum.  It intertwines with culture, art, politics, business, and people.  If you want to excel in your craft, you have to interact with the ideas and knowledge of your community - and what better way to do that than at a makeup trade show?

If you're in the Orlando area, you should check out The Makeup Show Orlando, September 15-16th at the Hyatt Regency Orlando.  There are so many wonderful makeup artists there doing everything from bridal to special effects.  There are demos, workshops, lectures, and, of course, shopping! Find out not only what is new and trendy, but better ways to do the bread and butter stuff, too.  Check out The Makeup Show webpage to get tickets, see what speakers and demos are scheduled, and even what vendors are going to be there.

Hope to see you there!

Makeup is More Than Just Paint and Product #TheMakeupShow

Hello, Fireflies!

It's getting on time for my favorite event of the year, The Makeup Show, Orlando!  There are five shows a year, in great places like NYC, LA, Chicago, and Dallas, and some pop-up shops all over the country, but the one in Orlando is where I go to recharge my makeup-loving batteries.

The Makeup Show Orlando Blogger Preview!

Hello, Fireflies!

Just a quick post today, because I'm busy at The Makeup Show!

Yesterday was the Blogger Preview.  James Vincent is a passionate speaker, and I never tire of his stories.  We should all be so lucky to love what we do.

The focus of The Makeup Show is education and collaboration.  James is all about the mentorship,and encouraged us to go forth and meet the people behind the brands, as well as the many speakers at the show.  I'm so excited to get back there later today!

The MakeUp Show Orlando - PeepShow CreepShow!

Hello, Fireflies!

Are you going to The Makeup Show-Orlando? Are you an MUA with Mad (scientist) skills?  There's going to be a competition you might be interested in!

On Saturday, artists will create looks inspired by the world of Burlesque to create "Peepshow" looks, and on Sunday, the looks go sideshow freak for the "Creep Show!"

In order to have a chance to be selected to enter the competition, you must send in an image that best represents work relevant to this competition to merlo@themakeupshow.com by November 10, 2014. 

Please write 'Competition: Peepshow Creep Show' in the subject line, and include your name, email, and contact phone number in the message.  You must purchase a 2-day ticket to the Makeup Show Orlando in order to compete.

Winners will receive recognition on The Makeup Show blog and social media channels, a free pass to any of The Makeup Shows in 2015, and a makeup kit worth $1500!

I can't wait to see all the amazing creations!

For more information about The Makeup Show, please visit their website at www.themakeupshow.com

The Makeup Show is coming to Orlando!

Hello Fireflies!

Have you been to The Makeup Show?  It's a trade show for:

Makeup Artists
Hair Stylists
Face & Body Painters
Photographers
Models
Stylists, Costume & Theater Design
Beauty, Fashion and Hair Students
And…Anyone in the Beauty, Hair, Nail and Fashion Industry!

I attended The Makeup Show Orlando last year, and it is the MOST amazing experience I've had with makeup.  I wrote a series of blog posts about my experiences last year, if you'd like to check them out.

It's the sheer quantity of vendors, makeup, special effects, speakers, workshops... your head will spin!

Advance tix are $45 for one day, or $60 for both (Nov 15th and 16th) which is a steal if you think about all the education there is to be had, not to mention professional discounts on nearly everything.  I learned a lot just from talking to the vendors themselves, too.

I'm really excited about some of the new faces this year, like Hakuhodo and NYX Cosmetics, and I heard that Jouer is going to be there, sharing a booth, too.   I'm already making my shopping list for some old favorites like Ellis Faas, Embryolisse, Crown Brush, OCC, and Makeup Forever, just to name a few.  

I've been to several different kinds of trade shows in my day, and this one is *amazing*.  I'm going to be studying the floor plan to make sure I don't miss a thing.

If you'd like more information about The Makeup Show Orlando, please check out their website. I'll be there, hope to see you, too!

Make Up Monday - Kevyn Aucoin The Creamy Glow #TheMakeUpShow

One of the products the Beauty Bloggers of Central Florida were given to try at The Make Up Show was this really cool blush-but-better-than-blush product from Kevyn Aucoin, called The Creamy Glow.

Now, this confession may shock you, but before The Make Up Show, I didn't really know Kevyn Aucoin.

Please, breathe.  I'm a fan now.

The color I was given to try is called Pravella, and it's a bright pink.  It's creamy, and I usually apply it with a synthetic blush brush or kabuki brush, although it is also easily applied with the fingers.

The brightness scared me a little, but it can be worn much softer.  This is one swipe of the product from my finger onto my forearm.

Can you see the glow?  It's not shimmery, it's not shiny.. it's a glow. I love it, and I think it makes my skin look amazing.  Here, I've blended the swipe out so you can see the glow a little better.  You can make the blush as light or dark as you like.

I've always had a problem with blush longevity.  I don't know if my skin just sucks it up, or if I'm afraid of putting enough on to stay.. but nothing I've ever tried stays on all day.  I don't really know how long this lasts.  But I've never seen another product do what it does, and that is worth a touch-up, if needed, in my book.

If you'd like more information on this product, this link (not affiliate) will take you to Kevyn Aucoin Beauty.  Their link to online sales takes you to Bergdorf Goodman, where this product sells for $26.

What do you think about a blush that glows?

My #NailArtForNubs post will go live at 9am Eastern today! Two, yes, TWO posts today!

Are you a Makeup Pro? Are you going to The Makeup Show?

I'm so excited to be going to The Makeup Show in Orlando this weekend!  So many amazing brands will be showing off their latest and greatest, and they will have some keynote speakers that I do not want to miss!  I am fangirling over the appearance of Sutan Amrull (aka Raja)!

This event is for professionals and beauty school students only, so if you're in the biz, I hope you'll be there!

NARS, MEHRON, OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE COSMETICS, OFRA AND MORE HIGHLIGHT NEW PRODUCTS & FALL COLLECTIONS, SEPTEMBER 28 & 29  

  

ORLANDO, FL (September 2013) – The Makeup Show Orlando is excited to announce the launch of new products and fall collections – and all will be highlighted at the show next month! Below are just a few of the products you can find from NARS, Mehron, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, OFRA and more:

NARS will introduce Eye Paint, a must-have for beauty lovers who want to elevate their eye look.  Makeup artists are surely going to want to pick this up at The Makeup Show Orlando!  This versatile product will be available in 10 shades and can be used as both an eyeshadow and eyeliner.

OFRA will be launching their new Semi-permanent Waterproof Eyebrow Gel exclusively at The Makeup Show Orlando!  OFRA’s Semi-permanent Waterproof Eyebrow Gel helps to give you a precise eyebrow shape while maintaining a natural look.

Crown Brush has partnered with makeup artist Ve Neill on an exclusive brush set, which will be available at The Makeup Show Orlando.  Why wouldn’t you want this set of brushes?!  After all, they were only created by one of the best makeup artists in the business. 

Dermalogica has just launched Clear Start, a new skincare line for teens and young adults!  This skincare line is developed to prevent and treat symptoms of mild to moderate acne.  We can’t wait to try this out at The Makeup Show Orlando!

Mehron will be launching B.L.A.M.E makeup pens exclusively at The Makeup Show Orlando!  B.L.A.M.E. is a black light active cream makeup that can be used on the face or hair.  It will be available in six vibrant light reactive colors.  Be the first to pick this product up, only at The Makeup Show Orlando!

Mehron will also be introducing Glosstone PRO at the show!  This new lip gloss is sure to deliver ultra-shine and color.  Glosstone PRO will be available in three highly pigmented matte shades and two sparkly shades infused with tiny light reflectors to pump up the volume by creating the appearance of fuller lips.  Be the first to get this on your lips at The Makeup Show Orlando!

There’s more from Mehron!   Also, launching at the show will be their new SKIN Prep PRO.   The exclusive formula of SKIN Prep PRO increases the wearability of makeup under high-performance conditions such as heat, lights, sweat, etc.   Perfect from going to work to evening play!

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics will be showcasing their new fall color collection at The Makeup Show Orlando!  This collection consists of six new Lip Tars and six new Nail Lacquers.   Be sure to make Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics one of your first stops at the show – these products are sure to sell out!

The Makeup Show Orlando will also feature over 75 beauty brands, 6 keynote speakers, 20 seminars, and 8 hands-on workshops.  A few of the brands you will find at the show include:  Diamond Sponsor MAKE UP FOR EVER, Platinum Sponsor Crown Brush and Temptu PRO, Supporting Sponsors Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, NARS, Stila, Cosmix School of Makeup Artistry, The Powder Group and On Makeup Magazine.

TheMakeup Show Orlando is held on Saturday, September 28, 2013 from 9am to 6pm and on Sunday, September 29, 2013 from 9am to 5pm at The Peabody Hotel Orlando, 9801 International Drive.   For a complete list of participating brands, educational speakers, schedule of events and prices, please visit www.themakeupshow.com.

About The Makeup Show

The Makeup Show is owned and produced by Metropolitan Event & Production and travels internationallyfrom LA, NYC, Chicago, Europe, and Orlando.  Bringing each destination over 60 beauty brands, and unique convergence of artists and community, where beauty professionals are sure to find an artistic energy that will inspire any beauty buff, from the passionate beginner to the seasoned professional.  Each show offers an unparalleled lineup of education and appearances from top beauty professionals and focuses on career building and networking within the makeup community.  The show provides a unique experience for the makeup professional to network directly from the best in the business.