THE MAKEUP SHOW NY (2011) - DAY 1

It's that special time of year again...time for The Makeup Show NYC!!! All year I'm like a kid waiting for Christmas for The Makeup Show to finally arrive. This is the Show's fifth consecutive year at Metropolitan Pavillon and it just continues to get better and better!  The Makeup Show is the largest PRO-ONLY driven beauty event in New York City and this year was the best yet (no small feat). Without further ado here's my run down of events for Day 1....

This day turned out to be totally devoted to shopping and running into Beauty Industry friends since I got there late. My first stop was at The Smashbox Cosmetics booth near the entrance. I swatched a few new eye and lip products:

 Left side - Limited Liquid Liner Pen  and on Right Side - Limitless Eye Liner

 Limitless Lip Stain & Color Seal Balm - Bold Shades

 Limitless Long Wear Lip Gloss SPF 15

I had to purchase this new eyeshadow palette - Smashbox Softbox Eye Palette....I'm such a sucker for a pretty palette even if I know I have similiar colors individually. Sigh.

Next stop was Alcone for beauty supply staples for my Makeup Artist kit like Cinema Secrets brush cleaner, sponges, powder puffs, mini q-tips, mascara wands, makeup remover wipes, etc. These items are necessary for my work but very boring so I didn't take any pictures or include in makeup haul photo.  (I'm sure you'll forgive me).

Then it was on to more fun cosmetic purchases...Graftobian.  I love their Hi-Def Cream Foundation Palettes and always get a new one at each show. Here's pic of their tower display:

 

Hi Def Glamour Cream Palettes - Warm Palette #2 (top) and Warm Palette #3 (bottom)

I didn't take a picture at their booth but I also brought a Cinema's Secret Foundation Palette . I needed to buy a replacement for my kit - I like the colors so much in one palette it's almost empty.

I wanted to go to Make Up For Ever booth but as usual it was a total madhouse! They have a store in Union Square area so I figured that worst case scenario I would make a trip to the actually store. As long as I could use a pro discount I was happy. At the rate that they were selling products I think they were going to be sold out of anything I would want anyway and there were lots of other vendors.

I ran into a few famous faces in the Beauty Industry while roaming the vendor floor:

 

 Me with L'oreal Paris Celebrity Hairstylist - Johnny LaVoy

 Me with Celebrity Makeup Artist Danessa Myricks

 Me with Celebrity Makeup Artist Sam Fine

I wanted to visit some of my favorite beauty lines and of course that meant I had to go to Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetic (O.C.C.) booth!  If you're a long time "Karen's World of Beauty" Reader you know how much I love Founder David Klasfield and his innovative and genius products (previous blog post mentions).  He's come out with yet another new and amazing cosmetic product called "OCC Tints: Tinted Moisturizer".  Of course I had to add it to my pro makeup kit.  Here's a peek at some of the products in the OCC cosmetic line:

 OCC Loose Colour Concentrates

 OCC Lip Tars

 OCC Lo-Fi Spring 2011 Collection

I also got opportunity to grab the newest spring colors of the lip tars....so gorgeous! I don't know how David keeps coming up with new awesome colors but I'm glad he's so obsessed with color.

Next stop was Smashbox...I know logically that I have enough lip glosses but I'm a lip gloss addict.  (Yes, I can admit it). So of course I had to check out their new lip gloss collection which lead to a purchase of 4 new glosses:

 Stila Lip Glaze

I also wanted some of Stila's new Sparkle Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner but they were practically sold out. I guess I can always buy online later but I wanted them in my hot hand immediately! LOL.

Then I stopped by to visity my friends Eric Kaiser and Shana King at Glamcor which provides "Innovative Cosmetic Systems" for the professional Makeup Artist (and Beauty Blogger).

 Me with Glamcor's Eric Kaiser

I heard about their company through the digital grapevine of Twitter and brought their new Classic Light Kit.  I have to say that this purchase has changed the quality of my YouTube videos tremendously!!! I look forward to using it on future photo shoots and on-location makeup jobs. Stay tuned for future blog post review on the Light Kit. I'm saving up for my next Glamcor purchase... their Mobile Studio Bag Set System and Brush Set. Actually, I want everything they make including this new Lighted Vanity:

I went to visit booths for other favorite cosmetic and skincare companies like Embryolisse and Jao to buy more kit essentials like Jao Goe Oil and Hand Refresher. If you read my previous product review of Jao's Goe Oil you know I'm crazy about this stuff!

I also checked out the new lip gloss colors at Armour Beauty, brainchild of rocker/model Theo Kogan.

 Me with Armour Beauty's Theo Kogan

I remember I met Theo at a Powder Group shopping event when she first started her line and I really liked her lip gloss. Theo melds high-end fashion with Rock-n-Roll attitude which is reflected in the colors and packaging. And yes folks, I brought yet another lip gloss... I did say I was a lip-gloss addict, right?!?!

I stopped by a few more booths but I realize this post is getting really long so here's pictures of my makeup and skincare haul for Day 1 of The Makeup Show:

Make sure to come back tomorrow to read my wrap-up of The Makeup Show- Day 2!!!

“SPRING HAS SPRUNG” – Spring 2011 Beauty Collections

It’s that time of year again when the cosmetic lines come out with their newest color collections for spring. So here’s my cherry-picked list of the top makeup collections to adorn your lovely face this season.  Now you can take the key spring trends seen on the S/S 2011 runways and make them your own. (FYI ladies – shades of purple like lavender, lilac and violet are super hot this season!)  Just keep in mind that most of these collections are Limited Edition so if there’s anything you’re lusting after get shopping now!!!

LANCÔME - “Ultra Lavande" Spring 2011 Color Collection by Aaron De Mey
This spring, the iconic spirit of the seventies shimmers back into fashion. Now Aaron De Mey, Lancôme’s International Artistic Director For Makeup, takes flower power and hippie chic beyond with the first eco-disco collection.
* Limited Edition French Touch Absolu lipstick - “Berry Rose”  $35
* Color Design Minerale Quad  - “Cool Lavande” and “Warm Lavande”  $42
* Butterflies Fever Blush/Highlighter - “Glowy Ballerine”  $40
* Color Fever Gloss - “Beige Ballerine”, “Rose Ballerine” & “Lavande Ballerine”  $26
* Ombre Magnétique  - “Ultra Lavande”, “Disco Gold” & “Disco Silver”  $25
* Le Vernis Nailpolish - “Violet Groove” & “Le 54”   $19
* L'Absolu Rouge lipstick - “Lily Rose” & “Daisy Rose”  $29
* Le Crayon Khôl  - “ Ultra-Lavande”  $24.50

NARS -  "Fresh, Forward Color" Spring 2011 Collection
The Spring 2011 Collection is the epitome of minimalism, reaching a sensual peak with fresh, forward color. Jeweled earth tones for eyes and nails are infused with a metallic finish that lends a subtly sleek finish. Cool compliments of sheer and sparkling lips pair with unexpected accents of parrot green and vivid blue. It all adds up to a look that's indisputably modern.
* Trio Eyeshadow (Limited Edition) - “Calanque” (gold infused platinum w/silver, matte caramel & antique bronze w/gold)  $45
* Duo Eyeshadow - “Nouveau Monde” (metallic silver lilac & olive gold) & “Bateau Ivre“ (sky blue & deep denim)   $33
* Soft Touch Shadow Pencil - “Hollywood Land” (pale gold) & “Soft Touch” (parrot green)  $24
* Lip Gloss - “Angelica” (cotton-candy pink w/gold & silver sparkle), “Super Orgasm” (peachy-pink w/gold glitter) & “Nana” (deep black grape)   $24
* Lipstick (Limited Edition) - “Tzigane” (sheer, pink brandy)  $24
* 'Pure' Matte Lipstick - “Madere” (super-rich nude pink) $24
* Nail Polish (Limited Edition) - “Desperado” (antique brass)  $17

SMASHBOX - “In Bloom Spring 2011” Limited Edition Collection
Unveil the beauty of the season with petal-soft wearable shades and pops of color.
* In Bloom Eye Shadow Palette and Brush - 10 shimmery & matte eye shadow shades (pink lily, lavendar grey, golden rose, warm taupe, bone, soft orchid, iris blue, shimmery copper, moss, & nude) $48
* In Bloom Creamy Cheek Duo - “Peony” (bright pink) & “Blushing” (soft pink)  $26
* In Bloom Soft Focus Powder Eye Liner - "Heather" (charcoal grey) & "Dark Brown" (deep brown) $22
* In Bloom Limitless Long Wear Lip Gloss - "Timeless" (soft pink) & "Endless Kiss" (coral) $21
* In Bloom Artificial Light Powder (soft shimmery powder to use as highlighter/brightener) $20

SHU UEMURA  - “Morphorium” Spring/Summer 2011 Collection
Metamorphose yourself with the mesmerizing glory of nature, just like a mysterious morpho butterfly landing softly onto your shoulder.  Created by International Artistic Director, Kakuyasu Uchiide, invites you to the world of untouched treasures in deep, tropical jungle.  Unleash your curiosity and indulge yourself in inimitable, mysterious beauty by nature.
* Morphorium Blue Palette (limited edition) – Colors: M deep purple, P vivid blue & IR fresh green (pressed eye shadows); P light brown (cream eye shadow) & glow-on P pink (blush).  $69
* Morphorium Sunset Gold Palette (limited edition) - Colors: M deep brown, P brick gold & IR creamy white (pressed eye shadows); P beige pink (cream eye shadow) & glow-on P peach (blush). $69
* “Shine Mystique” Eye Color - “khaki silver”  Loose powder eye color with olive khaki and silver reflection go in harmony with both morphorium limited edition palettes.  $30

SHISEIDO -  Spring 2011 Color Collection by Dick Page
The new Spring Color collection by Dick Page comes to life with a sparkling violet that makes lips pop. Infuse your lips with moisture and fullness with the new Shimmering Rouge. Eyes subtly glimmer with the Luminizing Satin Eye Color Trio.
* Shiseido 'Spring Collection' Luminizing Satin Eye Color Trio - "Bouquet" (purples), "Punky Blues" (blues & pink), & "Voyage" (neutrals) $33
* Shiseido 'Shimmering Rouge' Lip Color -  "Iron Maiden", "Desire", "Brocade", "Lounge" & "Stiletto"  (There are 13 colors in this new collection but these are my favs!)  $25
* Shiseido Smoothing Lip Pencil - "Chianti", "Mahogany" & "Tangelo"  $20

CHANEL – “Les Perles de Chanel” Spring 2011 Collection
Inspired by the lustrous, natural beauty of pearls, this collection of delicate, luminous shades beautifully flatter face and fingertips.
* Les 4 Ombres quadra eye shadow - "Regard Perlè"  (deep green, rose, beige and ivory) $57
* Le Crayon Yeux - "Gris Scintillant" (shimmering silver-grey)  $29
* Le Vernis - "Black Pearl" (iridescent light-reflecting black), "Pearl Drop" (lustrous white) & "Pêche Nacrée (shimmering peach)   Limited Edition  $25
* Joues Contraste powder blush - "Espiègle" (soft peach)  $43
* Rouge Coco hydrating creme lip colour - "Peregrina" (warm peach) & "Jersey Rose" (rich rosewood) Limited Edition  $34
* Rouge Allure Luminious Satin Lip color - "Flamboyante" (vivid fuchsia) & "Coquette"  (satiny rose)  Limited Edition  $32
* Rouge Double Intensité Ultra Wear Lip Colour - "Cristal Rose" (rose-beige)  Limited Edition  $34
* Lèvres Scintillantes glossimer - "Nakkar"(rich raspberry) & "Aragonite" (iridescent white) Limited Edition colors $29
* Rouge Allure Extrait De Gloss - Pure Shine Intense Colour Long Wear Lip Gloss In "Génie" (& "Insouciance"  $32
* Le Crayon Lèvres Precision Lip Definer - "Pêche" (warm peach) & "Framboise"  (raspberry) $29
* Poudre Universelle Compacte Natural Finish Pressed Powder  - "Rose Merveille"  (delicate rose-beige) Limited Edition $45
* Inimitable Intense Mascara Multi-Dimensionnel Sophistiqué in "Noir" (Black) $30
* Vitalumière Moisture-Rich Radiance Fluid Makeup SPF 15  $55

ESTEE LAUDER – “Wild Violet Pure Color” Spring Collection
New Wild Violet Pure Color for Spring 2011 created by Tom Pecheux, Creative Makeup Director. Flashes of luminous violet against a wild sky. Vibrant. Translucent. Brilliant.
* 'Wild Violet Pure Color' Eyeshadow Palette - $42
* 'Wild Violet Pure Color' Long Lasting Lipstick - "Wild Violet" "Wild Blossom" and "Wild Fire" $24
* 'Wild Violet Pure Color' Lip Gelée -  " Electric Pink" & "Electric Cherry" $20
* 'Wild Violet Pure Color' Shimmer Eyeshadow  - "Sugar Cube" (white) & "Untamed Violet (violet) $20
* Double Wear' Stay-in-Place Eye Pencil  - "Untamed Violet" $19
* 'Wild Violet Pure Color' Long Lasting Nail Lacquer  - "Wild Storm"  (silver metallic grey) Limited Edition $19
* Sumptuous Extreme' Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara  - "Extreme Black", "Extreme Brown", "Extreme Indigo" & "Extreme Violet"  $23.50

2010 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FOR GIRLS!

Find the perfect Holiday gift for all the lovely ladies in your life! Assembled below are my top picks of cosmetic and skincare products in cyber space and the real world. Happy shopping!!!!

Lancôme - Holiday Color Design Palette: Eyes & Cheeks in "Jeweled Purple"  $39.50
Get your most glamorous look for the holidays with a sultry mix of six sparkling eye shadows and an opulent blush. Indulge in a limited-edition compact adorned with holiday inspired jewels.
Includes:
    - Color Design Sensational Effects Eye Shadow Smooth Hold in "Sparkle", "Jeweled", "Matte Purple", "Purple Haze", "Purple Passion" and "Amethyst Tryst"
    - Blush Subtil Powder Blush in "Shimmer Violet Sunrise"
* For Holiday's free shipping on any order online at www.lancome.com - no promo code necessary.

 Sleek MakeUP - Sparkle i-Divine Eye Shadow Palette (Limited Edition)  $10
Sparkle your way through the festive season with deep dazzling festive shades.  A must have for the party season, you'll be spoilt for choice with this palette of 12 glitter-laced velvety-smooth eye shadows.

SMASHBOX - "The Gold List" Gift Set  ($108 value) $49
A five-piece, travel-ready kit that helps you achieve a camera-ready, golden glow.
This set contains:
- Fusion Soft Lights in "Baked Starburst"
- Photo Finish Luminzing Foundation Primer
- O-Gloss Gold
- Photo Op Under Eye Brightener
- gold metallic cosmetic case

OPI for SEPHORA - Eighteen Piece Mini Nail Colour Set  ($81 Value) $48.00
A perfect gift, this Sephora by OPI set includes 18 shades  of mini nail colors that range from essential to edgy. Colors Included:
A True Romantic, Techno Girl, Access 24/7, Ms. Can't Be Wrong, What A Broad, Just A Little Dangerous, Cab Fare, Caliente Coral, Special Request, High Maintenance, Sample Sale, I'm With Brad, Leaf Him At The Altar, Mermaid To Order, Opening Night, Already Famous, Dating The Drummer, and Never Enough Shoes

 

NARS - "D. Lovely Lip Gloss Coffret" $49
An essential collection of four NARS mini Duo Lip Glosses.
Includes: "Misbehave/All Night Long", "Pillow Talk/Sandpiper", "Orgasm/Chihuahua" and "Greek Holiday/Stolen Kisses" 
* For limited time all Gifts ship FREE online!

Bobbi Brown - "Pink & Gold" Lip Palette  (Limited Edition)  $45.00
The ultimate holiday lip palette, this collection of fresh pinks, deep roses and a beautiful golden nude can be
mixed and layered for a custom look.
Colors included:
"Roseberry", "Kir", "Pretty Pink", "Sunset Nude", "Italian Rose" and "Brownie" Lip Color.

KORRES - "Sugar Plums" Color Collection  ($41.00 value)  $29.50
A Limited Edition selection of Korres best-selling plum color products in a beautiful, giftable box.
The Collection contains:
"Plum" Cherry Oil Lipgloss, "Plum" Lip Butter and Cheek Tint and "Plum" Sunflower & Evening Primrose Eyeshadow 

* Enter code "FORYOU" and get a free "Cherry Lip Kisses" collection and FREE ground shipping on orders $40 or more.

PHILOSOPY - "Home For The Holidays" Crème Brulée gift set  (Reg.$25)  $18
A gift of sweet treats to make you feel at home. Spoil yourself with the pure decadence of crème brulée
multitasking shower gel, body lotion and lip shine.
 * Free shipping on all orders - no minimum thru 11/28 using code: holidayship.

KIEHLS - Creme de Corps Collection ($79 value) $59
Kiehls cherished Creme de Corps products, famous for it's rich in all-day hydration, makes it ideal for pampering dry skin.  Set includes:
Creme de Corps cream (8.4 oz.),
Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Body Polish (6.8 oz.)
Creme de Corps Nurturing Body Washing Cream (2.5oz.)
Lip Balm #1 (.5 oz.)
Ultra Facial Cream deluxe (.25 oz.)
Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate packette (.17 oz.)

*Friends & Family discount of 20% off all orders and FREE ground shipping on orders of $30 & up. Use Code: FAMILY10 (valid 11/26 - 11/30)


And finally....the ultimate gift for any makeup obsessed woman in your life.

MAKE UP FOR EVER - Rock For Ever Dany's Essentials ($597 Value) $299
A rock 'n' roll-inspired makeup case piled high with 29 product favorites handpicked by Dany Sanz, MAKE UP FOR EVER's Creator and Artistic Director.
This set contains:
For Complexion:  HD Elixir; HD Microperfecting Primer; HD Microfinish Powder; Mist & Fix; HD Kabuki Brush
For Eyes:  Smoky Lash, Aqua Smoky Lash;  Aqua Eyes in shades Mat Black 0L (black), Pearly Brown 2L (golden brown sheen), Iridescent Navy Blue 3L (navy blue sheen), and Purple 11L (metallic purple); Aqua Black Waterproof Cream Eye Shadow; Aqua Cream in shades 13 Warm Beige (champagne shimmer) and 15 Taupe (taupe brown shimmer); Eye Shadow in shades Iridescent Yellow Beige 126 (tan beige shimmer) and Iridescent Brown Black 139 (brown black shimmer); Diamond Shadow Diamond Purple 309 (dark purple with silver shimmer); Star Powder in shades Copper 922 (true copper shimmer) and White/Orange 940 (iridescent white pearl peach);  Faux Lash in 21 Floriane and 115 Erin; Travel Sens'Eyes; Double Pencil Sharpener
For Lips:  Rouge Artist Intense in shades 1 (matte flesh), 36 (satin fuchsia), and 43 Moulin Rouge (satin vibrant red); Aqua Cream 5 Peach (peachy pink with gold flecks); Aqua Lip in Nude Beige 1C (light neutral beige) and Red 8C (true red)

READER BEAUTY QUESTION - TINTED MOISTURIZER FOR DARK SKIN

My fabulous Fashion Stylist friend, Kalyn Johnson of the style blog "Possess Your Style" recently emailed me with a makeup emergency.  The tinted moisturizer that she loved and used for years has been discontinued so she needs recommendations for her deeper skin tone.  Her questions seemed liked a great "Reader Beauty Question" to feature on my blog since alot of women of color don't like to wear foundation but want some coverage. Tinted moisturizer gives women the moisture that their skin needs along with a sheer wash of color that blends beautifully.  See below for my top picks of tinted moisturizer for women with deeper skin tones.

PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS:

Alison Raffaele - Tinted Moisturizer in "Dark"  ($35)

Perfect for daytime, the minerals in this lightweight, oil-free moisturizer provide a natural, physical barrier against harmful UVA / UVB rays. Medium coverage with a matte finish.

Bobbi Brown - SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer  in "Dark Tint" & "Deep Tint"  ($40.00)
The perfect alternative to foundation for a more casual look. This tint of natural-looking color combined with sun protection blends smoothly over skin, and moisturizes while providing lightweight, comfortable, sheer coverage. Best for Normal to Dry skin types.

Laura Mercier - Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer Deeper shades: "Almond", "Caramel", "Tan", "Walnut" & "Mocha"  ($42)
This lightweight foundation that can be reapplied as necessary, offers sun protection for sensitive or acne prone skin, oil control, and provides hydration to prevent dryness.

Stila - Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15   Deeper shades: "Bronze", "Warm" "Deep" & "Dark" ($34) 
Reveal the true you with flawless, even-looking skin, with this light, barely-there coverage.  Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer is an instant skin illuminator, combining a tinted moisturizer with SPF 15, and provides barely-there coverage.

Smashbox - Sheer Focus Tinted Moisturizer  Deeper shades: "Medium" & "Dark"  ($30)
A lightweight, oil-free tinted moisturizer packed with vitamins and anti-aging peptides for naturally radiant skin. The formula nourishes as it absorbs excess oil throughout the day, and UVA/UVB SPF 15 guards against future damage so skin stays flawless and protected.

Boots No7 - Soft & Sheer Tinted Moisturiser SPF 15 in "Medium" & "Dark"  ($11.99)
The sheer wash of barely there color will give you a radiant natural glow and even out your skin tone. It contains SPF 15 sunscreen to help protect your skin from the aging effects of the sun and moisturizes for up to 12 hours.

mark - Get A Tint Tinted Moisturizer Lotion SPF 15  in "Almond/Mocha"  ($9)
A lightweight, oil-free moisturizer with just enough color to even out your skin tone and give the appearance of a healthy glow. The unique skin-balancing formula hydrates while it helps prevent shine in those spots prone to excess oil.


I hope this post helps not only Kalyn but other "Karen's World of Beauty Readers."  Please let me know if you have any beauty questions you'd like answered.  Feel free to email me directly or you can leave your question as a Comment to this post. Who knows...you might be featured in the next blog post featuring a "Reader Beauty Question!"

THE MAKEUP SHOW NY (2010) - DAY 1

I can't believe it's been a year since the last Makeup Show but the calendar doesn't lie! I wanted to share the experience of what it's like to attend The Makeup Show in New York for all those aspiring Makeup Artists as well as the everyday women that loves beauty.  As usual, when The Makeup Show comes around I'm stressed and sick (see post from last year) but I didn't let it stop me.  I wanted to see the latest products from my favorite cosmetic brands, new beauty lines, Makeup Artist friends and Beauty Bloggers so I pushed through the pain and here's a visual account of how the day went:

First stop was at Smashbox Cosmetics area...it was packed but I managed to swatch some of their Lip Enhancing Gloss and new Limitless Eye Liners:

Top Row: (Light Gloss Collection) Illume, Orbit, Radiant, Aura
Middle Row: (Medium Gloss Collection): Pixel, Expose, 35 MM, Capture
Bottom Row: (Dark Gloss Collection): Starlit, Tease, Sultry, Electric

Limitless Eye Liner: Onyx (black), Java (dark brown), Black Violet (deep purple), Indigo Ink (deep navy), Peacock (teal)

I also went by the Face Atelier booth to check out their new Ultra Foundation for Women of Color.  Here's a swatch of the new colors:

Top to Bottom: Zero Plus Plus, Heat, #10, #11 mink, #12 sable

Next up was another one of my favorite brands, Stila Cosmetics. I ran into Sarah Lucero, "stila's celebrity makeup artist extraordinaire," who I first met at the NY Fashion Week Blogger Event this February.

Most of the products I wanted was sold out...I was soooo lusting after these new Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liners:

From Top to Bottom: purple tang (Purple with Shimmer), peacock (Cobalt Blue), moray (Olive with Shimmer), blue ribbon (Navy Grey), lionfish (Brown with Shimmer), silverdollar (Metallic Silver), koi (Metallic Gold)

I did get the chance to finally buy my Long Wear Lip Color in "Intriguing"(fuschia) -- it had been sold out forever! I was also able to pick up "One Step Correct" a new product that will be launched in September.  It's a skin tone correcting and brightening serum. Lucky me, I able to buy the last "preview"one available!

A brand that I first met at The Makeup Show last year has become my new love - Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics. Their Lead Makeup Artist Valerie P. Hernadez is truly talented and the sweetest person you'll ever meet. I got to know her better when I covered the NYFW Show for Designer Lois Samuels. Youngbood Mineral Cosmetics was the cosmetic sponsor and their products were used exclusively for the Show. (More info to come on Ms. Hernandez and this beauty brand!)

Below is pic of all the color cosmetics products I purchased and some free L'oreal swag. I was the model of restraint and only purchased things that I really needed or lusted after.  I stuck to my budget and I'm so proud!  I also stocked up on Makeup Artist staples from Alcone like brush cleaner, sponges, puffs, etc.  Nothing glamorous so I didn't post a picture.

I also had the opportunity to meet a new beauty brand, Mai Couture, that I'll be covering in a later post. Here's a sneak preview of their beauty products:

I also ran into a bunch of my Makeup Artist, Beauty Blogger and TPG (The Powder Group) friends.  It's always like a reunion at The Makeup Show. I really enjoyed myself despite being under-the-weather. I can't wait to go back and experience Day 2 tomorrow. Stay tuned Readers!!!!