Stylecurated: 10 YEARS OF THE MAKEUP SHOW NYC

Celebrity makeup artist James Vincent introduces The Makeup Show NYC at the Blogger preview Saturday, May 2nd

Our faces act as canvases of emotional assessment. While confidence, ferocity and elegance flourish, makeup amplifies the fine features that make us memorable. For 2 days (May 3-4), industry professionals, interns and inspired cosmetic artists flock to the Metropolitan Pavilion for tips, tricks and professional products at the 10th annual Makeup Show NYC. Celebrity cosmotologist James Vincent introduces this year's show highlights at Saturday evening's press preview. Keep reading for some of my show favorites...

10 years of The Makeup Show #10YearsofTMS

Ten years in succession, The Makeup Show returns to NYC with a new floor plan and improved roster of retailers. Traditionally a resource for cosmetology professionals, the event brings together vendors, artists and industry leaders in a weeklong discourse of 'artistry, education and community' (as described by Shelly Taggar, owner of The Makeup Show). For Tagger, the event is "not only a trade show or just a place to come shop and take classes, it is a place to get inspired, get focused, to be among your peers and share your knowledge, experiences and love of makeup." According to James Vincent, TMS's Director of Education and Artistry, meeting faces behind the brands fosters an environment of community, not competition.

Temptu Pro airbrush makeup product demonstration

This year, convertible color palettes and mink eyelashes abound; multipurpose cosmetics allow makeup artists to carry fewer products with a wider range of colors and choices. Thanks to technology, HD and contouring makeup have become game changers the cosmetics landscape. Airbrush technology gains popularity and attention to under-eye accents become as important as traditional eye-shadow. To help highlight key trends, show exhibitors include Flutter Lashes, MAC Cosmetics, Senna, Smashbox, Kat Von D Beauty, Sephora, Inglot Cosmetics, NARS, Crown Brush and many others. Professionals and students alike can access keynote and business forums and engage in endless networking opportunities.

Danielle Vincent, founder of Kimiko

Danielle Vincent of Kimiko beauty products catches my eye with a perceptible passion for her product. Japanese for energy (ki), beauty (mi) and youth (ko), Kimiko is also the middle name of the brand's founder. Vincent's passion for skincare is evident in the line of "luxurious makeup with the advanced benefits of cosmeceutical skincare, packaged and designed for the artist within and for everyday ease of use" [source: Kimiko press release]. While the eyebrow pencil is the brand's best-selling product, the lifting pressed powder strikes my fancy with its silky smooth coverage and smartly designed compact (the mirror is accessible without opening the compact!).

Multiple uses for the same pigment by Naked Cosmetics-- eye shadow, lip balm, liner, blush...also can be used in nail polish

Charmed by the pravelant parade of colorful powders, US-based Naked Cosmetics bid me near for a session of style-minded scrutiny. Being a beauty newbie, I excite at the multipurpose nature of the pigmented powders. Starting as a loose eye shadow, the same powder doubles as a darker iteration with water, a lip stick with a clear lip base and a nail color with clear polish; see what you can do with Naked Cosmetics color collections here.

2-year old brand Veil Cosmetics

A newcomer to the cosmetics industry, 3-year-old Veil Cosmetics is the brainchild of makeup artist Sebastien Tardif. Using a proprietary blend of brightening, soothing and hydrating 'lightfast technology,' Veil's water-based formula is cruelty free and hypoallergenic. Specializing in a singular product, Veil's smooth and silky formula simply shines in a sea of choices!

Cosmetics enhance costume

Careful planning has gone into this year's show design. Experts flaunt their craft as students watch, engrossed at each stroke. Vendors occupy the 1st and 2nd floors of the exhibit space, where students and industry professionals can purchase product at discount directly at each booth. Lounge areas are available for a quick bite or break. Multiple presentations and speaker events are available to attendees; look here for the schedule.