THE MAKEUP SHOW NYC 2016

 Portrait by Linda Mason at The Makeup Show NYC Icon Gallery

Makeup is more than vanity--it's hard work! And so maintains the message from The Makeup Show's Director of Artistry, James Vincent. Returning to NYC for an 11th year, show staples NARS cosmetics, Make Up Forever, Kat Von D, Sephora and Ricky's join a slate of carefully curated indie beauty brands to offer professionals a wide range of products across price points and expertise. New this year, the 5th floor Icons Gallery pays tribute to the endearing contributions of Dany Sanz, founder of The Makeup Show and beauty brand Makeup Forever, and artist Linda Mason. Keep reading to see my show picks...

Rave / Rant / Review \\ SUMMERTIME SHADES by SMITH & CULT

Smith & Cult Suburban Warrior (L) and Gay Ponies Dancing in the Snow (R)

Some days (especially rainy ones), 'Related Posts' lead the charge to hours of experiential entertainment. Recently, while reading about the retail woes of GAP and learning 10 tips I didn't know about my iPhone, I stumbled on an older 'related post' about Gay Ponies Dancing in the Snow. Refinery29's article piqued my interest in Smith & Cult's most popular nail lacquer, with its rave review of both the product and the brand's naming convention. In an on-again-off-again relationship with nail art, I was suckered in. I read up on the brand, called their hotline and uncovered a nearby salon that carries a healthy selection of the Jekyll and Hyde-esque nail lacquer collection. After enduring a dramatically demanding week at work, I justified my first $18 purchase of Smith & Cult as an accolade of corporate survival. Keep reading to see how it fared on my fingers...  

COSMETICS + COLORS + COSPLAY

OCC S/S 2015 Color Collection Cosplay

Fostering fun is essential for opportune existence. Given the cool, calculated corporate climate (not to mention long hours), it's easy to let cranky coworkers eclipse enthusiasm. Shaking loose the locks of misery, I've started cultivating "fun" no matter the context or company. In the spirit of enjoying the "every" moments, I perfected a rare Irish farewell and traded extra hours at work this evening for family time... and a flyby of the launch of Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetic's new Cosplay collection. I'm excited to see that OCC's bold new Spring/Summer 2015 LipTar and Nail Lacquer shades come in 6 funky flavors of fun. Keep reading to see more...

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... 

GIMME! GIMME! GLITTER... @INGLOT

Inglot eye shadow #159 and O2M breathable nail enamel #219

  

Cosmetic couture in the form of bi-weekly beauty blasts grace my inbox, courtesy of Melody Joy PR. Yet--over the last year--I neglect the abundant announcements, instead skimming speedily for style-inspired pop-ups and forward-thinking fashion exhibitions. Seizing the moment on a sleep-deprived Sunday evening, I reluctantly read up on Inglot; the rave reviews pique my curiosity. With an early end on a manic Monday, I trek to Chelsea Market--mostly to satiate my craving for cappuccino cinnamon brownies (half price after 5 PM at Fat Witch!) and partly to acquiesce with makeup enthusiasts on Ingolot's latest collaboration. Five floors above the market, Inglot showcases the Gimme! Gimme! Glitter collection, inspired by Mamma Mia (Broadway's 9th longest running show). The brand mixes bold bravado with a hint of shimmery elegance to create a wearable and workable line of cosmetics. Keep reading for a look inside...