So every year for the last 4 years now I have always been in attendance at all of the Holiday Pop Up Shops that The Makeup show has presented. I guess you would say I’m a loyalist to the beauty industry. But this year was a bit different for me with this Pop Up Shop.
I’ve matured as a shopper (meaning I’m less of an impulse shopper and more of a focused and neccessity shopper with purpose and direction) I am a more seasoned shopper and a Pro MUA (not the novice or MU enthusiast). when I make a purchase guaranteed I will be using it for work on some show the next day!
So okay I went with a plan as I usually do to most of these shows so I’m not aimlessly walking around dazed by all I see then winding up getting items I eally dont want or need. then they have the nerve to give you a free drink ticket (I didn’t endulge, only causes more brainless shopping!!! LOLOL!!!). So I remained sober! And was even more super sober when I finally added up my purchases at the end of the evening.
I went in with a specific budget and proudly didn’t go over it at the show. However I did reserve two big ticket items that most definintely were on my list but not in the budget at that time (but I wound up getting those items later for a special show price still being honored by the vendor).
Dates for The Makeup Show NYC have been set. Mark your calendars for May 1-2, 2016. Register to Get Updates to be notified as exhibitors and presenters are announced and when tickets go on sale.
Exhibitors
The information below is from our The Makeup Show NYC 2015.
I have been wanting to review this product since it was first introduced in the mid 90’s!!! black|Up Cosmetics Paris. Yes, I have been an avid follower of this product line. They were first released overseas in Paris in the mid 90’s and were doing what seemed to be well then suddenly disappeared!!! I was mortified because before I could even give them shout outs they had gone AWAL!!
I first found out about them when I was on tour with Mary J. Blige as her Makeup Artist. We had a brief stop over performance and promotion in Paris. I met a few young ladies there who introduced me to the line and told me where I could get it! And I indeed found it and purchased some foundations in the line and bought them back to the US! In fact I had used it for my own personal use and also for a few of my clients and I loved it!! Until I ran out and could no longer access the product!!!
The black|Up Cosmetics Pro Catalogue. Full Color product selections with high gloss pages. 75 pages of beauty!! Magnifique’!!
PANIC MODE 101!!! Client loves the colors you’re using…wants you to buy the product for them for their personal use…me…PRO MAKEUP ARTIST…BLANK STARE!!! WTH!!!! I can’t find them anywhere!!!! WHAT DO I TELL MY CLIENT…until now…close to 10years later! Revamped, repackaged, reformulated and rebranded…ready for action! IT WAS WORTH THE WAIT HONEY!!! YASSSSSS!!! Don’t miss this opportunity guys! I say stock up on this amazing brand designed unapologetically for Women of Color!!
Here I am in full black|Up makeup I used all the colors in one shot to get this makeup look. I use the CC Cream Foundation #04 daily(this is my Summer Tanned Skin color, my Winter color is #03,this is my normal skin toned color)
While on tour in Europe numerous times going to the best makeup shops I could barely find beautiful colors for Women of Color!!! I was highly offended!!! Then I thought really??? I mean for real people of Color are truly a minority in Europe…but not in the rest of the world so what can you expect from this market! And imagine a line for Women of Color over here would fly off the shelves simply because their beauty needs are being met!
I’m not here to apologize for my blackness or for any comments I make regarding any brand that is not inclusive of Women of Color. As far as I’m concerned I want to solely deal with brands that speak to my complexion without having to worry if I’m going to look grey, green or just chalky. I want a brand that suits my complexion and yes, there needs to be more brands worldwide for Women of Colors choosing!! NO APOLOGIES!!
Here are the colors that were sent to me and I am thrilled to say …I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS LINE!! Everything about this line I LOVE!!
Here are the eyeliners (liquid gold and orchid colored gel pencil eyeliner) and concealer
I am in absolute awe of this liquid eyeliner!! I can’t believe I’ve never had anything to compare to it EVER in my Pro Kit!!! And honey I’ve had my kit full of products that have come and gone in my 27year career!! I’ve got to order like 4 more of these!!! Long wear and waterproof for real waterproof (even with dish soap I couldn’t take it off!)
Here are the blushes in the colors 01(Fuschia Pink) and 11(Shimmery Coral).
BONUS
So ok, listen if you are not sure of how the colors of the foundations will work on you, you can always test it out with these blister packs that have a range of 4 shades to test! Shads #04-#09 uhh and there are 16 shades to choose from that selection were just the colors they chose for me based on knowing my skin tone. AMAZING CUSTOMER SERVICE!!! What more could you ask for.
Dirty work, but somebody’s got to do it! Well, guess what not all makeup is pretty makeup!
Makeup in any communication medium is used to help tell and sell the story. I mean think about it, if everyone looked handsome or pretty all the time in an action film, horror film or just everyday occurrence films we’d say “Hey!! That’s not realistic!”or we’d simply be confused about what happened in the film.
In vintage black and white films a lot was left to the imagination but in today’s modern world people want to see the what only a generation before imagined! We now have high tech special effects and all kinds of scenarios that require a special type of makeup.
Now let me be clear here, I’m not touting my ability to do high end extensive Special Effects Makeup but, I sure do appreciate it! I’m what you’d call a LIGHT SPFX Makeup Artist. The bigger guns I just call the SPFX Specialists.
Okay now on this post I’m here to talk about light SPFX makeup….DIRT, Grime, Soot and the like. In my Day Play kit I usually carry around some of everything because you never know what you’ll be asked to do with the makeup.
In my Dirt Kit I carry the following:
1) 3-4 types of dirt POWDER(black, dark brown, tan and sometimes desert (a brick brownish red powder) LIQUID SPRAY, DIRT BAG or CREAM DIRT.
2) 3 spray pouf units (to dispense powder in layers for a more real effect and less dirt on my hands so I can continue working)
3) Glycerine (I use this for sweat and tears effects, you can always substitute it with another element i.e. sunscreen, Vaseline, baby oil, etc.)
4) Blood (liquid (light, regular and dark dried thickened), fresh scarring blood, scab blood and blood capsules.
5) Tear Maker Vaporizer (use this item with caution cause it really makes people cry because the menthol is concentrated)
6) Stippling Sponge (I use this to add layers and visual texture)
7) A makeup protector cape ( to protect your actors clothes until they are dressed in full wardrobe from the wardrobe department. We don’t want to get anyone’s day clothes dirty! Lolol)
Here’s my mini “Dirt Kit”I take this one with me when I’m Day Playing, if more is needed the department head and department key will have full sized supplies.
While I was working on Boardwalk Empire we had to prepare for a big explosion scene. This explosion was to occur on the Boardwalk with several stores, buildings and part of the actual Boardwalk being blown up. Thank goodness the professionals were there NYFD and NYPD and explosive experts.
Here I’ve applied soot & grime makeup to 2 Actors for the upcoming explosion scene for the HBO TV series Boardwalk Empire. My gentleman is in stage 1 of makeup. My lady is in complete makeup stage 1 & stage 2 of the process.
Here I’m applying soot & grime makeup to my Actress for the upcoming explosion scene for the HBO TV series Boardwalk Empire.
Here my Actress is showing off the first stages of her soot & grime hands. The second step is more dirt/soot under the nails and some blood and cuts (imagining broken glass flying and brusing of some sort)
Ve Neil on Blood and Dirt Effects
Green + Street on working Dirt Effects
Love Manhattan Wardrobe Supply, it’s usually where I get specialty items like my dirt and other hard to find supplies.
Overall, every MUA has their own technique in creating the look. No two techniques are the same but you can learn from different artists and create your own. When you’re creating a dirt look you have to really think about the context of the scene and what would actually happen in that scene. Ask yourself these questions:
1) What’s the action going on in that scene?
2) What does the script call for?
3) What does the set look like?
4) What is the wardrobe doing?
5) What level of dirt does the scene call for?
6) What type of dirt? Wet, dry, lumpy, oily, black, brown, red, tan?
7) What type of blood would be needed to complete the look or if blood is needed at all?
Okay, I’m done…hope this was useful to you. Signing out!
Where do I begin this post?…Mmmm maybe I could start with the fact that highlight is like the biggest deal now in makeup application. It’s become truly the highlight of the whole application process.
We now live in a makeup world where under eye brightening is a focus in makeup styling and, dare I say it but it appears to me that this is the “Millennial’s ” offering to an eras makeup styling.
So to be sure one gets the maximum effect in highlighting in my estimation is a two step process. Best scenario a highlighter pen and a wisp of some glorious shimmery pressed pot, mineral or baked powder.
Here’s my review for M•A•C’s Prep + Prime Highlighter. Now lets be perfectly clear several companies now have highlighter pens that are also designed to act as a highlighter.
Here I have 3 colors, (waiting on the 4th color, Radiant Rose) I have
Light Boost
Bright Forecast
Peach Lustre
The highlighter comes in this convenient click pen dispenser. I like how you can control the liquid product within the confines of the pen and brush with a cap top to prevent leaking spills. Only one drawback to all products that have this style of packaging is that you have to twist and click a couple of rounds before the product comes gushing out!
Once the product is out it’s perfect! Love the fact that you get so much product in this small slender pen. Please note that it’s 3.6 ml or 0.12 ounces which I think is quite ample for just a highlighter. And trust me on this one, a little goes a long way!
Another note, you’ve gotta work quickly when applying this product because it tries quickly and sets in place for extended wear!! You can use it over or under your foundation. I wouldn’t attempt to build this product up too much because its kinda opaque and may not look good with another layer added ontop.
My favorite of the 3 is Bright Forecast for sure! Okay now, all three have a shimmer to them and are quite lovely but the Bright Forecast to me has the most noticeable shimmer of the 3 and I simply adore this one. It’s like a pink/golden color, it’s a keeper! Only drawback in this color is it’s the in between color which means it may be too dark for lighter complexions and too light for darker complexions.
I also feel like these pens colors can be versitile for use as a blusher or blush transition color. You can always add more shimmer with a shimmery powder as I’d previously suggested.
This product seems to be water resistant as well. When I last used it, it stayed on for about 10 hours without retouching and was best removed by an oil based makeup remover. Overall I do like this product again for several reasons. This one will also become a staple in my Pro Kit!
Every year there is a season when the beauty industry is swamped with industry trade shows showing off the best of the best. a list of exhibiting seasoned and ipcoming beauty vendors all servicing ip their best products you may or may not find in departments stores or beauty supply chain stores. Wall to wall Pro MUA’s and Makeup Enthusiasts @themakeupshow clamour to find the latest and greatest items, not to mention a myriad of known and upcoming makeup brands!
I’m still in recovery from the show (walking the floors). And just getting into all my latest goodies from the show. Playing with colors and loving my new palettes from Alcone (hate messy kits so organising with these palettes is fun to me).
Loved seeing all my colleagues and meeting new ones. A makeup lovers paradise. A shopaholics paradise! If you happened to miss IMATS then it’s good you dropped in on The Makeup Show.
My next two shows…next week 14-15th, LUXE Packaging and HBA Global Expo and Conference in June.
Repping ALCONE at home @themakeupshow! Just look at these colors! Not only are they highly pigmented and longwearing but the packaging and organization of all your faves in one palette is a winner in my book! Hate messy makeup kits!!!!
Today I had the honor of meeting the reps for one of my FAVORITE revamped makeup brands @blackup Cosmetics! Can I shout about how really gorgeous this line is?! Stay tuned for what’s about to happen with the line…it’s gonna be GREAT!!
Repping ALCONE at home @themakeupshow! The beauty blender sponge and sponge cleaner. Just look at these colors! Uhhh yeah Ive got 4 of each color! Blend away my dolls blend away!!!
It was last year (2013) April at IMATS (International Makeup Artists Trade Show) that I’d first met Sharon Gault aka Mama Makeup. We’d know of each other for many years as she and I both have worked with world renowned photographer David LaChappelle over the years (very few MUA’s get that opportunity because his “family” is tight knit). I was with a friend of mine while passing through the myriad of vendor booths and standing quietly at the RCMA booth, I saw the profile of one fire red head diminutive girl speaking with an older man. I immediately knew who she was,…it was indeed Sharon!
I walked over to her and said “Hi Sharon, I’m NZINGHA.” Immediately she hugged me ,”NZINGHA! OMG! For real, finally I get to meet you! I’ve heard so much about you!” We hugged and giggled like two little girls in a candy store. “Sharon I’m so happy to meet you too! I looked and instantly knew it was you! How are you muffins?! How’s David doing? Tell him I said hi!”
We talked for quite a bit before I was able to introduce her to my friend who was with me shopping and enjoying the show. Sharon immediately introduced me to the makers of RCMA cosmetics and we all chatted. She and I immediately found a place to sit down and chat for about an hour! We spoke to each other with no reservation and telling our life stories to each other. It was truly a sister bonding moment, like we’ve known each other for years. And in a way we have…through our art.
I wanted to talk with Sharon forever it was such a joy. Her presence is warm and fuzzy yet powerhouse all rolled into one. We talked about everything but makeup!!! Hahaaaahaa! We mostly talked about life in the fast lane of life and family.
As I looked at her I thought what a doll baby, how could anyone treat her with malice or cruelty. I recalled briefly in my mind her time on tour with Madonna and the ugly behaviour Madonna displayed in the film “Truth or Dare” and I thought about Sharon “You can’t stop a great woman from being who she is destined to be!!!” Sharon moved past Madonna and anyone or anything else that may have appeared to be an obstacle! “Team Mama Makeup” all the way!!!
I also recalled many years back while I was on tour with Janet Jackson, as the tour was coming to a close I got a call from someone telling me about Madonna’s tour and her looking for a Makeup Artist, I’d been referred.
After seeing that Truth or Dare all I could think of was “not gonna work for any amount of $$$” my West Indian self and her…”Nah man, mi a haffa go beat her pon she head, mi no take tea fa di feva, she come bruk up mi son! Mi give her new eyeshadow called “FIST”!”
I was young and extra spicy then, Lololol! My reply to that person who called me was a healthy no and boy am I glad about that. Had I gone out on that tour I would’ve missed the whole new wave of R&B artists that were about to kick the door down.
Sharon was also on that wave with her roster of musicians and actors that seem endless to even mention. Did I mention Lady Gaga? No?…Lady Gaga….team MAMA MAKEUP all the way! Needless to say Sharon is a fabulous face force to be reckoned with! Some say their brush is not a magic wand but in the hands of Sharon Gault I beg to differ!! Sharon is pure magic on makeup,…the skin comes alive with warmth, depth and boldness.
The original interview with Sharon Gault aka Mama Makeup by Vaga Magazine
Like many people who grow up with little means, the choices are: become a victim of your situation, or use it as an impetus to break free. Though her childhood may have been bleary, her escape (as it is for many) was the world of fashion. Collecting fashion magazines like some people collect baseball cards, Gault had every issue of Vogue: “I was obsessed with collecting my Vogue magazines, and I loved the make-up in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s.”
Surprisingly, make-up was not where Gault started off. Sharon Gault got her start as a wannabe photographer in California after she became infatuated with a sexy boxer named Lee Canalito. “He looked like a Michelangelo sculpture – he is so beautiful. I started photographing him and photographing things at the gym.”
But as a babe on a budget, photography soon proved to be an expensive habit this was back in the days when people still used film – imagine that. So Gault got a job as a receptionist at Vidal Sassoon.
And thus a new chapter began.
“I used to have a Farrah Fawcett kind of hairdo, like feathered hair and highlights. So I became a hair model.” Her mane soon became the sounding board for Vidal Sassoon. Red, black, platinum, asymmetrical cuts, shaved, she did it all. “I’d go from having this long gorgeous lion’s mane hair to cutting all my hair off, being a house model at Sassoon.”
Though she loved modeling the different looks, Gault’s interest ran deeper than just the superficial.
“I was fascinated at how hair revolutionized fashion and I was really excited about studying what Vidal Sassoon did and how he created his signature shape.”
Her fascination with hair soon led to Gault doing hair for others. She studied at the Vidal Sassoon Academy where she honed her skills as a hair and make-up artist.
Her charming, personality and skills soon took her to the top of the celeb circuit where she notably became famous for appearing in Madonna’s movie, Truth or Dare. Under the guidance of Peter Savic, she keyed the hair for the background dancers and singers for Madonna’s Blonde Ambition tour.
Though she may not have become Madonna’s BFF, she did find a soulmate in David LaChapelle. “He’s the closest thing to a husband I’ll ever have,” she jokes. After meeting LaChapelle at a photo shoot in New York, the two became fast friends.
“I was assisting a hairdresser and someone on set said, ‘If you and David LaChapelle meet each other, you will be inseparable.”
And inseparable they were. She went on to become LaChapelle’s muse, working with him on an i-D magazine shoot in which she appears naked lying underneath a bubble perched on a field. Gault may have appeared calm and serene, but in reality she was lying on a trash landfill.
“I’m lying on this landfill, sweating, thinking I’m going to get some bad toxic thing in my system. I’m sitting there crying. And they had no permits and the police were driving by, and here I am naked, and everybody is looking at my coochie.”
Though most people might be a little hesitant about appearing naked even if they have model-perfect bodies, Gault says she was comfortable being photographed nude.
“My mom tried to teach us to honor our bodies. It’s that side of me that likes to show that people love me for me, not for my body.”
Not unlike what she did for the Calvin Klein “Pepper” fragrance commercial.
The commercial was all about encompassing different body types, different people,
and different looks.
“Kate Moss used to live with me, and it’s so nice because it opens up with Kate talking – and at the end it’s
me, and I’m like, ‘It’s for you, it’s for me, it’s for everyone.’ Like we’re all one.”
Okay, so Ive been asked this question over and over again by Pro’s as well as novice Makeup Artists and makeup enthusiasts alike…”What’s in a Professional Makeup Artists Kit?” Young Makeup Artists have you ever wondered how much money it will take to build your Pro Kit?
Have you ever been asked by the production company the “INVENTORY LIST” for your Pro Kit during filling out your “Start Paperwork” (this is required for the reimbursement of product in the rental of your Pro Makeup Kit)?
Well, every Professional Makeup Artist should have an “INVENTORY LIST” of what’s in their kit and the makeup and makeup supplies, tools and miscellaneous items they have in storage. If you don’t have it it’s time to do some “Spring Cleaning” and organize that kit! Out with the old and in with the new!
Just to help you get started, here’s a sample of an older version of my former Pro Makeup Kit. Some items are a staple in the kit and others have been updated as new and more efficient products are being manufactured. Your inventory list would best serve you in an Excell Spread Sheet so you can list all items, quantities and price points for each item.
NZINGHA’s Makeup Inventory List
(SAMPLE)
Shu Uemura Makeup Case $800.00
2 Small Lavender Suitcases $300.00
Makeup Brushes (Various Brands) $2000.00
1 MAC Lip Conditioner $12.50
1 MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner w/SPF $14.00
1 MAC Embelish Glitz Gloss $14.00
8 MAC Brow Set (Various Shades) $12.50
6 MAC Eye Brow Pencil $13.50
1 MAC Fix + Spray $15.00
1 MAC EZR $29.00
1 MAC Day SPF 15 Light Moisture $25.00
1 MAC Moisture Feed/Skin $27.50
1 MAC Strobe Cream $25.00
8 MAC Select Cover Up (nc20, nc45, nw30, nw25, green, peach, nw40, nc30) $14.00
1 MAC Fast Response Eye Cream $27.50
20 MAC Lip Glass (Various Shades) $14.00
6 MAC Lipliners $12.00
1 MAKE Ready Brightening Mist $32.00
1 MAKE Away Mist Away $32.00
1 MAKE Under Transparent Coverage $32.00
4 MAKE UP FOR EVER Waterproof Eyebrow Kit $24.00
1 MAKE UP FOR EVER Corrective Makeup Base $24.00
6 MAKE UP FOR EVER Diamond Powder $24.00
2 MAKE UP FOR EVER Loose Powder $26.00
1 MAKE UP FOR EVER #5 Camouflage Cream Palette $36.00
1 MAKE UP FOR EVER Lipliner Concealer $18.00
6 MAKE UP FOR EVER Glitters $18.00
1 MAKE UP FOR EVER Metalizer $36.00
1 MAKE UP FOR EVER Puff Pouch $35.00
1 MAKE UP FOR EVER Freelancer Bag $45.00
1 MAKE UP FOR EVER Touch Up Smock and Bag $
1 MAKE UP FOR EVER Makeup Brush Case $32.00
1 MAKE UP FOR EVER Set Bag $45.00
1 MAKE UP FOR EVER Makeup Apron $30.00
2 Kevyn Aucoin Liquid Shimmer (Various Shades) $24.00
3 Kevyn Aucoin Pencil Liners (Black, Brown, White) $26.00
2 Kevyn Aucoin Lip Gloss (Bliss, Aurora) $27.00
2 Kevyn Aucoin The Pure Powder Glow $37.00
1 Kevyn Aucoin The Essential Eye Shadow Set $45.00
4 Kevyn Aucoin The Expert Lip Tint $34.00
12 Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer $45.00
1 Revlon Fineline Natural Brow Pencil $3.14
2 Revlon Fineline Natural Brow Pencil Refills $3.00
6 Prescrptives Liquid Eyeshadow (Various Shades) $24.00
6 Prescriptives Adjustable Coverage Pressed Powder (Various Shades) $35.00
6 Prescrptives Colorclick Eye Sticks (Various Shades) $16.50
12 Prescriptives Liquid Foundations (Various Shades) $32.00
12 Lancome Juicy Tubes (Various Shades) $16.50
1 Laura Mercier Foundation Primer $34.00
1 NARS Body Glow $60.00
6 JAPONESQUE FAST LASH THICKENING FIBERS $14.00
2 JAPONESQUE Heated Eyelash Culers $14.00 2 JAPONESQUE Brow/Groomer/Scissor/Comb $13.40
2 JAPONESQUE Preo Prescision Lash Curler $34.00
1 Calvin Klien Liquid Crystals for Body $20.00
1 Calvin Klein Eye Glass $25.00
6 Posner Cover Cream $6.99
7 Vera Moore Lipstick Palettes $30.00
3 Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs $12.95
6 Posner Derma Color Camouflage Crème $6.99
6 NZINGHA Beaute` Lipglosses (Various Shades) Not Yet Priced
6 Pack of Purell Hand Sanitizer $4.00
2 Double Sided Metal Makeup Pencil Sharpener $20.00
1 Samuel Par Blemish Pen $12.00
1 Duo Eyelash Glue $3.00
1 Mavala Clear Nail Polish $3.75
1 Travel Size Visine $4.00
1 Box of Square Cotton Makeup Remover $12.00
1 Box of Square Makeup Blotters $30.00
1 Carmex Jar $5.00
1 Nosehair Clipper $12.99
Small Set Lip Palette Cases (Various Lipstick) $25.00
2 Alcone Professional Foundation Palette $30.00
1 Hard Candy Training Brow Dark Hair Girl $24.00
1 Small 5 Comparment Makeup Pallette $27.95
1 Small Tortoise Set Foundation Palette $30.00
1000 Small Pink Cotton Squares $36.00
1000 Triangular Sponges $100.00
1000 Small Clear Spatulas $36.00
25 boxes Double Sided Point Q-Tips $51.25
2500 Double Sided Small Round Q-Tips $.33ea
1 Viseart Professional Makeup-Palette $30.00
12 Mark Traynor’s Temporary Face & Neck Lift (Brown) $19.00
1 Dozen Alcone Professional Makeup Sponge $20.00
1 Small Black Fan $19.99
2 Double Sided Black Mesh Makeup Bags $12.99
1 Prestige Individual Eyelash Curler $16.00
6 Small Pack Brumisateur Evian $10.00
2 Small Artisan & Artist Standup Hand Mirror $30.00
3 Cinema Secrets Brush Cleaner 32oz Containers $25.00
1 Box of Dental Floss Sticks $4.35
1 Travel Size First Aid Kit $5.00
1 Johnson & Johnson Baby Oil Gel $3.95
24 Case Lashes (Various Styles) $24.00
1 Pack of Straws (36 units) $.99
6 Pack of Wet Wipes
Now here’s a visual update of my current kit found on Pinterest. This visual display makes it easy for me to know what’s in my kit as assisting me in creating the updated inventory list.
This years IMATS (International Makeup Artists Trade Show) felt very different for me. As the excitement grew for me toward this years upcoming IMATS I was anticipating it’s greatness! Yet sadly, somehow it fell a bit short of my expectation.
Being a Gold Card holder does have perks to it however this year the “perks” weren’t necessarily “perk”ulating so to speak. I waited on that long line for entry, only because I wasn’t quite sure if I could just breeze past the line to the check in desk inside.
This year my card was set to expire and I didn’t know it until one amazingly helpful staff member immediately took care of the situation online as I was registering and immediately issued me a new card. This card renewal happened on Thursday and I got my new card info in 10minutes.
When I returned on Sunday for my full on “Haul”. I’d gone to one of the floor staff as you enter by the front desk. I told her I was a Gold Card carrier and showed her my badge.
She proudly and abruptly went on to say “Did you register?” I said “Yes”she went on to say “Well, you need to register and get a wrist band in order to enter!”. The male staff member that was standing next to her overheard the dialog. So I then showed her my wristband id, she said, “So, that was on Friday you need to register for today!”
My first instinct was to give this rude young lady one good backhanded thunderclap into reality and respect when speaking to an older person (although I’ve been told I look like I’m in my late 20’s, don’t get it twisted!!).
I thought once again I will take the high road and proceed to the front desk. The male staff member said “I’m sorry Miss please come with me and immediately have me a new band and sent me on my way.
The Gold Pro Card status states as such on the web: “The Gold Pro Card is available to make-up artists represented by agencies, top trade unions or make-up effects shops or those working in theater. With the Gold Pro Card, you get free entry into all IMATS locations and pro-only times at select IMATS, as well as a 50-percent discount on Make-Up Artist magazine subscriptions, a 10-percent discount at the Make-Up Artist Shop and other benefits.”
It also said when I initially applied for the card in 2011,Gold card holders would not have to wait on line for entry. Overall I had a lacklustre experience at this years IMATS.
Last years Pro day was a pleasure. And there was a uniqueness to the treatment of the Pro Artist not to mention wine and appetisers being served as you browsed the isles, mingled with your colleagues, made reserved orders with vendors and shopped till you dropped.
This year seemed as if the show were geared toward the makeup enthusiast. Enthusiasts who just wanted to shop for cheap makeup.
No interest in demos from Pro’s who donate their time and skill. And no interest in panel discussions with the Pro’s and most definitely no interest in the Makeup Artist Museum. It just felt like a massive “selfie” crowd that could care less about the Pro aspect of makeup or its proper application.
This years “Haul” for me was rather scant as several items were sold out. Lets just say for my future attendance I will only relegate it to the Pro day.
Viseart Eyeshadow Palettes
The Makeup Bullet
Royal & Langnickle 13piece Travel Brushes/LUST
The London Brush Company Solid Brush Cleaner in “Young Coconut” scent
Alconeathome & Graftan Lipglosses in “Joy” & “What Lolita Wants”
Contestants from the SyFy Channel’s show “Face Off”.
Every year I make it a point to attend ALL trade shows. But this trade show is very near and dear to my heart. Dunno why but ,perhaps it’s always the fact that its specifically geard toward the working professional Makeup Artist, that I get to see new and upcoming brands, or the trade show pricing on all the items I’d been looking for or just seeing some of my Makeup Artist colleagues.
Whatever the lure is its always love! I love going and seeing the Makeup Museum at the show, last year was especially great with all of the makeup memorabilia. I love seeing the work of my fellow film and TV Makeup Artists.
Now, I will say this to all who’ve never attended before…WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES!!! Why because you will find yourself running up and down the isles like it was the last day on earth!! Lololol! All the pretty colors and shimmering items for a makeup junkie is like eye candy on steroids! HERE’s THE NY FLOORPLAN
And for those of us who are pro’s at trade shows come with a game plan. A strategy how to get the most and best products for your kit out of the show. I always suggest going to the demos to learn something new from other Pro Artists and not just to shop till you drop.
The Makeup Artists world is slightly different than that of the “Beauty Industry”. The beauty industry is more product focused in opposition to being Artist focused. The two do go hand in hand however if there were no Artist the product would just sit! It takes a visual demonstration to really get anything on the shelves to move. This is one of the reasons why I LOVE IMATS!! It’s Artist focused.
Here are some my pictures of last years 2 day jaunt at IMATS 2013.
The line was round the corner and down 3 NYC BLOCKS!!!
Yassssssss I’m a Gold Card holder guess its one of the perks I’ve earned after 25+ years of being a working Makeup Artist in the entertainment business.
Here are pics of the various demos and products.
The Makeup Museum. Loved this exhibit last year!! Featuring the work of some incredible Artist working on Broadway, Film and TV. Vintage Makeup and Hair products.
Here an offering to the Makeup Museum by the Makeup Artist for the film “Lincon” is a gigantic bust hand sculpted by the Artist Kazuuhiro Tsuji. There was an accompanying film created and produced by MUD taking a retrospective look at Kazu’s journey in makeup. The film was shown at the Pro Night opening of the IMATS show.
Here photos from my FAVORITE demo last year from the Makeup Artists who worked on OZ the Great and Powerful.
So every year for the last 4 years now I have always been in attendance at all of the Holiday Pop Up Shops that The Makeup show has presented. I guess you would say I’m a loyalist to the beauty industry. But this year was a bit different for me with this Pop Up Shop. 
The Glam Squad Files... 