TMS Chicago 2014

Hi Everyone! 

As many of you know, The Makeup Show came to Chicago this past weekend. 

What does that mean? It means all the artists in the area go a little shop crazy, drink lots of bubbles and network! 

Trade show madness!

This year was only two days (Saturday and Sunday), as opposed to last years 3 day stay (Sat-Mon), so for a lot of freelance artists it was a little tough to get some shopping in as weekends can be busy!

I did have a wedding on Saturday, but finished early enough to swing by the show afterwards. I made sure to make a game plan and shopping list before leaving the house... 

photo c/o JenBrownMakeup Instagram

I ran into some local artists who I love that were working the show that day including, Martina Sykes, Jamie Dahms, Bek Lieto and Crystal Portillo -- All of who were working with Matt and Paul over at the Frends Booth. 

Photo c/o Martina Sykes

I also ran into the lovely and talented Nicole Rogers of Bombshell Artistry over at The Makeup Light Booth. 

Photo c/o Nicole Rogers

Nicole had the super fun job of creating different hair and makeup looks on her model Noelle. 

Nicole working her magic, creating a beautiful braided updo. 

photo c/o Nicole Rogers
Final look

Nicole created a lot of beautiful looks throughout the show- you can see more of them on her instagram HERE. 

I have to say, I really love The Makeup Light. I spent a lot of time at their booth chatting with the creator/owner Michael Astalos. His wife is actually a makeup artist, which makes sense considering how well thought out this product is. It prepares you for any situation you may run into as a freelancer. Not to mention, the quality of light is beautiful, and I totally bought one :) I'll be expecting mine to show up sometime next week! 
I'll be sure to write a follow up post after using it a few times ;) 

You can obviously find their products at any upcoming Makeup Show, but you can also find where to purchase through their website HERE.  

After stalking The Makeup Light booth, I had the pleasure of meeting artists, seeing beautiful body paintings, and of course, picking up the last few things on my list. 

Kathleen Price, Kate Johnson, Martina Sykes.

 Cirque Du Soleil artist, Kathleen with Chicago artists Kate and Martina. 

House of Glam Models

Beautiful body painted Models, walking around the show!

Orlando Santiago and Matt Morelli

Mega talented Orlando and Matt repping the Frends Booth!
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One very special moment that I failed to document while at the show, was meeting the ultra talented, Eugenia Weston. Eugenia is an incredible makeup artist and also the owner of Senna Cosmetics. 
She saw that I was working Sunday's show at the NARS booth (behold the power of social media), and took the time to swing by our booth, ask for me, and introduce herself. I was so floored by this gesture, that I didn't think to take a photo-- But this definitely made my Sunday :) 
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 After making my rounds, here is my collection...
A bit modest compared to most :) 

Nurturing Force Blot Out Offensive and Twinkle eye cream

Nurturing Force Airbrush cleaner

London Brush Company Vegan Brush Cleaner

Makeup Forever Uplight, Lab Shine glosses, Aqua Lips, and Face and Body Foundation

Mario Badescu Rose Spray and Drying Lotion

Embryolisse Hydra Mat and Lait Creme Concentrate

BDellium Concealer and Lip Brushes

Alcone Pro Makeup Wipes and Sponges

NARS Blush, Bronzers, Shadows and Polishes

Disposables

Not pictured: The Makeup Light Pro Kit 

Temptu S/B Foundations

Whew! 

Believe it or not, that is not everything on my list! I was hoping to get some time to shop on Sunday since I was a little overwhelmed on Saturday-- I also wanted to check inventory and set a budget. 

I was working with NARS on Sunday, and the Booth was SO busy, that I didn't have any time to pick up the final Items I wanted to get, which included.. 

Senna Cream Blush Palette and Brow Palette

MAC empty palettes

INGLOT shadows

Luckily, all these items are available online and all offer discounts. I'm bummed I missed the show prices, but you can't win 'em all! Next year I won't hesitate on the products I know I love (such as the Senna blush palette, which sold out!), so I can be sure to get the best products at the best deals! 

Overall, it was a great show weekend! It was so fun and inspiring to be surrounded by all that talent. I had a great time chatting and catching up with fellow local artists who I never get to see, both at the show and at the Chicago Beauty Exchange's Beauty Mash Up Event!  

Jen Brown and Nika Vaughan

Nika Vaughan and I have partnered to create Chicago Beauty Exchange. 

click the link above for more info!

We wanted to host an event around The Makeup Show, to introduce local artists to some of the national trade show artists and vendors. 

Here are some snapshots from the event.. 

The bar at Quay Lounge

Getting things started

Jen Brown and Traci Fine

Nina Ottolino and Kristen Pulice

Mel Wilson and Matt Morelli

Juan Jose, Jordana, and Jen Brown

Sam and Emily

Oluwaseyi, Natali, Erica and Evelyn

The crowd!

Nika Vaughan and Mel Wilson

We had an incredible event!
Thank you to all the artists who stopped by even after working the show all day! Thank you to The Powder Group for making an appearance as well! We had a great time and hope to host another event like this for next year's show! 

Bad Habits to Break, and Good Habits to Practice...

Let's face it, we all do things we shouldn't! Especially when it comes to our makeup and skin care routines! 

Here are some basic things to keep in mind... Both good and bad...

Bad Habits to Break!

1. Touching your face:

Many times we subconsciously touch our faces throughout the day. I used to do it ALL the time! Until I was on the EL train one day, and had just sat down after standing and holding the bar for stability, and I plopped my chin into my hands! I immediately realized how gross that was and made a vow to stop touching my face! It's an incredibly easy way to spread germs and bacteria to your face which can result in acne, rashes, and other unpleasant results! If you can abstain from it, do it! Make it a conscious thought at all times. 

2. Messing with your zits:

This one is hard. I still struggle with it. You have one big zit that shows up and it's begging to be popped! DON'T do it! Popping zits can lead to open sores and eventually scars! Who needs that? Leave it alone, and it will heal on it's own. Not to mention, it's much easier to cover if you don't fuss with it. 

3. Blowing on your brushes:

This is especially important for working makeup artists, but is equally important for your everyday makeup routine! Why it's so bad - We have over 615 different types of bacteria living in our mouths! When you blow on your brushes, you are spreading that bacteria to your face, and then back into your makeup. This can cause skin irritations and break outs. Just tap your brush against the lid of your product or flick the brush with your fingers. 

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Now that you've heard about some things you should try to avoid, here are some good things to practice and work into your routine.

Good Habits to Practice

1. Use anti-bacterial wipes: 

These wipes are so handy to have around! You should especially try to remember to use them on your cell phone! So many germs and bacteria are crawling all over it and when you put it to your face... well, you get the picture. Regularly swipe your phone with one of those wipes to reduce the chances of breakouts. You also want to use these babies for wiping down your makeup. It's easy to get product all over your containers and drawers, so every once in a while take some wipes to clean everything off! 

2. Wash your brushes:

Clean brushes are SO important! You should try to regularly wash your brushes at least every couple weeks (makeup artists should wash them much more regularly). You can do this by gently swirling your brushes in soapy warm water and rinsing them off until clean water runs through. Lay flat to dry. For in between uses, you can always use an anti-bacterial spray cleaner. This way, you can give a quick clean between uses to kill off any bacteria and prevent muddy makeup application. Many makeup brands carry a spray cleaner including Clinique (one of my favorites!), Sephora , Japonesque , etc. I was going through this stuff so quickly (especially for big parties or in between jobs), that I started making my own. 

Here is a quick recipe: 

1 cup distilled water

1/4 cup rubbing alcohol 

1/2 tbsp dish soap (or castile soap)

1/2 tbsp gentle shampoo (good for oily hair)

1tbsp leave in conditioner 

Gently mix together and pour into a spray bottle! Voila! 

3. Clean out your makeup bag:

This one is very important. Many women hold onto products for much longer than they should! Especially mascara (about 3-5months tops!), but I also see a lot of crumbled old blushes/powders, destroyed brushes, cap-less liners! It is crawling with bacteria and usually isn't as effective. Make up can be an investment, so shop wisely. Clean out your bag monthly (even if you're just wiping them clean, it'll help keep them fresh and you can toss things that have broken!), it's easier to keep up with this way, and it'll ensure that you are keeping products that you actually use. You are constantly changing and growing, and so should your makeup bag!

I hope you have found these helpful and that you'll keep these things in mind! Happy Sunday! And remember, you're beautiful and deserve to take time for yourself!
xoxo, Jen