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! 

Winter Blues...

Winter can be really hard on people, myself included! 

I find myself becoming more lazy, grouchy, and sad! How to beat this seasonal depression? Here's some beauty tricks and everyday things to work on... 

Look good, feel good. 

This is one of my mottos, so easy and it works! 

Even just putting 5 minutes of time for yourself will help you to emanate confidence and happiness. Add some blush to those cheeks for an instant healthy glow, or play up your eyes for a sultry, fun look! 

Just yesterday I decided to paint my nails a bright, hot pink! It's happy and lovely and makes me smile :)  If you look  the way you want to present yourself to the world and put a little effort into putting yourself together, you will feel a million times better! 

Eating right.

John Wise, provided courtesy of Tonopah Rob's Vegetable Farm

Yes, this one can be tough to do, I can sympathize, because I'm always on the go! It's tough to eat right when you are never home to prepare a meal, BUT that's no excuse. Carry a granola bar, or some almonds in your bag. Throw in a piece of fruit (I was eating those clementines like crazy! So small, easy to throw in my purse!) 

If you find that you are eating lots of veggies and fruits (and plenty of water), you will see a dramatic improvement in how you look and feel. 

Midday headaches? GONE. 

Exhaustion? GONE. 

Take your vitamins, eat right and you'll find yourself with more energy, better skin, and an upbeat personality :) 

Exercising.

Valeo weights via Amazon.com

Yet another one I personally struggle with... Even just making sure you take a walk will make a difference! You need to get those endorphins movin'! It's hard to find the motivation with the cold and dark days, but I found it helps to NOT think about it. Just get up and start moving! 

Self Tanner.

TanTowel.com

I know that in the winter I feel gross because I look sad and sickly. One of my major problem areas are my dark circles under my eyes! I have had them since I was a kid, they are genetic and will never go away. BUT they show up more, the paler I am (ahem, winter results in a very pale jenny), so to make me feel healthier and happier, I use a self tanner. 

I use the Tan Towels. They are easy to use, go on evenly, and look natural. There are tons of great self tanners nowadays, so don't be afraid! Also, spray tanning is much better than it used to be. A little more of an investment, but they look awesome and are perfect for a full body tan for a special event. 

Sunlight 

ie: real sunlight, no tanning beds

www.thirdage.com

I used to be a tanning bed novice myself until I learned all the horrible things this artificial light was doing to my skin! 

First and for most, STOP TANNING IN BEDS! It is horrible for your skin, increases your chances of skin cancer (dramatically) and will AGE YOU!! Hence the reason we makeup and skincare folks preach the importance of an SPF everyday! Protect your skin from the sunlight and your skin will thank you. 

DO, find a sunny place in your home, office or school. Sitting in the sunlight will give you that vitamin D you've been missing. Open the shades and read a book (take a break from the computer, your eyes will thank you). 

Lighting

full spectrum bulb from ehow.com

Replace your lightbulbs with full spectrum bulbs. These mimic natural sunlight, so on those dark, gloomy days, you can have that artificial sunlight to fill the void! 

Just remember, you deserve to feel your best! Do what's best for you, and take the time for yourself. It's the most important thing you can do :) 

xoxo Jen