I'm way late in getting this post out but better late than never!I always love when it's The Make Up Show time! It's always the motivation I need to keep pushing towards my dream. As a makeup artist we often times get into a funk and The Make Up show is the perfect way to get out of it! Back in November I got the opportunity to work along side AJ Crimson at the Frends booth. I couldn't believe it was happening for me because I remember the first time I met AJ at the first Makeup Show Orlando where he debuted his new cream foundations. I also was the very first person to buy it! And here I am 3 years later working next to him! Such an honor and a blessing! His foundations are truly amazing because he is an actual working artist so he knows first hands what makeup artists look for in a product. Also I love how hands on he is with the product development. One thing I learned working next to him that is if you want something, don't stop until you get it. It doesn't matter how big or small "it" is.
I didn't need too many things for my kit see what i got below:
Unfortunately The Makeup Show wont be back in Orlando until 2016. Looks like I will have to venture out to one of the other locations!
aj crimson
BB Creams: Yay? or Nay?
in BEAUTY
So I asked my Twitter followers what topic would they like me to blog about next and the winner was BB creams.
So let me bring you up to speed if you don't know what a BB cream is. BB stands for "beauty balm". BB creams originated in East Asia and were typically meant to make the skin lighter. Now that these creams have made it to our side of town, different BB creams do different things and have more of a color range. BB creams are supposed to serve as a primer, moisturizer and give you a little bit of coverage. Critics have said BB creams are nothing but an over glorified tinted moisturizer. I'll let you be the judge of that.I have only personally tried 2 BB creams which are the Garnier one and the Stila HD Beauty Balm. I have oily skin so the Garnier BB cream makes me very oily, however they just recently came out with an oil free one. This balm only comes in 2 colors which means it is not very brown girl friendly. The Stila HD Beauty Balm I do love its a bit on the pricier side but I use it as a primer. It has a little bit of color but when you rub it in the color disappears. I have to admit it does feel a little bit heavy on my skin and it does not offer enough coverage for me to wear on its own.Right now there is only one BB Cream that I am personally interested in trying which is Celebrity Makeup Artist AJ Crimson's BB cream.
AJ Crimson's BB Cream claims:
The new AJCRIMSON BB CREAM is formulated with more coverage than the average beauty balm! This is your multi-action skincare + Makeup that: Moisturizes, Protects, and Corrects all in one tube! Available in 8 Signature Shades.Use your favorite shade of AJ CRIMSON BB CREAM as a makeup primer. Apply all over the skin, then lightly add (only where needed) your blend of AJ CRIMSON Creme Foundation for a light, flawless glowing skin that never feels weighed down.
If you check out AJ Crimson's instagram he has reposted pics before and after pictures of real women that have used his BB cream and honestly that is what makes me crazy about them. Right now he is having a sale where you can purchase them at $10 each! To purchase this and more click here.
I think BB creams are great for when you want a little bit of coverage without feeling heavy. I think they are worth a shot in my opinion! It's really about finding the right one that fits your skin's needs. Which BB creams have you tried?
The Makeup Show Orlando Recap
I can't even describe the excitement that The Makeup Show had finally arrived! I know this post is a little late but man the motivation and inspiration I received has me going full speed! So unfortunately I did not get to experience much of the first day because I was scheduled to work, but I couldn't miss the first day! I was only able to stay about 2 hours before I had to leave. I have to admit I was bummed that some major companies (OCC, Mehron, Kevyn Aucoin) were unable to make it due to Hurricane Sandy (I hate her) but it was probably a good thing for my pockets, lol! On the second day attended with my friends/makeup artists. We were like kids in a candy store! I was having major technical difficulties and my phone dies and I had no charger and my stupid digital camera died too (I need a new one, any suggestions)! Luckily fellow blogger Phyrra was a lifesaver (THANK YOU GIRL!) and snapped a couple pics for me but needless to say.....check out her blog for even more pics!
Welp, that's all folks! It was difficult to not go spending crazy! I'm glad I was able to get the 3 things I have been wanting, which is the flash palette by Makeup Forever, brush canister holder by Makeup Forever, and the Cufflette by Koren of EnKore makeup! I'm already looking forward to next year as I am sure it will be even better!
The Makeup Show Orlando
Unless you've been under a rock than you already know about The Makeup Show Orlando! This is the first year this trade show is coming to Florida! I definitely need to write a list down of things I NEED and make a strict BUDGET so I don't go crazy! I swear if I had a child I would probably trade them for some makeup! Ok I didn't mean that, but I seriously have to make sure I don't go on a crazy makeup shopping spree. For my fellow makeup artists this is the best time to stock up on kit essentials. This is also a great way to get your hands on products that we are not able to find in stores locally. Check out the official press release below! 
NEW YORK, NY (October 2012) - The Makeup Show Orlando is excited to bring beauty, inspiration and education to the Sunshine State in less than one month on November 4 and 5. Top beauty brands will congregate under one roof for two days to launch new products and offer exclusive pro-only discounts. Amongst these brands are Diamond Sponsor MAKE UP FOR EVER, Platinum Sponsor Crown Brush and TEMPTU PRO, Supporting Sponsors INGLOT, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, Cosmix School of Makeup Artistry, On Makeup Magazine, and The Powder Group. Other brands include Stila Cosmetics, Embryolisse USA, Kissable Couture, Kevyn Aucoin, Senna Cosmetics, Cinema Secrets, and Graftobian Makeup Co (to name a few). In addition, many of these brands will be hosting seminars and sharing their secrets on the main stage and in the Keynote & Business Forum. A few of the Keynotes you will not want to miss include: 
A Career in Makeup with AJ Crimson
From celebrity clients including Fergie, Estelle, Hillary Duff, Keyshia Cole, and Missy Elliot to his lip gloss brand Kissable Couture, and his own eponymous AJ Crimson brand, AJ has managed to make a name for himself in multiple areas of makeup artistry. In his first time as a featured keynote at The Makeup Show, AJ tells us the truth about building your own name, branding yourself as an artist in diverse areas. AJ will take you through his techniques for flawless application and reveal his secrets for success for the red carpet, for real women and everyoccasion in between.The Journey of Special Effects Makeup with The Wolfe Brothers – Brian and Nick Wolfe (sponsored by Graftobian)
Identical twins, Brian and Nick Wolfe, take to the stage and show you the artistry they have become internationally recognized for while sharing their story about how two young men made a name for themselves in Florida theme parks. Watch and learn as these masters show you what you need to know about body art. Also, taking the Main Floor to educate on the trends of the industry from bridal to airbrush include INGLOT Cosmetics, Stila Cosmetics, MAKE UP FOR EVER, Naked Cosmetics, Crown Brush, Mehron, Senna Cosmetics, TEMPTU PRO, Alcone Company to name a few. For a complete list of Main Floor Seminars and times, visit the schedule here. The Makeup Show Orlando is held on Sunday, November 4, 2012 from 9am to 6pm and on Monday, November 5, 2012 from 9am to 5pm at The Peabody Hotel Orlando, 9801 International Drive. For a complete list of participating brands, educational speakers, schedule of events and prices, please visit www.themakeupshow.com.
About The Makeup ShowThe Makeup Show is owned and produced by Metropolitan Event & Production and travels internationally from LA, NYC, Chicago, Europe, and Orlando. Bringing each destination over 60 beauty brands, and unique convergence of artists and community, where beauty professionals are sure to find an artistic energy that will inspire any beauty buff, from the passionate beginner to the seasoned professional. Each show offers an unparalleled lineup of education and appearances from top beauty professionals and focuses on career building and networking within the makeup community. The show provides a unique experience for the makeup professional to network directly from the best in the business.