A WELCOME WARM-UP TO A BEAUTY EVENT FOR MAKE-UP ARTISTS AND SPECIAL EFFECTS’ MASTERS
PART I – The ORGANIZERS
Text, Images by Judith Ecochard and courtesy of THE MAKEUP SHOW
Saturday May 17th, Metropolitan Pavilion, NYC
The Powder Group’s Makeup Show adds to our notion of Heaven on Earth.
We love make-up…the creativity, the new technology that’s revolutionized the formulations and application techniques, the artists in the biz--- the ability to help individuals “own their looks… and find what works for them.”
In its third season, The MAKEUP SHOW is a professional gathering of vendors and make-up artists, exchanging ideas, testing out the latest gizmos, attending hands on, educational classes and instructive seminars helmed by the legendary names (Sandra Linter! Sharon Gault!) -and of course, taking advantage of that pros-only discount!
Brand new for the show’s press outreach effort- is a Bloggers Preview-organized by the tireless founder/guru of the show, the energetic Michael DeVellis of The Powder Group and the State Pr. Team—on the Saturday prior to the official opening.
What we appreciated most of all (besides recognition!!!!!) is the chance for meaningful face time with some of the top names in the industry---who would be SWAMPED the next two days. Oh yeah-and the first day sellouts of top products at every booth (more about this later) surprised even the sellers. But we digress.
THE 411
We got there a bit earlier than other blogger types –so we splurged on a chat fest with two Powder Group employees---Nissa Slachek, Public Relations Manager… and James Vincent, Director of Artistry and a lead Makeup Artist for the show.
The affable Slachek’s has worked her magic for years, toiling on both coasts and Miami. She clued us in on a new look that she’s favoring-the emphasis on the lower lid’s lashes (and we heard this a lot). “I love hitting the lower lashes with mascara-for a pop in texture…a 60’s feel-that lifts the face.”
Plus Slachek is using bright lemon yellow eyeshadow for Spring/Summer and noted that the application “…depends upon your tool. For a wash (she advises) use a tapered brush-for more pigment, use a flat brush.”
DISLIKES
We got a kick outta hearing this list.
-“Hate GREY LIPS” (Angelina Jolie wannabes take note).”
-“Hate LIP LINER except for a deliberate ‘ghetto’ look.”
-“No linear brows à la Joan Crawford-but she owned it.”
MUSTS
“Good Skin!!! It’s not about concealing and hiding.” AMEN
JAMES VINCENT-BFF in Training
We felt like confessing all of our sins to James Vincent and no wonder:
“I do more counseling now than when I got paid for it, ” the former social worker observes.
No surprise, Vincent agrees that make-up should make one “feel good.”
“It’s all about the individual-what’s wearable and fits your lifestyle” he advises and “New York’s marketability dominates the thinking now.”
Confidence is key.
As in… “finding out what works for you…like Gwen Stefani’s/Rose McGowan’s red lips – and accepting the (graying) changes like Cher (really?) and Deborah Harry.”
He also likes “how attainable celebrity is” and cited Sarah Jessica Parker’s “Sex In The City” (and her apple cheeks) and Paris Hilton’s Malibu blonde looks as inspiring, iconic references.
Vincent also repeats the mantra “beautiful skin and matte-I don’t like to see the makeup texture.” He also sees his role as both makeup artist and educator -“taking away the scary for clients.”
“Women are individuals and need to approach makeup in a positive way- containing the layers of emotional baggage.”
LOVES
In our HD world, Vincent is lovin’ dramatic single lashes and layers of mascara to bring out the definition. “That way, you can keep the rest of the face natural.”
HELLO, HELLO-Holå!
Well we could’of corralled Vincent forever- but as a gaggle of reporters had arrived, we all converged to hear Michael DeVellis –a former MAC PRO guiding light-greet the crowd.
He starts off with a basic talk on how The Makeup Show is different from the other industry shows geared towards all things painterly applied. “Our focal point is to educate, inspire and connect makeup artists with the core buzz in the business..and career development.”
“We came together in a venue while maintaining individual voices. We are strictly a pro-show with a wide range of audiences… a beauty driven show but we have special effects, theater, television and film components too.”
Later, we trolled the aisles as vendors set up their displays---making mental notes for next day interviews…and our wish list.
…to be continued.