While not a fashion biz town, Los Angeles is a formidable fashion-shopping town and we certainly held our own last year. Any event that gets people out of their cars and mingling with one another gets a Thumbs Up in my book. Last year there was plenty of music, drink, food, fashion and beauty to keep the street party going all night long all throughout the city. FNO is primarily a fashion-oriented event however you know we makeup mavens will not be denied! As was the case last year, there are several beauty vendors hosting fun events for Fashion’s Night Out as well as several fashion vendors incorporating beauty treats into their Fashion’s Night Out events. Here are some of the ones that caught my eye…

Fred Segal -

The Makeup Show (TMUS), presented by Metropolitan Events is in it’s 3rd year in Los Angeles (it originally began in NYC) and this is set to be it’s best year yet. The two main difference between The Makeup Show and the other main makeup trade show in Los Angeles is that TMUS is open to professionals or aspiring professionals (verified students) only, and it is focused on the beauty aspect of the industry and has no FX vendors or demonstrations.

With it’s focus being on the beauty aspect of the makeup industry, this year’s installment of The Makeup Show boasts presentations from makeup luminaries such as Kristofer Buckle and Patti Dubroff as well as talented emerging artists such as Kathy Aragon and Victoria Stiles. In addition, many lines – such as Stila – will be presenting new products that will not yet be available in other locations and they will be re-instating their Pro Discount program. Likewise Kevyn Aucoin makeup will be … well they say introducing a Pro Discount program but I remember having a discount for that line before, so let’s compromise and say that program has been revamped.

Speaking of pro discounts, as one might expect the shopping at The Makeup Show is extremely serious. A lot of lines that do not show at IMATS (Stila, Smashbox, Inglot, etc.) show at TMUS, often offering show prices on their products. Artists can save themselves a nice chunk of change by planning ahead and getting vital kit items at the trade shows. I buy my Parian Spirit every show without fail.

The festivities kick off tonight (for those who have already purchased a ticket, or who have signed up for one of the hands-on education courses) with a networking soiree from 5:30-8pm which will allow attendees to meet each other along with some of the key presenters in a relaxed setting. The show proper takes place all day on Saturday and Sunday. While some of the education is paid (the hands-on courses) **most** of it is not. The workshops and seminars take place on the floor along side the vendors and exhibitors, so attendees have the opportunity to take in some great information along with shopping until we drop. Click here to see the full schedule and show information here but key workshops/seminars I’m looking forward to are;

- Women in the Industry – Saturday, Feb 26, 10am-11am featuring celebrity/beauty artist Joanna Schlip along with former artist representative Crystal Wright, artist and Sienna Cosmetics owner Eugenia Weston, and television makeup artist and cosmetics line owner Eve Pearl.

- A Career in Makeup: Kristofer Buckle
Saturday, Feb 26, 11:30am-1:00pm ~ and ~

Making Up with Pati Dubroff
Saturday, Feb 26, 3:30pm-5:00pm Working in the rare air of high-end celebrity is a different world from what most artists experience in their careers. If you *really* want to be in that world, it will take planning to make it happen from the very start of your career. These two artists have been at the top of their games for many, many years. Hear direct from the source what it takes to get there and what it takes to stay there.

- Working in Film & Televsion, Sponsored by Make Up For Ever
Sunday, Feb 27, 12:30-1:30pm Likewise, working in Film and Television is a completely different career path from being a print artist. It’s generally rather unrealistic when young, starry-eyed artists say they want to do it “all”. Generally some choices will have to be made. If the Film/TV side of the business tickles your fancy, here’s an opportunity to learn more about that aspect of the bz.

- In addition to the Keynote speakers, there are lots of free demonstrations taking place throughout the course of the weekend. Click here to see the schedule of workshops taking place during the show.

Even if you’re a more established/working artist … I gotta tell you I had a blast at the show last year. It’s always great to network, mingle with your peers, talk shop and shop makeup. Don’t miss a great opportunity to be a part of your professional community.

NBA All Star was last weekend and Awards Show high season ends this Sunday, so I should be less crazy and will be resuming our regularly scheduled Makeup to Go posting next week. Until then I hope to see you at The Makeup Show.

As many of us do, I use the dawn of a new year to set my intentions. Sometimes I’m going for the complete overhaul, and sometimes just a little tune up is all I need. I do so for all facets of my life, looks included! As a beauty professional I, of course, need to look reasonably good most of the time. More importantly, however, as a woman and a human it makes me feel better to take care of myself and look my best. As I mentioned in last year’s Resolutions post, now is a great time to tweak your products, get rid of what’s old or not working, and prep yourself for a new year of Fabulousness!

Here is what I’m planning to do, and hopefully some of it helps you too