#MakeupBizTalk – The Makeup Show Los Angeles 2012 Preview

Shopping:

One of the benefits of the show is of course the shopping. Vendors are generally offering their products and pro prices or special “show” discounts and they often introduce new products at the shows. All of the usual suspects – who are also show sponsors – will be there; Inglot, Crown Brushes, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, Smashbox Cosmetics and of course Make Up For Ever. Kevyn Aucoin Cosmetics joined the show last year and I am happy to see that they are returning this year. For those of us who need/use high end product in our kits it is nice to be able to have access to this brand at a nice discount. Also Anastasia of Beverly Hills – famous for their brow grooming products – will be joining the show this year. Other than that it seems to be all of the usual suspects.

Education:

The strength of The Makeup Show in my opinion is always the education. The difference between The Makeup Show and the other large makeup show that is happening later this year is the Makeup Show is still for the trade only and it is geared towards the beauty/print side of the industry versus the film/tv/fx side. The education offered is geared towards all aspects of the beauty business – from bridal to high end print – and there are workshops and classes for all levels of artists. Classes which caught my eye this year are;

Saturday, 3/17

12:30- 1:15pm
Studio Focus: Kitten Liner, Bold Brows, and Bright Lips- Lori Taylor for Smashbox

We all love the look of a sultry cat-eye with a bold lip. The reality is that these are not entirely easy looks to do beautifully. Learn some tips on achieving these looks from Lori Taylor, lead artist for Smashbox Cosmetics. Lori regularly leads teams of artists for Smashbox during Fashion Week as well as being the artist behind Smashbox’s advertising and promos. She stays at the vanguard of what is in now and what is going to be in for the future.

2:00 – 3:30pm – KEYNOTE SPEAKER: One on One with Sharon Gault – Sponsored by Make Up For Ever

There are people who call themselves celebrity artists and then there are true Celebrity Makeup Artists. The latter work on A-list celebrities everyday and have a resume that reads as a who’s who of the Entertainment Industry. Sharon Gault is firmly in the latter category. With clients such as Madonna, Lady Gaga and Charlize Theron Sharon will be answering questions interview-style led by James Vincent. This is a rare opportunity to peek inside the very gated community of being a true Celebrity artist. If you want to be a true Celebrity artist you are going to have to make your way inside those gates and the only way to do so is to start meeting the people on the inside.

- 2:45- 3:30pm
Cosmetic Chemistry for Makeup Artists-David Klasfeld for Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics

I’m not even sure what exactly David (founder of OCC Makeup) is teaching but seeing as how he is a makeup wizard this should be an interesting class. Now that I’m teaching I’ve noticed a lot of my students are very product dependent. Knowing the components of how makeup is made is important to being an artist and also knowing how to combine pigments, mixing mediums and other elements to create custom shades and textures can unlock a whole new level of artistry. So whatever angle David will be going for it is sure to be interesting

5:00-5:45pm
Industry Expert Panel hosted by Crystal Wright including Agent Dion Peronneau, Photographers Richard Reinsdorf and Pamela Lopez-Grant, Editors Jane Fort of Teen Prom Magazine and Rose Cefalu of Emmy Magazine and Publicist Cecy Galvan.

If you want to work you HAVE TO push past your comfort zone and show your work to decision makers who are in a position to hire you. This panel lead by Crystal Wright (former owner/agent of The Crystal Group agency now speaker and educator of Crystal Wright Live) gives you access to working professionals all in decision-making/hiring positions who will give you insight into the state of the industry what they are looking for when hiring an artist. Most of the working industry is not happening online. Meet real life people who can help you create a real life career. (Sidenote: I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and working with Editor Jane Fort for many years )

Sunday, 3/18

Alas I won’t be there at all Sunday as I have to fly out of town for a job but if I were there these are things I would check out;

12:00-12:45pm
The Importance of Color Matching- Learn the Easiest Way to Color Match- Maurice Stein for Cinema Secrets

MTG spoke about Maurice Stein at last year’s show. He is a legend and the creator of Cinema Secrets cosmetics and that amazing foundation. He is also an extraordinary speaker and educator and his lectures are always of the “not to be missed” variety. Speaking of missing – definitely one of the things I see newer artists struggle with the most is color matching both in terms of selecting/blending proper foundation coverage and making good choices in their color cosmetics. Mr. Stein’s workshop will undoubtedly clear up any confusion.

12:30 – 2:00pm KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Troy Jensen

Another of the premiere Celebrity makeup artists will be speaking on Sunday. Troy Jensen’s clientele includes a diversity of talent including Christina Aguilera, Gwyneth Paltrow, Bjork, Matthew McConaughey, etc. Again, if you want a peek in the very small and tight lipped world of being a celebrity artist, this is a Keynote not to be missed.

2:30- 3:15pm
AIRBRUSH MAKEUP: Work Smarter, Not Harder – Cory Bishop for Temptu PRO

I started Airbrushing on a more regular basis over the past year and I can attest that it is one of those things where the more you know the more you realize you don’t know. If I were going to be at the show on Sunday I would DEFINITELY sit in on this workshop. This is an opportunity to learn from one of the best Airbrush artists in America.

Both Days:

The belle of the ball for this year’s Makeup Show has to be:

The Professional Resource Area hosted by Crystal Wright

This is an ongoing presentation throughout the show where show attendees can meet one-on-one with various Industry “movers and shakers” for career advice and guidance on various topics. Guests include agents from CloutierRemix agency, star beauty bloggers, consultations on real-life and internet marketing, etc. If you are at all serious about a working career or if you want to take your existing career to another level this is an amazing resource. Check the website (under Education) for the specific schedule of who is available at what time.

As you can see the education at this year’s show is going to be excellent. Director of Education for the Makeup Show – James Vincent – really puts a lot of work into creating wide variety of dynamic workshops. What’s more: All the education I listed above as well as many many other workshops are INCLUDED in the price of your admission to the show

If you are interested in Hand-on training workshops, there will once again be a variety available for an additional fee to the general admission price. You can see the schedule for those classes here and here.

Each year the show has improved upon the last. The Makeup Show is a great resource for artists of all levels and I look forward to seeing how it’s all done this year. Needless to say Makeup to Go will have several post-show posts.