Tuesday, November 13, 2012

The Makeup Show Orlando: Blogger Preview

Hi guys! I'm finally here to tell you about my amazing experience at The Makeup Show Orlando! I decided to do it in two parts: the blogger preview and then a post of the two days about the actual show.

The blogger preview was held the Saturday afternoon (November 3rd) right before the show. What it consisted of was James Vincent talking to us about some of the products we could look forward to seeing at the show. Plus, he showed us each product that was included in our goody bags. As he went through the products he talked about what he liked about them and a few tips on how we could use some of them.

My favorite part about listening to him speak was that you could tell how passionate he was about each and every company. Plus, I was a little apprehensive about the show in general since I'm a nail girl and really know nothing about makeup, but he made me feel that was ok. He really has a way of making you feel like you've known him for years; kind of like he's an old friend! I love when I meet people like that.


They had a goody bag in each seat for each blogger that attended!

Here are some of the bloggers that attended just chatting before James started speaking. Love how Maria struck a pose when she noticed I was taking pics lol!
 
AJ Crimson from Kissable Couture came in before James spoke and talked to us a little bit about his new foundations that he is launching! He was also kind enough to offer each one of us a foundation if we went by his booth during the show.

James talking to us about the Graftobian beauty blender that we were all going home with. He also gave us some great tips on how to use the blender. For instance: if you get it damp and then use it to blend your foundation it gives you an airbrushed look!

While James was speaking Elessa from purse buzz made an appearance and showed off her new brushes! I loved how they were all pink!

Along with Elessa, Koren, from EnKore Makeup talked to us about some up and coming things he's coming out with. One of them being a brush cleaner. Unfortunately, due to hurricane Sandy he didn't have it to show us in person.

 
James talking to us about the Stila smudge sticks that we got in our bags. He mentioned how much he loved this product and that black was his favorite to use.
 
Here's a closer look at each product I received in my blogger preview bag:
Senna cosmetics brow kit. Complete with a double-ended brush and three Brow duos.

Top left: Blond, Top right: Brunette, Bottom: Ebony

 Make Up Forever Chromatic Mix in #06 (black). You use this stuff to make foundation fit your exact color. It came in a lot of other colors too, but this is the one I got in my bag.

Stila smudge stick in Triggerfish. It's a pretty steel gray.

Vitivia pro vitamins and Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre

AJ Crimson foundation in #2 and Kissable Couture lip gloss in Chris

Foundation brush, sponges, and tweezers by Crown Brush and beauty blender by Graftobian. As you can see I already used my beauty blender and foundation brush before I took these pics, I LOVE them!

Smashbox lipstick in Black Plum and Naked cosmetics eye shadow in Ivory

Black Plum.

Cosmetic bag by Zuca
 
Here is a partial list of all the bloggers that attended (unfortunately, I didn't get to meet all the bloggers, so that's why I say "partial list") :
 
 
I feel so incredibly lucky that I got to be a part of this blogger preview and The Makeup Show in general. Many thanks to a lovely lady named Melody for letting me be included. Also many thanks to James Vincent and The Makeup Show Orlando for making it possible!
 
Tomorrow I will post on my experience and the items I bought at TMS orlando!! Stay tuned :)
 

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Avon Suede Nail Enamel

Hi! I am still working on a big post about my experience at The Makeup Show Orlando from this past weekend, so while you guys wait, here are some pretty swatches of some semi-new polishes from Avon.

A few months ago, Avon released 6 suede finish polishes. The first one I picked up was Touch of Taupe, you can see my swatches of it here. I loved it so much, I bought the other 5!

Two coats were used for each swatch.

Soft Violet. A lovely dark purple.


Here it is with a shiny top coat.

 
Fuchsia Feel. The name explains it all, it's fuchsia!


With shiny top coat.

 
Platinum Beauty. Silver!


With shiny top coat.

 
Blue Royale. A gorgeous dark blue.


With shiny top coat.

 
Sumptuous Rose. A soft pinkish rose.


With shiny top coat.

 
 
 
I really love all of these polishes. My favorite part about suede polishes is that lovely silver shimmer. I like wearing them both matte and shiny.
 
If you are interested in purchasing any of these polishes, you can find them on my Avon Website for $3.49 each.
 
 
 
 

Saturday, November 3, 2012

The Makeup Show Orlando!

I have very exciting news for all of you! Through the Beauty Bloggers of Central Florida group that I am a part of, I am going to be able to attend The Makeup Show Orlando tomorrow and Monday! I went to the blogger preview that they held for us tonight and there is going to be some really awesome stuff showcased throughout the show. I am going to try my hardest to take lots of pics and get tons on info so that I can share it all with you guys!!

Cult Nails was able to get a booth there so I will also be helping Maria work the booth off and on, along with her husband and some other girls from our blogging group! I am beyond excited for all that is in store for the next two days!

For those that don't know what the Makeup Show is, here is the press release to help explain:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


BEAUTY, INSPIRATION, AND EDUCATION IS LESS THAN ONE MONTH AWAY AT
THE MAKEUP SHOW ORLANDO
Beauty brands and top makeup artists are standing by to share their newest products and beauty secrets on November 4 and 5
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 Show
The 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. 
 
(photo credit: Brandon Showers)
 
 
I feel so grateful that I am able to attend as press and be able to get an inside look into some of these brands! I can't wait to share it with you all! I will try and post things in real time on instagram and twitter, but the full blog post won't come until later in the week, so make sure you are following me on those sites! :)
 
Instagram: prettylittlebottles
Twitter: @alyssaPLB
 
Have a great rest of the weekend everyone! :)

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Cult Nails Behind Closed Doors Collection

Ok guys, brace yourselves...I am showing you the new collection from Cult Nails today...and it's AMAZING. I don't think I've loved an entire collection like this in a long time. So please excuse the fact that I am a little overly excited throughout this entire post!


First up, Disciplined. This is a gray jelly packed with blue and pink/purple shimmer. It took me three coats to fully cover.

Blurred pic to show the shimmer in all of its glory!

I almost don't have words for this polish. Let's just let the pictures do the talking!

 
 
 
Bitten. A deep berry with pink shimmer! Covered in two coats. This one is so festive and perfect for the holidays. I keep wanting to call this one a jelly, but I think it's safer to say it's a glass fleck/shimmer polish. You tell me what you guys think.

FUN FACT: This polish was named for Kari from Once Bitten!! She's the one who actually convinced Maria to include it in the collection, plus helped name all the other colors!

I'm not usually this excited about reds, but what can I say, this collection just gets better with each polish.

 
 
 
 
Next up, Afterglow. It was slightly sheer and took me three coats to fully cover. Boy oh boy, where do I start with this one? It's a dark copper with pink glass fleck. But the glass flecks like to hide a little and then all of a sudden POP when they catch the light inside. But outside, those glass flecks blaze like the sun! It's so stunning.

I want to wear this polish for Thanksgiving! Or stamp some leaves over it for fall!


There's not much more to say about this one, it's just too good.
 
 
Can you believe I've saved the best two for last? Yes, the last two polishes are even better than the first three...how is that even possible?! Maria is a genius, that's how.
 
 
Coveted. BAM. A dark green jelly, with dark green shimmer, AND flakes! Covered in two coats.

I have never seen anything like this polish.

This makes me love green polish like I've never loved green polish before!

 
 
Flushed. I saved the best for last! This is my favorite of the entire collection. A darkish blurple with intense pink shimmer. Think Max Factor Fantasy Fire shimmer. Absolutely amazing!

Covered in two perfect coats!

When Maria first showed me the lab samples of this polish I said, "Holy Shit." I have been excited for it's release ever since, and now I'm even more excited to be finally showing you all swatches of it!

 
 
Now, the info that I know you've all been waiting for: This collection is available for purchase at preview pricing starting November 9th through November 15th at www.cultnails.com
The price for ALL 5 bottles will be $40. I seriously suggest you guys buy the whole collection at the preview pricing. Starting November 16th they will be available for individual purchase at $10 per bottle.
 
For more info and stories behind each color check out the Cult Nails Blog at www.cultnailsblog.com
I was actually the hand model for Maria's pictures!!
 
OK, now tell me, which one is YOUR favorite?!
 
*These polishes were gifted to me by Cult Nails. The opinions in this post are my own, honest opinions.