As a makeup artist, there has never been a better time than now to be a part of the industry. Before I only got to read about the top makeup artists. That has changed with companies like The Makeup Show. I recently had an opportunity to attend The Makeup Show LA and learn from some of the top beauty artists.
The Makeup Show is a two-day PRO only event open to those in the beauty and fashion industry. Makeup artists, hairstylists, agents, models, estheticians, and stylists are eligible to attend. Shelly Taggar is the owner of The Makeup Show, which she formed 7 years ago. She created it as an opportunity to help both the new and experienced in the industry to learn and expand their education by taking hands-on workshops and seminars from top creative artists in the field; but also network and find out about new products. The hair industry had been doing this for years, so Taggar decided to form one for makeup, thankfully.
Keynote Speakers and Workshops
Some of the keynote speakers included veteran makeup artist, Academy Award Winner for Planet of the Apes and founder of Cinema Secrets Maurice Stein, Sharon Gault makeup artist for Lady Gaga, Charlize Theron and others, Sutan Amrull of ‘America’s Next Top Model’ and Season 3 winner of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race.’ Also, Academy and Emmy Award winner Bill Corso who created the makeup for ‘John Carter’, Mario Dedivanovic, Troy Jensen and Jinny Houle. There were hands-on workshops with live models taught by leading artists Orlando Santiago, Danessa Myricks, AJ Crimson, Eugenia Weston and others. Professional photographer Darien Davis was on site to photograph each makeup artist’s work on their model for their portfolio.
The Business of Makeup
Beauty is big business and The Makeup Show ensured that makeup artists understood the business side of the industry. Crystal Wright hosted the first Professional Resources Seminar to empower makeup artists on how to run their business from a position of strength and to be talented and savvy entrepreneurs. Attendees had their portfolios and business materials reviewed one-on-one with some of the top agencies, producers and photographers for feedback and inspiration. Professional makeup artist James Vincent shared how important Crystal Wright has been in helping artists in the industry by sharing her knowledge and wisdom with them.
Social Media’s Influence on the Beauty Industry
There are few industries that social media hasn’t impacted, and beauty is no exception. Just look at the numerous makeup channels on YouTube and the people who have turned it into a legitimate and well-paid career. The Makeup Show included popular beauty bloggers and YouTube beauty makeup artists such as Koren Zander, Elessa Jade, Alex LaMarsh and Queen of Blending to discuss social media’s influence and how to market and brand yourself.
The Makeup Show LA was sponsored by top makeup companies and agencies in the industry such as Make Up Forever, Temptu, Crown Brush, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, Smashbox, Inglot, The Powder Group and Makeup Designory. Those attending were able to receive a PRO discount on products ranging from 30%-60%. Amongst the sponsored brands were others such as Mehron, Senna, Bdellium, Velour Lashes, T3, Kevyn Aucoin, Youngblood and Naked Cosmetics to name a few.
The Makeup Show is held each year in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Orlando and Berlin. To find out when The Makeup Show will be in your area, and a list of exhibitors, please visit their website.
