The Haul...

I knew that I would only be able to spend one day at The Makeup Show as I had booked a job for Monday. I had gone through my kit and wrote down a list of the must haves that I needed to replenish and what new products I wanted to see and check out. So, basically, I came with a plan of attack.
I had already reunited with ALOT of my makeup artist friends that I had not seen in a while the night before and if it was anything like in years past, I knew that it was going to get packed, hot and crowded fairly quickly.

On my list I had: 

1. lip brushes from Hakuhodo

2. an artist pack of Beauty Blender Sponges

3. 2 shade refills of my Graftobian HD foundation

4. Elegant Faces brush shampoo

5. Goe Oil

6. Embryolisse (I hoard it so I never run out...)

7. replenish 4 shades of Kevyn Aucoin foundation

8. Kevyn Aucion lash curlers

I had wanted to check out:

1. NARS even though I usually get supplied via their online service and they opened a store here in NY on Bleecker, I still wanted to see if they had anything new, fun & exciting debuting at the show

2. YSL. Nothing else needs to be said. It's YSL, I've been a long time fan and devotee of several items in this line and for reasons aformentioned in number 1, I wanted to see what the deal was there

3. Anything else that caught my eye that I deemed as necessary. Being a seasoned artist, I'm quite specific about what it is that I'm looking for and what I would consider purchasing, hence having a plan of attack to make a beeline for exactly what I needed...

I managed to get through and conquer everything on that list with the exception of No.2 as all of the artist packs were sold out by the time I got to a booth that was selling them and No.4 as the vendor wasn't at the show. It's been out of stock since forever so it brings me to wonder if they are even making this product anymore as its my favorite organic shampoo soap block with which to wash my brushes...This may pose potential problems, I should look into this further (note to self...)

Let's now go through the rest of that list in order, shall we?

-Number one on the list: check. I even picked up some other brushes from them. I've been using Hakuhodo brushes for MANY years and I'm happy that I can count on them being there. Honestly, they are one of the main reasons that I even bother to go to the show. Since I'm based in NY, I have access to nearly all of the other brands at this show except for them so that's why they are my number one draw. I really only needed to get some newer lipbrushes, (as I wanted some with covers) but I ended up buying about 5 new eyeshadow brushes in varying shapes and sizes as well.  Seemingly, I can never leave that booth without spending less than a few hundred dollars. The staff and I are on a first name basis so we both get happy each time we see each other.

-Number two sadly was already addressed so I will have to get in contact with the Beauty Blender people and rectify that situation STAT. I don't always use sponges, but when I do, 90% of the time, its a beauty blender.

-Number three: I didn't end up getting the HD refill as I forgot to write down which shade I needed; I mistakenly just wrote down the palette. However upon perusal of their booth, I was delighted to come across their new Super Palettes:

Graftobian High Def Glamour Creme Foundation Super Palettes in Super cool (left) & Super warm (right)

Let's discuss for a moment why these make me happy. Firstly I love the Graftobian High Def Glamour Creme foundations. I found them when I initially started upon the journey to find something that closely approximated the old Shu Uemura Nobara foundaion. It's no secret that I love cream foundation and tend to use it a majority of the time.  I like their coverage, their performance and their color selection is thorough and its perfect for hi-def. I also like the fact that they make one of the best dark skin foundation palettes that I've seen in a looong time.  I'm also a big palette fan as ANY time I can condense something to take up less space in my kit, than I do so. I like how they have 18 shades in each of the palettes as they used to only be available in the 5 well palette. So, Yay for having every color you could possibly need and for having it in such a portable handy dandy, at-the-ready, thin palette (with a mirror).

Since the booth was sharing the aisle with Make Up For Ever, it was pretty mobbed and I was only able to get a snapshot of 2 of the 3 foundation palettes. Shown above is the Super cool palette on the left and the Super palette warm on the right. It's also available in a third option: Super palette neutral. I'll be picking up one of each of these to put into my other makeup kit...


-Number four: Elegant Faces Brush Shampoo

Bueller? Bueller? Frye??....Frye? If anyone has seen this can you please let me know. I feel like its becoming one of those Where's Waldo moments as I've been searching for it for at least a year. Please see the aforementioned intro paragraph if your conused to what I'm referring to here...

-Number five: Goe Oil

Check...I discovered Goe Oil last year when I went to replenish my hand refresher. (Yes, that Jao, the amazing hand refresher people) In addition to the products, I love the principal and the philosophy behind the entire Jao Brands line: (small, family owned & operated, passion and research are put into each product, they smell delicious etc...) I also get a ton of compliments any time someone gets a whiff of my hands when I'm doing their makeup. Couple that with the fact that I love the smell of lavender and well, you have what initially made me fall in love with Jao's hand refresher about 9 years ago but I'm sidetracking. I apologize. I have a thing for body sheens, balms, creams, highligthers, lotions, oils, potions, gleams and the etcetera. I'll try anything on my quest to find the perfect body product. Goe Oil was the personification of my 'unicorn'. It's super moisturizing (it delivers the moisture of a body butter or a balm but its not heavy) and last longer than just a regular lotion. It's packaged in a tube so that should give you an idea of its consistency. Sometimes on the body, when I'm not using it as a basic moisturizer I use it as I would a highlighter; just on the 'high' spots, down the center of the shin, on the shoulders (you get the idea). It imparts a well moisturized and lightly oiled or sheened look without the mess of say, baby oil (stylists won't kill you) and its not in the least bit greasy. it leaves your skin super soft plus it smells like heaven. AND you can use it in your hair, or on your cuticles, it's not just for faces but also can be used on spare place's (sorry, I was getting all Dr. Seuss-y)....

Jao Brands

So as Gale & Wendy were wrapping my Goe Oil, I poked around their booth a bit more and discovered that they've launched outdoor products as in natural plant based bug repellants. Firstly I think the name Patio Oil (I swear their products have such cool names) is pretty genius. Secondly, I love the packaging and the logo of this stuff (Something about it reminds me of summer in the 70's but yet it's super modern:

Patio Oil Moisture Mist (left) & Outscent perfume (right) on display

Gale seemingly took great care in creating these to be effective, good for the skin (as in moisturizing & 100% natural) while not smelling like bug repellant (to me it smells like 'fruity earth' meaning lemony & fruity but also earthy/woody and comforting). Natural Oils (it contains hemp, jojoba and lemon eucalyptus) are good natural repellants and when you spritz it on you get a nice cooling sensation (kind of like a peppermint patty) on your skin. And since its not at all harsh, it can be applied and re-applied as needed.

Outscent is sort of Patio Oils friend (you can layer it) and yet another multiple use product all in itself. As another side, I love that nearly everything at Jao Brands can be used in a number of ways. As a pro, it helps me to cut down on the amount of product that I carry. Its also less wasteful. But oh yeah, back to Outscent. It's actually a lightweight essential oil perfume that you can spray on your skin or on your clothes year round. Naturally in the warmer months it will also help to repel those annoying bugs just by default of its ingredient content but its I also imagine it to be pretty cool spritzed on a sachet hidden in between sweaters in a drawer in the cooler months...If your an essential oils wearer or a patchouli lover Outscent is going to be right up your alley.


-Number six:  Embroylisse:

 I've been the Lait Creme Concentrate since the days when one had to smuggle it back from Paris. Thankfully, its now also available stateside, (although sometimes I miss the smuggling back from Paris part, the 'score') It's one of the best moisturizers and one of 3 that I carry in my kit. I used it on all skin types on 90% of my jobs and have never had an issue. I love the texture of this stuff, and the slip and the way that it feels on the skin is so yummy...


-Number seven & eight:  Kevyn Aucoin Beauty

Let me preface this by saying that ANY brand that has won this many editors choice awards is major. I was a huge fan of the man but I'm also a huge fan of the makeup. I Love, Love, LOVE this line. I fell in love with back when it launched and they only had a few sku's. I've used their foundations both the Sensual Skin Enhancers & the Radiant Reflections since their inception. As one of the best artists in the world, its no wonder he created one of the most amazing foundations (IF you know how to use it and what to do with it) There is a bit of a learning curve to them, but once you experiment and find the way that they work best for you, you too will be hooked.  Gee, how funny, yet another cream product (see I told you).

Sensual Skin Enhancer

I picked up only 2 shades of the Skin Enhancers as I already had several of the 16 available shades. I don't need every shade but have the essential ones as I tend to blend them together...

Radian Reflection Foundation

The Radiant Reflection foundation (stick) is flawless in its 6 tone color range (perfect yellow based neutrals) and much sheerer than the Skin Enhancers that are Full coverage. And when I say full, I mean FULL. And they're all named after Supermodels, how cool is that? I didn't pick any up at the show as I had just gotten 4 of them in the mail the prior week.   I do find that especially with the Radiant Reflection foundation, a key to its success in using it is with a damp sponge/ beauty blender. I find it doesn't respond well to fingers or even dry sponges. You will pretty much just end up dragging it around the face, especially if you are dry or have texture disturbances. It feels cool going on as it contains quite a bit of water and the products sets on the dry down once the water evaporates, hence, working quickly is a must...

It was also imperative that I pick up several of their lash curlers. Yes (I hear you asking now, it's definitely comparable to the Shu Uemura lash curler AND the lash pad is red not just because it looks cool but also so that those of you with difficulty or hesitation in curling your lashes can actually see them before you press down on them...

Kevyn Aucoin Lash Curler

So, Kevyn Aucoin, check, check...and check...


Now, lets address the second list going one by one, the 'Stuff I want to check out' or the 'anything that catches my eye'  portion:


Sheila over at Kett Cosmetics introduced these great little plastic zip bags. It can hold their airbrush foundations or you can use them for whatever products or sundries that you would like.  The plastic is definitely heavier & more durable than the ones that are mainly available and the zipper is super sturdy. I need to be able to see everything in my kit. It helps with organization as I organize everything by type and I'm able to put my hand on it in an instant. I also need everything to stand up on its own inside of the bags so its not just one mass jumble of product.

They come in 3 different sizes and have that lovely and super convenient 'dopp kit' handle on the side.
I came home and immediately found uses for them: One of the bags, I filled with my collection of Lip Tars: 

See how they all stand up on their own and there's no excess/ unnecessary space? I love that...

The other one which is actually the same length as the as the one I filled with the lip tars but is slightly taller, I filled with my selection of mini tarte cheek stains and NARS multiples:

The small baby one is the perfect size to fill with Q-tips, various sized cotton swabs and those pre-soaked, indivuality packaged makeup remover cotton swabs. It's also the perfect size to hold your lash curlers, tweezer & tweezer pouches and lash adhesives.
Good job on the bags, Sheila!!


YSL

Yves Saint Laurent made their debut at the NY Makeup show this year. I was uber excited to see that they were going to be a vendor as I mainly use either pro brands or luxury brands in my kit. Not counting my brief love affair with their fragrance Opium in the late 80's when powerful scents like that were the cool thing to do even if you were only 16 years old, I've been a fan of theirs since I started using their Touche Eclat in the late 90's. Since that time, I've grown to love more and more of line:

Love their Volume Effet Faux Cils (its my favorite volumizing luxury brand mascara). I tend to go for volume over length and this mascara and I have a had a long standing love affair: Great brush, great formula in the tube, not too wet, not too dry, easy to apply and dries without leaving a dull or flat finish.  In my opinion, they also make the best shade of violet mascara. I also love their Rouge Volupte lipsticks. I use them quite frequently in editorials as the pigments, texture & payoff are really top notch. They also have an amazing selection of neutrals in varying shades.

YSL came with their entire product line and a beautiful chic setup consistent with their luxury branding and thankfully I got there early enough to have some play time with their newest color offerings. They previewed the summer collection of 2 of their Pure Chromatics Wet/Dry eyeshadows: palettes No.19 (shimmery rose neutrals) and No.20 (shimmery gold neutrals). Of course these shadows can be used dry for a sheer wash of color but when you wet them the pay off is taken to a whole different level...

 

 YSL Pure Chromatics Palette No.19

YSL Pure Chromatics Palette No. 2

 

They contain 70% mother of pearl and color pigments and the rest is water. During the manufacturing process, the pans are filled from the bottom with water and when the water is removed the block of color is left. It applies opaque and dries quickly enhancing both the shimmer and mother of pearl pigment particles. If you don't like a full commitment to shimmer it also blends down and softens  beautifully leaving behind a sheer veil of color...

They also carry one of my favorite waterproof eye pencils. The texture of it is not like many of the typical waterproof eye pencils that to me, always have a sense of 'plastic encasement' to them and it takes them a few passes to make them opaque. This one is softer, more like an eye kohl or Craypas: super creamy and opaque upon the first pass. I tested the absinthe green shade and its the perfect cross between a mint green and a pastel green with a turquoise undertone:

YSL Waterproof eyepencil

Quick effective eye makeup removal without irritation or a greasy residue is best so I cant finish this post without recommending the YSL  eye makeup remover,  one of the best:

Its dual phase which is my preference for both personal and professional use as it cuts through and removes even the toughest and stubborn eye makeup. It's also non irritating and works great on removal of heavily pigmented lip products...

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics:

Moseying on down the aisle to OCC we find that they've launched OCC Tint:

A long time ago, MAC used to make a product called E-PT which was an amazing pre-cursor to tinted moisturizer. It was discontinued more than 10 years ago and I've yet to find something to replace it...until now. OCC Tint is the closest thing that I have found to it, but its way cooler and far more advanced than anything from 10 years ago. If EPT had aged and gone to a retirement home, this perhaps would be what it matured into. Falling in line with the OCC skin philosophy which is also my philosophy (skin should look like real skin) OCC Tint personifies this perfectly!  It's sheer and beautiful, moisturizing & soft and it disappears flawlessly and invisibly into the skin.

As we've come to expect from OCC, its perfect for pro usage but also the everyday makeup wearer and the selection of 12 shades are spot on: 

OCC Tint in shades Y0 through Y5 (left to right)

Viseart:

Rounding out the foundations are new offerings from Viseart, professional makeup Paris.  With the exception of an older generation of the pro artist community (by older I mean those of us who have been doing makeup professinally for at least 10+ years) I don't think alot of people at large are familiar with Viseart. They wouldn't be; its a line thats mainly for professionals and carried only in pro or makeup specialty shops. Vieseart are the great people from Paris that brought us the STAPLE pro brand neutral eyeshadow kit seen here: 

Viseart eyeshadow palette

Anyway, Viseart has added onto their brand by launching an entire set of brand new HD Matte foundation compacts:

Viseart HD Cream Foundation Compacts

Viseart HD Foundation Powders

(Sorry for the heavy shadow in the second picture. People started to crowd around and come over when they heard me talking about how fabulous this stuff is...)

Offered in both cream and powder formulation options they're both oil & silicone free and the 'true to skin shades' blend flawlessly, disappearing into the skin leaving behind a seamless & smooth, sheer natural matte finish. Easily buildable and blendable and the compacts are flat to boot??  I think that its a matter of time before these 2 new additions to the Viseart line become addictions.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!! I made it in and out of the show in about 4 hours. Undoubtedly I would have moved quicker had it not gotten so hot and crowded so fast but I was thankful that my pre-planning was effective as I saw everything that I had set out to and then some...I was able to come home and filter my new stuff into my kit an activity that upon completion gives such a sense of contentment and satisfaction; I imagine it as the feeling akin to finally getting a newborn to fall asleep after a 3 hour crying spell...Now to enjoy the rest of my evening with a glass of wine...