New York, May 18 and 19 2009

With nearly 4,000 attendees the 4th annual Makeup Show was held in the Metropolitan Pavilion

With nearly 4,000 attendees the 4th annual Makeup Show was held in the Metropolitan Pavilion. The Makeup Show is a forum where the top insider secrets are shared in an intensive two day event. This artist driven arena brings together professionals and amateurs from different makeup mediums to feed off of each other. Michael DeVellis, The Makeup Show and On Makeup Magazine founder, reported that since Spring 2006, when the Makeup Show was first introduced, the number of attendees have now doubled even in these tough economic times. “It shows that you guys are serious about your education,” said DeVellis. DeVellis even offered a seminar how to make the career of an artist “recession proof.”

As Sanz demonstrated a makeup look with her blonde bombshell model, she introduced the trendy colors for the season as being cooper, blue, and black

This year education was the main focus with exciting keynote speakers, seminars, and "hands on" workshops. The most talked about Keynote speaker was Dany Sanz, Creator and Artistic Director of Makeup Forever. Makeup Forever celebrated its 25th year anniversary with the artists.  Sanz described the cosmetic line as her baby and in the same breath explained, to the audience, in her thick French accent, that to be successful in this industry there are 12 hour days, there is no sleep, no boyfriend, and no kids. In addition, Sanz suggested developing a special eye for makeup upon which the mind and the hands work together. As Sanz demonstrated a makeup look with her blonde bombshell model, she introduced the trendy colors for the season as being cooper, blue, and black. Sanz, a petite lady with fire red hair calls herself the “Quick lady.” Sanz pet peeve is when artist spent too much time on a face. Her advice is to be quick and precise.

“You have to work with finesse and be fearless,” said Best

In the workshops, Kate Best echoed Dany Sanz sentiments. Best’s workshop was “Creating the Character” and her days are filled with 15 hour shifts of working on T.V. and Film. Best described her work environment as fast paced. In her workshop, Best gave a breakdown of scripts/call sheets. She mentioned how each scene is accounted for with a look that has to be achieved quickly, but with great attention to detail. She added that her approach to makeup is similar to the J. Sisters. The J. Sisters nail painting technique is to add excess nail polish and then clean up around the edges. Best likes to add excess foundation strategically and then clean up to achieve a flawless finish.  “You have to work with finesse and be fearless,” said Best.

Deshawn Hatcher’s workshop, “Beautiful Skin” was about contouring women of color

Best gave homage to the late Kevyn Aucoin in accordance with several other artists. Aucoin’s trademark was contouring. This seemed to be a main topic in every workshop. Deshawn Hatcher’s workshop, “Beautiful Skin” was about contouring women of color. “The key to doing black makeup is color selection, color correcting, contouring the face leaving the hairline with its natural deeper color, and using the neck to determine what highlighting color to use on the face,” said Hatcher. Hatcher’s class was interactive and James Vincent, Director of Artistry for the Makeup Show, described it as a Good Times episode. 

“Be your own little Picasso,” said Myricks

Like Hatcher, Danessa Myricks’ “Perfecting the Canvas” class was also about contouring; looking at the body for clues to highlight. “Contouring sets apart other makeup artists who simply just match foundation,” said Myricks.  Makeup is about contrast and strategic placement. Myrick uses her fingers for foundation because the warmth in her hands serves as a tool to absorb into the skin better. She also taps at the demarcation for blending purposes. Vincent said Myricks is, “A real force in the industry.” Myricks offered words of advice,”Have a small makeup kit because it sets one apart from the amateur.” Also keeping in mind that just because something is marketed as eye shadow, does not mean it cannot be used as a blush or setting powder. It is all about thinking outside the box. “Be your own little Picasso,” said Myricks.

Hennessey also gave artists a peek into his kit; key items included Mac brushes 188, 187, and the most talked about French moisturizer Embryolisse

Jon Hennessey’s workshop, “Working in Fashion”, offered parallel views from other pro artists. Hennessey couldn’t have made it any more straightforward. “Take a classic look and modernize it,” said Hennessey.  Instead of putting color in the crease and liner on the water line, which can look dated, make it your own by working with different textures. It is about executing basic techniques, but adding on to it.  Hennessey also gave artists a peek into his kit; key items included Mac brushes 188, 187, and the most talked about French moisturizer Embryolisse.

The Union is very competitive, however a guest speaker form the Local 798 made a powerful statement, “Don’t chase the competition, chase the dream

Aside from the hands on workshops with a pro artist there were also over thirty free seminars offered. One in particular was vital in tying the overall message of the makeup show. The union 798 gave great advice for any artists who want to join their brother/sisterhood. To be part of the union, it is crucial to be a well rounded artist that knows every aspect of the craft. Second, there must be at least three years experience on a paid project predominately in film. Lastly, make yourself available. Eve Pearl, a five time Emmy Award celebrity artist, mentioned how she was just the powder puff girl, but she made herself present in a non aggressive way. The union is looking for the best quality of people, an influx of new talent.  A good way to get your foot in the door is to attach yourself to someone in the union.  Once you are in the union, never get stagnant or be Ill-prepared.   One last message that resonated throughout was that you are as good as the person next to you. Many people are just out for themselves. “Unfortunately, many makeup artists don’t want to share secrets in this industry,” said Myricks. The Union is very competitive, however a guest speaker form the Local 798 made a powerful statement. “Don’t chase the competition, chase the dream.”

The Powder Group features makeup veterans who work in all mediums of beauty

The Makeup Show was an educational trade event where beauty was on the fore front.  With over sixty lines to choose from, the beauty choices were endless. The Powder Group is a unique organization that is a powerful resource for any artists who wants to perfect their craft. The Powder Group features makeup veterans who work in all mediums of beauty. They hold beauty tours and seminars in different locations around the world. The Powder Group has one simple concept, “We want to be your resource for all things makeup( http://www.thepowdergroup.com).”

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