IBS New York - Let's Talk Products!

Ahhhh...where shall I begin!?! I am so excited to finally have a moment's peace and blog about my day at the show. I absorbed just about 8 hours of demonstrations and product testing - many of which I am thrilled to share with all of you!

The morning started off with a jaw-dropping main stage demonstration by the one and only Robert Cromeans - and what a show it was! I swear, every year this show gets crazier and crazier! I felt as if I was at a rave! From the nearly nude gothic-inspired models, to the full color spectrum hair extensions, this was quite the experience. Even though a majority of hair cuts he demonstrated we would not even give our dog - I still appreciated his artistic expression of his trade. 

We then headed our way to the gigantic NYX cosmetics booth. Definitely a highlight of the day! I was able to pick up some fabulous lip glosses - one being "vintage" - a phenomenal nude pigment - and for $6 - you can't go wrong! When comparing the loose eye pigments of MAC and NYX - NYX definitely takes the cake! Its quality, color variety, and affordability is by far unmatched. A personal favorite is "Seclude" - a great shade of cocoa and bronze that makes a fabulous summer smokey eye. Remember - cheaper is sometimes better! Give it a try!

Now you can't go to IBS without buying brushes!!! I was lucky to find some fabulous brushes (synthetic and italian badger) for some unheard of prices. A typical high-quality brush you may purchase at a beauty counter may go anywhere from $20 and up! At the show, I was able to purchase a majority of the same brushes for nearly half the price! 

I then met with my distributors at TEMPTU PRO for a quick stock up on my absolute favorite airbrush makeup as well as introduced myself to a fairly new mineral makeup company - MICABELLA. After a private demonstration of their products, I was overwhelmed with excitement - not to mention broke! I insisted on purchasing a line of pigments used for lips, cheeks, nails, and eyes. My first hands-on with MICABELLA was just the other day during a bridal consultation - I couldn't be happier with the results! I am currently working on a wholesale program that allows me to offer these products amongst others on my website. Stay tuned!

Let's talk hair now! Accompanied by my stylist and friend, Kela, I was fortunate to be exposed to one of her favorite lines - ALFAPARF Milano. After smelling and feeling the quality of their products not to mention Kela's endorsement, I was ready to buy!!! A personal favorite is their Illuminating Hairspray as well as Thermal Protectant Spray from the Semi Di Lino Diamante line. With a majority of brides as my clients, I love to use a spray that reflects the natural shine of the hair. These products offer a new dimension in luminosity with the help of Linseed Extract. 

Now I know everyone loves a good straightener! Welcome to the world of ROYALE and ENZO MILANO - true ceramic irons, not like the Chi or some of those other ceramic-coated flat irons. Although a bit pricy, I am super impressed with the outcome - not to mention the fabulous curl you can achieve with a flick of your wrist! 

Although my pregnant feet were swollen at the end of the day, I wouldn't have traded the great connections I made and techniques I learned for anything! In an ever-changing industry, it is imperative for artists to stay on top of their trade. I am thankful to once again have a great IBS experience and look forward to attending The Makeup Show in May!