The Makeup Show Chicago 2015

It's going down November 7th (9am-6pm)and 8th(9am-5pm) at the Bridgeport Art Center! As someone who has attended every time The Makeup Show has hit Chicago, I'm extra excited for this year's show. If you are a professional makeup artist, hairstylist or student, you should attend this event at least once.  The networking and educational opportunities are on next level status. I'm talking seminars and workshops featuring Derrick Rutledge, AJ Crimson, Danessa Myricks, Orlando Santiago, James Vincent and my personal fave (Taraji P. Henson's too), Ashunta Sheriff. Brands like Crown Brush (LOVE them!), Gleam by Melanie Mills, Magnolia Makeup, Smashbox, MAC Pro, Inglot, Cinema Secrets, Make Up For Ever, Nars and Bdellium Tools will all be present and offering product (some discounted).

Although I will miss a few of the regular vendors/attendees like the amazing David Klasfield of OCC (Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics) and the blogger's blogger Afrobella, I'll be there with bells on and ready to soak in the experience as always.  After many years of merely attending and shopping between workshops, I am actually working at the show both days.  This is very exciting for me although I currently have no idea of what exactly I'll be doing.  I've been a member of The Powder Group for a few years now and it hit me last year that I should engage more and participate in the behind-the-scenes work instead of enjoying the perks only (like the seminars and shopping).  So, whether I'm carrying a mic around for audience questions during a seminar, helping set up tables or carrying somebody's bags, I will be giving back to the community that recharges my makeup mojo every year.  With all the on the ground promo we've been doing, the turnout should be massive.

If you're in the Chicago area, or can be in a few weeks, you should check us out at www.themakeupshow.com for tickets and information.  You won't regret it!

Begin Again

Hey!

I've often thought about returning to this space, since my last post over 2 years (yes, TWO!) ago.  I began experiencing a bunch of personal life stuff that resulted in me losing my oomph and becoming distracted by the day-to-day goings on, to the point where this outlet lost its luster. It wasn't just this blog, though.  A lot of things that I enjoyed doing like writing poetry (which I've done since I was a child), going out dancing, hanging out with friends, all just didn't move me so all of those things became sporadic. This blog was the newest addition to that list so it was a victim of the "last hired, first fired" rule.  I felt, for a time, that I might not be able to add anything substantive to the beauty blog landscape so I continued to let this space languish. I considered re-branding and a bunch of other things to make it worth the return.  However, I realized that the more I quibbled with myself over a new blog name and whether or not I have a banner or whatever, the more time that was being wasted.  #NoTimeForThat

So, in true Coco fashion, I am beginning again.  My love for beauty hasn't waned and I've nurtured that love by supporting blogs and YouTube channels that reflect my aesthetic and keep me up on game.  However, that hasn't been enough for me lately. I recently had a pretty big birthday and in the year leading up to it, I tweaked a lot of things in my life and experienced a bit of a rebirth.  I'm growing into a better version of myself and the new and improved me loves makeup and stuff just as much as the old me.  This blog will now be about more than makeup and will be a place where I post on anything that floats my boat.  It will still be mostly makeup because that's my boo for life. Just don't be surprised if you see a book recommendation, food/drink/restaurant post, inspirational quote or even some fashion.  All of that is what keeps me going.  Well, that and coffee (Bustelo is EVERYTHING!).  Til next time.....