Hair Care ISSE 2016

"Welcome to the ISSE," I was greeted at the door.

The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) hosted the International Salon and Spa Expo at the Long Beach Convention Center, in Long Beach, California, and I had a front row ticket!

Recognized by Trade Show News Network as one of the industry’s leading shows, the ISSE was held on January 30-February 1, 2016, and housed over 400 global manufacturers, 150 education classes and rows upon rows of live hair demos, styling shears, and introductions to all the latest and greatest in the beauty and hair world.

Opportunities to watch four-time Overall Stylist Choice Awards winner Sam Villa explain a new hair cut technique, to studying the specific way master stylist from Sassoon angle a bob, we're just a couple of courses crowds were swarming to, at this year's expo.

Booth by booth, each company out-lavished the next with high displays of images and products.

Samples were given out to those that engaged in conversations with each brand's staff, and in some cases, won over a welcoming patron (me) to try new things, such as She hair extensions. 

Although, I had a blast getting my hair curled with She extension stylist, Bellami Hair (http://www.bellamihair.com), eventually won over my heart with their 100 percent, human remy hair. I purchased the 20 inch 160 gram, Bambina extensions in the color Ash brown to go with my newly colored locks. 

Moving on to other exhibitors, I noticed Malibu C, a vegan, cruelty-free hair line;

Agadir, who makes Argan oil hair treatments from shampoo to leave-in serums (their products smell amazing); 

And other exhibitors who shared their newest styling wands, barbering techniques, and faster blow-drying products, while beauty brands such as Crown Brushes (http://www.crownbrush.com) and Morphe, (http://www.morphebrushes.com) catered to skin care professionals.

Before wrapping up my visit, I had the exceptional honor of talking to, and snapping a selfie with Dinair founder, Dina Ousley. Known as the leading pioneer in airbrush makeup and cosmetology, Dina is humble, beautiful and welcoming to everyone she talks to. 

Thank you PBA for an incredibly welcoming and wonderful weekend of beauty. I look forward to seeing what you have in store for 2017!

Until next time! Xo 

Imats Los Angeles 2016

The Imats 2016 was a total blast. My best friend,who also happens to be my older sister, joined me for a weekend in Pasadena, California. 

From long lines to get in through the front doors, to someone twinning it with my sister, the two-day beauty extravaganza was nothing short of entertainment. 

Professional body painter John Vargas wowed the crowd with another intricate body art creation. 

Other stunning displays adorned the convention floor. Including nature goddesses, evil creatures and dark queens. 

Celebrity makeup artist Sian Richards and Brian Champagne taught us how to contour light and dark skin tones 

While celebrity makeup artist Juliana Rakoza posed with ease. This Brazilian native has a kind heart and incredible talent. Find her on Instagram @julianarakoza to view her work. 

Brands such as Sugar Pill dazzled with fun outfits while the Morphe team was excited to pose for the camera. 

Additionally, Morphe was our favorite brand to purchase from and the discounts at the show were incredible. 

China Glaze was another favorite, offering a deep discount that seemed like a crime. 

Goth-punk girl, Kat Von D's display hosted lipsticks shades titled Backstage Barbie, Hellbent and Coven, and House of Lashes had the most beautiful wall covered with hand-crafted paper flowers.

If you are a makeup lover and have never been to this trade show, I suggest you go. The discounts alone are worth the trip. Any other makeup class will have you paying at minimum $60-$100. At the Imats you have the opportunity to sit in on four or more classes each day, and you're being taught by some of the most highly sought-after mua in the world. 

Tickets for the IMATS usually go on sale in September and sell out fast so mark your calendars. 

Until next year, Imats, thank you for another year of great memories! 

Manicure Monday

I was delighted to get a fresh manicure this week after my ombré nails started  looking a bit weathered. 

I soaked off my acrylics and decided to get a gel manicure. I picked a bright shade of red-pink and asked the nail tech to create this half moon, French look. Of course I couldn't resist adding a bit of sparkle. 

The results...

I love it! 

It's simple yet girly, and has already received much praise from friends and colleagues. 

Since gel normally last between 1-2 weeks, I'll wait this out before I slap on a new set of acrylics which will make my next manicure right on schedule for Valentine's Day! 

Until next time... Have a happy week and let me know what your favorite manicure looks are.