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. 

Lush Cosmetics Review

I always wondered about this store, but it wasn't until a month ago that I actually stepped foot into one. I was a bit nervous to parooze the aisles, so I tapped on the shoulder of what turned out to be the friendliest seasonal sales rep possible; her name was Ella. I remembered her name in two ways: one, it was like Bella (duh!) and two, the Ell part reminded me of the character Elle from my favorite movie, Legally Blonde. 

Miss Ella guided me around the store and shared funny anecdotes to clue me in on what each item can do for my skin. Through several giggles, testers and a few stares from on-lookers, I weeded through my ideal choices. My final purchases consisted of two facial masks, one for hydration and the other to clear up acne; two toners, one to also combat acne and oil and the other to rid of toxins, and lastly, a hydration lip balm. 

O-M-G. They are all drops of heaven. The clean scents, all-natural, fresh and vegetarian ingredients, not to mention animal-free testing process made me an instant lover of this cosmetic chain. 

My review is strictly my own and I wasn't paid by any means to do this, I just simply love sharing great beauty products to anyone that will listen. If you ever get the opportunity, stop into a Lush store. Although you may not get a clerk like Ella, I'm sure you'll love the products.

(Photos: @shoesdogsandchocolate)