fashionably petite: The Makeup Show NYC 2011

The Makeup Show NYC took place on May 15th and 16th at the Metropolitan Pavilion. The sixth annual pro-only beauty event included over 6,000 attendees made up of makeup artists, beauty professionals, buyers, press, industry educators, retailers and celebrity makeup artists - Sam Fine, Billy B, Danny Sanz and Reggie Wells.

If you are in the makeup industry, this is the event to be at, as you can really learn a lot from the hands-on workshops and keynote speakers. It is a great career building event to get tips/advice from the experts and make some important connections. The information sessions covered everything from essentials every makeup artists should have in their kit to how to talk to agents.

With over 150 brands and 59 forums, there were some new brands showcased this year, including Kevin Aucoin and Nars. It was great to see the natural/organic brands and products present, such as Youngblood, OCC (100% vegan and PETA approved), RMS Beauty and Smashbox's Green Room line.

This was only my second year at The Makeup Show NYC, and it was bigger and better than last year. It was exciting to see the new spring/summer palettes and collections and check out some new brands. There were a lot of brands launching new products at The Makeup Show and offering exclusive discounts and products!

New Softbox Eyeshadow Palette, $48, including 9 eye shadows, 2 cream eye liners, double ended brush, mini Photo Finish Lid Primer and step-by-step guide

Some of my favorites from Nars this season is are the Soft Touch Shadow Pencils in Queen and Palladium, Cap Ferrat Trio Eye Shadow and Kismet Nail Polish

Everyone was excited about Make Up For Ever's Aqua Liner launch at the show. I definitely recommend it! This waterproof liquid eyeliner is easy to apply and I love the vibrant shades! Eyeliner is always one of my favorite ways to add a pop of color to your eye!

Front: Eye For Color Eye Shadow Palette, $18, features 13 eye shadow shades (a $130 value)
Back: Stila Color Wheel Eye Shadow Palette, $38, includes a kaleidoscope of 38 eye shadow shades (a $558 value!)

Mehron E.Y.E., L.I.P. and CHEEK creams are smooth, colorful and inexpensive at $5.95 each!

Mehron face and body painting

I love the new BECCA Cosmetics colors, including the Nail Colour in Tangerine Dream and Halcyon Days Palette. Coral is one of my favorite colors this summer!

Check out Sue Devitt Beauty's Lip Enhancing Gloss and Hydrating Marine Minerals Destination Eye Palette in Solomon Islands

Fans were lined up to see Sam Fine and get autographed copies of his DVD: The Basics of Beauty. I had the privilege of meeting with Sam during a beauty event at Duane Reade for some makeup fun.

I have become a big fan of Inglot Cosmetics ever since I attended the Inglot studio launch at the Chelsea Market Building back in February. You could literally spend hours there, as they have every shade imaginable. It is way too much fun creating your own palette. I was so happy with the palette I made at the studio, including concealer, lip glosses and eye shadows.

New from Yves Saint Laurent

You can create your own DEX Artist Portfolio with your favorite shades

During The Makeup Show NYC 2011 Blogger Preview, James Vincent encouraged us to check out the hissyfit® clockpot™ by Reggie Wells. Once you choose your skin tone (I fall under medium with coral tones), it's easy to find the face, eye and cheek clockpots that are right for you, including perfect color combinations to compliment your skin tone. I had the pleasure of meeting Reggie, who is sweet as can be!