New Products and Exclusive discounts from MAKE UP FOR EVER, OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE COSMETICS, TEMPTU, INGLOT, and more

The Makeup Show Chicago is just 9 days away and I couldn't be more excited. I'm especially stoked to hear that several of my favorite brands will be launching and showcasing some of their newest products. And, there will be some exclusive discounts only available at The Makeup Show. So, new products and sweet deals.

Here are the full details:
Make Up For Ever will be showcasing Rouge Artist shade extensions, with matching Aqua Lip liners.   The Makeup Show Chicago is the first beauty event where these will be available.


Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics will be bringing Tarred and Feathered to Chicago for the first time!  ‘Tarred’ Lip Balm veils the lips with sheer black, giving subtle definition, while ‘Feathered’ Lip Balm creates a gesso-like blank canvas, allowing other lip products to read more true to color. I'm definitely interested in checking this one out.

Kevyn Aucoin will be selling their new shades of Loose Eyeshadow Shimmers!  With a silky smooth formula these eyeshadows blend effortlessly while adding a stunning shimmering highlight to the eyes.  Also, buy the full range of KEVYN AUCOIN Sensual Skin Enhancers and receive 50% off the sale, rather than 40%!

 Charlotte Tilbury, for the first time ever, will be offering free shipping plus a 20% discount on all orders over 75 pounds.

Inglot  will be offering several show exclusive discounts, including 30% off (excluding accessories and palettes) and 50% off for selected products.

Temptu Pro will be launching Temptu Best In Kit exclusively at The Makeup Show Chicago.  These 6 perfect shades will sculpt, line, define, and highlight.

The Makeup Show Chicago will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2014 from 9am to 6pm and on Sunday, June 8, 2014 from 9am to 5pm at Bridgeport Art Center, 1200 W. 35th Street, Chicago. Check themakepshow.com for more info.






Stay up to date on the latest show news on The Make Up Show's blog -www.themakeupshow.com/the-makeup-show-blog/.  And you can follow The Makeup Show on Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube.

Sweets and Snacks Expo 2014 #SSE14 Haul

 Here is a haul of what I picked up at the Sweets and Snacks Expo Chicago 2014. This is an industry only expo but I was there working with a company. During my breaks (and after the show floor closed) I was able to walk around the expo. I checked out the exhibitors, snacked, and grabbed PLENTY of samples.  I wish I were able to get more photos and video but as I mentioned, I was there to work. So I couldn't do much "bloggy" stuff. Maybe next year I'll get a chance to go outside of working. Either way, I must go again.
Check the videos (yes, there's more than one)  to see some of the stuff I got. And let me know if you've had anything I mention.

Featured On Etsy Finds!

Yesterday, I woke up to a few Etsy sales. Then I looked on the Esty app and noticed an unusual amount of views for my shop and a couple items. Way more than I usually get in a day, week even. Then I got an email from  Etsy that said one of my items (Small Brass Hoops) was popular because it was getting so many views. The email mentioned that maybe my earrings were featured on Etsy or somewhere else. So I did some research.

Checked the front page - nothing there. Did some searches online, twitter, instagram, pinterest, and there was nothing. Analytics only led me to Etsy's homepage. I had no idea where the traffic was coming from. So, I asked a few of the customers how they found me.  Two people responded and told me I was in the Etsy Finds email. OMG. WHAT?

Yep! I was featured in a daily email that Etsy sends out to it's gazillion subscribers. And guess what? I wasn't a subscriber so I missed it *womp*. I couldn't find a link or anything that would lead me to this feature. I thought maybe they had archives but there were none. So today, I asked around on social media and someone came through with a link. YAY. I got to see it and was so excited. Here it is and my earrings are under the title 'May The Circle Be Unbroken.' Woot! Now off to do some hammering!
And below is just a screen shot I did a lil tinkering to.

Abesmarket.Com Discover Natural Box

I wanted to quickly share with you a sample box from Abesmarket.com and it's called Discover Natural. It is not a subscription service. You simply choose 3 samples from options available and that's it. You'll get your box (which ships free) and you'll also receive a coupon to get $5 off of your next order. Cool right? Check out my selections in the video below. Get yours while supplies last!

Separate from the Discover Natural Box

Dr. Sponge Face and Body Cleansing Sponge

Event: Art+ Sol Flea Market

Art + Sol Flea Market returns this Saturday, 7/27, on Howard Street from 10am-6pm. And I'll be there selling my jewels. Please stop by and support your local artists and vintage vendors. By the way, 7/27 is my birthday :) Yes, I'll be working on my bday. And I don't mind one bit. Hope to see ya there!

The Makeup Show 2013 Recap

        

 The Makeup Show took place in Chicago on June 9 and 10 and closed with record-breaking numbers and a weekend full of beauty and inspiration. This is the 3rd year of The Makeup Show Chicago and there were over 3,500 beauty professionals, buyers, industry educators, press, and retailers at Bridgeport Art Center. The Makeup Show Chicago was once again a platform for top beauty brands to debut new products and for some of the biggest and best talent in the industry to come together at the largest pro-driven beauty event in the Midwest.

“The Makeup Show is unique in that it brings a personal touch to this community, and a sense of connection.  With our 3rd year seeing an increase in attendees and brands raving about the show, it brings a validation to the reason why we hold this event five times a year.   We are now looking forward to bringing this same growth and inspiration to our next show in Orlando this September.” Shelly Taggar, Owner of The Makeup Show

The Makeup Show Chicago Highlights

The Makeup Show Chicago featured over 75 beauty brands including Diamond Sponsor MAKE UP FOR EVER, Platinum Sponsor Crown Brush and Temptu PRO, Silver Sponsor NARS, Supporting Sponsors Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, INGLOT Cosmetics, Stila, The Powder Group and On Makeup Magazine.  

Makeup Artists stocked their kits with the newest beauty products on the market and many brands sold out of popular products.  MAKE UP FOR EVER debuted a new Smoky Extravagant, the latest mascara innovation that quickly became a must-have for every makeup artist’s kit. Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics new Lip Tar Stained Gloss flew off the shelves, and Ellis Faas, AJ Crimson Beauty, and NARS (to name a few) each had popular products that sold out or became a new industry favorite.

The Makeup Show Keynotes were highly anticipated and well attended.  Keynotes that took the main stage have transformed the faces of some of today’s biggest names including Wendy Williams, Naomi Campbell, Halle Berry, and Twiggy, to name a few. Popular keynotes includedGlobal Pro Lead Artist for Smashbox, Lori Taylor, Merrell Hollis, Eve Pearl, Sian Richards, NARS Cosmetics Director of Global Artistry, James Boehmer, and Sutan Amrull who is most recognized from America’s Next Top Model and Season 3 winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Hands-On Workshops quickly sold-out.  These classes allowed a limited number of artists to be a part of intense learning with some of the largest names in the industry.  A few of the educators included makeup artists Danessa Myricks, Orlando Santiago, Tanya Deemer, Eugenia Weston, and Lijah Stewart, teaching on popular topics such as the Art of Cover Up and Understanding Color Theory and Color Correction.

About The Makeup Show Chicago

The Makeup Show is owned and produced by Metropolitan Event & Production and travels internationally from LA, NYC, Chicago, Europe, and Orlando.  Bringing each destination over 60 beauty brands, and unique convergence of artists and community, where beauty professionals are sure to find an artistic energy that will inspire any beauty buff, from the passionate beginner to the seasoned professional.  Each show offers an unparalleled lineup ofeducation and appearances from top beauty professionals and focuses on career building and networking within the makeup community.  The show provides a unique experience for the makeup professional to network directly from the best in the business.  You can also stay up to date on the hottest show news through an informative blog covering all things beauty at www.themakeupshow.com/the-makeup-show-blog/.  Also, be sure to connect on Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube.

For a complete list of participating brands, educational speakers,schedule of events and prices, please visit www.themakeupshow.com.

Upcoming Event: Art & Sol Flea Market

This Saturday, I'll be vending at the Art & Sol Flea Market from 10am-6pm. There will other local vendors selling handmade goods, art, and vintage items. If you're in the Chicagoland area, please stop by and support your local artists.

Out and About: Free Makeup Class At Sephora #2

In another post I mentioned how I attended a free makeup class at Sephora. Well, I went to another free class on Sunday, 12, 2013 at the same Sephora (Watertower).  This second class was called Lashes, Liners, and Brows,  though the main focus was applying false eyelashes. And please note that I have attempted false lashes many times but I'm still getting the hang of it. Having the instructors there to guide made me feel more comfortable about applying lashes again. They were very helpful and gave me a few more tips such as shaping the lashes by gently wrapping them around your finger (or pen, pencil, etc...). Another tip was to place the glue on the edge or top of the band instead of the actual band/band. These tips made the lash application easier for me but I could still use more practice. I suppose I will keep trying until I get better.  I don't plan to wear them often. I just would like the option for days when I want to glam up a bit.

After class, one of the associates showed us their store's new toy, the Sephora Skincare IQ. This machine matches you with products that are perfect for your skin based on your skincare concerns. You're asked a series of questions and the machine uses your answers  to suggest several products. Then it prints out detailed information about the products including ratings, regimen, and suggested usage.

Note: Pictured in first photo is an instructor and a class participant

Sephora Skincare IQ

Detailed Skincare Match

I really enjoyed the class and learned some cool new tricks. And since it was Mother's Day so there were fewer participants and more one-on-one instruction. There was also another goodie bag and some other treats which are pictured. I will definitely be signing up for the next one. And I'll also be back to play around with the Skincare IQ.

 

 Left: Sephora lashes they gave me in class

Right-Goodie bag contents: Living Proof Restore Targeted Repair Cream,

                                                        Peter Thomas Roth CC Cream 

Free item I got with Sephora Insider Points

Two free fragrance pouches. I think they passing these out for Mother's Day.

I gave them to my sis-I'm more of a solid perfume/oil girl. 

Wordless Wednesday!

My Week in Photos, Instagram, and Vine!

I've seen several bloggers do this kind of post so I thought I would give it a go. Though, honestly, I don't do that much on instagram or vine. I have been trying to post more. So check it out and let me know what you think. And if you're not familiar with Vine, it's a social network where you post short (about 6 seconds) videos. It seems to be catching on very slowly but I've seen a few really cool video. Even some short creative films. There's a lot of potential with Vine. We'll see if get catches on any faster.
Vine only allows you to share posts to FB and Twitter but it does save the video to your phone.  So for the sake of this post I've uploaded my Vines to vimeo.

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4/26 - Ok, so these two post are technically over a week old but I wanted to include them anyway. They were from the Howard Art Market last Saturday which was pretty great! It was at Sol Cafe located in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago. I sold jewelry, met some nice people and the coffee was really good. All of the employees seemed really happy to be there too. I hope to do another market there soon.

                                      
5/2- This was an unusually warm day in Chicago this time of year. I think we reached about 85 degrees. I was riding along with my sister and nephew and the wind was whipping through my hair. It felt really good. especially since we've been waiting forever for warmer temps. My hair can get pretty tangled when the wind is high, but I didn't care on this day. 

5/3 - These are a few crystals that I picked up at a local bead shop. I have become obsessed with them.  I've made some earrings and plan to make some necklaces. I'll be getting more soon.

5/3 - This is a photo of my cousin and I at a Kris Kross concert. I think the year was about 1992. My older sis took us and we too excited to go. R.I.P. to Chris Kelly  (member of  Kris Kross) who was found dead on May 1, 2013. 

5/4- Trader Joe's Gluten Free Granola for breakfast

5/4 -This is the tea I had this morning. It's Vanilla Bean by Mighty Leaf Tea. 

Upcoming Events: Howard Art Market (H.A.M) at Sol Cafe

This coming Sunday, 04/27/13, I'll be participating in the Howard Art Market. This market will be held at Sol Cafe from 10am-4pm. There will be several other artists there selling their wares too. So please stop by it you're in the neighborhood. Support local artists and get a cappuccino while your at it. Also, 10% of proceeds will benefit Hilda's Place which is a women's shelter. Hope to see ya Sunday!

What: H.A.M
When: 04/27/13
Where: 1015 W. Howard
Time: 10am-4pm
Cost: Free to enter

Out and About: Free Makeup Class at Sephora!

I was wandering (aimlessly) at Sephora a couple of week ago when an associate asked if I would be interested in attending a makeup class. She gave me the rundown on what the class would be about and when it would take place. I was nodding slowly until she said the magic word, Free. Then I quickly agreed to take the class, although it was at 10am on a Sunday. And, I think I do an ok job with my makeup, I'm always open to learning more.

When I went to the class and there were about 15 other ladies there. Tables were set up with makeup brushes, products, mirrors and a clipboard with a form to jot down notes. This particular class was called Standout Eyes. We learned how to do a basic eyes into eveinig smoky look. There were about 3 instructors One worked on a model while the other two gave us hands-on help. And several ladies needed plenty of help because they never really wore makeup.

I didn't need very much help since this was such a basic eye. I did learn a new technique though. It's called tightlining which is lining the underside of your top lid; right under the lashline. I tried this technique and it really did make a difference. That was a great take-away from this class and I'll definitely be incorporating it into my routine.
Another take-away was goodie bag that had two full size products inside. And please note that I had no idea there would be freebies (though I hoped so). The products I got were Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream and Fresh Soy Face Cleanser.

Overall, I had a nice time.  I even signed up to try another class in a few weeks. I think it's on lashes. I'll keep you posted on that one. And I'll try to take a few more pictures.

I'm Running! Yay?!

For the past few weeks I have been running (2-3x per week) with a group called Black Girls Run (BGR). I started running with BGR because I've been in sort of a workout slump for the last few months.  I would do workouts at home with dvds, magazines, YouTube, and Pinterest. I started getting really bored with them though. And I didn't want to join a gym so I decided to give running a go.


I figured running with a group would make it more fun because I'd get to be outside and meet/befriend new people. There's also the factor of accountability.  Plus, my group (and many of the others) run quite early. So that helps with discipline, creating a new routine, structure. And I feel like I need that right now because it's not always easy to structure yourself when you're working out at home.


When I first joined BGR it took be about a month to actually get out and run. I wanted to wait until I got new gear because most of my old workout clothes have been killed by crafts (glue, paint, markers,etc...,). My running shoes are a little too. But I've become a firm believer of starting where you are because waiting for perfect conditions is usually waste of time. So one day I decided to just go. I threw on a t-shirt, some leggings, and met up with my group at about 6am on a Tuesday morning; I'm so glad I did. It was just the jumpstart I needed to get my A in G.


I must mention that I have ran on treadmills in the past but I never really set any goals; I would just run/jog for a bit then walk. With the running group we run/walk at least 3 miles every time we meet. I've even ran a few times on my own on days that we don't/can't  meet. So I'm getting a little more serious now. In fact, I'm trying to get increase my endurance and speed so that I can run a 5k. Could it be that I'm becoming a runner? Perhaps! I'll keep you posted.


Are you a runner? Love it? Hate it?


Note: the photo above is of a local running trail

Out And About: Chinatown Market

The beau and I recently stopped in Chinatown  to grab a bubble tea and to walk around a bit. While walking I decided to stop in Chinatown Market which is a little grocery store that's right off of the Red line Cermak stop. Though, I've been to Chinatown plenty of times, I kind of avoided this store; And I'm not sure why. Maybe because it looks a little small and dumpy. But I've been to plenty of stores and markets that are dumpy and end up finding awesome stuff. Anyway, I walked in and was a little overwhelmed. There was soooo much stuffed into this little store. The shelves were packed to the gills with teas, herbs, spices, beverages, candies, dried fruits, etc,.... I was not prepared for all of this. So I quickly grabbed some random herbal beverage and got out there. Plus the aisles were pretty narrow and the store was somewhat crowded. I decided I would go back when it was less crowded and I had more time to look around.

Well,  I went back and this time it was earlier in the day. There weren't many people in the store so I took my time looking around.  I found plenty of interesting items  that I wanted to try/buy and plenty of others (like preserved chicken eggs) that the westerner in me wouldn't think of trying.  There were loads of teas, herbal elixirs, fresh produce, and preserved fruits. There were also a lot of snacks and candies which were a little healthier and less processed than some of the snacks that you'll find in a conventional grocery store; and a lot cheaper than what you'll find in a health food store. There was also a frozen section, a deli and a little area  with beauty products that I didn't have time to look at.  So I'm sure I'll be headed back to check out what I missed. Here are the  few things that I did pick up; all for about $11. And I wanted more but that dang budget flags waves high and mighty these days (it's really real).

What I got:

Left to right:
Common Self-Heal Fruit Spike Drink
A beverage made with Prunella Vulgaris and other herbs/roots. Tasted a bit like cola without the fizz. And was a little sweet. I can remember if it was sweetened with sugar or honey.

Grass Jelly Drink
A beverage made with grass jelly and other ingredients.

Honey Pomelo dry fruit
Dried pomelo fruit with sugar and gelatin. These were tasty but upon reading all of the nutrition facts (which I usually always do but didn't this time) I was disappointed at the amount of calories and sodium (240/220) that one piece contained :-/

Green Tea Pumpkin Seeds 
Pumpkin seeds coated with green tea powder and salt. Not bad but I found myself getting tired of the taste after a couple handfuls.

Temple of Heaven Green China Tea Special Gunpowder
Loose green tea

Meiji Milk Chocolate Bar
Average chocolate bar


A few more photos:

Do you shop in Chinatown where you live? or other ethnic markets? Let me know.

P.S. I kinda wanted to try the durian chewy candy. I figured that would be the closest I'd get to trying the infamous fruit.

Hump Day Special! 20% off My Entire Shop!

Happy Hump Day! Due to the holiday this past Monday (Memorial day) the work week is a little shorter for some. And the "hump" might not be as hard to get over. But I'm still offering a little special to make hump day better. Use coupon code HUMPDAYSPECIAL20 to get 20% off of any item in my shop Jazjewelz.etsy.com. Happy Shopping!

Indie In The Windy City Handcrafted Market

On Saturday, May 5th, 2012, I'll be vending at the Indie In The Windy City Handcrafted Market. I'll have everything from my Etsy shop and plenty of new items. Also, 20% of all sales will be donated to the Cornerstone Community Outreach homeless shelter. I hope to see you there.  And please feel free share this event with friends.

What: Indie In the Windie City Handcrafted Market
When: 05/05/2102
Where:The Chealsea House, 920 W. Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL
Time: 10am-5pm

Out and About: Dose Market and Fela The Musical

On Sunday I attended two events that I've been really wanting to go to which are Dose and Fela the Musical.

First I went to Dose which is a year round, monthly, market which features some of Chicago's best artisan food and fashion vendors. I first heard of Dose about a year ago. I thought it sounded really cool and I wanted to go . Each month I would make plans to go but somehow my plans always changed. So this month I decided I was going and I did. I got there pretty late though thanks to a last minute wardrobe malfunction and a really slow train. When I finally arrived there was only 45 minutes left until closing. And that was plenty time to look around but most of the food vendors were out of stock by then. I ended up getting a Mushroom Slider from Mana Food Bar (which is delish but I've had it before), a yummy sugarcane lime drink from Peeled, a couple of Lucilia's Homemade Alfajores and tea from Senteamental Moods. I walked around a bit more, checked out the fashion, jewelry, and housewares and headed out. I hope to go again next month and get there much earlier-before everything is sold out.

While I was on my way to Dose I got a text from my cousin. She said she had an extra ticket to Fela and asked if I wanted to go. Well....of course I did. There has been so much buzz  and rave reviews about Fela over the past few years. And since it's been in Chicago I've seen lots of people in my social networks talk about seeing it and how great it was. So I was very excited and felt lucky to get the chance to see it....ON CLOSING NIGHT.


Seeing Fela was truly an amazing experience. It was exhilirating and very high energy. Everything was phenomenal from the singing, music, dancing, and acting to the set, makeup and costumes. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment and hope to see again someday. Yeah Yeah!

If you're not familiar with Fela The Musical it is described as a hybrid of concert, musical theater, and dance that explores the life of activist and Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. You can check out Fela's Youtube Channel and see clips of the show, backstage footage, celebs and theatergoers express their love for the show, and more.

Event: Handmade Market at Empty Botttle!

Hey everyone! I will be selling my jewelry at Handmade Market this Saturday 2/11 from 12pm to 4pm. I have a variety of items ($5-$50) for sale including all of the jewelry in my etsy shop and will put my shop on vacation that day. If you are in the Chicagoland area please stop by, say hello, and take a look.

Event: Trunk Show at House Of Sole Boutique

Hi Everyone! This Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012, I'm having a trunk show at House Of Sole Boutique located at 1237 S. Michigan. I'll be there from 5pm-8pm. Also,  House of Sole is having a sale with 60% off of selected items. And there is will be light refreshments. If you're in the Chicagoland area, please come out. For those who aren't in/near Chicago, you  can always check out what I have in my etsy shop.

Event: Nia Naturals Kwanzaa fest

On Saturday, December 17, 2011, I will be vending at the Nia Naturals Kwanzaa Fest hosted Rachel Odem
If your are in the Chicagoland area, please stop by. Tickets are available at the door for standing room only. Check HERE for more information.