10 Tips for Surviving The Makeup Show NY

It’s that time again!  When all your favorite pro makeup brands come together in the fashion mecca, NYC for 2 days of shopping, sharing, and shennanigans.  Well, shennanigans aren’t a guaranteed a part of my TMS experience, but I’m always sure to infuse a little foolery into those two days.  Regardless, it’s important to be properly prepared so that you can make the best out of the show!  Here are my 10 tips for surviving The Makeup Show NY!

1. Plan ahead. This is hands-down the most important thing to do before you get to The Makeup Show NY!  There is an incredible schedule of demonstrations, classes, lectures etc. taking place during The Makeup Show and the amount of product available for purchase can overwhelm the most experienced show-goer. There is no better way to navigate the show than to have a plan!
2. Make a Shopping List. Remember tip #1?  Meet it’s little sister, tip #2.  Once you’ve gone through the vendor list provided by The Makeup Show, look at your kit, then back at the vendor list, then back at your kit again.  Take some time to figure out what you need to add to your kit and formulate a shopping list based on your needs and what is going to be available for purchase at the show.  Now you will have a clear idea of exactly what you need to buy versus what the product junkie in you wants to buy!
3. Bring Cash. In the age of technology it’s safe to say that every vendor will be taking credit cards, but you will be able to get in and out without dealing with processing times.  This also helps you stick to a budget for what you actually need to buy.
4. Dress comfortably.  Although you want to be a great representation of your own brand, this is not the time to wear your new sequin halter and 6 inch Louboutins. You will be walking, standing, and maneuvering through a massive amount of bodies, so it’s best to wear something that is breathable and comfortable to wear all day. Also, black is not necessary!
5. Network.  The Makeup Show is not just an opportunity to learn and shop it is also an incredible networking opportunity.  See you favorite beauty blogger, or that celebrity artist who you’re friends with on Facebook?  Go say hi! Make sure that you have your own business cards in hand and collect as many cards as you can.  If you need help remembering who’s who, write a little note on the back of each card you collect to remind you of who each person is.
6. Take pictures. Do I really need to explain?  Inspiration and worthwhile memories are literally bursting out of the Metropolitan Pavillion!  Trust me that you will want to commemorate every single moment!  
7. Be social media savvy.  Social media material doesn’t get much better than The Makeup Show.  Leverage every opportunity to make yourself visible to brands and people via social media platforms such as, Twitter, Instagram, Viddy, Vine etc.  Making a purchase, taking a class, or a chance meeting are all perfect instances to make a post via any social media platform and to tag said brand/person in question!
8. Be courteous and professional.  Everything is a representation of your brand and reputation will get you incredibly far in the beauty industry.  Be polite and professional in every single interaction because it is the proper thing to do and because you never know who you may be dealing with. Trust me.
9. Ask questions.  This is your chance to get in person demonstrations and product knowledge from industry experts.  This is also your chance to speak directly with representatives from brands and with artists with which you may want to work.  Take advantage of every opportunity to have brand reps give you product knowledge and to find out about opportunities to advance your career!
10. Come visit I Make You Beautiful.  This last tip is completely biased, but I want to see all your beautiful faces and all your new purchases!