Haul and Review // The Makeup Show Chicago

In between running around all weekend, I was able to stop by The Makeup Show Chicago in Bridgeport. I have been looking forward to it for some time and headed down to Bridgeport yesterday to see what the vendors had to offer.

My biggest goal was to pick up OCC's new Tarred & Feathered lip balm duo that I put in my May color palette post. It's available for sale on Sephora's site now, but I have been anxious to get it in person. On top of that, I wanted to see what other products were available to pick up and try. Here's what I walked away with:

OCC Tarred & Feathered Lip Balm Duo
I've been looking forward to picking this up for a while, so it was my first stop at The Makeup Show. Upon first opening it, I couldn't get much pigment out of it — but after playing with it when I got home, I realized how powerful it can be. The black side leaves a great dark tint (similar to my Urban Decay Oil Slick, sans the sparkle) and the white side lights my lips up to a soft white. I really prefer the black side. If you're looking for something as pigmented as the Lip Tars, you're in the wrong place, though. These are sheer and easier for day-to-day wear — but take note that you have to reapply a lot throughout the day. Mine wore away quite easily. I do recommend making sure your lips are exfoliated and soft, or else this can apply unevenly. And a little goes a long way!

OCC Lip Pencil in Anti-Feather
This is another OCC product I've been meaning to buy for quite some time. I've been substituting the ELF Lip Lock pencil in its place, which is a similar pencil but is much thicker. The Anti-Feather liner is great for using with the Lip Tars (and other glosses and lipsticks) to prevent feathering. It's much easier to control than the ELF Lip Lock Pencil and works great!

Kevyn Aucoin Flesh Tone Lip Pencil in Bloodroses
I was deciding between the lip pencil and the lipstick (they're both beautiful), but opted for the pencil because of its matte finish. I use it to fill the entire lip — I was surprised that it lasted all day for me yesterday. It's the perfect red that I've been searching for. In fact, I think I'm going to add the matching lipstick to my wishlist. For the record, I wasn't as big of a fan of the lip gloss version. It seemed thin and sticky. However, at the booth they had a dark blue brush-style lipgloss. It was gorgeous and now I can't find it anywhere online. If anyone knows what I'm talking about and can tell me the name of it, I'd really appreciate it!

(On the eyes: Gold from the Make Up Forever Arty Blossom Eyeshadow palette, Kevyn Aucoin Loose Simmer Shadow in Topaz, and NARS Dual Intensity Eyeshadow in Callisto, applied dry)

Kevyn Aucoin Loose Shimmer Shadow on Topaz
This shadow is a roll-on (???) which isn't really my bag. The color is a deep gold shimmer and looks really fantastic blended on my eye with a nice beige. Despite the unfavorable applicator, I really like the color and am going to incorporate this into my daily wear. The shadow is really smooth and velvety and stays put over primer. (This item was a courtesy from The Makeup Show)

Nurturing Force Blot Out Offensive Shine Oil Control Cream
Just in time, as I'm coming close to the end of my Urban Decay primer. This matte moisture cream is awesome and makes my skin look smooth and shine-free. Normally, my face gets shiny throughout the day. I typically turn to blotting papers, but after wearing this all day in the sun yesterday, my skin was still under control. Really looking forward to wearing this a lot! (This item was a courtesy from The Makeup Show)

Make Up Forever Arty Blossom Eyeshadow Palette
I'm not a huge eyeshadow palette fan. I love neutrals and that's about it. This Make Up Forever set has Gold Plum, 122, Gold Beige, Fresh Peach, Fresh Pink, 150, Gold Green, and Pearly White. I dig the deep plum and reddish-brown tones, but have zero interest in the pink and blue. The colors are sheer enough that they aren't overbearing and the browns are good for building up tones. I'm going to work with this a bit, but don't see it coming close to replacing my favorite Julep eyeshadow palette. (This item was a courtesy from The Makeup Show)

(L-R, Kevyn Aucoin Loose Shimmer Shadow in Topaz, NARS Dual Intensity Eyeshadow in Callisto applied dry, then wet, Stilla Smudge Stick in Midnight Green applied normally and blended)

Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Midnight Green
It's really difficult to pull me away from my beloved liquid liner. This smudge stick is a green deep green, but I don't see myself using it for much more than waterlines and maybe adding a bit of smoky-ness. Otherwise the "smudge" aspect doesn't appeal much to me. Again, the color is great and it goes on super smooth, but it will only be a once-in-a-while thing for me. I could see this working great for someone who loves smudge pots! (This item was a courtesy from The Makeup Show)

NARS Dual Intensity Eyeshadow in Callisto
This collection from NARS will be released next month! I really like this color, and for me, that's saying a lot. I'm not much of a shimmer eyeshadow, but I think this is a good one to have in my arsenal for special occasions. The packaging is great (hallelujah, magnetic closures) and the pigment can be applied wet or dry for different effects. I ended up with two of these, so I'm definitely putting the seconds one on eDiv! Keep an eye out! Afterthought: I would love to dry the Subra (Black orchid) and the Sycorax (Black)! (This item was a courtesy from The Makeup Show)

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Overall, I'm very happy with my products. It was a really cool show. If I had allowed myself more time (and more patience), I would have certainly picked up some new brushes, false lashes, and Fantabulash strips. I wish there had been more vendors with options for colored eyeliners (similar to the Lime Crime colored eyeliners) and extended lip color lines. Also, it would have been great to see more brands specify up front if their products are vegan or cruelty-free, similar to OCC. There were some amazing specialfx makeup seminars going on that I would have loved to listen in on, but they were in a cramped space with a blocked walkway. Hopefully next time I can observe more easily!

Thanks so much to The Makeup Show for the goodies and opportunity to attend. If you're in Dallas, Orlando, or Europe, be sure to keep an eye out for them!