We’ve all heard of the big name brands – Clinique, Estee Lauder, Mac, Sephora… you name it. But what about KISS and Broadway Nails, SPAdet, or Lauren Napier? Do any of the following sound familiar: Happy Hands: The Original UV Nail Glove, Bodyography, Derma E, Sweet Anthem Perfumes, and AcnEase. If not, don’t worry, I was clueless to these as well. That is, until yesterday evening, when I attended BeautyPress’ Spotlight Day event at Midtown Loft & Terrace, where all of these exhibitors were present. I admit I’m still learning about the beauty industry, but what was great about this event was being able to meet the faces behind the brands and talk to them directly about their products.

KISS is actually a big name brand from our parents’ generation. In order to keep their products relevant today, they have been creating different looks and designs to access a younger audience. Some of their press-on nails feature new trends that we see today – the glitter tips, geo designs, and my personal favorite: themed nails for any occasion. Long nails have been popular for centuries now, and KISS is continuously trying to win the crowd by adapting to a forever changing hyper-experimental generation. Women in China wore long nails to separate themselves from commoners (because no one want to to “basic b$*#^!”). Personally, I’ve always been fascinated with the press-on concept but am wary about actually putting them on my nails. Since this blog is all about trying new things, I’m going to do it…just give me about a week or two to mentally prepare myself. There will be pictures, videos, and all that jazz. Promise.

Some of the other brands that caught my attention were: SPAdet (pronounced “Spa Day”) and Lauren Napier’s Facial Cleansing Wipes.

What I loved most about SPAdet was surprisingly not the product itself. At first glance, it looks like any other skin care line. What won me over was the story behind it. Annabelle Santos created the line nearly 5 years ago when her 2 year old daughter suffered from eczema. She told us that she couldn’t just idly stand by and watch different creams irritate her daughter even more. Instead, she created her own creams. Her line, SPAdet, uses all-natural ingredients. From SPAdet’s website:

SPAdet’s products are beneficial for the prevention and relief of common skin conditions like dry, itchy skin, clogged pores, acne, premature aging, flaking scalp and thinning hair. Our formulations are made with ingredients that are so safe and pure, you can even eat them.

I wouldn’t recommend eating any product no matter how pure or safe, but I am open to trying out her line. Currently, they’re in 3 salons/spas in New York, and one in New Jersey. I can’t wait to try it out!

“Overwhelmed” is truly an understatement when it comes to describing my emotions from yesterday. There was no shortage of information, products, and people being thrown my way. However, having the opportunity to meet brands and other bloggers – that was priceless.