If anyone has time to stop in it runs from today (saturday, Feb 27 - monday, March 1) Here is a link to their website:
http://www.hcpshow.com/I went yesterday, very excited. Even though they ask for business #s and all that, I explained my years as a face painter and VIOLA I received a badge in the mail. I have been at shows at the Rosemont Convention Center and they can be HUGE! I was told that this one was a few years ago. I was able to cruise the tables in a bit more than an hour. Lots of cool costumes, masks and flashy halloween stuff. When it come to facepainting; 2 booths Wolfe and Snazaroo.
Wolfe had lots of space with all their wares for purchase or large orders. 2 artists were showing their abilities on their faces as well as others. It was nice to feel and try out the glitters and any of their makeup. Glad I went. But others had told me that this show had awesome deals. Did I miss them? I was paying $8 for one regular cake and purchased several 90 grams for $19. The glitters were $3, so I stocked up. They felt very nice and have a large selection of colors. After spending $260, I thought I might get a little knocked off, but the whole sale prices must have gone to larger orders.
Snazaroo had a much smaller space. 2 salesmen (one was the owner of Snazaroo US and the Guinness World Book Winner for painting 117 full faces is one hour. All that, and not even a trophy - just his name in their books) and their products were there. They even had a powerpoint presentation on a laptop with many of their sample faces. I saw your football face, REGINA NEWSUM!!!! I am pointing to the screen, saying "I chat with her on a face painting forum!" Don't know if anyone was impressed, but I thought it was cool.
Spent more than $200 at Snazaroo, buying many new colors for $5 a pop, brushes and a few stencils. I was even helping potential clients by asking for a sample and a brush to show them it it goes on. No discount for volunteer saleswoman. Nuts.
There were some make up people, but many needed a $2000 order to get a discount. There is a cool new product that is an adhesive glitter tatto. They come in flames and swirls. They had a few shapely women wearing g-strings with their products covering some private areas. I saw some of the middle age salemen taking photos (GROW UP!) and drooling all over themselves.
Another adhesive glitter device was made from the eyes. Looking like a beautifully colored eyelid with gems and such, they are reuseable. VERY PRETTY. They were $20 for 8 pair. I was considering getting some for club gigs, but by that time, I was out of cash. I took their catalog.
So I spent lots; got lots and had fun. I was disappointed that there were only the two facepainting/make up companies there. I wanted to buy different products than what I already have. Try smoothies, starblends and the glitter poof things and more, but no go. Darn.
I also met a talent agent, a pumpkin patch owner and a mom/entreprenuer that was full of money making ideas. They all got my cards. You never know where your next job is coming from.
If you are in Chicago area, there are much worse ways to spend a few hours. Now, I need a few bookings to make up the money that I spent!
