This Columbus Day Weekend, Chicago was the place to be. If you love makeup and beauty the way that I do, it was a weekend to treasure. The Powder Group rolled into town for the Artist Summit — a veritable who’s who of makeup artists, brands, and professionals in the field. And we kicked things off with a bang!

Together with the fabulous Lianne Farbes (AKA The Makeup Girl) and Erin Scandalous, I hosted the Drugstore Divas Blogger Mixer. We had a blast! So much so that we completely forgot to take photos, and I only have two. D’oh!

Here’s me with Lianne and our fabulous sign at the front of the J Bar at the James Hotel!

Like my outfit? Vintage long sleeved sweater dress by Silhouettes that I bought at the incredible Redress NYC, belt by Torrid, octopus necklace from Etsy, Payless boots, and tights by Stone Fox — available online at MyHosieryStore.com. (Review to come on this amazing hosiery company soon!)

And here I am with gorgeous ladies Rashida B (that’s right! Of BeautySchooled and The B Spot and of that eyebrow interview from a while back) and Contessa Gibson. Love her!

We had a great turnout, gave out some GREAT giftbags, and had a blast with Twitter friends, makeup artists, and fans of our blogs – twas AWESOME. Thank you so much to Suave, Sunsilk, Degree, Vaseline, and Carol’s Daughter for contributing to an amazing night!

The next day was the summit itself, and I got there later than I wanted to. (Blame that on the lychee martinis!)

I got there just in time for the blogger’s panel, featuring Lianne, Felicia of This That Beauty, Christina Farrell of The Makeup Blogger. Their panel was informative and engaging. GREAT lessons for up and coming bloggers.

I spent most of my time wandering in and out of sessions, meeting makeup artists, and checking out the amazing brands on the main floor. That’s Koren Zander of Enkore Beauty during his presentation. I LOVED watching him, and have learned so much from his YouTube videos!

I got to meet the creators of OCC Cosmetics, David Klasfeld and Katie Pelligrino. Katie chatted with me about the infamous Lip Tar and the shades to come in the future. YAY me! I scored lip tars in two colors I ADORE — Vintage, a deep wine-tinged burgundy, and Safety Orange which is exactly what it sounds like.

I’m wearing Safety Orange in the photo here with my girl Erin Scandalous!

One of the biggest booths at the Artist Summit was Inglot Cosmetics — their website is still under construction but believe me when I tell you, the variety and quality of their products – DAZZLING. And behind the counter I met Mr. Divo, who was repping Inglot and looking like a male model all the while. Mr. Divo was such a sweetheart!

The crew at Make Up For Ever were so friendly, and they kindly helped to explain how I should use the Flash Colors — more to come on this soon!

I was lucky enough to meet one of the owners of Chicago’s own Ruby Room – this wellness center promises to do more than just pamper your body, they recharge your spirit with positive energy. I am DYING to go!

I had a blast at the Artist’s Summit, and look out for a special review of another brand I discovered at the event. If you’re a makeup fiend and The Powder Group comes to your town, DON’T HESITATE! Get tickets ASAP, because their events are WELL worth attending!

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