Celebrating 20 Years of Artistry at The Makeup Show NYC 2025
The Makeup Show NYC returned this May with more energy and excitement than ever before, marking its 20th anniversary in style. Held at the iconic Metropolitan Pavilion in Chelsea, the event brought together thousands of professionals from across the globe for two incredible days of education, connection, networking, and inspiration. From the newest in product innovation to honest conversations shaping the future of beauty, this year’s event proved once again why The Makeup Show continues to lead the way.
A Legacy That Keeps Evolving
What began two decades ago as a gathering of passionate professionals has evolved into a true cornerstone of the professional beauty community. The Makeup Show is more than just an event. It is where artists meet their mentors, brands connect with their most loyal supporters, and careers take that next step forward. The halls of the Metropolitan Pavilion were alive with creativity. Brushes moved quickly over skin, cameras flashed, and conversations buzzed with excitement.
Brands That Delivered for Pros
Whether you showed up to restock your favorites or explore something new, the floor was packed with the best in the business. The blend of classic essentials and thoughtful indie standouts created a lineup that spoke directly to working artists.
Pro Kit Must-Haves
- MAKE UP FOR EVER drew constant crowds with their long-wear multitaskers designed for performance and payoff.
- RCMA at Alcone reminded everyone why their complexion products and no-flashback powders are staples.
- Danessa Myricks Beauty brought her signature pigment-rich products that artists know and love.
- Bdellium Tools offered durable, high-quality brushes that didn’t break the bank.
Indie Darlings and Sustainability Standouts
- MOB Beauty stood out for its clean formulas and eco-conscious refills.
- BASMA earned praise for its inclusive shade range and skin-first approach.
- Neen, founded by Jeanine Lobell, added a playful yet pro-level edge that blended creativity with quality.
Pro Retailers and Resources
- ESUM blended product excellence with real guidance.
- Alcone Company held strong as a go-to for pros in need of reliable essentials.
- The Makeup Altar, curated by Melanie Mills, offered a soul-filled shopping experience complete with everything from a wude range of beauty brands to crystals and tarot cards.
Education That Hits Different
The Seminar and Main Stages were filled from morning to evening with artists who came to learn from the best in the business.
Main Stage Magic
Sheika Daley shared hard-won wisdom from her work with Beyoncé and Zendaya. Pati Dubroff delivered a heartfelt session on staying true to your style while serving your client. Uzo of UZO Beauty gave an unforgettable deep dive into complexion artistry and product development. These were not just talks; they were deeply personal moments that left artists feeling inspired and seen.
Panel Conversations That Got Real
From the Founders Panel featuring Jeanine Lobell and Danessa Myricks to conversations about identity and success on the State of the Artist stage, the panels were packed with honesty. Derek Blanks and EJ Jamele offered real-world advice on navigating creative spaces with professionalism and care. For anyone looking to grow not just their skills but their perspective, these sessions hit home.
Global Artistry That Transcended Language
The International Stage, sponsored by Danessa Myricks Beauty, was a true celebration of global beauty artistry. Sandy Nicha, Fidel Gonzalez, Raisa Flowers, Roshar, and Viktorija Bowers closed the weekend with a visually stunning tribute to creativity and emotion. Each artist brought something unique, yet every presentation reminded us that artistry speaks universally.
Lessons That Stick with You
Across the seminar rooms and the show floor, education was constant. Lijha Stewart brought editorial polish to wearable makeup with MOB Beauty. Melanie Mills gave artists a fresh take on glow and skin at The Makeup Altar. Jade Munson had crowds mastering lash application at Ardell. Rare Beauty, Mehron, Kryolan, TEMPTU PRO, and many others delivered knowledge that could be taken straight from the show into your next booking.
Why The Makeup Show Still Matters
There are moments in every artist’s career when you need a little reset, a spark, a reminder of why you started. The Makeup Show remains that space. It’s about learning a new technique, yes. But it’s also about meeting the mentor who sees your potential. It’s about that casual conversation that turns into your next opportunity. It’s about feeling like you belong. That’s the kind of makeup show networking that leads to real career development. That is how beauty brand partnerships in NYC are still being built.
What’s Next for The Makeup Show?
New York may be wrapped, but the journey continues. The Makeup Show is heading to Houston this September, bringing the same energy and opportunity to a whole new city. If this year was any indication, the future of beauty is bright, inclusive, and more connected than ever. If you’re planning your calendar of upcoming makeup shows in 2025, make sure this one is at the top of your list. Get your tickets now!
Whether it was your first time attending or your twentieth, The Makeup Show NYC 2025 reminded us all why we show up: to grow, to connect, and to celebrate the art that brings us all together.