Two weeks ago, beauty lovers descended on the Javits Center in New York City for a fun-filled weekend at Beautycon. Not familiar with Beautycon? Well, it’s the beauty mecca for those who can’t get enough of makeup, cosmetics and the social media stars behind their favorite blogs and video channels.
As a beauty blogger with an endless stash of lipsticks and mascaras, I knew it would be an event I’d enjoy. I was right. Thanks to Dove, I was able to attend the 5th annual event as their guest for an incredible experience that I won’t soon forget.
The legacy brand invited me as part of their inspiring new campaign, Project #ShowUs, designed to tackle beauty bias and representation. Before the two-day event got underway, I got a sneak peek at Dove’s booth and was able to explore their ingenious activation which celebrates beauty in all forms.
The brand partnered with Getty Images and Girlgaze to launch the world’s largest stock photo library 100 percent created by women. Throughout the booth, some of the 5,000 photographs of 179 women from 39 countries were on full display for visitors to see.
In addition to Dove’s interactive booth, they also offered Beautycon attendees free hand massages using their new Body Wash Mousse and Exfoliating Body Polish for smooth, soft skin.
The two-day convention was comprised of countless innovative beauty activations, fun makeup tutorials, invigorating dance breaks, and inspiring panel discussions.
All the panels featured industry leaders talking about subjects around race, beauty, inclusion, media and social justice. For example, Dove hosted the panel, “I Deserve to Be Seen: Beauty Bias & Representation,” moderated by former Teen Vogue editor-in-chief Elaine Welteroth, with guests from publishing and journalism.
Another interesting panel, “Black Girl Magic On the Big Screen,” featured Marsai Martin, Issa Rae and Regina Hall from the new comedy, “Little,” which discussed beauty standards and what it’s like being a black woman in Hollywood.
Oh, and did I mention the convention’s headlining guest? Yes, America’s favorite no-holds barred Bronx native, “okurr!” Yep, the one and only Cardi B was on hand to discuss managing finances and fame in the popular “Making Money Moves” session.
And it wasn’t just all makeup and panels. Hair is also a big part of what makes us feel beautiful. Thankfully, the event was chock-full of hair care brands. From SheaMoisture to the Mane Choice, the convention was teeming with well-known and up-and-coming brands to satisfy our hair care cravings.
Beautycon is a must for those who enjoy all things beauty. For me, it was an honor and privilege to be a guest of a brand that I’ve admired and used for as long as I can remember. Attending Beautycon fortified my self-esteem and restored a bit of confidence that I’ve been lacking these past few months. Hearing uplifting stories and seeing gorgeous images that represent me, I was reminded to embrace and celebrate my own unique beauty!
Have you ever attended Beautycon? If so, how would you describe your experience?
