Makeup Shows in the USA

Makeup shows in the USA serve two worlds: working artists who want to learn and shop, and the product teams who create the formulas and packaging behind the brands. New York and Los Angeles are the centres of both.

For artists, The Makeup Show NYC at the Metropolitan Pavilion each spring is a favourite, with education, pro pricing and public access, and The Makeup Show iArtist in New York runs just before it. The MUAHS Guild Awards in Los Angeles each February celebrate makeup artists and hairstylists working in film, television and live performance, and the SPCP Convention in Tulsa covers permanent cosmetics each October. For product development, MakeUp in Los Angeles meets at the Los Angeles Convention Center each February and MakeUp in NewYork comes to the Javits Center in September. Makeup also has its own areas at the Premiere shows, America's Beauty Show and the Be+Well shows.

Every makeup show in the USA is listed below with dates, venues and who can attend, so you can plan your learning and buying for the year.

Getting around

New York's Metropolitan Pavilion is on West 18th Street in Chelsea, close to several subway lines, and the Javits Center is on the 7 train at Hudson Yards. In Los Angeles, the convention center is downtown by Pico station on the Metro A and E lines, and The Westin Bonaventure is a short ride away in the financial district.

Where to stay

In New York, Chelsea and Midtown West keep both makeup venues within easy reach. In Los Angeles, downtown hotels near L.A. Live are a short walk from the convention center. For the Premiere and Be+Well shows, the hotels around each convention centre are the most convenient.

Tips for makeup shows

• Bring your professional ID or portfolio to unlock pro pricing where it is offered.
• Plan your budget for kit refills, as show discounts are popular.
• Trade fairs such as MakeUp in NewYork are for brands, buyers and developers, so check the event type before you book.
• Sit in on stage demos to see new techniques in action.