You know those mornings when you wake up feeling like you just got hit by a train or it is just not your day? You know when despite this you put on a nice outfit and apply some makeup to convince yourself that if you look better you will feel better? Then by some miracle you actually start to feel better? Eve Michaels will argue this is because of “the power of beauty.” This power is exactly what the Austin Beauty 360 Expo is all about.
Beauty 360 is a two-day beauty, style, and wellness expo that took place from November 9th-10th. I had the wonderful opportunity to explore and take part in the awesome activities and events that were a part of it. From free samples, raffles, giveaways, to live demonstrations, mini-treatments, fitness classes, workshops, beauty panels and more this expo oozes everything a beauty and wellness girl would dream of!
I walked into the event and was so happy to see that it was a beautiful pink beauty wonderland. The pink represents more than a girl’s favorite color as the expo was made to be used as a positive and empowering event for those who are fighting breast cancer by partnering with Susan G. Komen Austin and Race for a Cure. 20 percent of the ticket sales and 100 percent of raffle donations will be donated to Komen Austin, who raises money for women to be able to have breast cancer screenings, medical services, and helps with both medical and financial support in Central Austin.
What I loved most about the event was that a majority of the vendors were all Austin based brands and companies, it gave an even greater sense of community. I adored talking to everyone at the event about their products and their purpose. I got to sample products like juice from Skinny Limits a trailer that provides smoothies, raw vegan & vegaetarian meals, fresh juices and bottled juices! Boy were they surprisingly delicious, proves to you that you really can sneak in a vegetable like beets into a juice and it still taste great. Another interesting drink I had at the expo was a shot of clay, yes I repeat I had a shot of clay (it was more of a celebratory expo kickoff shot with my friend Delissa). The company Living Clay uses an item as natural as clay to not only rid the toxins and detox our skin but by taking a shot of their liquid clay you are able to detox and clean out your body!
Style-wise there were so many local jewelry and accessory companies that offered and showcased so many tempting items. The expo also offered booths from national brands such as Stella & Dot and BeautyBox5. Along with these booths were local companies who were offering mini treatments for free or at a very discounted price. I personally got a few lash extensions added in for free by Blink Beauty and I can’t rave about them more! The process was so simple, it only took a matter of 15 minutes and before I knew it I had these gorgeous flared eyelashes that still look so natural. Other companies like European Wax Center were offering free facial waxing, and Sun Revolution Austin were offering discounted spray tans.
Along with these many booths of goodies and treatments the expo had free fitness classes going on all day from jazzercise to yoga. Unfortunately I didn’t bring my favorite Nike’s but if I had I would have been up getting my endorphin on! I still enjoyed the upbeat music and sang along as I walked through the venue.
One of the best aspects were the noteworthy speakers and panelists that gave in sight on a wide variety of beauty and wellness topics. One discussion was about the medical and health concerns during and after breast cancer. There was also a discussion on why to go natural and ingredients that harm and heal for those interested in natural and organic beauty products. Eve Michaels a transformational makeover expert, TV personality, and motivational speaker led a discussion about the healing power of beauty that I found to be hugely inspirational. I always have loved the gratification of doing someones makeup and them thanking me for making them feel really confident, and essentially that is what Eve was proving. Beauty is used to enhance our natural looks in order to make us feel more empowered and confident.
Essentially that is the message I received from Beauty 360, it allowed me and the women of Austin to come together with local beauty and wellness businesses and others to really embrace who we are as women. I recommend that everyone keep an eye out for next years Beauty 360 expo as it is a great celebration honoring and supporting women.