An Outsider’s Journey Through the Science of Beauty

If there is a person in the world who knows less about beauty products and spa treatments than I do, I’d sure like to meet them.  Walking into the HBA Global Expo was like entering the world of the unknown.  I was surprised, however, by both the planned events of the day and the welcoming environment of the expo as a whole. 

After entering the Javitz Center, we were directed to a large auditorium where we heard speeches by Dan Brestle, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Personal Care Products Council and Mike Indursky, President of Bliss.  With both serious notes and humor combined, I was introduced to the wide-ranging world of cosmetics. 

 Following soon afterward, Shimmy Mehta, founder and president of AngelWish, gave insight into his charity.  His short speech and movie clips alone silenced the crowd with their heart-touching words and images.  Shimmy explained AngelWish’s amazing cause; providing wishes to children, stricken with chronic illnesses.

Shimmy went on to introduce the 3^rd annual winner of the Positively Beautiful Award, Kelly Choi. The Positively Beautiful award was established by HBA Global to annually recognize a celebrity who uses their name and talents to further a cause that champions inner beauty and self-esteem building. (HBA Global)  Kelly Choi was selected as the winner of this prestigious award for her close work with both AngelWish as well as Citymeals-on-Wheels, a charity that provides food for the homebound eldery in all parts of New York City.  Being so involved with two incredible charities, Kelly seemed an obvious and deserving choice for the award.

 Kelly, who was clearly humbled and honored by her award, gave a speech emphasizing the importance of these charities and encouraged others to help as well.  Seeing a celebrity who is so active and adamant about helping others was truly an unexpected and empowering experience.  Kelly stuck around after her speech to snap some photos with eager fans and colleagues.

At 10:00 AM sharp, the experience began. Most people (myself included) associate the beauty industry with pretty smells and sparkly face paint. But the fact is that the beauty industry is just as much about science as it is esthetics.

 At the  HBA  or Health and Beauty Association Global Expo the science of cosmetics was on full display. They had everything from the facial scanning stations capable of detecting sun damage and making product recommendations to creative shampoo pumps and product packaging.

After having some great conversations with various reps and trying to retain the vast amount of information we had been given, we were introduced to the skills and style of Eve Pearl.

Who knew that there were cosmetic celebrities?  Probably everyone at the expo besides me.  Humbly stating her achievement of five Emmys (one of which was displayed on-stage, just incase skeptics like myself were watching), Eve obviously knew what she was doing.  After a short introduction, Eve began her ‘trend inspired’ makeover on eager model Natasha Huang. 

With a flare of comedy and easy to follow instructions, Eve was able to show the crowd how fashionable makeup can be simple, unique, and accomplished with numerous techniques.  Throughout the display, she emphasized how several of her products were interchangeable and completely natural, providing possibilities unlike any similar products.   “This is not art this a science!” Eve boldly proclaimed to the crowd.

With her matter of fact teaching method she explained how anyone is capable of “Doing it” like the pros, dispelling mystique of the “Makeup Artist”. She spoke of how she had no formal training when she started off and that with the right technique and a little practice anyone can do it. After meeting Eve and perusing through a few more booths, we switched over to the Spa portion of the expo.  Where I thought I knew very little about cosmetics, I knew even less about spas.  I’m still not sure whether pores should be opened or closed, but I know about ten ways to do both.

From the more generic masseuse beds to the revolutionary methods of weight loss, the smaller scale spa side of the expo had just as much variety to offer.  Some of the more notable inventions, LED laced masks, promised wrinkle reduction and clearer skin.  While they attracted me due to their TRON-like movie appearance, others marveled at the possibilities that it could hold.

As we walked around, it seemed like the same old “miracle diets” that have been promised for years now.  One lecture that I stopped to listen to, however, had multiple large-scale tests with amazing results.  Could the ‘miracle’ weight loss method really be out there?  If it is, it will most likely be featured at the HBA Global Expo well before the general public even gets word of it.

So in conclusion, I have to say that the HBA Global expo blew my expectations out of the water.  Expecting to walk in to a giant Macy’s makeup section, I was instead introduced to what seemed like the future of health in our world today.  From a man who knew nothing about makeup until a few days ago, I never thought I’d see myself say this: Go to HBA Global 2012, it won’t disappoint.

- Derek Aurori, NH Media

- Photos by JP Smith, JP Ink

Hanky Panky DIY Party

                                          Photo: Courtesy of Hanky Panky

The DIY generation is really stepping up their game. To celebrate Hanky Panky’s 25^th Anniversary, they have come up with the DIY panty kit and I must say, this is genius. People spend their time making crafts, painting pottery, why not have a girls night and make customized panties?

Last night at the Hanky Panky Palace, guests were given a plain white thong, a blank canvas if you will. I must admit, there was a plethora of colors and textures, materials, ribbons, bows, flowers and little trinkets to decorate with; I thought I was in arts and crafts heaven!

The more unique I tried to make them, the more terrible it turned out. Here is my first attempt. I found scraps of neon yellow patched and tried to jazz it up with a little purple bow.  A little plain for my taste. The little charm under the bow read “Made with Love”, it was adorable.

After about an hour of allowing my creative juices to flow (and secretly getting ideas from other girls), I mastered my panty. Now it was on to the sewing. Let me just say, cocktails and needles, never a good combination. I have never felt so undomesticated in my life!

Below is the finished product. My best friend Brittny Adams attended the party with me and her creation is below as well. Needless to say, we had a smashing good time.

Need not worry if you did not get an invite to the fabulous panty party. Hanky Panky currently sells the DIY Panty Kit on their website for $28, which includes one white panty and an array of ribbons, flowers, buttons and a sewing kit. For the hardcore DIY-ers out there, the company also launched its “Make The Original Your Original” competition, where you download a thong template and create your own design. The winning panty-maker receives a $1,000 cash prize and a Hanky Panky Limited Edition 25-Thong Box. Log into their website and enter. I might just enter my masterpiece.

Here was one of my favorites of the evening. Talk about creative.

My option of the DIY kit: I want to throw a bachelorette party, birthday party, valentines day party and girls night all in one! Its such a fun and creative way to spend quality time with friends. And you end up with a fun pair of original panties! Or even better, have your man try to make you one with the DIY kit. That should make for an interesting Saturday night.

Signed: Natasha Huang

@nhmediaprgirl

Hanky Panky Glam Guru

@HankyPankyJD