Friday, April 11, 2014

A peek at the must have #Beauty Brands that @beautypress #Spotlight Day put on my radar



Beauty Press Spotlight Day has quickly become one of my favorite Press Events to attend in New York City. They have helped me discover Beauty Brands that are completely new to me or new products from old favorites as well as one-to-one time directly with the brands, oftentimes with the Founders of the Brand which is certainly a rare treat.

On such a cold day, these signs of Spring were certainly a site for sore eyes!

So Backsplash shots aka 'Step and Repeats' are becoming the norm at most events, and despite the fact I have been blogging for a long time now, I have always been camera shy, but they got me coming in! LOL

Ascending Butterfly attends BeautyPress Spotlight Day February 2014
Right: Ascending Butterfly - Rocking one of my favorite jackets from Wilson's Leather, that green color always cheers me up!

After the backsplash my first stop was something warm and Filicori Zecchini Coffee was just what the Doctor ordered! They warmed me up and perked me up!


Filicori Zecchini Coffee at BeautyPress Spotlight Day February 2014



Filicori Zecchini Coffee Display at BeautyPress Spotlight Day February 2014


They have a location on 46th and Madison so if you are in the area you should definitely stop by!


Ceci Cela Patisserie at BeautyPress Spotlight Day February 2014
Ceci Cela Patisserie


We were super lucky that Ceci Cela Patisserie brought the French cafe experience directly from NYC's Nolita neighborhood right to us, as their sweet delights paired perfectly with our coffee.


Ceci Cela Patisserie Pastries Display at BeautyPress Spotlight Day February 2014
Ceci Cela Patisserie Pastries Display at BeautyPress Spotlight Day February 2014 - All I can say is that everything tasted as good as it looks!


I normally get so wrapped up at events that I end up invariably having to skip the Beauty Treatments because the lines are long, so for once I opted to think about ME first for a change. And I signed up for a Blow Out with the lovely team at Blo Blow Dry Bar! I felt like a superstar afterwards:


Ascending Butterfly gets a Blow Out at Blo Blow Dry Bar at BeautyPress Spotlight Day February 2014
A great blow out always makes my day so much brighter!


Blo is North America's Original Blow Dry Bar. They started in 2007 with one vital question 'Why isn't there a place for quick, affordable catwalk-quality blow outs?', they now have 39 locations across North America. My neighborhood doesn't have one and certainly needs one, hmm....Maybe I went for Beauty and will come out thinking about inquiring on my own Franchise!


Even Mama Butterfly got in on the fun and as you can tell she loved her Blow Out too!


I figured I'd keep the hair theme after my blow out and hit the Dear Clark booth:

Dear Clark Display at BeautyPress Spotlight Day February 2014
Let's face it, how could I pass up a 'Hair Revival'?


Stylists Holly Dear and Kaycee Clark (Dear Clark, get it?) created this range of effective, natural based and locally sourced products to help bring stressed hair back to life. With ingredients from the deep heart of the Lone Star State and a signature scent crafted from pure and powerful essential oils and one that as a Latina I am quite familiar with:

Rose of Jericho, known as 'the Resurrection Flower', Dear Clark Display at BeautyPress Spotlight Day February 2014
One of the ingredients Dear Clark uses in their haircare products is Rose of Jericho, known as 'the Resurrection Flower'

One of their ingredients is Rose of Jericho, known as 'the Resurrection Flower', it survives years in West Texas desert yet regenerating instantly when water is present, as a haircare ingredient it delivers amazing hydration and anti-aging properties too!

Following right along with the Haircare theme I had to visit the team behind Design Essentials, because even though I blow it out, I have naturally wavy hair and I like to keep up with thelatest products for my hair type!



On their website you can purchase Hair Care Packages specifically based on your hair concerns which saves time and eliminates the guessing behind which products will work best for your hair needs.

I am a big fan of monthly box subscriptions that allow you to try out a variety of new products and figure out which work best for you before you commit to a full size, one of the fun takeaways from BeautyPress Spotlight Day this time around was the CurlKit box that contained a ton of goodies for curly and natural hair (mine included: III Sisters of Nature Spiral Pudding, U R Curly Still Control for edges (free of alcohol, parabens, sulfates, silicones, and Dyes and enriched with Abyssinian Oil), Hante Textures Tea Tree Conditioner with Peppermint Oil (Detangles, Hydrates and Stimulates Scalp), Honey Hair Mask Detangling Deep Conditioner, Hante Textures Hair & Skin Butter, An assortment of products from NothingButHairCare.com, Pooka Sandalwood Rose Body Oil, and Mixed Chicks Trial and Travel Pack)



Before switching out of Hair themed products I thought a cocktail just might be in order and decided I'd try "The Gojipolitan":

The Gojipolitan Cocktail includes Fresh Goji Berries, FAIR Quinoa Vodka, FAIR Goji Liquer, Triple Sec and Fresh Lemon Juice,
The Gojipolitan includes Fresh Goji Berries, FAIR Quinoa Vodka, FAIR Goji Liquer, Triple Sec and Fresh Lemon Juice, it is DELICIOUS!!!

I wish there was 'tastovision' so I could share one of these with you. I had no idea that a Quinoa Vodka would taste so good!

Fair Spirits. Fair Trade. FAIR Quinoa Vodka at BeautyPress Spotlight Day February 2014


Tasting Notes:

"Clear very neutral aromas and flavors suggest cream, cake and minerals with a very soft, dryish light-to-medium body and exquisitely smooth custard, dried fruit, and limestone accented finish. A superbly silky, elegant, and delicious Vodka that is fantastic on it's own and will be perfect in cocktails"

Fair Spirits. Fair Trade. FAIR Quinoa Vodka at BeautyPress Spotlight Day February 2014


Fair Spirits. Fair Trade. FAIR Quinoa Vodka is bottled in France.

Have you ever wanted Beauty Mark? How about one you can move and remove? The team at Beauty Mark showed off their temporary Beauty Marks, I'm thinking a Butterfly Beauty Mark should be created just for Ascending Butterfly!


Absolute New York, NickaK New York Beauty Mark Beauty Stamp for Face and Body at BeautyPress Spotlight Day February 2014


Absolute New York/NickaK New York is a contemporary beauty brand founded in the heart of New York, and they were showing off their temporary Beauty Marks.

Clique by Roble was back again at BeautyPress Spotlight Day:


Clique by Roble at BeautyPress Spotlight Day February 2014


This time they brought along some wonderful Body Butters to go with their fragrance (which we covered before HERE). I am LOVING this Body Butter, it is super thick and a little goes a long way. The scent is sweet but not clawing and really lasts, you could wear it alone quite frankly or layer it by wearing the fragrance in conjunction. I love this Body Butter right after a hot shower when my skin is still slightly damp and warm, it helps the body butter spread easier and just sinks into the skin.

I'm an Argan Oil Fanatic, so I was super happy to meet the team at DermOrganic, who sent us home with a full size collection of their products including: Soapless Facial Cleanser with Moroccan Argan Extract (purifies, clarifies and moisturizes), Hand and Body Moisture Lotion, 100% Pure Argan Oil Organic Moisturizer for hair and skin, and a Facial Moisturizer also with Moroccan Argan Extract in a sheer formula that absorbs quickly.




DermOrganic Display at BeautyPress Spotlight Day February 2014
I share their motto: Minimal Ingredients. Maximum Benefits. They are Vegan, and NO Animal Testing!


I would definitely love to try their haircare next!

For Wordless Wednesday I gave you guys a sneak peek at the brand I met next, Dolluxe:


Dolluxe Display area at BeautyPress Spotlight Day February 2014


Dolluxe includes several brands including Gothic Lolita Wigs, RockStar Wigs, and Cosplay Wigs.

We got to go home with the fun eyelashes that will help turn this butterfly into a living doll:

Dolluxe Display area at BeautyPress Spotlight Day February 2014






I'm thinking some of their RockStar Wigs would be adorable for Coachella this weekend!

And although I am pretty well blessed in the Melanin Department I got to meet the team behind Fake Bake and their products are definitely brilliant to help you keep that sun kissed glow year round!




And my pals tell me Fake Bake is the new pantyhose! Instead of wearing hosiery in the summer many of my pals use this instead.

The LASHEM Brand also showed off a wide variety of products, and sent us home with a cute kit that included their False Eyelashes, Instant Lash Extensions with RegenaLash (For Longer Lashes and Fuller Brows in just 4-6 weeks), Lipo Lotion Tummy Toning and Cellulite Smoothing System (Designed to Diminish Dimples and Tone Skin), and Liquid Eyeliner with Lash Enhancing Serum.




I would love to try their new Ultrasonic Beauty Massager that is to be used in conjunction with the Lipo Lotion to help speed up the results!

Don't you love when you are wearing a fragrance that makes total strangers approach you just to ask you what you are wearing? Prepare for the onslaught with one of my favorite discoveries at this BeautyPress Spotlight Day, Spadaro Luxury Fragrances.


Spadaro Luxury Fragrances BeautyPress Spotlight Day February 2014


I love all the scents, but our editors favorite was definitely Doux Amour! A rare blend of floral essences - Ylang Ylang, Casablanca Lily, Moroccan Jasmine, Patchouli, Rare Amber, Sandalwood and a sheer veil of Vanilla - it's just an absolutely beautiful fragrance! The founder, Kim Spadaro, whose mom encouraged her creativity while her travels inspired her fragrances, donates a portion of the proceeds of Spadaro Products to The Spadaro Foundation which was created as a tribute to Kim's Mom who passed away on 1/1/11.






My Take:

Beauty Press delivered a great mix of brands I know and trust and brands that were new to me in an environment that is always conducive to not only networking but getting in those questions and one-on-one time that I find truly invaluable. While I still very much have to attend tradeshows, I find that Spotlight Days feel less like 'work' and more like a discovery zone which I appreciate. There were some brands that showed support with gift bag inclusions that weren't in attendance including Adovia, Foreo, Niki Saint Pierre Botanical Cosmeceuticals, Seaflora and South Beach Skin Solutions, as I use these products I will give them their own day in the sun in an upcoming post so stay tuned!

Butterflies which brand resonates most with you? Which one would you most like to try? Let them know you saw them featured on Ascending Butterfly so we can hopefully come back with something fun for YOU too!


˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: I am a member of the Beauty Press Network. This is NOT a compensated post, it is an event recap. This is NOT a sponsored post and all opinions are 100% my own!  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

45 comments:

  1. Love the pics of you and mama Butterfly! Looks like you had a great time and experienced some awesome products. I'll have to check out a few of those! Thanks!

    -Milena

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    1. @Milena - BeautyPress is always fun, and I love that they bring together such a diverse range of brands, and feeding us helps too! LOL

      ♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

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  2. Snacks, wine and beauty products all in one post? Holy cow. I love you!!

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    1. @Masshole Mommy - We love you too! It's definitely a fantastic combination! :-)

      ♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

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  3. wow! Sounds like a great time, full of great fashion products. What an experience!

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    1. @Mama to 5 - A great day of Beauty that's for sure! :-)

      ♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

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  4. Wow, what a fun event! And your hair looks fantastic!

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    1. @Confessions of a Coupon Queen - Thanks! I must admit a great Blow Out definitely makes my day! :-)

      ♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

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  5. What an awesome event to attend. Looks like you had tons of fun and check out new beauty products.

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    1. @debdenny - I love checking out what's new on the Beauty Scene, Beauty Press is like a 'Discovery Zone' for Beauty Lovers! :-)

      ♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

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  6. Pastries Look So Yummy, Beauty Marks Look Really Pretty Would Love To Get One. Glad You Had Fun!

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    1. @Lisa - The pastries were delish! I am going to have to design a Butterfly Beauty Mark. :-)

      ♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

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  7. Looks like you had a fun time checking out all the latest beauty products!

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    1. @Jen V - It was like a Discovery Zone, just for adults. I am always game for testing out Beauty Stuff.

      ♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

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  8. Some very interesting products and beautifully arranged booths!

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    1. @Jai M. - I agree. As a former Event Planner for Corporate Events I always appreciate that BeautyPress utilizes their space well and the Brands always set up very eye-catching booth displays.

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  9. Wow what a fun thing to go to, just a little jealous!

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    1. Oh I forgot to say, love the colorful wig!

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    2. @Sandra McCollum - As a Blogger you should register with BeautyPress as they provide info on a ton of new Beauty Products via Press Releases. And if you are New York City Central I would highly recommend coming in for a Spotlight Day, they are informative and fun and you also get to network with other bloggers (which is a great way to share leads!)

      ♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

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  10. This sounds like a lot of fun to attend! I would love one of those tasty pastries too!

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    1. @Jen B - I will tell you when I was optimizing my images for this post the picture made me want some all over again!

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  11. Oh wow! That does look like a great event, and so many brands represented there.

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    1. @Angela - They always bring a great mix of Beauty Brands. They make work fun! :)

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  12. Wow, what a fun event it must have been! So many brands to check out! I have never tried out a box yet, but a hair care one sounds fun! Glad you stepped up to the camera!

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    1. @Annie Stow - Subscription Boxes are such a great way to try out a bit of everything before committing to purchasing a full size of anything. And many offer full size now instead of sample sizes which is great, if you fall in love with something you want a full size to start with. :-)

      I still have mixed feelings about being in front of a camera, I much prefer being behind one!

      ♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

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  13. Looks like a great event! There were so many brands and companies represented.

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    1. @Pam - Definitely a great mix and great fun.

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  14. Oh my goodness, so much fun. I can't believe they offered so much in one event. How cool

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  15. @Shauna Torres - BeautyPress really knows to how maximize the space and the time and bring brands and editors/bloggers together in a way that makes networking super easy.

    ♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

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  16. I didn't know people wanted beauty marks just for the heck of it. You really got introduced to a ton of interesting things!

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    1. @Liz Mays - Ha! Ha! Actually one of my cousins use to draw one all the time, so I was familiar with the idea, this is definitely an easier way to do it! :-)

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  17. What a fun time - I would love to be able to attend an event like this.

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    1. @DeDa Studios - I don't know where you are based, but registering with BeautyPress is fast and easy, and if you are NYC Central, once you are registered with BeautyPress you can then attend a Spotlight Day too. :)

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  18. Always love seeing posts with you and your mom together, and this event seemed perfect for a girl's day out- tenian de todo!! BB2U

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    1. @Bohemian Babushka - We love taking on the city that never sleeps together! :)

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  19. Lucky you getting to go to such a great event!! Lots of great products!! Thanks for sharing with your readers!! I saw a few items that I need to try (hair products!!)

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    1. @Laurie - As I go along trying all the products out I will give them their own day in the sun so stay tuned for more detailed reviews on the brands we got to try.

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  20. It is always great when you can go and connect with a company and get the story behind their brand.

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    1. @Janeane Davis - That is my favorite part of Spotlight Day, it's way more intimate than a conference so you can get some personal time with each brand. And it is even more exciting on the Spotlight Day where a brand is making their debut.

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  21. Sounds and looks like a fun event! And I love your green leather jacket. You were definitely rocking it!

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    1. @Catherine L. - Thanks! From Wilson's Leather I have been shopping with them since my teens and it's been love/love ever since! (both in store and online!)

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  22. Great pic's of you and Mama Buttrefly ,looks like you had a great time . I'm not a blogger but I always look forward to seening all the new products you show us.( love your recaps ). I think I'd like to try Doux Amor; and the Ultrasonic Beauty Massager oh heck i'd love to try it all lol .

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    1. @Big Happy Buddha - Doux Amour by Spadaro is definitely an editors favorite hands down! I haven't had a chance to try the massager, but I'll keep everyone posted if I do.

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  23. I love Beauty Press because it keeps me in touch with top beauty brands. This event looks like a beauty lover's dream trip!

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    1. @Jaredamy - Glad you are familiar with and already registered with BeautyPress. We are actually NYC based so this was a local event for us, but definitely fun all the same! :)

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