The Makeup Show NYC 2025: A Dazzling Celebration of Artistry, Community, and Innovation in the Beauty Industry

For two unforgettable days, The Makeup Show NYC 2025 transformed New York City into the epicenter of beauty innovation and artistry. Held on Sunday and Monday, May 5–6, with pre-show events on Saturday, this 19th edition of the show marked a powerful resurgence of in-person connection, creativity, and education. The energy pulsing through the venue was electric as over 3,300 attendees—a record since the pandemic—flooded the exhibition halls to explore, learn, and celebrate what makes the beauty community so vibrant and enduring.

From renowned celebrity makeup artists to indie brand founders and aspiring students, The Makeup Show once again proved why it remains one of the most anticipated and respected events in the global beauty industry.

Shelly Taggar, the show’s owner and visionary producer, summed up the atmosphere perfectly:

This year’s event truly felt like a homecoming—a chance for professionals from every corner of the beauty ecosystem to reconnect after years of disruption. Attendees included union artists, theater makeup designers, drag performers, celebrity stylists, bridal experts, editorial creators, beauty buyers, brand executives, and beyond.

With over 90 exhibiting beauty brands, attendees had access to cutting-edge product launches, professional tools, and insider deals from some of the industry’s most sought-after companies. From skincare innovations and pro makeup essentials to hair tools and emerging product lines, the show floor was a beauty lover’s dream.

Among the many highlights was the Danessa Myricks Beauty International Stage, a destination in itself. This special platform hosted global artists including Bernicia Boateng, Yolanda Frederick, Einat Dan, Adrian Rios, and Sterling Tull, who demonstrated techniques that reflected beauty trends from around the world. It was a true celebration of multicultural artistry and international expertise.

Education has always been at the heart of The Makeup Show, and 2025 was no exception. Throughout the weekend, attendees participated in a dynamic lineup of seminars, demos, and hands-on workshops designed to elevate both artistry and business acumen.

On the Mainstage, makeup icons like Joe Dulude II (known for his work on Wicked and SpongeBob SquarePants), T. Cooper, Jeanine Lobell, and James Kaliardos shared their stories, inspirations, and invaluable industry insights. The sessions ranged from creative technique demonstrations to discussions on branding, identity, and building a sustainable career in beauty.

One of the most buzzed-about educational experiences was the Artists United Masterclass led by Rokael Lizama and Danessa Myricks. Together, they explored artistry from both creative and business perspectives, offering a 360-degree view of what it means to succeed in today’s beauty landscape.

What sets The Makeup Show apart from other beauty expos is its commitment to inclusivity and representation. The event spotlighted the diversity of the beauty world—not only in terms of race, gender, and background but in artistic discipline and point of view. Artists working in avant-garde, drag, FX, editorial, and classical beauty all found space to share their voice and be recognized.

This authentic representation wasn’t just visual—it permeated the content. Panels and talks addressed topics such as overcoming industry bias, building inclusive brands, and empowering artists through mentorship and education.

If you missed the NYC show, there’s still a chance to experience the magic. The Makeup Show Chicago is set to take place November 16–17, 2025, offering another opportunity for artists and beauty professionals to learn, network, and shop in one of the country’s most vibrant cities.

The Makeup Show also continues its tour across other major U.S. cities like Atlanta, Houston, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., bringing its community-centered vision and top-tier education to thousands more.