Latina Magazine held their first annual beauty and health expo at the Meadowlands Exposition Center. The all-day event was filled with attendees, vendors, panel discussions, workshops, makeup/hair demos and celebs. As attendees walked in, Latina tote bags and their latest issue were handed out. The expo was very mellow and intimate with a small crowd. Shea Moisture, Milani, Lasio, Mizani and Carol’s Daughter were the main attractions for beauty/hair care. Each vendor had giveaways, styling sessions and other activities to entertain and market products. I stayed on the show floor where most of the excitement was happening. I visited each station and spoke too many of the vendors to build product knowledge.
The first panel discussion was hosted by Latina Director of Content Shirley Velasquez. Celebrity personal trainer, Massy “Mankofit†Arias; Plus Size Model, Denise Bidot; OTNB cast member, Dascha Polanco; Singer/Actress/Talk Show Host, Adrienne Bailon; and Roc Nation’s Senior VP of Artist Management, Lenny Santiago were the panelists. The concept of beauty was the main topic of discussion. The panelists were asked about the portrayal of beauty in today’s generation. All of the opinions were about the same with sharing their experiences of cyberbullying, and other targeted incidents. Massy touched bases on the fitness industry and the photoshop images on social media. Her success including fitness goals did not come easy. It bothers her that many claimed to put in a lot of work of a health journey, but had plastic surgery. Lenny was the only male panelist whose opinion was highly valued. He is engaged to Adrienne and embraces her fully beauty, including not wearing fake eyelashes on off days or wrapping her hair at night. Denise and Dascha discussed their curvy figures and how it is changing Hollywood.
Shea Moisture was one of the busiest booths with scalp/back massages, hair styling, makeup touchups, manicures, and product discounts. Adrienne Bailon stopped by the booth to check out the latest products and photo ops with fans. Lasio demonstrated their keratin-infused line with hair models and Vh1’s Love and Hip Hop Kimbella. She is the new spokesmodel and talked briefly about her experience with the brand. With a Lasio Keratin purchase, you were able to take pictures with Kimbella. Cosmetic brand Milani did not have any products for purchase due to only being display products. But, those who tested any color lipstick received two complimentary full size lipsticks. Mizani, Carol’s Daughter and all other booths had small product demonstrations and samples.
If you didn’t get to attend day 1, you can still get tickets online or pay at the door on day 2 (July 19). The event will be open from 10 am-5 pm.
Videos:
Massy speaking about body issues
Adrienne talking about accepting her flaws
Images from the Latina Expo” Day 1 Event:
