Each January usually a weekend or two before The Big Game is one of my biggest show of the year, the International Salon and Spa Expo (ISSE) Presented by the Professional Beauty Association, probeauty.org. It’s where the hair and nail community gather to showcase their latest goods, showcase services through hands-on classes and mega displays with star stylists doing cuts, color, and more, some even in a concert-like atmosphere. It’s truly one company trying to outdo the others. It takes place at the Long Beach Convention Center and I usually try and go the first day because there doesn’t seem to be as much foot traffic then.

So grabbing my Show Directory, I hit the floor. I usually start on the very left of the room and work right. The first three aisle were not much up my alley as it was scissors, subscriptions and other items that don’t cater to what I’m covering, which is new and hot products.

I’ve usually been pretty lucky at this show where I find one or two hot products just coming out. In past years it’s been Incoco, Tassi, Curlformers, Dizzolv’It, It’s a 10, and many more. 

Then I hit it. Lash extensions! That seems to have been the trend at this year’s show for sure. It was company after company of lash extensions, tools for applying lash extensions etc., which again didn’t appeal to me since  I’ve tried them and since I’m an eye rubber, doesn’t work well for me, but this 3-day event is for the industry so I can’t complain with what I find. Obviously they are a hot service right now. 

This year? Eh, not much to choose from for the everyday consumer. I was worried that I wouldn’t have enough time to walk the show as the doors open at 1pm and I arrived at 2:30 and had to be done by 5:30 so I could get back to LA in time for a Cirque du Soleil show (yes, it was wonderful!). Fortunately, or unfortunately, I was able to walk the whole show in about 2 hours, which is unheard of for me. Overall, there were definitely not as many companies showcasing as there usually are and I noticed quite a few big hitters missing that have always been at past shows like Bedhead, Aveda, and Paul Mitchell, as well as CND, Essie. Even the discounted shopping area seemed smaller and didn’t have as many offerings.

                                                                           Ladies Who Mask...

I totally get that this show not open to the general public and is for the industry only but again, I usually find some gems that will be coming to market for everyday consumers but didn’t find any this year.

                                        Forgot to go back and check out this new-to-me nail brand :(

I knew that Ardell would be there but they didn’t have their magnetic lashes there. My guess is that there will be 20 different magnetic lash companies showcasing. See you in 2019, ISSE!

Since I’m on a shopping ban, I only picked up a few items:

• No-Crease Clips ($10)
• GrandLash Serum with their Grand Lash Primer ($39)
• 4 Rude Cosmetics Liquid Lipsticks (2/$5)