08 May 2012 15 Comments
Adventures at America’s Next Top Model Live
I had one of the most surreal moments in my beauty blogging life this weekend: my public speaking debut as LipstickRules. I was on a beauty panel discussion for French Connection at America’s Next Top Model Live in Toronto.
Public speaking has been something I’ve had to do for my job for more than a decade. But public speaking about makeup? Uh no. My chatter about makeup has been online, and with friends, family and makeup counter ladies. So the idea of speaking about makeup trends in front of consumers was a bit disconcerting, and exciting.
On the panel with me were two talented and gorgeous ladies, Lucky Bromhead and Janine Falcon. They are both amazing and fun, and having them beside me felt very natural and easy. All three of us each had to present a beauty trend. Each trend (the cat eye, Natural makeup and Romantic look) was featured on a model who also sported, of course, French Connection fashion. Makeup was done by Rimmel’s head makeup artist in Canada Vanessa Jarman.I had to present the Romantic look. Ironically, it’s one I have yet to embrace myself but that’s another post.
As I stared out into the audience when I first came on stage, one question came to mind: How did I get from writing about my lipstick shopping habits to being here?! It also felt surreal hearing my voice echoing into the audience and seeing so many faces looking, listening and…taking pictures. Then the inner dialogue began: am-I-making-any- sense-why- are-they-taking-my-picture-are-they-really-listening-do-they-believe-me–would-I-wear-that-look-oh-look-it’s-Jenn!-who- am-I-must ask-Janine-and-Lucky-what-lipstick-they-are-wearing.
While all this was happening internally, I think I sounded relatively calm, live. And thankfully, thankfully, I didn’t mention any power suits. 
Overall, it was a fun day. Here are some pics:
French Connection Style Stage before the panel
Lucky, me and Charmain from French Connection who was the moderator/host of the panel. Sadly didn't get a pic with Janine too.
Elaine, Michelle V. and Jill on the Beauty Panel later in the afternoon
Got a mani here at this booth (Bio Seaweed Gel). They claim the mani will last three weeks and won't harm my nails. We'll see! So far so good!
Rossa Jurenas, lead hairstylist for Schwarzkopf Professional, backstage with models before a show. I will have a post featuring an interview with Rosa soon!
May 08, 2012 @ 22:25:28
Woah lady- that’s a big deal!! I bet you did great! I’m a wretched public speaker, lots of “umms, likes” you know the words. Love your inner dialogue- so funny, and just what I’d be thinking as well! But I bet you killed it. Congrats on Lipstick Rules getting some love in the big leagues!
May 09, 2012 @ 04:47:58
Oh wow Michelle, looks like you had a KILLER time! I remember seeing your tweets and I was SO amazed! I’m an OK public speaker, but I’ve never talked about makeup in public either! This is just SO cool, and I’m sure you were very convincing!
May 09, 2012 @ 06:59:11
How fun! You looked great Michelle! You’re absolutely talented and you deserve this!
May 09, 2012 @ 07:53:16
What a fantastic experience! I bet you rocked it
May 09, 2012 @ 14:46:13
So cool Michelle!!
May 09, 2012 @ 20:38:49
Oooh you’re sneaky I didn’t even know you snapped a picture of me! Hey we should have taken a picture together!!! Gah!!!
So sorry I didn’t get to see your panel but I’m SURE you did an amazing job – which is why I didn’t want to see you and make myself nervous LOL!!! I’m so glad we FINALLY got to meet!!!
May 10, 2012 @ 20:58:01
Gaah! We didn’t take a pic! What were we thinking?
Loved meeting you. Need to hang out more!
May 10, 2012 @ 10:09:48
Congratulations Michelle, that is a very exciting thing to have done, I am sure you were brilliant (judging by your blog).
May 10, 2012 @ 20:56:52
Thanks so much Blighty!
May 11, 2012 @ 19:45:36
What a cool experience! I love the last picture. And I giggled over “power suit,” lolol.
May 15, 2012 @ 20:56:01
Thanks Zuzu – and glad you had a giggle too
May 24, 2012 @ 16:59:11
Waaah! I missed picture-time! What a fun panel — so great to be there with you, lady!
May 24, 2012 @ 20:35:18
So great to see you too! Next time, we need a photo
Mar 10, 2013 @ 08:18:35
Hello Michelle – it looks like you are still having lots of fun inspiring people with your enthusiasm. I e-mailed you a few weeks back about a dupe for Chanel lipstick no 6 silhouette and was wondering if you have had time to think about it. I am working in Qatar for a few weeks and Chanel is duty free here and could get a few colours . How about Mac lipsticks I have a pro card so I could pop in and have a look. Hope you have time for a woman who cannot make up her own mind!!!!!!! Kind regards from Stephanie xxx
Mar 11, 2013 @ 19:16:10
Hey Stephanie! I’ve been trying to find a dupe for you but still haven’t had luck. It’s hard because I haven’t seen this lipstick in person myself. Have you tried Chanel Mademoiselle? It is one of my favourites. I love MAC lipsticks too — I have so many favourites. If you like neutrals, I’m loving Ultra Darling lately. Let me know how it goes!