Glossy Pop NYC

  Glossy Pop NYC 2026: My Day at FIT

Yesterday I walked into the Fashion Institute of Technology for Glossy Pop NYC 2026, and honestly? I left with a full camera roll, a heavier tote bag than I arrived with, and about ten new ideas for content. If you want the whole day in video form, the vlog is coming soon — but here's the written recap first.

The Vibe

It was right in the middle of NYFW, so the energy was exactly what you'd hope for: beauty people, creators, brand teams, all in one building, all talking about what's next. I got there around 12:30 and went straight into exploring — activations, giveaways, and a lineup of live conversations that honestly did not miss.

Kelly Cutrone: Zero Filter, All Wisdom

Kelly Cutrone being on a panel is exactly the kind of thing you buy a ticket for. She's blunt, she's funny, and she does not soften anything — which is exactly why I loved every minute of it. Hearing her talk about building a brand in this industry, her way, was a masterclass in confidence. My biggest takeaway: say what you mean, own your lane, and stop apologizing for having ambition. I needed to hear that.

Jesse Metcalfe: From Heartthrob to Founder

Jesse Metcalfe's session was one of my favorites of the day
He talked about his evolution from actor to founder of his gender-neutral skincare brand, and it was so refreshing to hear someone be that open about reinvention. He was smart, funny, and genuinely passionate about skincare — not just slapping his name on something. As someone who reviews products for a living, I always pay attention to founders who actually care, and he clearly does.

 The Bossticks: Creator Business Royalty

Lauryn and Michael Bosstick together on one stage was such a treat. They've built an entire media world between The Skinny Confidential and Dear Media, and hearing them break down how they think about content, community, and business was the kind of real talk you can't Google. If you're a creator trying to figure out how to turn your platform into something bigger, this was the panel for that.

The Rest of the Day

Between panels I was all over the activations — free products, mini services, so many photo moments — and the networking was just as good. Everyone there speaks the same language: product launches, content ideas, what's performing. And yes, the famous gift bag lived up to the hype: products from Rare Beauty, MERIT, Live Tinted, and more, valued at over $500. My skincare shelf is officially overflowing.

The day wrapped with cocktail hour, which was the perfect way to end it — winding down, trading notes with other creators, and already plotting what to film next.

 Final Thoughts

Glossy Pop delivered exactly what it promised: beauty, conversations, and community. If you're a creator or just beauty-obsessed, this is one to put on your radar for next year.

Vlog drops soon — follow along in the meantime:

You can find more at information and sign up for there newsletter  at Glossy

All reviews are my honest opinions there all my own thoughts.

 

NAB Las Vegas 2025

NAB 2025: Transitioning from Speculation to Practical Implementation.

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show 2025 has concluded at the Las Vegas Convention Center. A primary observation from the more than 55,000 attendees and 1,100 exhibitors is a definitive shift from speculative technological advancements to an emphasis on pragmatic execution.

In contrast to previous years, which often highlighted futuristic and conceptual technologies, NAB 2025 was characterized by a focus on operational realities. Industry professionals, including broadcasters, content creators, and technology vendors, prioritized inquiries into immediate workflow enhancements and demonstrable returns on investment, rather than long-term technological capabilities.

For those unable to attend or still processing the extensive information presented, the following outlines the key macro trends and notable equipment introductions from NAB 2025.

1. Artificial Intelligence: Moving Beyond Speculative Hype.

Artificial Intelligence remained a pervasive topic, yet the discourse significantly evolved. The focus transitioned from abstract, existential AI demonstrations to tangible, practical applications.

Workflow Optimization: The most impactful AI solutions showcased were those designed to automate laborious backend processes, such as data cleansing, automated metadata tagging, and seamless asset migration across disparate systems, thereby augmenting human creativity rather than replacing it.

Hyper-Personalization: Demonstrations from Microsoft’s Sports Business Hub and Amazon’s updated Bedrock/Nova ecosystems illustrated how AI can facilitate customized viewer experiences and real-time graphics generation without necessitating extensive infrastructure overhauls.

Return on Investment Mandate: Procurement teams exhibited a more discerning approach, favoring vendors who provided clear Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analyses over purely conceptual AI demonstrations.

2. The Mainstream Integration of the Creator Economy.

The traditional media sector has fully acknowledged the significance of content creators, including those utilizing smartphone-based production. With the global creator economy exceeding $250 billion, NAB allocated substantial resources to this burgeoning sector.

The Creator Lab consistently attracted significant attendance, underscoring the convergence of traditional broadcast engineering and contemporary influencer operations. The establishment of NAB's new Creator Council further validates that independent digital producers are now integral to reshaping modern distribution and monetization strategies. Traditional broadcasters are actively seeking collaborations with creators to engage younger, fragmented demographics.

Audio & Connectivity.

OWC Thunderbolt 5 Product Line: OWC garnered considerable attention in connectivity with the introduction of the Envoy Ultra portable SSD and a compact hub, both leveraging the high-speed Thunderbolt 5 architecture.

DPA Microphones CORE+: DPA advanced high-fidelity audio capture with their patent-pending CORE+ technology, engineered to minimize distortion in high Sound Pressure Level (SPL) live environments.

International Beauty Shows

Glow-Up at the Javits

IBS New York 2025

If you weren't at the Javits Center from March 23–25, 2025, you missed what many are calling the most high-energy International Beauty Show (IBS) in a decade. With over 32,000 attendees and a staggering 430+ brands, the floor was less of a trade show and more of a "sensory playground" for the beauty-obsessed.

From CBD-infused hair color to the return of legendary barber battles, here are the highlights that will be shaping our salons (and our Instagram feeds) for the rest of the year.

1. The Big Trends: Wellness Meets Artistry

The 2025 show confirmed one thing: The "Skin-ification" of Hair is officially here. We saw a massive shift toward scalp health and gentle chemistry.

CBD in the Chair: The Healthy Color debuted a CBD-infused permanent hair color line designed to soothe sensitive scalps—finally addressing the "itch" factor of high-lift blonding.

Minimalist Mani’s: While maximalism had its moment, the "Minimalist Manicure" (think glassy, healthy natural nails) dominated the conversation, mirrored by the "Glassy Skin" trends seen on the concurrent IECSC spa floor.

Short Hair Tech: Innovation wasn’t just for long extensions. Pixie Heat turned heads with wireless styling tools specifically engineered for short crops and pixies.

2. High-Octane Education & Icon Sightings

The education lineup was a "who’s who" of industry royalty. Classes saw a 91% increase in attendance this year, proving that pros are hungrier than ever for new skills.

The Powerhouse Stage: We caught live demos from legends like Candy Shaw (The Balay Lama), Presley Poe, and Monaè Everett.

Barbering is Back: After a hiatus, the Fades & Blades Barber Battle returned in partnership with L3VEL3. The energy was electric, with barbers having just 40 minutes to create precision masterpieces for a $1,000 grand prize.

The CHI Harmony Collection: Farouk Systems stole the show with their CHI Harmony 2025 showcase, blending science and art to push the boundaries of vibrant, long-lasting color.