I am still recovering from the 3 days that comprised Stockholm Beauty Week from May 13th – 15th. NO exaggeration at all. I miss it!
The 3-day extravaganza had its own theme song! Who does that? And a dance number. Seriously? Yes! It was theater! Complete with a beautiful stage and theater seating and lights, cameras and tons of action.
I love that! I’ve never attended an an exhibition that had its own theme song. But then again during the past 6 years this has been organized, I have never attended Stockholm Beauty Week. I’m not sure how is possible but I’ll never make that mistake again.
Photo credit Jenny Gunnarsson
Stockholm Beauty Week is no ordinary trade show. Beyond a doubt, it is the largest beauty exhibition in Scandinavia. It has grown from 600 visitors in beautiful Kungsträdgården to over 2,500 attendees in the palatial Musikaliska on the water’s edge!
It started in 2013 with a purpose from the very beginning, not to just highlight beauty brands and trends, but to make a difference.
We have had an organic and sustainable focus since the start, it is not a trend, it is a must. – Maria Forssén founder of Stockholm Beauty Week
Being ahead of the curve is something Sweden is often credited with when it comes to the environment, gender equality and music. But maybe not when it comes to beauty. Those day may be numbered.
But the truth is that Sweden has several world class beauty brands that I will introduce you to in subsequent posts. For now I want you to get a feel for how massively exciting Stockholm Beauty Week was for attendees.
You know how it feels when you get somewhere and the excitement is in your face?!?! That is how it felt upon arrival. The sun was shining. Spring was in the air. I hope you can feel the energy from my first run through video. EN.ER.GY!
https://www.instagram.com/sabinadeciree
I was not only excited to be there because I am a beauty junkie, but because I had registered for several presentations, workshops, a Yoga session, and demonstrations. Stockholm Beauty Week provides an opportunity for the public and professionals alike to learn, learn, learn! There were roughly 5 dozen such opportunities and I booked in as many as possible per day about nails, wellness, fragrance, hair care, make- up….you get the idea. And before I could even get to my seat I ran into the beautiful and humble Sabina Deciree.
And because we were in the heart of beautiful Stockholm at the amazing Musikaliska, we got the bonus of Royal horses going by. Come on, you have to admit Stockholm is beautiful!
Some of the fun stuff was attending launch presentations. One was exclusively for 100% natural and ecological brands (more on those later when I can show you the brands and tell you how they smell, feel and work).
More fun was getting free treatments. For example I got my eyebrows strengthened by a beauty school student. I recorded the process because I had never had this done before. It was told to expect the results to last for 2 – 3 weeks. I am on day 6ish now and as am happy as I was in the video above (just click through to view).
Photo credit Jenny Gunnarsson
One of the highlights of day one, of the entire week is the opening day fashion show. Believe it or not I didn’t see it because I opted to hang out longer in the Doft (fragrance) Bar. It smelled so good in there, I was having so much fun, and I met lovely people there.
Dofta (their presentation above) was a big part of the Fragrance bar but they weren’t the only draw. I’m telling you this was a great 3 days! More on the Fragrance bar experience coming up.
My friends asked if black women were represented during Stockholm Beauty Week. My answer is a resounding YES! I was not the only one there 🙂 .
From models, to participants, to influencers to brands: we were included.
Not only were we there, we were looking good, I have to say 😉
I indulged in a facial. Suddenly my skin is so dry. I was hoping to find relief. Here is how it went. I hope the pictures and video do the experience justice.
Swedish brands are using models that look normal to me but may be non-traditional to some. Inclusivity!
In addition to the facial and eyebrow coloring I received, I had the fabulous Marcel with the Depend team give me lashes. I hope I can repeat his technique at home. He’s a real pro.
And no good first day of anything in Stockholm is complete without a good after work (happy hour) to send you on your way home. I’m not sure how, but Stockholm Beauty Week was able to offer a special after work at the beautifully located Strand Hotel on the water. Wine was only 60 SEK. I repeat, wine was only about $6 a glass. Unheard of in that location and rarely found anywhere in the city.
I was able to enjoy that glass with two friends and Board members of the International Women’s Club of Stockholm which is fitting indeed. Stockholm Beauty Week bought in brands from not only Sweden but also England, France, Germany, Spain, Norway and the US.
By the time Day 2 rolled around I had already made a friend I would spend the day with. She even called me yesterday and we talked about life. I just adore her. We’ve been emailing too. I find that amazing because who makes real friends with strangers at a beauty fair?
I can’t wait for the 7th Stockholm Beauty Week in 2020. But for now I’ll share more details about the products I was able to take home.
[…] When I attended in 2019 it was an easy walk for me to the venue. This year, I’m traveling from one coast to the other to be there in person. I can’t believe how excited I am to see my favorite brands like Scratch of Sweden as well as explore the French Pavillion. Mais oui! […]
[…] When I attended in 2019 it was an easy walk for me to the venue. This year, I’m traveling from one coast to the other to be there in person. I can’t believe how excited I am to see my favorite brands like Scratch of Sweden as well as explore the French Pavillion. Mais oui! […]