Shecky's Beauty Night Out Fall 2007--Simply Smashing

When you put a bunch of girlfriends together at a shopping event that features give-aways, a killer goody bag worth over $125 in a re-usable tote, adorable, polite guys serving alcoholic drinks, plus the opportunity to sample and purchase dozens and dozens of beauty items, accessories and fashions at deep discounts, you get the recipe for the incredibly successful Shecky's Girls and Beauty nights out. In fact, these seasonal events are always sold out and the search term "Sheckys Night Out" is one of the most popular queries the AdviceSisters receive. Here, eager women wait on a line that moved quickly, but stretched nearly from one end of the block to the other!




Other Shecky's events I've attended were at the Puck building, but this beauty-oriented event was held on several floors of a building on West 37th street. The check-in was on one floor, the other floors held the exhibitors, several bars including a Korbel bar, a Midori bar, and a Bud Light Bar/Lounge area. Trays of drinks were also circulated, adding to the clubby atmosphere and general energy of the rooms filled with girl's night out "eye candy." What's not to like? If you go with friends, you're sure to pick up something special and save some money, but it's a real bonding experience, too. I heard plenty of animated discussions featuring several enthusiastic women cooing: "ooh, that looks so good on you!" Shopping, laughter, drinks, polite, cute guys who are helpful but don't hit on you makes for a great time.......sigh!




One of the nicest things about these events is the opportunity to learn what's new, and often, to meet with the actual designers or entrepreneurs. Here, a representative from NuSkin is demonstrating a device that uses a small current to firm up sagging skin and reduce wrinkles. Her skin was nearly perfect --the Long Island mom says she does use this device. Lots of women gathered around to see her demonstrate the device and a some got a free sample of the treatment.

Shecky's also gives me a chance to meet some of my beauty colleagues in person instead of just by email. This is always the highlight for me. I met some of my colleagues from Bourjois, Coty, Conair, and some of the major public relations agencies. In this photo, the multi-talented Yana Chupenko (fomerly the product developer of the wonderful Tony & Tina Cosmetics and creator of the new, Shiny Mama cosmetics --great glittery first collection, by the way) poses with her partner and fiance!

So many people are curious about the famous, Shecky's gift bags. For starters, they are distributed in laminated tote bags with a snap closure that are perfect for toting everything home, and then for just about anything else. They're large enough to tote a bunch of books, or everything you need for a day at the beach. Of course, they are filled with products . I believe each is a little bit different, but the total of products are supposed to be worth about $125.00 Mine had quite a few haircare products from Redken, Nexus and Sunsilk, along with skincare products from St. Ives, and SkinMilk, plus lip balm, a really cute hipster panty from Jenni, some ponytail holders, a generous sample of Marc Jacob's new "Daisy" fragrance, and a huge (and unfortunately, heavy) beauty magazine I was excited to discover, and two very nice, laminated maps (one of NYC, one showing more than 200 fashion retail haunts). All these beauty products, most completely full-sized, could send you into fashion heaven!!! My only complaint is that they are so full of goodies to begin with, the bags are too heavy and full to add that much more. My tip? Take a small handbag but bring an additional, lightweight tote. You'll be getting free samples, brochures, and buying other items (trust me, no one will force you but you are going to drop some cash...it's so enticing you simply can't help it).

I can't wait for the NEXT Shecky's event, be it the more general girl's night out or the beauty night out. Shecky's holds beauty, fashion, and social events in New York City Atlanta Boston Chicago Los Angeles San Francisco --be sure to check them all out at http://www.sheckys.com/