Sandy mars makeup and spa conference

Schools closed for the day. Businesses shuttered. No sales in stores in major malls. No justice in the courts. No tourists at the Liberty Bell. No trains, no buses, and no chance for Monday's late-afternoon seminar on "Airbrush Bridal Makeup."

"She begins with an eyebrow shaping service using only tweezers, scissors, eye shadow and blush," read the description of the seminar, set for 4:30 p.m. Monday at the Convention Center.

Organizers of the Aesthetics Expo: International Congress of Esthetics and Spa decided Sunday to cancel events Monday, the final day of its three-day convention, disappointing 3,000 attendees and stranding some exhibitors.

"Women will always go for a bargain, but they aren't going to go out and kill themselves in a hurricane," said exhibitor Annette Tobia, founder of Dynamis Therapeutics Inc. of Jenkintown.

"Financially, we took a hit," said Tobia, who invented and sells the Meg21 line of skin creams that she says reduces the effects of aging. "You should see my skin. You'd never guess that I am 69."

In theory, all 3,000 people attending the trade show were spa owners or aestheticians interested in buying products for their salons. Aestheticians have advanced training in skin care and facials.

"All of them are supposed to be," Tobia said, a broad wink in her voice, but a lot of the "aestheticians" are people who managed to get a pass.

"You give them to your friends, to your mother, your relatives," she said, anyone looking to buy the latest products at wholesale prices.

The majority of attendees were local, judging from the fact that the International Congress of Esthetics and Spa blocked only 620 rooms in Center City for the event.

Holed up in one was Vivian McClanahan, a sales rep for LightStim International Inc., in from California and stranded until Thursday.

She's peddling a $249 (retail) light that will, she said, reduce the effects of aging when shone on parts of one's face over a period of weeks. Another light, for $319, can help with acne.

"This is one of my favorite shows," said McClanahan, who has been here four times on business. "I've found the participants to be sharp. They ask great questions and are serious about buying."

On Monday, she was dealing with a case of the hotel lethargies. "Should I take a nap or not?" she mused, unable to muster energy for paperwork and sales calls.

"I'm thinking by Wednesday I'll be able do some sightseeing around town," she said. "Maybe I'll get to the Liberty Bell this time."