Live Engraving for Too Faced × Ulta Pop-Up at Aventura Commons
Miami knows how to do beauty in style — and last September, it was all about pink, playfulness, and personalization. For three unforgettable days, Too Faced Cosmetics brought their signature sparkle to Aventura Commons in partnership with Ulta Beauty, celebrating the cult-favorite Born This Way foundation. Guests were shade matched, treated to free gifts, and invited to experience something a little more magical: a custom engraved heart-shaped keychain, personalized right before their eyes.
I had the privilege of joining this activation as the on-site artist, personally engraving each keepsake so that every guest left with a little piece of luxury they could carry long after the event.
Why Personalization Belongs at Beauty Pop-Ups
Beauty is about identity, confidence, and self-expression. Guests don’t just want to try a new foundation shade, they want to feel seen. And nothing communicates that more than personalization.
By adding live artistry to an activation, brands like Too Faced create a multi-sensory experience:
Emotional resonance – An engraved keychain isn’t just swag; it’s a keepsake. Guests instantly attach meaning to it.
Social amplification – Personalized items are irresistible for Instagram and TikTok, extending the brand’s reach far beyond the event.
Attention magnet – Watching live engraving draws a crowd. The sound of the tool, the shimmer of the finished letters, the reveal of a guest’s name — it’s a performance in itself.
Stronger brand connection – When a guest walks away with something designed exclusively for them, the brand memory lasts long after the lipstick wears off.
At Too Faced’s Miami event, the personalization tied perfectly into the Born This Way campaign: individuality, authenticity, and the beauty of being yourself.
Inside the Pink Pop-Up at Aventura Commons
The vibe was unmistakably Too Faced: playful, feminine, and oh-so-Instagrammable. Pink displays, heart motifs, and a backdrop designed for selfies created an atmosphere where beauty fans felt instantly at home. Ulta’s presence ensured a seamless shopping experience, with professional staff guiding shade matches and introducing new guests to the foundation line.
Amid this excitement, my engraving station became a focal point. Each keychain started as a blank heart: simple, shiny, waiting to be transformed. Guests lined up to have their names inscribed, and with every curve of the engraving tool, a moment of delight unfolded.
The reactions were priceless: wide smiles, phones pulled out to record, friends cheering one another on. Many immediately clipped the heart to their bags, proudly displaying their customized piece. For others, it became a meaningful gift for a friend or loved one.
It was a perfect marriage of beauty and artistry: Too Faced provided the bold aesthetic and cult product, while the engraving added that personalized wow factor that guests couldn’t stop talking about.
Behind the Scenes: Making It Seamless
A three-day activation in Miami meant careful preparation. Our planning included:
Brand alignment – Too Faced’s brand is whimsical yet luxe. We made sure the engraving style reflected that playful, high-energy vibe.
Efficient flow – We balanced volume with experience, ensuring each guest got something special without waiting too long.
Team readiness – I led the personalization on-site, supported by my team of three and a trusted colleague on call for overflow. Larger events never intimidate us — we scale seamlessly.
Clean, professional setup – Our engraving rigs and lighting were designed to blend into the pink aesthetic, enhancing the guest experience rather than distracting from it.
Content capture – Every event is also a portfolio opportunity. We documented the process through video and photos, providing Too Faced with beautiful assets to share across platforms.
Why Miami Brands Should Consider Live Personalization
Miami’s event landscape is bold, colorful, and competitive. From luxury retail to beauty brands and hospitality, every activation is about capturing attention and holding it. Too Faced’s event showed just how impactful live artistry can be in this environment.
For local brands, PR agencies, and event planners, the benefits are clear:
It drives traffic – People naturally gather around live engraving, foiling, or calligraphy, curious to see artistry in motion.
It elevates the brand – Personalization signals thoughtfulness and exclusivity, qualities Miami audiences value.
It creates keepsakes – Guests leave with a tangible reminder that links back to the brand.
It scales nationwide – What worked in Miami can be replicated in NYC, LA, or beyond — and our team is ready to travel wherever your brand story needs to go.
Why Work With A Handful of Letters
When you partner with A Handful of Letters, you don’t just hire an engraver, you bring on a team of seasoned live event artists who understand both the creative and logistical sides of luxury activations.
Here’s what we bring:
A core team of three artists + trusted colleagues for larger events, ensuring no compromise on quality or timing.
Versatility of techniques – Engraving, hot foil embossing, calligraphy, and illustration — all customizable to fit your brand’s identity.
Guest-first focus – We know how to engage with guests warmly while keeping efficiency high.
Professional polish – From pre-event planning to day-of execution, we align seamlessly with your brand’s standards.
Nationwide reach – Based in Florida but traveling frequently, we support activations in Miami, NYC, Los Angeles, Chicago, and beyond.
Turning Your Next Miami Event Into an Unforgettable Experience
From Aventura Commons to South Beach rooftops, Miami thrives on experiences that sparkle. If you’re a beauty brand, event planner, or luxury retailer planning a pop-up or activation, adding live personalization ensures your event doesn’t just look amazing, it feels unforgettable.
Guests won’t just remember the product; they’ll remember the moment their name came to life in front of them.
📩 Ready to add this magic to your next Miami activation? Let’s talk. Reach out at hello@ahandfulofletters.com, or explore our portfolio at www.ahandfulofletters.com.
Because in Miami’s ever-buzzing beauty and event scenes, the most unforgettable experiences are always the most personal!
