I first started getting into social media through YouTube. So if you’ve been a follower of my YouTube channel, you will know that each year I attend the International Make-Up Artist Trade Show (IMATS) in Toronto.
This year, there’s only one difference. I’ve been keeping this to myself for a while but I’m actually going to be doing media coverage for Vervegirl! Of course, I’ll be grabbing some some items for my kit!
For those that aren’t familiar with IMATS, here’s the 411:
What is IMATS?
It’s one of the largest make-up trade shows in Toronto where tons of make-up artists, vendors, and beauty enthusiasts get together to enable one another to try the latest and great products. They also offer tons of free classes taught by make-up professionals that are well known within the industry.
Do you need to be a make-up artist to attend?
Absolutely not! It’s open to the public…as long as you have a valid ticket 🙂
Are there discounts are the show?
Yes! Discounts will vary between each vendor. From previous years, both MAC and Make Up For Ever offer 40% off which is generally what makeup artists get. If you’re a MAC fan, this is a great chance for you to submit your Pro Application without paying for postage.
Date:
Saturday, November 9th to Sunday, November 10th
Location:
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre – South Building (Halls F and G)
222 Bremner Boulevard Toronto, ON M5V 3L9
Ticket Prices:
Until November 7th, you can purchase tickets online for $40CAD for 1 day & $65CAD for 2 days
At the door, prices are $50CAD for 1 day & $80CAD for 2 days
Hours:
Saturday – 8:30am to 5pm
Sunday – 10am to 5pm
TIPS:
(1) Make a wish list and set a budget
It’s so easy to get carried away by all of the products as you want to purchase the latest and greatest. So it’s really important to decide on what items do you really “need” and how much are you willing to spend at the show. You can actually view the Exhibitors List prior to the show to view products that each vendor carries and decide on what item makes it to your list. This will help give you an idea of what you need to pair down on or what you will end up spending. Do take into account the show price will but a tad lower than the online retail price as vendors will offer some sort of discount.
(2) Bring cash
Most vendors will take credit card, but since they are US based companies, there will be an exchange rate charged. So it’s best to bring enough cash to avoid this.
(3) Have a plan of attack
Is attending classes more important to you or snagging products right away? Over the years, I have noticed that the amount of people that attend IMATS have grown. So sometimes products are quickly snatched away and I’m left with finding other means in purchasing the item. So my plan attack would be to purchase everything from my wish list then attend any classes that interest me. You can find the class schedules here.
Since IMATS is held at a bigger venue this year, it’s best to map out your route when shopping, so you aren’t running from one side of the hall to another. You can find the layout of the show here.
(4) Talk to vendors & do your research
As you walk through the show, you might find that there are products you want to purchase right away. Talk to the vendors to see if the product is right for you. Also take a look at other booths because they may carry similar products for a fraction of the cost. Who doesn’t want to save money?
(5) Bring snacks & water
It’s easy to get carried away during a show with so many sparkly and shiny new things. So it’s important to keep yourself hydrated and energized. Bring a large bag to carry a bottle of water and snacks. Food and drinks at Convention Centres are generally expensive. So save your money for either more makeup products or a nice dinner downtown after the show.
So what’s on my wish list?
*Note: all prices shown are the retail price and excludes tax
(1) Bdellium Tools Studio 776 Blending Brush – $9US
This is honestly one of my favourite and most used brushes in my kit. I have multiple of these brushes in my kit and in dire need of more. I use it for eyeshadow, concealer, highlighting…everything really. I even posted a look on Instagram for an engagement shoot where all I used was this one brush!
(2) Make Up For Ever 270 Angled Eyebrow Brush – $24CAD
I’m always on the look out for eyebrow brushes that are stiff and have the right balance of thickness to allow for precision while depositing colour. From reading reviews, this brush seems to fit the bill!
(3) Hakuhodo G5513BkSL Eye Shadow Brush – $16US
The MAC 239 brush is another one of my most used brushes in my kit and I usually save it to use on the bride. I first got mine back in the 90’s where it was completely flat and thin. Recently, I went to MAC to grab another brush and noticed it’s now fluffy and more thick. I don’t know why MAC had to change a good thing! No other shader brush I own performs as well as the 90’s MAC 239. So after browsing through the Hakuhodo site, it seems like this brush matches best and is fairly priced. I’ve always been a fan of Hakuhodo since they first appeared at IMATS. I bought a blush brush from them a few years back and it was absolutely so soft and well constructed. I let my sister borrow it and she fell in love with it, so I ended up gifting it to her. So I’m crossing my fingers this brush will be everything I hope for and more!
(4) Royal & Langnickel Greenline Lip Brush – $5US
I probably sound like a broken record by now, but this is one of my most used lip brushes. It’s absolutely perfect. Let’s first talk about the shape of the handle. With it being pointed at the end, I’m able to scoop out my lipsticks (I decant them in containers for easy travelling) and mix them with other sides without having to pull out a spatula. The bristles are soft yet firm allowing for precise application. I’m not a big fan of washing lip brushes, so definitely need to stock up more in my kit.
(5) MAC Large Brush Canister – $30CAD
I’ve been using the Cozette Makeup Brush Vessel for a few years now. Though it’s convenient to put my dirty brushes in after gigs, I’ve noticed that the plastic starting to chip and crack. What attracted me to the MAC one is that it looks sturdier and you’re able to adjust the height depending on the length of the brushes.
(6) CLEAN: Organic Goat’s Milk Brush Shampoo (4 oz. Unscented) – $20CAD
I posted on Instagram that I bought this brush shampoo a few weeks ago. Ever since the first time I used it, I loved it and need to stock up! It removes my gel eyeliner and lipsticks off my brushes so easily. Review to come soon! So hopefully Blur Makeup Room will be selling these at their booth and offering a discount (note: normally makeup artists get 20% off).
(7) Nurturing Force Blot Out Offensive – $25US
This has to be the best non-silicone primer for oily skin. I have super oily and sensitive skin and this primer controls my oil while not breaking me out. A little bit goes a long way. Crossing my fingers Alcone will carry it as I need to stock up more for my kit!
(8) Face Atelier Ultra Foundation Pro – $34CAD
This foundation is tried and true in my kit. It provides the most beautiful finish while providing full coverage but you can easily sheer it down. I running low on one of my shades, so I need to restock!
(9) KETT Hydro Foundation – $30US
After I completed my training in airbrushing, I decided to buy the Kett starter kit. Since then, airbrushing has been a favourite amongst my brides and I’m running low on a few shades. Since I have very sensitive skin, I prefer a water-based formulation as it provides the most natural finish and remains demi-matte on the skin. You can always use this foundation easily with a stippling brush too!
(10) Graftobian Hi-Def Glamour Creme Super Palettes – $79CAD
On the most recent blog post by my mentor, Rhia Amio, she mentioned this palette. These palettes will be a great addition to my kit as both concealers and foundation. These palettes come in Warm (yellow undertones), Cool (pink undertones), and Neutral. I’m still debating on whether I want Warm + Cool like Rhia mentioned or Warm + Neutral like Kevin James Bennett mentioned in his Complexion Guide.
(11) Graftobian LuxeCashmere HD Setting Powder – $22US
Lots of people talk about using the Ben Nye Banana Powder to set concealer under the eyes to help brighten the area while giving that Kim Kardashian contoured look. But after reading Makeup by Ren Ren’s blog post, she mentioned how Ben Nye can look ashy on darker skintones. She prefers the Graftobian powder in Banana Cream Pie as it is finer in texture and richer in shade!
(12) Face Atelier Transforming Gel – $26CAD
Overtime gel liners start to get a bit dryer, so using this transforming gel will bring it back to life. Plus you can use this gel with eyeshadows to create a customer liner!
(13) Minked Lashes – TBD
My dear friend and super talented makeup artist, Joy, told me that she will be working at the Minked Lashes booth this year and applying lashes. I just have to support my girl and buy a pair. I know…they aren’t really going in my kit. But I’m allowed to purchase one product for myself…right?
If you’re interested in my hauls & experiences from previous years, please check out my videos:
2009:
2010:
2011:
2012:
Have you gone to IMATS before? What’s on your wish list?