Thursday, November 17, 2011

IMATS Toronto 2011 Part 2: The Experience


Like many makeup junkies, I look forward to IMATS like it's Christmas. For a makeup artist and anyone who is interested in makeup and artistry, IMATS is makeup playground. It's the perfect opportunity to build your kit if you're just starting out or to replenish things like sponges, wands and other accessories. It's also a great event to score some amazing deals on foundations. I always stock up on foundations because the prices and packages are usually phenomenal. IMATS also hosts an amazing line up of key speakers where you can learn a thing or two from top industry artists. You'll also see models walking around painted in the most fantastical and eye popping designs. 

 Crazy right? I love it! This makeup artist from Make Up For Ever is amazing!

 Nigel's had 15 lashes for $20, cheaper sponges, and mascara wands plus the ZPalette was $4 cheaper than at Alcone's!

And of course there are the amazing vendors which keep getting better and better each year. The vendors that do really well are the ones that offer amazing discounts and promotions. I'm always surprised at brands that offer wimpy discounts or no promotions at all. I also found that you really have to comparison shop before purchasing. I was really disappointed that I purchased sponges and brushes from Crown when Nigel Beauty Emporium and bdellium were offering much better prices.

Another reason to attend is to meet up with other makeup artists and beauty bloggers so if you run into any don't be afraid to say "hi". My friend and I attended the show in the afternoon so I sadly missed out on seeing some of my blogger friends. But I did run into Arianne (The Glitter Geek), Anjali (Rock That Look), and Naomi (Styleyes). I was talking to someone else about how the blogger presence didn't seem that big this year, but maybe that's because we were all dispersed or came at different times. It would have definitely felt weird if I didn't see a single blogger.


I love meeting new vendors. I snapped a photo with Edward from bdellium tools. Edward and his business partner (forgot his name) were such nice guys and very helpful. I'm really excited about my brushes and look forward to seeing them again next year! I'm thinking of selling some of my current brushes and stocking my kit with bdellium! I know their Maestro line is a tad better because of the nickle-plated brass ferrule (lasts longer), but I adore the yellow handles! Maybe I'm just bored of all black - shocking!


It felt kind of odd not buying anything from Face Atelier this year even though I wanted to pick up their new Facade lip and cheek stain. I swore I would not get any colour cosmetics and I'm glad I stuck to my plan! But I still had to stop by the booth to see my girl, Eunique, working her magic! 


This is the MUFE booth later in the day. The crowd around them finally died down!


I love their Aqua Creams and wanted to pick up a few more, but I restrained myself. I'm not in total need of any, but wanted to pick up a few of the lip/cheek shades for my bridal kit. These work amazing in the humid heat!


These are the gorgeous founders and creators of my new favourite faux lash brand, Velour Lashes. Mabel and Angela were absolutely sweet! If you have a friend that loves faux lashes as much as you do, these mink fur lovelies make a perfect gift for the holiday. Or better yet, splurge on a pair (or two) for yourself!

This year, it was all about the shopping for me and my friend. With two kids each, it's hard for us mamas to get out and shop! I've made a promise to myself that next year I will do much less shopping and go to all the seminars and workshops. I usually miss out because I'm too busy shopping! Thank you to Makeup Artist Magazine for putting on another terrific IMATS! Until next year!

Check out more IMATS posts from these blogs! If you missed my IMATS haul click this link!

13 comments:

Bubble My Licorice said...

oh my god! so much make up products!i think i' m gonna faint!

Donna Marie said...

Too bad we missed each other. Must get together soon! I learned a lesson too, must compare prices before purchasing!

the creation of beauty is art. said...

This really looks like an incredible experience! I'm glad you had such a good time and got so many amazing deals!

the-creationofbeauty.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

a makeup junkies dream come true

Unknown said...

I'm so sad I missed you :( It was my first IMATS too would have loved to shadow you around LOL!

I never even heard of bdellium but I just loved their brushes and Edward was helping me out too!

Arianne said...

So great to bump into you and talk even for just a short little bit. :) You look tinier than I remember you!

I'm so glad I splurged on my Velour lashes. They are so much fun and so soft! Can't wait to read what you think of your Graftobian foundation and bdellium brushes.

Make-up Junkie said...

@Bubble My Licore - LOL that's how I get when I walk into any makeup store!

Make-up Junkie said...

@Donna Marie - I know sucks we missed each other! I missed out on seeing so many people :( But yes we must get together soon! And I hear ya about the comparison shopping - still bitter about my sponges lol.

Make-up Junkie said...

@inmyhansonshirt - IMATS is a really great event in the makeup world. Toronto is lucky that it's finally made its way here. 3 years and going strong!

Make-up Junkie said...

@CottonCandyINK - DEFINITELY!

Make-up Junkie said...

@Elaine - I know boo :( Well we'll have to get together soon! Would have been fun for sure to shop together. I had a list but kinda deviated from it but made my way back lol. Edward is so nice right?! Love their brushes!

Make-up Junkie said...

@Arianne - If I didn't bump into you I wouldn't have fallen in love with Velour Lashes! Seriously looked so amazing on you! Yes, it was very brief chat but glad I got to see you! I look tinier?? You mean in height?? nooo! lol

Jennifer from Toronto - Spiced Beauty said...

Great post!
thanks for featuring me!