Every year, the International Makeup Artist Trade Show is held in several cities all over the world including New York, Los Angeles, London, Vancouver, Sydney and [most importantly] Toronto. Located at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, my third year at IMATS Toronto was similar but different from the previous two years.
In 2016, we (me, Zubie, Shawna and Miranda) decided to head to IMATS in the afternoon instead of beating the crowds in the morning. It worked out well because I had eaten a hearty meal and got lots of rest before standing in lines and pushing through crowds of people at the show.
Jordan Liberty for Veil Cosmetics
Like previous years, there was tons of exhibitors selling everything you could ever need for your makeup collection or kit. There was also the Battle of the Brushes, a museum of special effects makeup and several speakers. One of the biggest highlights was seeing makeup artist and Youtuber Jordan Liberty (of Give Good Face/ @notamagicwand) in action.
The Iron Throne [of Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks]
Nigel's Beauty Emporium (retailer of Too Faced, Kevin Aucoin, etc.) and FarleyCo Beauty (Canadian distributor of Zoella Beauty, Real Techniques, Co:Lab Dry Shampoo) weren't in attendance this year.There were several new brands at the show like Kat Von D Beauty, Dermablend, Lime Crime and Koko Lashes.
I spent exactly $67.50 at IMATS:
- Kat Von D Metal Crush Eyeshadow in Thunderstruck - I've been yearning for this pearly eyeshadow with a pink/yellow iridescence to brush all over my face since seeing Kat Von D's makeup artist Eric Soto use it in a look. The booth took credit card only but the deals were amazing. I picked up the metal crush shadow for $17.50 CAD with no tax and 2 mini samples of the Tattoo Liner and the Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Exorcism.
- Beauty Blender Pro x 3 - Beauty Blenders are a must for applying high coverage foundations. I prefer black over pink or nude because they're easier to clean. At the Virtzu booth, I split a 6-pack with Zubie for $100 cash. Beauty Blenders are regularly $28 each and we got ours for $16.66 each.
- Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Wipes - Received as a free sample pack. The wipes sting my lips and eyes slightly but work nicely on the rest of my face.
After IMATS, I attended the #NYXAfterDark After Party at the Wildflower at the Thompson Hotel. There, I hung out with some of my favourite Canadian Beauty Bloggers, ate appetizers and took home a generous bag of NYX swag that included the 8 NYX #NoFilter Finishing Powder, 9 Illuminating Sticks, 5 Suede Lip Liners, 2 Soft Focus Tinted Primers and 2 pairs of Be Wicked False Eyelashes.
All in all, a good day spent with great company! Looking forward to IMATS next year.
Did you attend IMATS this year?
FTC: I received a complimentary press pass to IMATS. NYX products were gifted.