IMATS NYC 2016

The International Make-Up Artist Trade Show (bka the IMATS) is literally a make-up lovers dream come true. Every year the show kicks off in 6 locations around the world — Los Angeles, Toronto, Syndey, London, Vancouver and New York City. I attended the show on this past weekend in the NYC with no idea of what to expect.

My friends and I heard mixed things about the show and what time to arrive — some people said it’s best to avoid the crowds and get there late, others said vendors sold out in the past so it’s best to get there early. We went out the night before (not  the best idea) so we arrived to the show waaayyy later than intended. We got there around 2pm (it was over at 5) and were still able to catch some good deals and experience all IMATS had to offer. The line to get in was non-existent by that time, the crowd had died down, and booths still had a lot of products. The longest line we had to wait in was for Morphe and that’s because they had an amazing deal on brushes!

Now to answer the most popular question I’ve been asked about attending the IMATS: “Did you get a lot of free stuff?!” No, quite frankly it’s a trade show! And a trade show is where people in the same industry get together and show off their newest products and innovation. So although I didn’t get anything free, most of my items were discounted (the items I bought are listed below), Lime Crime launched 2 new lipsticks during the event, there were artist doing make-up demonstrations and full body paint demonstration, and I also got to see Anastasia, the owner of Anastasia Beverly Hills, and celebrity make-up artist Mac Daddyy (he’s worked with Kaurreche, Chanel Iman & Erica Mena).

We stayed until 5pm when the event was over because we were in so much awe that we were trying to think of things to buy just because. We left feeling like we should have gotten so much more. I mean, girls were leaving out with suitcases full of make-up! And this wouldn’t happen again for a whole nother year! I was even mad that I had brought some things beforehand instead of waiting for IMATS (for instance the ABH Glow Kit that I paid $40+ shipping for was only $30 at the show!).

The trip was definitely worth it. I would love t go again next year.
*prays that I’m available because make-up is life*

What I bought:
– Real Techniques Beauty Blenders $10 (also $10 at Walgreen’s)
– Morphe Brush Set 502 $35 (Originally $90)
– Dose of Colors Matte Lipstick in Mood $15 ($18+ shipping online)
– Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar & Lip Brush $14 (Originally $18 each)
– Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in Soft Lilac $17 (Originally $20)
– Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara $15 (Originally $21)