My IMATS Experience

 The International Makeup artist trade show in Toronto Ontario Canada at the Toronto Congress Centre on November 12& 13. 

I went On the Saturday. 

Honestly, next time I'm going to get the whole weekend because I wouldn't mind going on Saturday for speakers and get my shopping done and then Sunday to do some networking and class attending. 

When I got in it wasn't as busy as I thought it was going to be. It was around 9:00 so the waiting line was already gone. It was a smooth ride through the check in process and then I Grabbed my shopping bag and the little booklet then I was off..

I had the most amazing experience ever.. I never really understood how much I love this profession until this weekend. I can honestly say that attending this trade show has changed my life(as corny as that sounds) in so many ways..

When I first walked through the door I was expecting it to be bigger. H
owever, I heard that this one was the biggest so far..

The first this I did was head over to Naimie's Beauty Center

 They had really good deals going on. I purchased a package from them which I will show in my vlog if I was to purchase all of that individually I would have spent over 200 dollars easily. I was able to get it all for 70.00!! WINNING!!!
lol just kidding..

Next stop was Royal Brushes.. I needed a Full brush set and a kabuki

     I figured I would get all my shopping out of the way so I could just observe the rest of the day.

 After I was finishing shopping a bit more I made my way to the main stage to wait for Koren Zander also known as EnKoreMakeup to do his class on The Power Of Color. (Presented by Crown Brush)

I have to admit I learned a lot of tips and tricks. I love the way he explained everything and wasn't afraid to laugh at himself.. 

It was a super cute moment when he was applying his model's makeup and he ended up with mascara all over his nose.. too funny.

He is a fantastic makeup artist  with more hits on his YouTube channel than any other guru in the beauty community. One his channel he show's tips and tricks, tutorials the list goes on.. He also has his website where you can buy some of his products and for any booking inquires.

                He is super sweet, knowledgeable.. He was one of the main reasons I wanted to go.

 After the class, I saw quite a few people around the stage wanting pictures and a second to talk with Koren. I took my opportunity to go up and talk to him for a min and get a quick picture with him before he had to whisk off to start doing a 3d abstract painting on another model..

                                                                              

The Model he was working was Tess Lopez aka Makeupbytess she is from Toronto and works as a freelance makeup artist. She graduated from The School of Professional Makeup and has tons of experience from weddings, television, fashion shows and has provided lessons and much more.

On her YouTube channel she has great tutorials, how to's, and reviews. She also has a love for fashion. Her website Stylecents gives you awesome tips for shopping on a budget. Her Blogspot not only has a great layout plan it also has great information about nail care, makeup deals and testimonials from her clients. Go to her Blog if you are interested in having a very talented artist work on you when your in the area Tess is one of the best..

She's super sweet, down to earth and very knowledgeable.

So after taking a few pictures of her.. I went walking around and ran into her.. We chatted for a brief second and I told her she did an awesome job being a model and got her information of where I can find her for when I'm ready for my wedding lol
= )

After the class I went and stopped at the Student Makeup Competition. I like the fact it was right in the middle of the exhibit floor so you can watch them work the whole time.. I stopped and took some pictures of them before they were out of time.

Patrick McDonough interviewing Student competitor

First Place winner Miia Ollula and her Model

Loved This One..

As time was up for the artists, the models lined up for everyone to take pictures.

I followed them out into the main lobby of the Congress Centre where they lined up for all the photographers got get there shots.

I was able to get some as well..

My favorite.

After the pictures it was off to the show.

First Place miia Ollula

Second Place Bettina Lee

Third Place Natacha Trottier

Congratulations to all the Makeup artists who participated. Amazing work from all..

After all that excitement I went back in to look around,...

I noticed Elessa Jade aka PurseBuzz .. I have watched her videos for a long time and have always thought she had tons of experience and super sweet personality.

In 2006 she started her website and has now had close to 100,000 visitors from around the world.. 

She is so beautiful and was kind enough to take a photo with me thanks babe ; )

Elessa and Koren were painting there model in abstract 3d paint at the Jordane Cosmetics booth

After watching that model come together I needed some fresh air so I went in the lobby.. Where I just so happen to see a couple other people that looked familiar. As there was a small group of girls around it confirmed they were on Youtube,, 

It was Steph from CityandMakeup

and Stacey Brennan

Super sweet girls and It was nice to meet them..

For the rest of the day I walked around and took pictures.. 

I was just getting ready to leave when i spotted one of my favourites Ashley aka HollywoodNoirMakeup  her Youtube channel is awesome along with her website.. She was awesome and took a pictures with me.. Thanks girl!!

I had a fantastic time and again like I said before was inspired more than words can describe.. thank you for everyone for the pictures and the chats.. It really means a lot.. overall my experience of Imats was that I would go to everyone for the rest of my life if I could.. = ) 

Thank you for reading and here are some more pictures from the show..

This post has been written by Amanda

All Pictures Provided were taken by Amanda