7 Tips To Prepare You For IMATS LA

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he International Make-Up Artist Trade Show LA once again comes to the Pasadena Convention center this weekend for a two-day beauty event. As beauty enthusiasts and long time attendees of this fabulous makeup artist trade show, we are excited to discover new brands, network with other beauty enthusiasts, and learn insider tips from the best in the industry. But as the largest makeup-artist trade show of its kind, IMATS LA can be overwhelming for those new to IMATS LA, which is why we have a few helpful tips we’ve picked up along the way to help navigate this busy but exciting two day event.

[large_title title=”Plan Ahead”]

Now if you’re attending IMATS LA just for the sake of sampling all the seminars, presentations and busy goings of the exhibition floor then this tip doesn’t really apply. But for those of you who are going for particular beauty products, panel or professional makeup-artist than we strongly suggest making a list way in advance so you don’t get overwhelmed on day one. Head over to IMATS LA’s official website www.imats.net and take a look at their schedule and floor plan. Writing down a list of the events and brands you want to go to first that way you have a game plan from the start and you don’t run the chance of missing out of them.

Also making a list in advance helps us keep a budget. Now with the plethora of makeup products and tools on display, there will be plenty of temptation to pick up everything in sight. But trust us, you’ll be thankful for making a list and sticking as closely to it as possible when you skip on that coral blush you already have in your makeup collection.

[large_title title=”Oh no, Long Lines & Busy Crowds”]

Every year, IMATS LA gets bigger and bigger so prepare for the long lines and busy crowds. So we recommend bringing comfortable shoes or roll-up flats that can be easily carried in a purse for you to change into them if you start to feel your feet get sore and tired.  If there is a particular makeup product from say Makeup Forever or Sigma you’re looking to get your hands on, be ready to deal with the exceedingly long lines as people tend to flock to the popular booths from the start. Carry a few snacks in your bag and if possible, a water bottle so you keep yourself nourished while you wait for your turn in line.

Also, if you’re traveling with a group of your friends, we  splitting up and going to the different booths you all want to visit and buy any products there for each other that way you guys can get everything on your list, and spend more time enjoying the rest of the trade show and not in the long lines.

[large_title title=”Check out the Seminars & Panels”]

Who doesn’t love the deep discounts on beauty products at IMATS, but we definitely recommend making time for the many great seminars and panels too. A big part of what make IMATS so incredibly special in the accessibility to some of the industry’s best professionals in the business. Learn how to do on trend makeup techniques, how to expand your portfolio and more. Some of our fondest moments at IMATS LA over the years have been getting to see some of the behind the scene of the makeup done on set of some of our favorite TV shows and films.

[large_title title=”Pick up a few goodies”]

Like we have already said, make sure to explore all the different booths on the exhibition floor as many of the amazing brands don’t only have great discounts but also give away samples and have giveaways throughout the day. Also, several of the seminars and panels we’ve been to in the past also have a few prizes for some of the members of the audience.

[large_title title=”Learn Learn Learn”]

As you go exploring the exhibition floor, try to give each booth at least five minutes of your time to discover the people behind the brand, their products and their tips and tricks. Several brands like Morphe Brushes, Royal & Langnickel, and Mehron usually having live demos of their makeup artists doing amazing body painting, special effects makeup and more. There is even a student competition called the Battle of the Brushes  where a group of makeup students compete for cash and prizes. This year’s character/prosthetic theme is Four Decades of Star Wars.

One of our favorite parts of IMATS is the chance to be able to talk to, even briefly to the founders of some of these amazing brands and learn more about their inspiring success stories and products. Talk about inspirational for those aspiring makeup artists or future entrepreneurs.  Also take the time to network with other beauty enthusiasts and makeup artists attending IMATS. It’s absolutely incredible the fountain of knowledge you can learn from others there.

[large_title title=”It’s Break time”]

Now we know there is so much to see at the trade show, but we do suggest you take a few needed breaks in between to catch your breath and take it all in. Go grab lunch from the many restaurants right across from the convention center at Paseo Colorado or to Old Town just several blocks down. If you can make a reservation in advance definitely do it as so many of the restaurants like the Yardhouse (Paseo) and Cheesecake Factory (Old Town) are incredibly busy during IMATS LA weekend. There are also eateries that you can easily grab something to eat without waiting in any more lines for a table. Trust us, you’re definitely going to want to take a break or two.

[large_title title=”Enjoy!”]

The most important thing is to remember is to enjoy your time at IMATS. It’s going to be an amazing experience so snap photos and take everything in.

Want to find out more about IMATS, tickets, schedules and more? Head over to www.imats.net for more information.