EVENT: IMATS Toronto 2014 + Mini-Haul

My first ever IMATS (International Make Up Artists Trade Show) experience... I attended IMATS on Saturday, November 22, which was sold out by the time I had gotten there. Thanks to the tips from IMATS veterans, I arrived at 7:40AM. There was already a huge line of 100+ people. I picked up my pass and walked in at 8:30 AM. Popular booths like Make Up For Ever (40% off discount), MAC (20% off discount), and Nigel's Beauty Emporium (with Too Faced, Anastasia, Kevyn Aucoin, and a ton of lashes) were crowded upon opening. 

I didn't really plan on "going" with anyone in particular but met up with a ton of Toronto beauty bloggers. The list is quite long... Upon walking in, I spotted the flawlessly grey hair of Zubie's Musings who introduced me to Laura of Lipstick and Laura and Shawna of Spill the Beauty. I also spent quite a bit of time walking around by myself and with Jenn of A Beautiful Zen, Jenn of Vibrant, Vivacious, Veracious Beauty Blog, and Meg of Meg's Makeup Bag. Shoutouts to Stephanie of theFantasia, Aleeza of Stylish & Literate, and Tess of Makeup By Tess who I hadn't seen in a while, as well as Arianne of Glitter Geek (whom I had just met for the first time!). I also met up with Julie of Swatch & Review, Jenn of Scarlet Beauty, and Chelle of Make Up Your Mind to take a CBB Network photo! 

In addition to all the wonderful beauty bloggers, here's a few snaps of the sights of IMATS.... 

Amazing body painting...

A UNICORN!! 

All the baby (fun size) beauty blenders...

a little learning about MAQ-pro cosmetics... 

many, many Morphe palettes... 

 contemplating the purchase of $8 liquid latex from Jordane Cosmetics in preparation for next Halloween (ALREADY!)... 

Ohhs and ahhs for the Hakuhodo brush displays... 

 And a TON of people. It was crowded, almost suffocating but bearable because of all the makeup goodies there were to check out. 

Contrary to popular belief, I don't spend copious amounts of money on beauty product, so long as I can help it (#studentdebtproblems). I spent a total of $99 dollars on four items, which required a lot of restraint - the Ben Nye Banana Powder ($12) from Nigel Beauty Emporium, Hakuhodo Yachiyo Brush - medium ($50), Hakuhodo Eye Shadow Brush Flat and Round J5523 ($23), and a Beauty Blender ($14). The Banana Powder and Beauty Blender seem to be cult staple items and I had wanted to try them for a while. As for the Hakuhodo brushes... I'm considering them to be investment pieces in my brush collection. Also, special thanks to Jenn's friend Tian for the NYX Butter Gloss! 

Would I recommend IMATS? DEFINITELY! If you're a beauty blogger, beauty enthusiast, or MUA, then by all means check out what IMATS has to offer. 

Were you at IMATS? What did you pick up? 

I went to IMATS courtesy of a press pass to cover the event. This is not a sponsored post and all items were purchased by me. 

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