10 Tips on surviving IMATS

I'm really excited as IMATS will be on in Sydney in just over a week's time. Despite what the name says, the International Makeup Artists Trade Show is not just for makeup artists. Lots of vendors, makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts gather to check out the latest in cosmetics, see live demonstrations from their favourite makeup artists and nab themselves some bargains.

Image source

Bargains galore!
I went last year and had an awesome time, and the bargains I managed to get were unbeilavable. I'm talking Illamasqua at up to 75% off, Inglot for around 40% off, and various other brands including MAC on sale for between 10 - 50% off.

My IMATS haul from last year

Surviving IMATS
If you're going to IMATS for the first time and don't know what to expect, here are my 10 tips on surviving the event... because lets face it, if you're a makeup junkie you might start hyperventilating at all the loot around you and will definitely need some survival skills.

1. Wear comfortable shoes - I know you'll want to look glam, but this isn't the day for 10 inch heels. You'll be doing a lot of walking, queuing, and standing so you need to be comfortable. 
2. Don't wear white - You'll be doing a lot of swatching and trying on makeup, do you really want to get makeup on your nice new white blazer? Enough said. 
3. Take a large shoulder bag - Each vendor will give out their bags, but to make it easier on yourself take along a large shoulder bag to carry your many many purchases, whilst leaving your hands free to do... yep, more purchasing!
4. Take tissues or better yet, wet wipes - See point 2. You'll need to be able to wipe off all that swatched makeup with something won't you?
5. Plan ahead - with so many speakers and demonstrations, (sometimes at the same time but on different stages), it's important you get yourself a copy of the Schedule so you can plan ahead as to what shows you want to see and when.  
6. Take snacks & water - there is a cafe on site, but from what I remember last time the queues were quite big. So if you don't want to waste time queuing for food then take along some healthy snacks to nibble on and a bottle of water to keep you hydrated. And when you're done you can have lunch at one of the many cafes and restaurants in Darling Harbour. 
7. Be open to try new brands - while it will be very tempting to run straight to the brands you know and love, do make sure to look around at some of the lesser known brands as you don't know what gems you'll uncover. 
8. Take cash - whilst pretty much  all the beauty stands I visited accepted cards, taking cash is easier and quicker. And you wouldn't want to bag a bargain only to find that you're out of cash and the exhibitors don't accept cards. 
9. Be patient - There will be lots of queuing, especially at some of the more popular brands. Last year I gave up on even going near the Inglot stand it was THAT busy. So take along your patience, and be nice to other people in the queue. Pushing and shoving won't get you anywhere. 
10. Take a friend - You need someone to tell you if that purple lipstick looks horrid on you or not, or if buying 10 different taupe eyeshadows that look almost identical is a wise investment or not. And lets face it, it's always fun shopping with a friend, especially if they're as much of a beauty nut as you are!

The Inglot stand last year. {Image source}

The details

Where:
Sydney Convention Centre, Hall 3
Darling Drive
Sydney, NSW Australia

When:
Saturday 29 September 2012  8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday 30 September 2012    10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Cost:
1 day pass - $40
2 day pass - $65

You can purchase tickets HERE or on site.

I'll be going to IMATS this year as well, so if you see me around I'd love you to come say hi!

Have you been to IMATS before? Will you be going this year?