September 21, 2012

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?


32 comments :

  1. I've never been to IMATS, but one day I will! Thanks for the tips :)

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    Replies
    1. Hope you get to go one day, you'll have a great time!

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  2. Oh boo. I had my whole outfit already chosen, including white blazer. It did not even OCCUR to me about swatching! Time to think of a Plan B... Xx

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    1. Sorry to ruin the plans babe, at least I'm saving your white blazer from red lipstick stains :)
      And if you decide to wear your coral jeans pls let me know so I don't wear mine! Or we'll be jean-twins :)
      xo

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    2. Haha! Yes, I WAS planning to wear my coral jeans, and I didn't even think that you might, too! I only have one other pair of jeans at the moment, but if you really wanted to wear yours I'm sure I could find something else?! Xx

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    3. No no, I'll wear something else. I haven't found a nice top to go with my coral jeans anyway, so regular jeans and a (non-white) blazer for me. xo

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  3. Great tips! I went to LA IMATs last July, and I am very glad someone told me to wear comfy shoes! I also think it's a good idea to take a lunch break in the middle, and sit down for an hour or so. It's a lot of walking & standing time.

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    1. Oh definitely you need to take a break, or else it can get a bit too much!

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  4. THANK YOU!
    I've wondered what to expect, and as I go to a fair few expos/tradeshows, I think I'm right, but these are brilliant tips and have me even more excited for my first IMATS!

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  5. I'm glad to find your blog. I'm from Melbourne and this info is interesting. Never knew before! How I wish IMATS was in Melbourne too :-(

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    1. You'll have to take a trip up to Sydney for next year :-)

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  6. Thanks for doing this post. Im going to IMATS Toronto for the first time in November and I cant wait:) Sara xx

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  7. I went to the one in NYC for the first time this year and actually all of this advice is fantastic and spot on. I think I managed to follow each of these, I feel smart! ;)

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    Replies
    1. LOL, I'm sure you are! Hope you had great time there.

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  8. I find out tomorrow if I'm rostered to work - if not I will definitely be there! This will be my first time and I'm so excited. This post was perfectly timed - thanks so much!!

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    1. Hope you get to go, it's a great opportunity and the bargains are fantastic!

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  9. Great tips, Lilit, especially on the part about comfortable footwear and clothes. Last year I went in flats and a dress; this year I'm doing it in jeans and Converse :P

    I'll definitely be there, and I'll hopefully see you next week! :D

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    1. I'm sure I'll bump into you there at some point!

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  10. Great tips! I will be taking my sister in law with me and will definitely wear comfy shoes! Hope to see you around :)

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  11. The wet wipes are a great idea. I wouldn't have thought of that. I can't wait. It is going to be so much fun!

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    Replies
    1. I'm sooo looking forward to it too, it'll be awesome!

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  12. Great tips now only if IMATS came down to Melbourne too!
    http://starvogue84.blogspot.com

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  13. I'll be there Saturday, like last year. Whether I'll be going by train all the way from Newcastle or driving to Wahroongah and catching a North Shore train, I don't know yet.

    I'm probably going to take a small wheeled bag with me. http://alicejaneinnewcastle.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/getting-organised.html That way, I can wear flats but have 5" stilettos with me if I feel like showing off, and can change back if I need to. :)

    It also means that I can pack everything I buy in there instead of overloading my arms and shoulders!

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    Replies
    1. That's a great bag you got there, you'll definitely be organised and yep, no sore arms or shoulders for you! It's going to be a long day for you though, so you take whichever transport option that won't be too tiring for you.

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  14. I'm so excited - I'm going on Sunday. Everyone appears to be going on the Saturday...which I'm hoping will mean the lines won't be too crazy on Sunday - but everything will also probably be sold out :(
    This was an excellent post - thanks for the advice!

    xx

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  15. I've never been to IMATS before. I really wish I could go but I guess I'll just have to wait for next year. :) Thanks for the tips! Will definitely keep them in mind for when I actually do go.

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  16. Wonderful post Lilit, I'll definitely be heeding your advice since I was so unprepared last year and ended up starving and in pain from my sore feet!

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  17. I'm so jealous! I live in Perth so it's such a trek but I really would love to go one day

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