IMATS SURVIVAL GUIDE
I went to IMATS LA for the first time last year. I loved it, but I was overwhelmed to say the least. If I didn't have my list of things I wanted I would have walked away with nothing. What??? how can I walk away with nothing? I would have been to scared to buy products that I didn't try, swatch, or research before. You can't exactly go back and return products that you didn't like. I am going to go over some tips that will help first time IMATS go-ers.
Rules, Tips, & Tricks:
#1 Buy your tickets ahead of time.
At least a couple weeks if not earlier. Last year they sold out a week or two before, that means no tickets will be sold at the door. The tickets go on sale months in advance, this year the ticket sales started in July.
#2 Arrive Early.
If you want to get everything you have on your list, go early. I showed up last year at 8:00 am and within an hour Makeup Forever sold out of the foundation I wanted. Make your list and go by priority when shopping. This year I plan on going to the
Naimie's Beauty counters first because they had the best discount and my favorite brands Laura Mercier and Bobbi Brown.
#3 Have a List!!!
Plan ahead and make sure you have tested the products and got the right colors. There is time to swatch but there is not a lot of room. A lot of people want to swatch everything, so it can get very crowded. Be ready for people to be in your "bubble". Before IMATS go to the website
http://www.imats.net check out the exhibitor list and see what companies will be there. Then plan on making a trip to your local Sephora/Macy's/Nordstroms/where ever you shop and test things out, get samples. MUFE handed me a list and had me check the items I wanted so they could just grab everything. Not every booth will be able to walk with you holding your hand making sure you get everything you need. It can be very fast paced. Don't let this discourage you, it is still a lot of fun but it is not a relaxing day shopping by any means. You want to be able to take advantage of the discounts and the crowds are crazy.
#4 Bring different types of payment options.
Check, Cash, & Card. Sounds silly I know. Why wouldn't cash be accepted everywhere? I thought the same thing, I only brought cash last year and could not buy anything from Benefit or Sigma Beauty. I not saying those where the only places that didn't except cash, but those where the only two I went to that didn't. ALSO bring enough money for parking.
#5 Pack Light.
Dont bring a heavy purse filled with everything under the sun. A crossbody bag and a water will do just fine. If you plan on buying a lot, maybe a empty shopping bag to hold everything. IMATS does have their big bags, but you never know if they will have enough. If you plan on staying all day, there are places to eat very close to the Convention Center. You can also pack a lunch.
#6 Sign up for Classes & Events
IMATS has great speakers that are worth taking a look at and the classes are always very informative. It does not matter how experienced you are, you can always learn something new. Not everyone applies makeup the same.
#7 Bring a Camera
To video tape and take pictures. Lots of YouTube beauty gurus go to these events so you will want to take pictures with your favorites. Even take pictures of swatches to compare with other brands they might have better prices.
Last little side notes:
Bring a friend =]
The discounts are not worth flying in and staying at a hotel, but the experience is
ask to sign up for pro cards (bigger discounts)
HAVE FUN AND ENJOY BEING AROUND PEOPLE WHO LOVE MAKEUP JUST AS MUCH AS YOU DO
