I’m excited today to bring you my IMATS Toronto 2014 Recap!

As I announced in this blog post a few days ago, I attended IMATS Toronto 2014. (Click that link if you want more detailed background information.)

IMATS stands for International Make-up Artist Trade Show, and it’s an event presented by Make-up Artist Magazine that I’ve been going to every year since 2010, with the exclusion of 2013.

It’s open to anyone aged 17 or older, and you don’t have to be a makeup artist to purchase tickets.

So why do I attend IMATS when I’m not a makeup artist? Simple. I am a beauty-and-creative enthusiast who appreciates artistic inspiration and learning from thought leaders who not only think outside the box, but who break the box wide open.

I’m never disappointed in my trips to IMATS Toronto because it’s like a condensed version of going to summer camp, except everyone who’s there shares a similar passion for makeup, artistry, and an undeniable drive to do something different.

Although commercial beauty is lovely, it’s the editorial looks that inspire me on a whole other level, and IMATS Toronto gave me inspiration galore.

This year, I mainly went for the experience, to attend seminars, and to check out the competition. Those are my favourites, and the shopping is just secondary.

This blog post is photo-heavy, hehe, but if you’re a regular reader of Swatch And Learn, you know that it’s the usual here. I always like to share many photos.

When I participated in IMATS Toronto 2014, I took several photos along the way, which you may have seen on my Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, especially. By providing live coverage during the event, it was my little way of taking my dear readers with me, so that you could see some of the exploding talent and get a glimpse into how amazing the experience was!

Since I brought both my smartphone and my DSLR camera, I snapped photos with both, and you’ll see a bunch more photos that didn’t make it onto my social media.

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It’s that time again for IMATS Toronto 2014! 🙂

Every year, except for 2013, I attended IMATS (the International Make-Up Artist Trade Show). All the years I went, it was held in Etobicoke at the Toronto Congress Centre. Then, last year was the first time it was held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. I’m very much looking forward to experiencing IMATS at the new venue!

Although makeup artists definitely attend, it’s also open to people like me – beauty enthusiasts. (Also, you have to be 17 or older to attend.)

It’s an opportunity to get great deals on makeup, brushes, and more from brands such as beautyblender, Eve Pearl, Kryolan, Make Up For Ever, Naked Cosmetics, NARS, and more!

But it’s not all about shopping. There are also student competitions, which are always inspiring and fun to watch, as well as seminars led by professionals in the makeup industry, so you can learn new techniques and tips. (I actually enjoy the seminars and competitions more than the shopping aspect because it’s neat to see the personality of industry greats.)

The people who are scheduled to hold seminars today are: Thomas E. Surprenant, Siân Richards, Eve Pearl, Kevin James Bennett, Randy Daudlin, Sébastien Tardif, Barney Burman, and Gina Bettelli.

IMATS is also a great place to network for bloggers. In past years, I’ve bumped into many beauty bloggers, and it’s nice to see familiar faces and people who share a similar passion.

Unfortunately, the general admission tickets for $45 CAD have already sold out for today, but the Pro-Card Tickets are still available, according to the IMATS website at the time I wrote this blog post. The general admission tickets are still available for tomorrow, though.

IMATS Toronto 2014 will be running this weekend only:

• Saturday November 22 – 8:30 am to 5:00 pm EST
• Sunday November 23 – 10:00 am to 5:00 pm EST

I’ll be taking some photos and possibly a few video clips and sharing them live during the IMATS Toronto 2014 trade show, so if you can’t make it and just want a little glimpse, please follow me on social media this afternoon.

I plan to post specifically to my Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts. (Although, I may also post on Google+ and Pinterest.)

Haha, since I already did a lot of damage during the Sephora VIB Sale, I probably won’t go buck-wild buying things, but I am on the lookout for a good fan brush to apply highlighter. And if there are really good deals on the beautyblender, I may have to stock up. I’m actually falling more and more in love with it since using it damp with the Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation. (I’ll need to update that review to reflect my change of heart.)

I’m going to IMATS mainly for the experience and to learn some new trends and tips, not really for shopping. Because of this, when I post my recap post later, it’ll be more focused on that and less of a haul-type post.

P.S. If you see me there, I’ll be the one wearing freehand snowman nail art!

Whatever your plans are today, I hope you have a wonderful day! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by Swatch And Learn!

Edit: In case you’d like to see some posts I did in the past about IMATS, please see below:

• IMATS 2010
• IMATS 2011
• IMATS 2012