IMATS Toronto 2010 Series Part 5

Beauty Thesis and I

My main reason for going to IMATS Toronto was the workshops. While checking out some of the booths, I noticed I can get some things like NYX for cheaper in the US due to bogo sales, etc.  I still don't understand why as the US dollar has dropped compared to other countries like Canada, that the prices have not changed for those countries.  You would think that the prices would be comparable, but Canadians still have to pay more for MAC, NYX and some other brands.  I think that is unfair especially since MAC is a Canadian brand.  Reason I plan to wait until The Makeup Show Chicago and IMATS NYC to purchase some products that I really don't need right now but plan to get for my kit.  So off to more workshops....

 The next workshop I attended was Nadine Luke, Director of Makeup Artistry at MAC Cosmetics.  She held a workshop on Fall/Winter runway trends.  We watched a short video of behind the scenes of some runway shows showing the trends and then she discussed the trends.  The four trends mentioned are:

Redd Velvet- Red lips of all colors...
Satin Eyes - liner, soft washes of color, brown smokey eyes, etc.
Voi Ve Veil - Gothy, Graphic, Art Forms...
Cashmink- skin 

She also stated tools make a difference.  Quality tools were mentioned at almost all workshops.  She also created the trends on a model.

 Next workshop I attended was Perfecting Each Brush Stroke with Koren of Enkore Makeup.  He is just as wonderful in person as he is on Youtube.  Pursebuzz was his model. Koren also stressed having quality tools and priming/moisturizing the client/model.  He gave out some excellent tips.  Checkout www.beautylish.com  for those tips.  Koren makeup tips.  Christina has some detailed information.

I actually meet her and ? at Koren's workshop.  It was great meeting her and ?.  They even gave me a Beautylish tee which I love.  

? and Christina T of beautylish.com

Beauty Thesis

I also finally meet in person one of my favorite bloggers and youtubers Beauty Thesis.  It was cool  meeting and hanging with her.  Her makeup was looking fabulous as usually. Before the day ended I also got a chance to meet Enkore.

Koren and I

IMATS Toronto 2010 Series Part 4

My 1st IMATS was great.  It took about 4 hours to get to Mississauga, ON Canada(suburb of Toronto).  I arrived Friday evening and checked into my hotel.  My mom and I decided to drive around and check the area out.  I decided to checkout the MAC Pro in the area.  The MAC Pro in Chicago is the closest one to me besides the one on Queen Street.  I finally got a chance to see The Bay store also.  It is very nice.  The whole mall was gorgeous.  I love the way it is designed.  I also love the food court being on the upper level.

MAC Pro store is very nice even thougt I didn't get a chance to see the area where the pro products are located.  I will have to do that next time.  I noticed that one of the MUAs in the store had on some fabulous looking makeup.  We were walking thru and I didn't a chance to find out what colors she had on.

The next day I work up early and arrived at the show around 8:30 am.  The parking lot had at least 30-40 cars on the side that  I entered.  Lines were already formed to pick up tickets.  As soon I walked in, I saw the fabulous Deepa Berar.  She has a great blog and Youtube channel.  She looks just as fab in person as she does in her videos and is so nice.  I entered into the show and headed straight for MUFE.  I had to see what deals they had.  The booth was already crowded and it wasn't even 9:00am yet, lol.  I didn't purchase anything from MUFE.  I have enough for now, but I should have bought the flash palette.  It was only $62 and I may never find it again unless on ebay way over priced.

I checked out all the other booths, and tested some products at Temptu while watching Dani Fonseca do a demo on a potential customer.  Dani looked like she had no foundation on(She had on Temptu of course) and her skin looked flawless.  MAC Pro was not selling any products, but they were signing up people for the Pro discount card on site and talking about the student kits.  You could actually go to the local Pro store and purchase products the same day with the discount!  The MUA I saw the previous day was there.  I headed over to Crown brush booth and purchased a few brushes for my kit before heading to hear my 1st speaker.  I didn't plan to see Kandee Johnson speak because she was having a Youtube Guru Q&A.  I was at the show mainly for skills and technique workshops.  I decided to get in the long line to hear her speak because I do like her channel and personality.  I am glad I did.

Kandee mentioned she condensed her kit down to her Zuca and normally carries 5 foundations and concealer to get rid of redness.  She was asked who was her favorite MUAs and of course Kevyn Aucoin, Scott Barnes, and Topolino was named.  She likes artist who think outside the box.  Makeup is an art form, fun and has no rules to her.  I agree with her view on makeup and her favorite MUAs.  She gave an inspiring speech and then had a meet and greet at Makeup Artist Magazine booth where she was giving away Cover FX, Dinar Airbrush and many other items.

I had to look up Topolino.

 "He is a self-taught, conceptual, make up artist who hailed from the late 80s.  He has produced influential, visionary work for Alexander McQueen and Philip Treacy. He’s inspired by everything, from trash to insects." 

I stayed at the main stage for the next speaker and one of the main reasons I came to IMATS, Kevin James Bennett, award winning makeup artist and author of the website www.inmykit.com.  I made sure I was upfront and center for his workshop.  How many opportunities would I have to hear and see an artist like him live and in person?  Not many... so free giveaways could not move me from my seat.

KJ Bennett as some call him is amazing, down to earth, and loves what he does.  He talked about using quality tools regardless of price(you can find great tools from low to high prices).  He also talked about durable makeup, creating makeup looks that last.  He stated even if the model/client states they have moisturized, etc., it is still best to start with a clean face so that the makeup will be durable/lasting.  He also talked about using the right makeup cleaner to clean up the eye area, etc. so that when applying concealer and foundation later they will not crease.  He used extra primer(Cover FX primer) to remove any fallout, etc.  Even though he his serious about his career in makeup, he stated makeup is fun and we should have fun doing makeup. He explained so much to us while creating a flawless look on the model.  

     
Before the Student Competition Award Show,  I headed over to Royal & Langnickel Brush Mfg. booth to purchase some the brushes he mentioned and were using.  The booth was busy and at first I could not find the brushes I was looking for.  Much to my surprise who walks over to assist me, while he is already assisting others... none other than the man himself, KJ Bennett.  I mention that I was in his workshop and that I was looking for some of the brushes he was using.  He finds all of them for me and even converses for a minute.  It was a great pleasure finally meeting him and being able to sit in not one but two of his workshops.  I hope I get a chance to sit in on a master class that he teaches for the Makeup Show or another IMATS.

Stay tuned for part 5... continuation of  Day 1 of IMATS.....

IMATS Toronto 2010 Series Part 2

Afternoon my Divas.  I have begun to finalize my plans for IMATS Toronto in November.  For those who don't know what IMATS is... checkout part 1 from last month.  As a Makeup Artist I want to present myself in the best light.  So I prefer to be prepared. I have ordered new business cards that I feel will be more professional.  I have also begun to put my portfolio together for the Afterglow(great place to network).  Update on the afterglow below:

"The Afterglow will begin at 6:00 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6 at Canyon Creek - Airport, which is located at 25 Carlson Ct., just west of the Toronto Congress Centre. The restaurant offers a diverse menu of prime rib, rack of lamb, cedar plank salmon, double pork chops and more, and features cocktails, Belgian draughts and a wide assortment of wines. "

So business cards are here and I love them.  I still have to get my pictures printed and portfolio together.  That should be done by the end of the month.  I have a few more fashion shows to do and get 8x10s from.  Hopefully I will have some other jobs to do before then also.  The more faces I paint the happier I am.  My room has been confirmed for the weekend and car has been checked for the drive. I have the days off from work, passport is here and I just need to pack my bags to go.

I have checked out the posted info and I am ready to listen and watch Kevin James Bennett work his magic and tell us how to get "The Complete Complexion", Koren(Enkore Makeup) to tell us how to "Perfect Each Brush Stroke" and OCC's David Klasfeld show us how to "Create HD-Ready, Photo-Friendly Skin using Airbrush Foundation".  I see so many great things to learn.  I plan to be in workshops all day, taking notes and photos/video so I can perfect my skills. I also hope to hang out with some of my Youtube and blog Divas who plan to attend either or both days.   

Tickets are still available for  anyone who plans to attend.  The IMATS site is being updated daily.  Check it out.  IMATS Toronto .

IMATS is produced by Make-Up Artist magazine

IMATS Toronto 2010 Series Part 1

Living in Michigan, we don't have many opportunities nearby for Makeup Trade Shows, etc. that don't require being a certified professional MUA, student, photographer, etc.  If you are already in the business with comp sheets, letters of recommendations, license, etc. then you have the credentials for most shows, and classes. Getting the necessary on the job training, being mentored by someone, and having the products for your kit doesn't happen overnight unless you have the funds to travel to the classes and people who can help you make your dreams of being a certified working MUA a reality.

For those of us who are just starting out , who have to keep our current jobs to pay the bills, and want to network, learn some new skills, and purchase some products for our kit from brands that can't be found in local stores, IMATS Toronto is the place to be. International Makeup Artist Trade Show hosted by Makeup Artist Magazine will be in Toronto, ON in November 2010 for the 2^nd year and this will be my 1^st time going. It will be at the Toronto Congress Centre on November 6-7, 2010. There will be workshops, exhibits, various people to network with that are doing well in the industry and many products to purchase at a discount.

Makeup Magazine was created in 1996 by Emmy® Award-winning make-up artist Michael Key out of a desire to keep MUA's informed. IMATS was 1^st held in August 1997 in Los Angeles, CA to educate and connect MUA's all over the world. Currently it has expanded to 6 shows in 4 countries throughout the year. New York has been added at the newest show in April 2011(I would love to go to this one too).

Any trip I take to conventions, shows, etc. that are out of town, I always do my research. I like to know what is in the area such as restaurants, shopping, and other places of interest. Currently I am doing my research on the brands that will be there so that I will have an idea of the products I would like to purchase. Having a list makes it easier to so that you don't forget something you may really want and to avoid shipping cost if you have to order it online later. I have also checked out the restaurants in the area so that I can try a new one for dinner or lunch while I am there. I hope to see you there. :) 

Tickets are on sale now.  Get them now while they are lower. Check out "www.imatsshow.com" for full information on IMATS and links to Makeup Artist Magazine and more.

IMATS is produced by Make-Up Artist magazine.

Update

Hey Divas!!!

I am still here.  I am just working hard on the first job(Software Tester) so that I can more happen with the second job(Makeup Artist). Because I have been practicing my skills I have more people asking me to do their makeup and show them how to get the flawless looks they say I have. I wouldn't say my looks are flawless, but I am a perfectionist when it comes many things in my life and makeup is one of them.  When people want to talk makeup with me and improving their skin, I just light up.  I love helping others and being an aspiring MUA is one way I feel I can help people.  I have worked though the years to improve my skin and love what I have done.  Mainly I just make sure I drink plenty of water and avoid pop, etc, but a good skin care regiment does help.  I have been adding more to my MU kit and saving money so I can go to IMATS Toronto 2010.  I can't wait to go and I hope to see many bloggers and Youtubers there.  Maybe we can do a meet up and talk makeup, skincare and haircare. I am ready to go to the workshops and learn as much as I can and do a little shopping.  Shopping is always good. :)