IMATS NYC

Hi there!  This was originally posted on my old website last year after attending IMATS NEW YORK in 2014. I am still in the process of transferring stuff over from  the older site, and wanted to go ahead and share this again on here since it was such an amazing  trip!!

ORIGINALLY POSTED APRIL 2014:
Hi everyone!

I wanted to do a post on my first visit to IMATS (International Make-Up Artist Trade Show), and the awesome time I had in New York!  I had been to NYC before, but only for short periods of time and had never really had much time to explore.  My boyfriend, Bryan, went with me, and we had a couple of days to tour the city before the show.  The first thing I learned while exploring New York…WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES!!! I thought the ones I wore on my first day walking around were comfy, but turns out they were a big mistake since I got blisters all over my feet within a few hours! Oh well! I certainly wasn’t going to let that ruin my trip, so I just had to toughen up! All the fun we had walking around was worth it. On our first day there we rode the subway to Brooklyn, and had pizza at the famous and very delicious Grimaldi’s. Afterwards we walked back over the Brooklyn Bridge, and enjoyed the amazing city views. That evening we had pizza again, but this time it was chocolate pizza (yum) at Max Brenner’s!! Amazing day!

On the Brooklyn Bridge

Chocolate Pizza at Max Brenner's

When the weekend arrived, I was geared up for IMATS. I was excited to see some of the makeup artists I admire speak and do demos. I was also, of course, excited to do some shopping!! I definitely did some damage, but I think I came out with some pretty fabulous new products to add to my kit, like RCMA foundation palettes and Royal and Langnickel brushes. I also stocked up on lots of cosmetic disposables and some other basics. In addition, I did some shopping for a giveaway that I am having on my Facebook page. Make sure you see my previous post on how to enter! (June 2015 Update: This giveaway is now closed since this is re-posted from last year, but be on the lookout for more soon!)

IMATS Giveaway Goodies

IMATS Make-Up Museum

I was happy that I got to attend so many seminars hosted by some of my favorite makeup artists that I have looked up to and been inspired by, such as Eve Pearl, Sam Fine, and Kevin James Bennett just to name a few.  I use a lot of Eve Pearl makeup in my kit, so it was absolutely awesome to meet her!

Kevin James Bennett

Sam Fine

Eve Pearl

After the IMATS fun and craziness, I met back up with Bryan and two of my good friends, Gus and Catie, who were also in town. We had drinks at the Empire Hotel. This was definitely on my to-do list since I will admit that the Gossip Girl series was one of my guilty tv pleasures and it was often featured in the show. (Chuck Bass’ hotel for any of you that might have gotten sucked into the series with me!) : ) It was certainly a great night with some wonderful friends!

On the roof of the Empire Hotel

I very much enjoyed the time I spent in New York, and am so happy I had the opportunity to visit and attend IMATS! Already trying to plan my next trip there to take some makeup artistry workshops! Will keep you posted!