Beyond Excited: The Toronto IMATS

November has arrived with a blink of an eye.
Aside from the pesky Canadian winter, the dark mornings and early evenings, and winter preparations I am excited because the IMATS are coming back to Toronto!
The IMATS stands for International Makeup Artist Trade show and will be hosted by the Metro Toronto Convention centre November 9th & 10th 2013!
This trade show is the bomb.com for not only makeup artists but makeup enthusiasts such as myself.
The trade show allows you to shop for makeup brands that are hard to find on the ground, introduces new innovative brands that are coming out, see top makeup artists speak and lend advice on getting started in the industry, as well as get discounted makeup from some of the biggest companies of beauty.
The IMATS are very exciting, I have been 2 years in a row and enjoyed the atmosphere and learning about my favourite subject: Beauty
 IMATS are in other major cities such as New York, LA, London, Vancouver and Sydney and each carry different vendors lines so check your local listings if you are in any of those areas.

Just some pointers if you plan on attending IMATS this year or in the future:

• Purchase your tickets on IMATS website! Unfortunately I already missed the early bird special, however I will be getting the next batch of tickets. Paying at the door is more costly and the event could sell out as well. When you purchase online it also saves you a lot of time at the event and allows you to get your IMAT experience popping ASAP! (Whoop whooooppp)
• Go to the Saturday show if possible and arrive EARLY.  You know what they say: early bird catches the worm, and that ain't a lie. The earlier you come the more you can look around peacefully (for a bit) you can get your hands on the hottest items (which tend to get sold out quickly) and you can navigate your way a bit more peacefully through the vendors. 
• Visit the big vendors first! OCC, Mac Pro, Makeup Forever etc sell out the quickest, and have the craziest lines. Also bring a list because it cuts down on the time you stand there deciding on what products you wish to have.
• Also bring Cash (plenty of it) there is no interact, and very little vendors have credit card terminals! Remember it is a trade show (they operate like the olden days people) Last year I brought some cash and had to go hunt down a bank outside and wasn't impressed! 
• Bring your camera! There are cool exhibits, models in the makeup competition, and you may bump into some cool personalities. Last year I met TheQueenOfBlending from YouTube. I love her and have been following her for years!!
• Wear comfy shoes, a light jacket, and take a small purse! This isn't the club or a fashion show ladies and gentleman. Yes your face should be BEAT. However your 8 inch stilettos will get played out hour one in the Crown Brush line. Your thick winter jacket will have you getting heat exhaustion, and your huge purse will feel like weight after hours. Dress wisely. Cute and comfy I say!
• Take a list of the booths you wish to see ( it can get so overwhelming once you are inside) and jot down the times of the seminars and classes you want to see. (Waiting in line for 45 minutes for eyeshadow and missing a key speaker is very annoying trust me)
• Tissue, makeup wipes, mirrors, and hand sanitizer is also good since you will be swatching products and trying to make quick decisions.
• Have fun! Network, talk to people, participate in seminars, see as many vendors as possible. Take in the experience

Gold Digger: MAC Strobe Cream Golden Elixer

My obsession with being bronzed and glowy is still in full effect and I was excited when I heard that Mac was releasing a new strobe cream that has a golden shimmer to it in there Temperature Rising summer collection. 

Mac does have a permanent strobe cream that is available but it has a pink/pearl shimmer to it that tends to look ashy on tanned or darker skin, and also has a thick lotion like consistency that makes it a little harder to blend. This new strobe elixir has a thinner watery consistency and is more suitable for people that have tanned or darker skin tones because it plays up on the golden attributes of the skin. This elixir may appear a little scary looking at it in the bottle but when applied to the skin it is easily blend-able and  leaves skin with a natural radiance that makes skin look like it has been sun kissed. 

The formula for this strobe cream is light weigh on the skin and a golden- brown warm natural shimmer on the skin. 

I purchased this product at the MAC store and was lucky I got it all together because they have been selling out like hotcakes. The price is bit steep at $40 CAD but contains 40 ml of product so that will last for a very long time since you only need one or two pumps maximum. This product is a great product that can be used in several different ways. 

I participated in the Temperature rising application in store and the artist placed it on my skin and it looked great and lasted for the evening.

It can be mixed into moisturizer, foundation, or can be dabbed directly on the cheekbones. 

When mixed into foundation it is important to powder your t-zone if you have combination or oily skin because it can look greasy potentially.

I like that this bottle has a pump that locks for easy application and allows for mess free application. 

If your interested in this product I say act fast because they are limited edition. This strobe lotion can be purchased at all MAC counters and on MAC's website. 

Beauty Trends for Spring 2013!

Spring time is just around the corner and the new trends have started to pop up in our favourite stores showcasing the vibrant style of bold lips, strong brows,  flawless bronzy skin and flashy pigmented color. This spring/summer 2013 is not for the faint of heart, it is all about getting out of your comfort zone and trying something new thats daring.  I am always on the hunt for a new makeup item--in truth i always find an excuse for purchasing something new when it comes to make up! Its fun to get something new! What can i say?

A few recent buys that i feel are very flattering on woman of color will be bold purples and pigmented pinks. This year many cosmetic lines have stepped up the shades and choices to fit every budget. Maybelline has released vivid sensational lipsticks that can be purchased at local drug stores globally. The color i purchased is Hot Plum which is a great addition to my lipstick arsenal. These lipsticks are moisture packed and deliver exceptional pigmentation. The color range in store are unbelievable and at a price that can't be beat! If you don't mind spending a few more dollars Mac cosmetics Funtabulous dazzle-glass is a beautiful sparkly addition to pair on a bright lip for that extra pop! Illamasqua's Boost is another fabulous dual chromed lipgloss that will add punch to a lipstick or make a great lipgloss you can drop in your purse and go. The possibilities are endless folks, the companies are coming hard this year and all fashionistas at any budget will be able to get in on the trends.