This weekend is IMATS in Pasadena, California, and while I may not be there physically, I’m so there in spirit!  I thought it would be fun to compile a list of tips, tricks, favorites, and the like to help make your IMATS trip an enjoyable one.  Feel free to add your own tips on Twitter with either #IMATStips or #IMATS.  I know I’ll be following to see some of my favorites tweet from the show.

Aspiring makeup artists and artists, ProCharts is having a special deal for IMATS online since they won’t be at the show in person.   Their face charts will be £14.00/$22.83 for 1 pad and £25/$40.77 for a pack of 2, plus free shipping when you use the code IMATS.  The deal is valid from June 24th through June 30th.

• Get there REALLY early or be prepared to wait in a massive line!
• Have a game plan; it really is that serious.  IMATS is totally fun and you can walk around at your leisure, but if there are certain products you have your heart set on, make buying a priority and then enjoy yourself.
• Lists are good–several exhibitors are so popular that spending time shopping at the show means longer lines and a higher likelihood of products selling out.  Make Up For Ever is one of the most popular booths, and even though we had gone there first with a list, the wait was over 45 minutes.  I know brands like MUFE do not restock during the show; once they’re out, they’re out.  OCC also sells out of certain shades of Lip Tars quite quickly!
• Be polite & courteous, as everyone tries to accommodate the crowds, ring customers up in a timely fashion, and just generally trying to manage what is a very high energy and fun show.
• Cash can save you time rather than using credit/debit, but a lot of vendors definitely take credit/debit if you’re uncomfortable carrying a lot of cash (like I am!).
• Brands to check out at the show:  Clarisonic, Inglot, Make Up For Ever, NYX, OCC, Stila, and Sugarpill (Full exhibitor list here.)  Each of the links to the brand will take you to any reviews/posts I’ve done regarding them.   Also, if a brand isn’t doing anything special for the show, I’d keep moving.  You can buy at full price any time!

• GerdaSpillmann: Visit Booth 310 to see our NEW Bio-Fond Colors – Cacao and Bijou! 21 total colors every Make-up Artist needs!
• Start2FinishMUA: I heard that it’s better to bring a wallet instead of a purse/handbag because of all the extra bags you’ll collect, more to lug.
• hollysaysheyy Holly wear comfortable shoes!!
• PerfectcoverSL: I’ve made my list and checking it twice Can’t wait to check out @occmakeup@EvePearl@crownbrush@MAKEUPFOREVERUS@INGLOT_USA
• PerfectcoverSL: (4) Be polite. This is my 3rd year there and ppl are generally very nice so let’s reciprocate the love! (5) NETWORK
• SatelliteDrmr: I wrote a huge post on MUG Forum. Feel free to use any of these tips! makeupgeek.com/forum/viewtopi…
• ImpressDee: I heard most of the booths give out free samples
• meilily: Must check out MUFE and OCC on sale, and the synthetic kabuki brushes @ IMATS
• MaddyLovesBlog:  Get there as early as possible because it will get busy as the day goes on. Some line-ups will be as long as 1 hour waits!
• MakeupJungle: make a list of the things/colors you want to make lines move quicker & so you don’t forget anything!

Are you attending? What are you most looking forward to?  Do you have any tips/tricks to share for first-timers?