This is overstood: IMATS London

Will you be heading to IMATS this year?

If it's your first time or simply want to make the most of your experience, then read on for my handy tips and pictures from last years show!

Firstly I am not a full blown makeup artist, I do makeup for family and friends for occasions, but I am mostly a makeup addict! I attended IMATS London for the first time in 2013 and loved the makeup artistry and the bargains! It's a great chance to network if you are a makeup artist and a blogger - this year my plan is to network more.

As this show comes only once a year, it's crucial to make the most of it! I've come away from lots of events thinking... I wish I had done this or brought that!

Visiting IMATS - Tips

1. Check the Exhibitor List - make a list of the brands you want to visit.

2. Review the Floor Plan - it will be hard to keep track on the day, like shopping, you can get distracted! I check the floor plan to see how big each stall will be. This can give you an idea of how much product they will have and the large stands tend to be the bigger brands who will be busy.

3. Review Your Current Collection - I can't think of the amount of times I have been in a store or at an event and forgotten what colours I already have. This is a crucial piece of preparation for those with large collections. You don't end up buying what you already have which leads on to my next tip...

4. Make a Wish List - Once you know which brands are exhibiting, you can make a list of what you want and you won't forget if you get distracted! Also, write down the items full price, so you will know just how much discount you are getting on the day. Oh and keep your receipts in one place!

5. Get There Early - I will be attending on the Saturday and did so last year. Doors open 8:30am and I was there by 10am. The first few hours were calm, after midday the crowds get busier. Get there early to pick up your items, then you can browse, network and watch the speakers on the main stage or attend the classes.

6. Make a Speaker Schedule - You can learn some great tips from the professional speakers and see some amazing work. Visit the website and check who will be speaking on the day and make a note of the time. Set an alarm and get to the room or stage early for a seat!

7. Bring Wet Wipes & Tissues - An absolute must for swatching makeup and keeping your hands clean in the process.

8. Withdraw Cash Before Arriving - Brands will accept card payments, although some may have a minimum spend. If you like to use cash, take some out before arriving at the venue as queueing at a cash machine is time consuming.

9. Pack Light - the less you carry the faster you can move and squeeze into small spaces! There will be lots of people and the last thing you want is to be carrying a heavy or bulky bag. Travel light if possible, ideally an over the shoulder number and save you arms for your purchases!

10. Charge up! - Sounds obviously but you have an iPhone and like to take pictures and use it to refer to your lists like me, fully charge before you head out. I also will be bringing my battery pack. I also have an iPad so will bring that to take videos and pictures as well. If you have a camera then even better, I'm still saving for mine!

11. Bring a Drink and Snack - food inside the venue isn't cheap so it is good to have some water and something to snack on to keep your energy levels up. The Hammersmith and Kensington area has lots of restaurants close by.

12. Bring Flat Shoes - I am a fan of heels, but think comfort when walking around on your feet all day long. Even flats will hurt but at least your feet won't be swollen. It might make tip number 9 redundant, but if you do choose to wear heels, bring flats as well... your feet might thank you for it!

My IMATS 2013 Haul

Kryolan Lip Shine in Black Cherry

Lime Crime Velvetines in Red Velvet

Inglot Lip Gel Lipstick 43 & Lipsticks 103 & 401 (left to right)

Eyeshadow Duo Surabaya, Cannes Multiple, Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil in New Lover & Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Never Say Never (all discontinued) & Laguna Illuminator

Intense Color Lipstick No. 90

Lab Shine M8

Aqua Cream for Cheeks & Lips Shade 10

Aqua Brow Kit No. 30

Make Up For Ever 128 Straight and Wavy

Make Up For Ever 126

Crown Brush

Based on last year, MAC sold a selection of mainly best sellers with a discount of around 10% (if I remember correctly).

Inglot & Make Up For Ever had huge stands seemed to have a full collection, including accessories.

NARS had a huge discount (30-40%) on makeup. Most items were discontinued stock but they also had makeup that is still permanent.

NYX was the busiest stand with a queue 2 miles long!

Bdellium Tools, Crown & Royal & Langnickel offer huge choices and Bdellium had a great discount on brush sets.

Check out Guru Makeup Emporium and Nigel Makeup Emporium for your niche brands like Ben Nye, Kett, Shadow Shields and make up accessories. Guru Makeup Emporium have also recently moved shop from Fulham to nearly Kensington Church Street.

Eldora False Lashes always offer a good discount on packs of 3 lashes.

IMATS 2013 Pictures