IMATS 2012

  Imats 2012. How would I describe this. Hmm, a major import of some of the greatest selections of makeup brands around? True, it was. With brands like Inglots and Illamasqua being though to name just two. And Illamasqua offering upto 80% off who can complain. But lets face it, I didn't go there for that. I went to see how it was used on people. The different effects that where created by some of the best in the business, and I wasn't disappointed. From simple application of makeup to the use of prosthetics, IMATS had all I could hope for and more.

Makeup Artists Started from scratch, showing each and every careful step to a masterpiece. and then the models would walk around the show showing of the creations they have been transformed into.

With workshops also available showing the creation of the Harry Potter creations (Gnomes, Goblins, I don't know. The bloke who played Willow in the 80's movie who is also in Harry Potter). Anywhere, although my Harry Potter trivia is lacking, the skill at the event wasn't.

It wasn't all about people who are already professionals though. The show gave students a chance to show off their skill on a competition with a £1000 prize to the winner. The top 5 entries with given a chance to compete with the theme of fantasy creatures as the subject. Admittedly I disagreed with the results, but I'm hardly qualified to judge these things.

The event spanned two days. The 4th and 5th of February, and for anyone planning on going in the future to purchase makeup, I advise going early. With the discounts and brands there at was a mass of bodies literally fighting to get to the products on the big brand names if you turned up late. I arrived at 8:30am though and it was relatively calm then. Saying that I had to wake up at 3am to get there that time from Southampton.

The area's was big though, and plenty of food if you didn't mind cutting your makeup budget slightly for some munchies. Also a nice couch in the Pub style area just right for sleeping - Don't judge, 3:30am in the morning - and good place to rest and chat with friends.

All in All it was an amazing experience and completely worth going. I fully expect to be buying myself tickets for next years IMATS and to be booking myself into a London Hotel. 3:30am in the morning again - No chance.