IMATS Los Angeles Recap! 2018

 International Makeup Artist Tradeshow (IMATS) 2018!

Hi All! If you've been reading my blog for a while, first of all, THANK YOU, and secondly, welcome back! It will be no surprise to you that I'm sharing about my recent visit to the IMATS this year. 

It was another fun excursion to see bodies painted, artists at work, and a slew of makeup goodies ready to be purchased. If you love makeup, these shows can be pricey, mainly due to the shopping! But oh, so worth it! There are a ton of booths packed with amazing deals, new product launches and seasonal items you'll want to grab before they hit store shelves and websites. 

Moving on to the fun stuff! I stopped at Kat Von D's booth and grabbed some staples -- I love her Ink Liner and studded kiss lipsticks! The Ink Liner is by far the easiest  liner to apply. If you haven't already tried it, I'd suggest picking up a travel version at local beauty stores. CoverFx is another favorite of mine. They have great primers for soothing sensitive skin, oil, dry, you name it, they have something that will work for you. I snagged some cute glosses for lippies,  eyelashes from Koko Lashes and House of Lashes; Model in a Bottle setting spray, Miss Adoro mermaid brushes, L.A. Girl concealer and blush, Lime Crime treats and more! 

With all the eye candy happening around you and friendly fellow artist to interact with, it was tough to catch all the demos and interview panels, but I did snap some fun photos of up and coming makeup artist and established professionals who were strutting their stuff throughout the convention center. 

 In addition to fun body painting artist, I had the pleasure of meeting BrowQueen Kelley Baker, who is so down to earth, you'd swear she was your best friend since junior high! Love you Kelley! Her brow tutorials can be found online and on Instagram of course, and she now sells these awesome brow kits to make anyone an instant brow pro!

 MAC Pro artist Lyndrell dazzled my cheeks with a fun new highlighter called Show Gold! Lyndrell is based out of Hollywood and is an incredible artist. Find her also on Instagram @makeupbylyndie or visit her store. Super kind girl with a heart that radiates through her personality.  Oh, and she loves glitter! We were instant best friends!

...and lastly was Taylor! This cutie is only in her early 20s and already doing big things! She was working at the Lime Crime booth showing off her new look of the day. Taylor has a really cool portfolio and an eclectic style. She's doing big things with her life, and is ready to share her knowledge with the world. Can't wait to see more of your success, Taylor! Follow her @TaylorSteingold 

As my two-day trip was winding down, I have to say it was better than last year. I think the difference was the people. The beauty industry can be known as vain and harsh, many critics and those who want to compete, but with a world this big, there's room for all of us to succeed and this year's show confirmed it with all the great artist and industry personnel I had the pleasure of meeting and sharing in conversation with. You are all great and I can't wait to see you all continue to excel in your craft. Thank you for inspiring me and giving me some amazing words of wisdom and memories to hold onto. 

Until next time, IMATS! <3

Beauty Brand Stila Goes Cruelty-Free

What's Happened?...



Interesting news on the beauty front, thanks to blogger Cruelty-Free Kitty for providing the information on her blog. Cosmetic brand Stila, has pulled out of China, which is HUGE as China test on animals where their law permits. With this transition official as of 2017, Stila has been moved to PETA's list of brands who do not test on animals.


The Hope...
With Stila being such a huge brand in the industry, one can only hope more brands will follow their lead.


Not to knock down other brands, but with so many options to produce rich color and product sans testing on animals, why not?


Almost There...


The more I learn about animal testing, the more distraught I have become. As a beauty and lifestyle blogger and past beauty editor for a national magazine, I have sampled a slew of beauty treasures, and that's not to say my makeup bag is completely free of "no animal tested" staples. I am however, more mindful of what I'm putting on my skin; and thinking of the suffering these innocent animals go through to help me look glamorous.


Need Help?...
In this day and age, we have so many options of beauty goodness, and many cruelty-free beauty brands are duping high-end main stream (non-cruelty-free) ones. 
For example:  NYX, Wet "N' Wild, Tarte and of course Stila have several options to choose from. Check them out at your favorite market.


In Conclusion...


CHEERS TO STILA! any victory is a BIG victory in my book!

Stila by ladylisalove featuring Stila

IMATS: 2017

It came and went and I was up front and center. The International Makeup Artist Trade Show (IMATS), is a hub for makeup artist to visit with  thousands of fellow artist working in film, TV, fashion and the red carpet. 

The first original IMATS opened its doors in Los Angeles in 1997, and has since become the go-to event to stock up on supplies, mingle with fellow artist and learn new techniques from youtube gurus and celebrity makeup artist. 

This year's event had amazing rows of brands, such as: Dose of Colors, Tarte, Kat Von D, Sigma, Anastasia Beveryly Hills, CoverFX, Wolfe, Koko and Violet Voss; and this is ONLY naming a few. 

Sigma Beauty

Skindinivia

Bad Medina

Lit Cosmetics

Crimes of Beauty

Violet Voss

In addition to GREAT shopping, snagging samples and getting VIP Treatment from brands such as Dose of Colors, Kat Von D and Skindinavia -- it was pretty incredible to meet amazing makeup artist, Evelyn @evilyn_mua and Lilit @makeupbylilit . 

The fun didn't stop there. Dozens of "creatures" and "heroes" walked around the convention center floor captivating on-lookers with their unique prosthetics. 

Additionally, Make-Up Artist magazine, which produces IMATS hosted Oscar winner Joel Harlow, as he led a panel discussion on unique make up tactics and creations from movie sets such as Star Trek Beyond. As a makeup artist for 30 plus years, Harlow has witnessed remarkable cutting-edge makeup for high-caliber films and television projects.  Oh, and let's not forget, he's Johnny Depp's make-up artist. (SWOON!)

I digress. The IMATS was perfection this year and although it's never disappointed me before, every year has a different energy, a different vibe and this one radiated upwards. Until next year!

Back at MAC: Selena Quintanilla

It's Here!

In just minutes, Selena fans everywhere will be logging onto the worldwide web to purchase the beloved relaunch of #MACSelena inspired collection.

The original launch was released on October 6, 2016 selling out almost immediately on the cosmetic brand's website. In store purchases were just as swift, with sets and individual pieces selling out in under three hours, making this the most in-demand-purchase of the year for MAC.

The Selena Quintanilla collection is said to mimic pieces found in Selena's personal makeup bag, an insight that us #makeup girls truly appreciate, because without the Quintanilla family consent, this collaboration wouldn't have been possible.

Now, are you ready to shop? The MAC Selena products will be available int he Unites States and Canada, first on the cosmetic brand's website starting Wednesday, December 28 and in stores on Thursday, December 29. All items from the original launch will be available except for the Liquid Eye Liner in Boot Black.

In addition to MAC's  own website and stores, the following retailers will also hold the collection for purchase: Macy's, Nordstrom, Hudson Bay Company, Dillard's, Belk, Bloomingdale's and Saks Fifth Avenue.  

Online purchases will be limited to two skus per product and three skus per product in stores.

Photo by MACCosmetics Instagram

I was lucky enough to get this beauty for Christmas, courtesy of my beautiful sister. However, I too will be adding to my collection tonight! Good luck, beauties!

Anything for Selenas!

Imats Los Angeles 2016

The Imats 2016 was a total blast. My best friend,who also happens to be my older sister, joined me for a weekend in Pasadena, California. 

From long lines to get in through the front doors, to someone twinning it with my sister, the two-day beauty extravaganza was nothing short of entertainment. 

Professional body painter John Vargas wowed the crowd with another intricate body art creation. 

Other stunning displays adorned the convention floor. Including nature goddesses, evil creatures and dark queens. 

Celebrity makeup artist Sian Richards and Brian Champagne taught us how to contour light and dark skin tones 

While celebrity makeup artist Juliana Rakoza posed with ease. This Brazilian native has a kind heart and incredible talent. Find her on Instagram @julianarakoza to view her work. 

Brands such as Sugar Pill dazzled with fun outfits while the Morphe team was excited to pose for the camera. 

Additionally, Morphe was our favorite brand to purchase from and the discounts at the show were incredible. 

China Glaze was another favorite, offering a deep discount that seemed like a crime. 

Goth-punk girl, Kat Von D's display hosted lipsticks shades titled Backstage Barbie, Hellbent and Coven, and House of Lashes had the most beautiful wall covered with hand-crafted paper flowers.

If you are a makeup lover and have never been to this trade show, I suggest you go. The discounts alone are worth the trip. Any other makeup class will have you paying at minimum $60-$100. At the Imats you have the opportunity to sit in on four or more classes each day, and you're being taught by some of the most highly sought-after mua in the world. 

Tickets for the IMATS usually go on sale in September and sell out fast so mark your calendars. 

Until next year, Imats, thank you for another year of great memories!