My IMATS NYC Haul

Hey Everyone, 


I figured I would start the first of my large haul posts with the items I purchased while at IMATS NYC a couple of weekends ago. Before attending IMATS, I made a list of must-have products, trying to focus less attention on what I would like for my own personal collection, and rather, what I might need for my makeup artistry kit. Overall, I think my mission was fairly successful, although, of course, a few personal (not on the list) items managed to sneak their way in to my haul. Here is what I bought: 

Inglot Eyeshadows and Forty Pan Palette:

While I managed to get my hands on ten brightly coloured Inglot eyeshadows at IMATS NYC last year, I have been longing after a more neutral Inglot palette for months now. This year's Inglot booth was absolutely crazy, surrounded by people trying to swatch every product, and waiting for over an hour for the Inglot staff to fill their orders. Luckily, I did my homework before heading to NYC, and was able to hand over a list of thirty one shadows I wanted to get before the lines got too crazy (it still took me a good 40 minutes to get my shadows). For those who have yet to try Inglot eyeshadows, I can honestly say that they are all AMAZING. These shadows are crazy pigmented and super soft, making them perfect for blending. The neutral palette I put together is perfect for bridal makeup and, as I hope to start freelancing, I thought this would be a great addition to my kit. If you would like to see a more in-depth post about this palette (including swatches), be sure to let me know in the comment section below. 

Mehron Cheek Powder Palette:

I can't even tell you how in love I am with this palette. These are definitely some of the most pigmented and beautiful blushes I have tried. For only $35 USD, I was able to get my hands on four very neutral and four very bright blushes that work nicely on all skin tones, and will make a great addition to my kit. If you would like to see a more in depth post on this palette (including swatches), be sure to let me know in the comment section below. 

Mehron Powder Eyeshadow in 'Toffee':

While I was drooling over all of Mehron's eyeshadow palettes, I decided to be a good girl and only buy the one shadow I've had my eye on for a while now. Toffee is a matte, purple and brown-toned taupe shadow that looks great in the crease for a more defined eye look. Like the Mehron blushes, this shadow is super creamy and pigmented, meaning a very little goes a long way.  

Mehron Lip Cream in 'Sunburst':

I actually picked up this potted lip stick thinking it was a cream blush, however, after swatching it, and being told by the Mehron staff that it could be used as both, I knew I had to have it. Sunburst is a gorgeous coral-red perfect for the summer season. Like all of the Mehron products I have tried, this lip cream is crazy pigmented and super creamy, making it a nice option for my very dry lips. I am seriously in love with this company at the moment and can't wait to get my hands on more of their products at IMATS Toronto in November. 

Small Z-Palettes:

If you've been reading my blog for awhile now, you know just how much I love my z-palettes. Not only do they hold different sized depotted eyeshadows, blushes, etc., they are very durable (trust me, I've dropped them a lot!), and come in a variety of cute colours and patterns. While I already own eight of the larger sized palettes, I really wanted to get my hands on some of the smaller ones as they are easier to bring/pack while travelling. Each of the smaller palettes can hold nine MAC sized shadows or two MAC sized blushes. 

Gorgeous Cosmetics Base Perfect Liquid Foundation:

To be honest, before IMATS I had never heard of Gorgeous Cosmetics, an Australia based cosmetic company that carries a wide range of products including foundations, eyeshadows, lip colours, etc. Wanting to check out what they had to offer, I walked over to the booth, and was immediately sold (trust me it's not that hard to do) on thier oil-free full coverage foundation which contains both Vitamin A and E, two ingredients that help treat and hide acne scaring. I have yet to test it out, but will be sure to post a review once I do. 

Eve Pearl Salmon Concealer in 'Light':

As I have mentioned before, Eve Pearl's Salmon Concealer is my go to undereye corrector/concealer, and a big part of my '5 Steps to Concealing Dark Under Eye Circles' routine. This creamy concealer has a light orange (or salmon) tint which helps combat dark blue or purple circles. If you suffer from dark under eye circles, this is a must have product. 

Eve Pearl Palette Pro Metal Thumb Palette:

To be honest, these Eve Pearl Pro Metal Thumb Palettes were less of a necessity, and more of a 'OMG this is so cool...I need it now.' These little metal palettes can be stuck on your thumbs (or fingers) and used to mix foundation, lipgloss, etc. while applying makeup on someone else (giving you two free hands). These will definitely be added to my kit. 

Kett Cosmetics Colorless Setting Powder:

This translucent and color-adaptable powder is perfect for setting makeup on any skin tone without adding shine or texture (no caked on face). This is an HD powder which means it looks great in still photos and on television. I've heard a lot of great things about this powder and will be adding it to my kit.

Khuraira Age-Control Dark Circle Primer:

This dark under eye circle primer/corrector is definitely one of the most unique beauty products I have ever seen. This super bright orange (we're talking neon here) cream is made to hide blue-ish dark under eye circles (orange and blue are opposites on the colour wheel) creating a neutral base for your under eye concealer. The creamy formulation of this primer also helps to moisturize and smooth the under eye area. 

Gleam by Melanie Mills Lip Radiance in 'Pop My Cork':

When I first made my IMATS shopping list, I was sure not to include any lipsticks or lip glosses. I have more than enough of both, and, as I suffer from dry, and often sore, lips, I hardly wear anything other than tinted lip balm. Of course, as soon as I saw this gorgeous peachy-pink super moisturizing (at least it doesn't hurt my lips) gloss from celebrity makeup artist Melanie Mills, I knew I had to get my hands on it. Oops!

Beauty Blender Sponges:

I absolutely love using my beauty blender sponge (it's even one of my April favourites), so while IMATS I decided to pick up a couple more (they were discounted after all). When wet (and squeezed out), these sponges help blend foundation into the face for a very airbrushed appearance. In my opinion, these sponges are a must have and completely worth their more expensive price tag. 

Bdellium Tools Brushes:

I love Bdellium Tools brushes! In fact, since purchasing some of them at IMATS Toronto, they have quickly become my all time favourite makeup brushes, beating out both MAC and Sigma. These brushes are great quality and cost a lot less than some of the better known brush lines out there. My personal favourite is Bdellium's 776, the perfect dupe for MAC's super popular 217 crease brush. 

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Nail Polishes:

While most people love Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics for their lip tars, I personally am a huge fan of their nail polishes. These super creamy polishes are ridiculously pigmented, needing only one coat for a fully opaque look. If I had the money, I would buy every colour they make, but for now I've settled on the  following colours.  

a) Anime: A super hot neon pink

b) Radiate: A bright orange-red coral

c) Wasabi: A lush avocado green

d) Palare: A deep berry purple with an iridescent pink sheen. 

Have you been to IMATS? Do you want to go? What would be the first thing you bought if you attended one of the shows? Be sure to let me know in the comment section below. 

xx

Alicia