Spotlight - IMATS Los Angeles

IMATS, the International Makeup Artist Trade Show is one of THE places to be when it comes to your neck of the woods. Started in the 1990s, IMATS is produced by Make-Up Artist Magazine and is considered the premiere gathering for thousands of make-up artists, manufacturers and enthusiasts.

In My Professional Opinion sent two Pro correspondents, Aileen Wrench and Cathi Singh, to the Los Angeles show in June to discover the latest in product, design, and technique. We will, in the coming weeks, share our experiences with some fantastic products we picked up as well as techniques learned in the many classes we attended.

5-Time Emmy Award Winning Celebrity Makeup Artist Eve Pearl, Kevin-James Bennett of Make Up For Ever, 3-Time Oscar Winner Ve Neill, John Stapleton of MAC Cosmetics and Nolan Robert, winner of the Blush television series on LifeTime were just a few of our friends who demonstrated and lectured on techniques and the business of makeup artistry.

The show also featured Dick Smith, world-renown artist and NBC’s first makeup artist. IMPO's Pro attended makeup classes taught by Mr. Smith back in the late 80’s and he helped shape her passion, which would eventually become a 20+ year career! Mr. Smith’s credits include The Exorcist (his most controversial job!), The Godfather, Taxi Driver and Amadeus.

Greg Cannom, the man (and the Oscar winner!) behind the incredible makeup artistry in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was also in attendance and presented a keynote address. His other credits include: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Master and Commander, The Passion of the Christ, Titanic and A Beautiful Mind.

A Panel Discussion with the special effects crew from the movie StarTrek included Barney Burman, Richie Alonzo, Steve Buscaino, Joel Harlow and Neville Page. The movie features extensive special effects makeup which enhances the character development and the panel talked about the importance of working with an incredible team in order to create one of the biggest block buster films in history!

We must also give a shout out to some of our favorite manufacturers who displayed the latest in hot products: Temptu, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, Make Up For Ever, Ve's Favorite Brushes and Eve Pearl. Of course, the Pro MUA stores were all in attendance: Cinema Secrets, Naimies, Frends and Alcone, all of which provide essential products for the stellar artist and the novice consumer. We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our dear friend, Eve Pearl whose incredible cosmetic line is now being sold through Naimies!

As you can see, the Los Angeles IMATS show attracted impressive talent and we were so lucky to be in attendance. A very big thank you goes to our good friends at Make-Up Artist Magazine for our press passes and VIP experience! It was a weekend we will never forget! Please enjoy the highlight photos below: