Written by NZINGHA for ZFACEINC,nyc

The line for entry for PRO CARD HOLDERS!!

This years IMATS (International Makeup Artists Trade Show) felt very different for me. As the excitement grew for me toward this years upcoming IMATS I was anticipating it’s greatness! Yet sadly, somehow it fell a bit short of my expectation.

Being a Gold Card holder does have perks to it however this year the “perks” weren’t necessarily “perk”ulating so to speak. I waited on that long line for entry, only because I wasn’t quite sure if I could just breeze past the line to the check in desk inside.

This year my card was set to expire and I didn’t know it until one amazingly helpful staff member immediately took care of the situation online as I was registering and immediately issued me a new card. This card renewal happened on Thursday and I got my new card info in 10minutes.

When I returned on Sunday for my full on “Haul”. I’d gone to one of the floor staff as you enter by the front desk. I told her I was a Gold Card carrier and showed her my badge.

She proudly and abruptly went on to say “Did you register?” I said “Yes”she went on to say “Well, you need to register and get a wrist band in order to enter!”. The male staff member that was standing next to her overheard the dialog. So I then showed her my wristband id, she said, “So, that was on Friday you need to register for today!”

My first instinct was to give this rude young lady one good backhanded thunderclap into reality and respect when speaking to an older person (although I’ve been told I look like I’m in my late 20’s, don’t get it twisted!!).

I thought once again I will take the high road and proceed to the front desk. The male staff member said “I’m sorry Miss please come with me and immediately have me a new band and sent me on my way.

The Gold Pro Card status states as such on the web:
“The Gold Pro Card is available to make-up artists represented by agencies, top trade unions or make-up effects shops or those working in theater. With the Gold Pro Card, you get free entry into all IMATS locations and pro-only times at select IMATS, as well as a 50-percent discount on Make-Up Artist magazine subscriptions, a 10-percent discount at the Make-Up Artist Shop and other benefits.”

It also said when I initially applied for the card in 2011,Gold card holders would not have to wait on line for entry. Overall I had a lacklustre experience at this years IMATS.

Last years Pro day was a pleasure. And there was a uniqueness to the treatment of the Pro Artist not to mention wine and appetisers being served as you browsed the isles, mingled with your colleagues, made reserved orders with vendors and shopped till you dropped.

This year seemed as if the show were geared toward the makeup enthusiast. Enthusiasts who just wanted to shop for cheap makeup.

No interest in demos from Pro’s who donate their time and skill. And no interest in panel discussions with the Pro’s and most definitely no interest in the Makeup Artist Museum. It just felt like a massive “selfie” crowd that could care less about the Pro aspect of makeup or its proper application.

This years “Haul” for me was rather scant as several items were sold out. Lets just say for my future attendance I will only relegate it to the Pro day.

Viseart Eyeshadow Palettes

The Makeup Bullet

Royal & Langnickle 13piece Travel Brushes/LUST

The London Brush Company Solid Brush Cleaner in “Young Coconut” scent

Alconeathome & Graftan Lipglosses in “Joy” & “What Lolita Wants”

Contestants from the SyFy Channel’s show “Face Off”.

The Makeup Museum exhibit

IMATS Student Makeup Competition

Body Art Makeup Artists work: