EDUCATION AT CAMERA READY

Considered one of the top choices of professionals everywhere, RCMA VK Foundation (also known as RCMA Cream Foundation) is a staple in many artists' kit. A professional, highly pigmented, blendable cream base that is formulated without perfume, mineral oil, or lanolin, RCMA VK Foundation is ideal for photography, film, and anywhere else that a high-definition quality is needed with a finish that feels light enough for everyday wear. With over 70 shades to choose from, it has a perfect color match for nearly everyone with plenty of adjusters to custom create any shade you may need. However, the RCMA Cream Foundation comes with a bit of a learning curve for new users, especially when it comes to adapting the formula for different coverages and finishes. Professional makeup artists have loved RCMA for decades because of the capability to manipulate the foundation’s formula to fit their client's needs. Let's talk about how to use this foundation to its full potential. Prep the Skin Of course, the key to any makeup look is a well-prepped canvas. Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre - 24-Hour Miracle Cream works for all skin types and is our number one recommendation to prep the skin when using RCMA foundation. There are no special techniques needed for prep; simply apply a pea-sized amount of moisturizer or other hydrating base product to the skin before applying foundation. If your client has texture or suffers from acne, using peel pads such as the Peter Thomas Roth Peptide 21 Amino Acid Exfoliating Peel Pads or Indie Lee Gentle Daily Peel will help remove dead skin without irritating sensitive skin. Both are formulated for all skin types and will give you a more even base, help prevent pilling, and clinging to dry patches. If the skin is dehydrated, sheet masks like Patchology FlashMasque Hydrate are great to incorporate into the skin prep routine as well. They work in just five minutes and use lactic acid, moisturizing coconut, and soy milk to speedily dissolve dead cells and infuse extra hydration for smooth, bright skin. Sold out Sold out Sold out Sold out How to Mix Products and Control Coverage Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre and the new formula for sensitive skin Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre Sensitive aren't just great for before applying foundation, they can also be mixed with the foundation itself during application in order to achieve a natural, medium coverage skin-like finish. In terms of what not to do, we recommend that you avoid silicone primers that have too much of a slip. The foundation can tend to slip, slide, and not melt into the skin properly when using a silicone primer versus a moisturizing or illuminating primer. Not all foundations are created equal. The RCMA VK Foundation is quite different from most cream foundations because it's a solid cream in the container or palette. Because of this, you never want to dip your brush directly into the container before applying. Instead, use a spatula to scrape out a small portion of product onto a steel palette or use a hand palette like the Danessa Myricks Hand Single Use Hand Palette. With the single use hand palette, your body heat will gently warm up and emulsify the foundation making it easier to apply. Sold out Sold out Sold out Sold out Using RCMA Foundation on Different Skin Types For fuller coverage, you can apply the foundation directly to freshly prepped skin with fingertips or a dense, flat brush. We recommend bouncing a wet Beautyblender or sponge after application for seamless coverage. Set where needed with one of RCMA's powders, as they are formulated to work better together. If your client has dry skin, mature skin, or prefers light coverage, mix in one drop of the RCMA Thinner with the foundation to transform the consistency into a sheer liquid. After mixing on a stainless steel palette, take a buffing brush or stippling brush to apply the foundation to prepped skin. This will result in a beautiful luminous satin finish. If some areas need more coverage, tap foundation onto those areas with your finger for greater pigment deposit. Sold out Sold out Sold out Sold out See it in Action Watch our tutorial featuring Beauty Advisor and Professional Makeup Artist Calvin Brockington using RCMA VK Foundation and some of the tips we shared above Sold out Sold out Sold out Sold out Ready to try RCMA Cream Foundation? If you’re a working artist looking for the most efficient way to carry around a wide range of shades, the RCMA VK Cream Foundation Palette is a great choice. It offers 18 shades of the RCMA foundation in one convenient palette, allowing you to contour and conceal clients of all skin tones. For a more compact palette, try one of the 5 Part Series Foundations. Want to customize the perfect palette? Try our Palette Builder and select individual shades! If you have any questions, our Beauty Advisors are here to help. Drop them a line at beautyadvisor@crcmakeup.com, or come visit us in our Dallas showroom! About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. She dreamed of having a pro makeup showroom where artists could play with professional products without the typical makeup store attitude. Today, our team of beauty industry veterans work together to curate the best quality products on the market. We partner with brands who respect the industry and formulate products for true working artists. You won’t find CRC in high-end malls, and we don't wear matching brush belts. If you want to play with products for a few hours and buy nothing, that's okay ... come in and play! Our store is your playground. 

Make Up For Ever is starting the year with a foundation launch that incorporates new technology and a cleaner formula: HD Skin Foundation. This new foundation is the newly formulated version of Ultra HD Foundation that has been improved with technology to enhance performance and undetectability. In other words, the skin will look like real skin under any light. We worked with Make Up For Ever North America Senior Manager for Pro Education & Artist Eddie Duyos to share a few of the new and exciting things about HD Skin Foundation. From the new shade naming system, undertones, how to apply it, and tips for professional makeup artists, we're breaking down all the details below! About Make Up Forever HD Skin Foundation The new HD Skin Foundation boasts a medium to full coverage that is comfortable, easy to apply, and that flexes as the skin moves to prevent caking and settling into lines. The formula is also vegan, non-comedogenic, waterproof, sweat-proof, and comes in more sustainable packaging. The bottle is recyclable and is made from 40% recycled glass. It comes housed in an FSC carton and has a bio-sourced cap. Additionally, the formula instantly blurs the skin, has a true-to-skin finish and tone, a natural matte finish, and an impressive 24-hour wear-time.   Why Professional Makeup Artists Will Love HD Skin Foundation CRC: It can always be a little daunting to try a new foundation formula. Tell us why pros will love it! Eddie Duyos: Pros will love the new HD SKIN foundation because of its versatility in coverage and because it’s waterproof. There are fewer touch-ups needed. It also has all the coverage without the visibility! HD Skin is the TRUE TO SKIN foundation out of all the Make Up For Ever foundations and gives you a medium buildable coverage that blurs away all the imperfections. The New Shade System for HD Skin Foundation The new HD Skin Foundation has a different shade system than previous collections from Make Up For Ever. First, the shades are broken down into four color families: The Shade Naming System for the new Make Up For Ever HD Skin Foundation Light Medium Tan Deep The Three Undertone Families for the new Make Up For Ever HD Skin Foundation R = Red Y = Yellow N = Neutral The easiest way to determine your undertone is to look on your forearm and to look at your veins.  If your veins are green, you would fit in the Y (yellow) tone.  If your veins are a mix of blue and violet, you would select R (red).  Finally, if your veins are between blue and green, your best shade match would be N (neutral). Finally, they assigned a number to each shade to denote the depth of the shade with 00 being the lightest shade and 78 being the deepest shade in each color family. How to Shade Match HD Skin Foundation If you’re having a difficult time shade matching and have the ability to swatch the product in-store, apply one foundation in each undertone to your face starting toward the middle of your cheek and working toward your jawline.  By covering a larger surface area, you’ll be able to pick up the subtle tone changes across your face.  Let the foundation sit for a few moments, and select the swatch that appears to “disappear” into your complexion the best.  This will determine your undertone. If you or your client have problematic skin with active breakouts or discoloration, select an area of the face that has the most discoloration to swatch across.  This will allow you to find the shade that best matches your entire face and that can neutralize any discoloration. Must Have Tips for Pros Pro Kit Must Have Shades for Make Up For Ever HD Skin Foundation The PRO Team at Make Up For Ever curated a guide to help pros stock their kits with the new HD Skin Foundation. While the exact shades and undertones should be tweaked to match your clientele, this list serves as a guide for the Make Up For Ever global client base. From fairest to richest, Make Up For Ever’s Pro Kit Must-Have Shades of HD Skin Foundation are: 1N00 (lightest neutral shade), 1R12 (light warm shade), 1N14 (light neutral yellow shade), 2Y20 (medium yellow shade), 2N226 (medium neutral yellow shade), 2R38 (medium warm shade), 3N42 (tan neutral warm shade), 3R50 (tan warm shade), 3Y56 (tan-deep warm yellow shade), 4N62 (deep neutral warm shade), 4R76 (deepest warm shade), 4N78 (deepest neutral shade) Mixology for HD Skin Foundation The ability to mix shades, beauty oils, or adjusters is essential for any pro, and HD Skin Foundation mixes beautifully with any non-water-based products.  As with any waterproof formula, water-based products do not mix well with the foundation, so if you want to sheer out the formula for lighter coverage, the Make Up For Ever team recommends using a beauty oil, an oil-based lotion, or their Hydra Booster Primer. When it comes to skin prep, the Make Up For Ever team recommends oil-based skin prep products to maximize this foundation’s wear-time and overall appearance. Fragrance & Pigmentation Level for HD Skin Foundation Of course, many pros and makeup lovers will wonder how the new formula compares to previous formulations, and while the pigmentation load percentage has not been released, the Make Up For Ever team let us know it’s more pigmented than its predecessor.  Additionally, the new formula has a slight fragrance that is naturally derived from Japanese Sencha Tea, and it makes up less than 0.15% of the formula, so it is safe for use on sensitive clients. How to Apply HD Skin Foundation Whether you're a professional makeup artist or want to add it to your personal routine, you can use a range of tools to apply it to achieve a beautiful finish. A brush is recommended, but you can build up more coverage with a sponge. Work swiftly and in small areas, as the foundation sets fairly quickly. For true medium coverage, you should use approximately one pump per each side of your face. How to Apply HD Skin Foundation with a Brush: Using a brush, start at the center of the face and sweep outwards to the temple, then in a "C"-like motion, sweep downward and along the jawline to the chin. Repeat this process until you have achieved the desired coverage on the lower half of the face is achieved.   Next, start between the eyebrows and brush around the perimeter of the face and all the way down to the chin. Blend the remaining foundation onto the nose. How to Apply Foundation & Build Coverage with a Sponge: Using a sponge, start at the center of the face where your cheek meets your nose. Move outward, just like with the brush application method, and continue to blend down the jawline and toward the chin. Blend across the nose and then between the brows and upward and outward on the forehead and around the perimeter of the face. To build coverage on problem areas or to achieve full coverage, build coverage with a sponge in tapping motions. How to Set HD Skin Foundation: The beauty of HD Skin is that it doesn't have to be set. However, if you do want to set it, it pairs perfectly with Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Matte Setting Powder. If you prefer a translucent powder, opt for Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Loose Translucent Powder. Powder lightly and only in the areas where needed.   Feeling Inspired? We hope this blog has taught you more about the new Make Up For Ever HD Skin Foundation, or explore all Make Up For Ever has to offer.   About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. She dreamed of having a pro makeup showroom where artists could play with professional products without the typical makeup store attitude. Today, our team of beauty industry veterans work together to curate the best quality products on the market. We partner with brands who respect the industry and formulate products for true working artists. You won’t find CRC in high-end malls, and we don't wear matching brush belts. If you want to play with products for a few hours and buy nothing, that's okay ... come in and play! Our store is your playground. 

If you're looking for fun and flirty Valentine's Day makeup, look no further! Danessa Myricks has you covered. This long-wearing look features some of her most popular products, so keep reading for a step-by-step breakdown on how to achieve the look! Create a Glowy Complexion Danessa prepped her model's skin with Beauty Oil for long-lasting hydration and gave her model an extra boost of glow with Prism FX Hydrating Lotion. Next, she created a perfected base with Vision Cream Cover and sculpted with Balm Contour in the shade Light 2. To set everything in place, she used a thin layer of Evolution Powder in shade 1. PRO Tip: Prism FX is a pro favorite illuminating moisturizer that contains squalene and Vitamin E to improve your skin with each wear while prismatic pigments reflect the light to give the look of smoother skin and to lightly blur imperfections. It is available in three shades to suit every complexion; the Original shade has slight pink tones, while Peach and Gold offer subtle color-correcting benefits. Use it in place of your usual moisturizer and primer for a lit from within glow, or mix it into your foundation for an even glowier look. Create an Exaggerated Cat Eye with Plum Wine First, Danessa applied Plum Wine ColorFix to a mixing palette, dipped a flat medium-sized domed eyeshadow brush into it, and applied a layer to the lid before diffusing the edges with a Cozzette S175 Eye Contour Brush. Using light circular and windshield-wiper motions to blend the product, she lightly buffed Plum Wine almost all the way up to the brow bone. Next, she used a pencil brush to smudge plum wine along the lower lash line and dragged out the product into an exaggerated cat-eye shape. Apply Blush & Highlight Danessa used the "Blush Draping" technique to add a pop of color and definition to the face. Using the MYKITCO Pro My Perfect Powder Brush 0.11 brush, she applied a mixture of Plum Wine ColorFix and Bread N Butter Vision Flush to the apples of the cheeks and blended upward to the temple and just above the brow. For highlighter, she used the same brush with Tiara Vision Flush for a pearly glow. PRO Tip: To apply an ultra-pigmented cream product like Danessa's Vision Flush, use a smaller yet fluffy brush like MYKITCO's Pro My Perfect Powder Brush 0.11  for precise yet diffused application. First, apply a small amount of product to a mixing tray and lightly swipe and tap the brush across the tray to evenly distribute the product. Then, use light tapping motions from the apples of the cheeks to the temple and above the brow bone. It's Twin Flames Time! To finish the look, Danessa used her multidimensional Twin Flames in the shade Star Ruby from the Love Potion Inifinite Gemstone Kit for an irresistible sparkle. She applied a small amount of Star Ruby directly to a fluffy eyeshadow brush and brushed it onto the eyelid on top of Plum Wine. Using a pencil brush, she added Star Ruby to the middle part of the lower lash line. Finally, she took a Cozzette S185 Mini Eye Blender Brush and added a golden highlight the inner corner. To lock in the look, she set the makeup with a light spritzing of Danessa Myricks' Dewy Forever Mist setting spray, and that's it! Her model is Camera Ready! PRO Tip: Use light tapping motions or light swiping when layering Twin Flames on top of other products for even shimmer distribution. Feeling Inspired? Are you ready to try this look out for yourself or on your clients? Click here to explore all of Danessa Myricks Beauty including an expanded selection of pro favorites you won't find elsewhere! About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. She dreamed of having a pro makeup showroom where artists could play with professional products without the typical makeup store attitude. Today, our team of beauty industry veterans work together to curate the best quality products on the market. We partner with brands who respect the industry and formulate products for true working artists. You won’t find CRC in high-end malls, and we don't wear matching brush belts. If you want to play with products for a few hours and buy nothing, that's okay ... come in and play! Our store is your playground. 

It's that time of the year! Many of us are grabbing for a pen and some paper to write our resolutions for the new year, but what types of resolutions can we make when it comes to beauty? Turns out, there are plenty. Keep reading to be inspired for an extra beautiful year ahead! Stay Organized While it can be nice to have a variety of products and tools to choose from, it can also be quite overwhelming. There's nothing like sifting through a sea of products to pinpoint a single item. Even worse, if you don't have a good organizational system in place, it can lead to lost products. We have all been there. We've spent hours searching for that one brush or our favorite lipstick only to get frustrated and end up buying a new one. If you're a pro, you already know that keeping your kit organized will help you work more efficiently, and clean up and pack up time will be a breeze. However, even the most prepared pros can use a kit revamp every so often. One of our favorite bags for pros on set is MYKITCO's Backstage Buddy. This handy case offers see-through and sturdy compartments for all of your essentials. It even has a place to ensure your tissues aren't crushed! They also offer several see-through and ultra sturdy PVC pouches to allow you to group your products together and easily recognize them at a glance while you're working. If you're looking for a hard case, Cozzette offers different sized vessels to protect your tools. If you're a makeup lover and don't need a larger case to carry your makeup, we still have things to keep your makeup wardrobe in tip top organized shape, too! The MYKITCO Brush Buddy can help keep you organized with moveable slots to create different-sized sections for your brush collection, and when you're not applying your makeup, you can easily close the bag's lid and zip it up to protect your tools from dust and other environmental factors. If you like to pack an assortment of makeup and tools when you travel, the ESUM Brush Book has plenty of pockets, slots, and pouches to safely store your makeup while you're out and about. For a stylish option that you can wear on your back, we love StunnerBee Beauty's Beauty Boss Backpack which blends the best of fashion and functionality. This gorgeous bag is draped in nylon and crocodile embossed vegan leather with a large front exterior carry-all pocket. The backpack is enveloped by 4 additional carry-all compartments on the side for additional space and storage. Two cushioned and lined straps support this unit while a crossbody strap make shoulder carry possible, too. It also includes two makeup carry-all interior bags to transport your supplies with you at all times. Clean Your Brushes Weekly This essential routine is one makeup artists do regularly, but it should be a part of every beauty routine even if you're not applying makeup on others. That's why this resolution is one we're making with our makeup lovers in mind. While it's easy to put off washing our tools, it can also shorten the life of your favorite brushes or, even worse, can allow bacteria to grow. Infections from personal makeup brushes may not happen often, but they can be damaging to the most sensitive areas of our face.   A good rule of thumb is to keep a good brush cleaner and a brush sanitizer handy at all times and to make it part of your regular schedule. One of the best tips for making brush cleaning more enjoyable is to find a brush soap that you enjoy the smell of. Think of it as a self care spa moment for your brushes and your senses! One of our best sellers Crazy Merman Brush Soap comes in spa-worthy scents like Guava Fig, Calla Lily, and Lavender Basil.   Throw Away Expired Makeup We admit, this resolution is one that is always a little hard to do because makeup is an investment, but when it's time, it's time. Most makeup products have the suggested shelf-life once opened listed on the packaging, but we know not everyone reads them. To confuse things further, some products may expire faster than others based on their ingredients.   On average, pencil-style products should be replaced every 1-2 years. Liquid or gel eyeliners are generally best between 3-6 months. For powder products like eyeshadow and powder, you can usually use them for about 3 years. A tell-tale sign that they're ready to be replaced is that they won't blend as easily or if they become chalky and brittle. Liquid foundation tends to have a shorter life between 6 months to 1 year, and mascara can range between 3 to 6 months. If you're unable to find the suggested time frame for your product, there are a few simple questions to ask yourself to determine if it's time to part ways: Has the product changed in texture or how it applies Has the product developed a different scent If it's a pencil-style product, does the product seem to break off easily each time you sharpen it Does the product taste different While it's not a perfect science, if you answered "yes" to any of the questions above, you may be better off saying goodbye. PRO Tips: 1. Write the date of purchase on the outside of each product. 2. Federal law requires all makeup products to feature a PAO (Period After Opening) or BBE (Best Before End Date) symbol. A PAO symbol applies only if the shelf life is 30 months or more. Any less and the product will feature a BBE symbol. 3. Products made from natural ingredients will include an expiration date that applies even if unopened. 4. If you can’t find an expiration date, PAO or BBE label, check for the manufacture date. This will help you to know if the product is nearing expiration, as many unused cosmetics lose their quality over time. To answer specific questions about your makeup products, email our Beauty Advisors. Be Open to Trying New Things If you haven't experienced the heartache of a product being discontinued or reformulated, you still probably know how frustrating it can be when your favorite product is out of stock. That's where our Beauty Advisors come in! Our team of makeup artists and our in-house esthetician can help find the next best thing for your favorite products that you're not able to find! Whether it be helping you shade-match a favorite foundation to finding a primer that performs just as well (if not better!) than one you are unable to find, we're here to help you with all of your beauty needs. Have Your Kit Essentials On-Hand This resolution is one we're sharing with our pros in mind. If we've learned anything during 2021, it's that projects and jobs can be unpredictable. From last-minute bookings to extra faces to apply makeup to when we show up for a job, we could probably write a book on the things that we see on set. However, by having your key products on-hand at all times, you won't be caught off-guard and can complete just about any job that comes your way! We've curated our most-popular kit essentials from disposables and disinfectants to skin prep and makeup cases into an easy to navigate collection on our site so you can make sure you have everything you need on hand. Click here to start exploring! Bonus Resolution: Make Self Care a Priority The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can leave us feeling the winter blues once the NYE confetti has settled, so it's important to take the time to relax and recharge. For some, that means burning a candle in a soothing scent, while others enjoy recreating their favorite spa treatments at home. No matter what your preferred method is, remember we are able to be our most creative and ready to take on whatever the new year throws our way when we're feeling our best, so make self care a priority. Feeling Inspired? We hope that this blog has given you a few resolutions to keep in mind as we head into a new year together! Our resolution to you is to continue to find products and tools to help you elevate your artistry and to make visiting us fun and educational! If there is anything we can help you with, we are a quick email away. Click here to send us a quick message, or click here to discover our newest arrivals. About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. She dreamed of having a pro makeup showroom where artists could play with professional products without the typical makeup store attitude. Today, our team of beauty industry veterans work together to curate the best quality products on the market. We partner with brands who respect the industry and formulate products for true working artists. You won’t find CRC in high-end malls, and we don't wear matching brush belts. If you want to play with products for a few hours and buy nothing, that's okay ... come in and play! Our store is your playground. 

When it comes to beauty trends, each year brings a new wave of looks that are fun to try, but this year, brows have without a doubt taken center stage! From extra fluffy to colorful and glittery, we're breaking down the most popular brow trends we've seen and are recommending our favorite products to achieve each look. Brow Blocking Whether you're going for an editorial look or trying to create a SFX masterpiece that requires a new 'do for your brows, brow blocking is a technique you'll want to learn! It's a method makeup artists and enthusiasts use to cover up their existing brows in order to create a smooth surface to draw in new brows or to cover with makeup to complete a particular look. First, start by using a spatula to apply a thin layer of Spirit Gum to your brows and brush them up and flat against your skin with a disposable spoolie. To help them adhere to your skin, spin the spoolie toward your skin to help them get as close as they can to your skin. Next, take a small amount of SynWax and warm it up slightly between your fingertips and smooth it down on top of your brow hairs. This will help reduce the hair texture and create a smoother surface upon which you'll create a new brow or apply foundation to. Press in Colorset Powder to help set the wax, and then use the Mehron Tattoo Cover Ring to color correct, if needed, and to start a flesh-toned base. You can mix and match shades to create one that's close to your skintone! Use the Mehron Celebre 12 Color Cream Palette to lay down a layer of foundation that matches your skin tone and set with the Mehron Celebre Powder. For a professional artist, consider keeping the matching 12 Color Powder Palette in your kit, as it has a wide variety of shades for your clients! Now you're ready to draw a new brow! Using a very fine angled brush or sturdy brow brush, use the Mehron Brow Palette to draw fine hair-like strokes. It's okay if your brows aren't 100% symmetrical! Voila, you're done blocking and creating your brow! However, the fun doesn't stop there. Make sure you also have the products needed to remove the makeup, as SynWax and Spirit Gum may remove hair is it's not removed properly. Start with a cream cleanser to remove the makeup that you layered on top of the brow. Next, use Spirit Gum Remover and gently remove the Spirit Gum. Feathered Brows Feathery wispy brows are probably one of the hottest brow trends of the year. These high-fashion and often angelic-looking brows are perfect for any event or makeup look and are relatively easy to create. This brow look requires products that give you precise control over your brow shape and allow you to draw fine wispy strokes without the stronger definition you'd get from a pencil or the pigment of a powder. Kevyn Aucoin True Feather Brow Marker Gel Duo is ideal to achieve this style. This dual-ended product comes in several different shades with a fine feathered tip for application and a spoolie brush and gel to soften edges and set for precise and natural hair-like strokes. Start at the arch of the brow to build color and extend out to the tail end. Fill in any spaces with the marker end and set brows with the gel end. To give the brows the fluffy effect use the clear eyebrow gel to brush the hair in the opposite direction the hair naturally goes. Precise Yet Natural Brows Natural brows have always been in, but this look ups the precision while maintaining a “my brows but better” appearance. Creating the precise yet natural brow look is usually done by using a combination of a spoolie brush or eyebrow gel to shape and tame the brows, adding powder for color, and using brow pencil for creating hair-like strokes. It also usually involves having the innermost part of your brows being lightly filled in and the definition and depth of color increasing as you move outward toward your brow “tail”. There are plenty of natural, light powders available to fill in your eyebrows, but the best one for you depends on your desired brow color, shape, style and texture. If you’re looking for a brow pencil for definition with pigmented, blendable strokes, we recommend the Senna Powder Brow Styling Pencil. The dual-ended pencil and spoolie brush combo make it optimal for filling in brows of any shape or size. Start by applying lighter pressure on the inner parts of your brow and increase the pressure during application to achieve a stronger and more pigmented look as you move outward. There are plenty of natural, light powders available to fill in your eyebrows. We recommend choosing one close to your hair color and undertone. We recommend Brett Brow’s Duo Shade Brow Powders. These pigmented powders create natural-looking brows and come in a variety of color options. To finish the look, set with an eyebrow gel. If you prefer a clear gel, Senna Brow Fix X in clear works like a charm. For a hint of color, opt for Make Up For Ever’s Aqua Resist Brow Fixer. This waterproof, pigmented gel creates looks that will last you all day and has a precise micro tip that gives you extra control. Laminated Brows Brow lamination is a process where you use a thicker gel-like product to create glossy, sleek, and smooth brows that lay close to the skin and provide budge-proof wear. Our top picks are NYX The Brow Glue Instant Brow Styler for a budget friendly option, Graftobian StudioBrow Eyebrow Styling Wax for unruly brows, and Kryolan Eyebrow Forming Gel for a fast drying, long-wearing product. If you’re looking to get truly unmovable laminated brows, try brushing your brow hairs in an upward motion with the gel product and filling in sparse areas with a powder, pencil, or gel in hair-like strokes. After applying the gel or wax, use a tool like a double ended spatula to gently press your brows into place. Bleached or Nude Brows If you want to try a nude brow look but don’t want to commit to bleaching, you can achieve the same results with makeup! Danessa Myricks’ Beauty ColorFix 24HR Cream Color Nudes are cream-based, fast-drying, and incredibly pigmented, and they can be around the eyes, lips, brows, and body. Their various color shades allow anyone to find an excellent match for skin tone and can be applied evenly over the brows for a bleached or “nude” look. Additionally, if you want some spoolie brushes to comb the concealer effectively through your brows and keep the natural shape in place, our Camera Ready’s Disposable Mascara Wands are an affordable, sanitary, and effective option to keep on hand. Ombre Brows No matter what color you’re choosing to blend your brows with, ombre eyebrows can give a sweet and subtle lift to any look. You can blend colors seamlessly along your brow line by first starting with a base brow gel or pomade, like Inglot AMC Brow Liner Gel or L.A. Girl Brow Pomade. These products let you carefully shape your brows before deepening the shade or adding in a pop of color and carving them out with concealer. Ombre brows look their best when you use a highly pigmented concealer to carve out the exact shape you want. We recommend Ben Nye’s Special Color Wheel for pros that prefer to have several concealer shades on hand or a highly pigmented yet lightweight concealer like Jouer Essential High Coverage Concealer. Pair your favorite concealer with a sturdy angle brush like Bdellium Tools Studio Line Brushes for Eyes 714, and you'll be able to create a perfectly shaped brow with ease. Brow Stencils If you’re in need of a little guidance to shape your brows, you may want to try a brow stencil. These handy tools serve as a general guide when applying a pencil or powder product. Senna’s Form-A-Brow Kit has everything you need to achieve brow perfection with just a little bit of! There are four different stencils included in the kit and three pigmented powder shades to fill them in with. The compact palette even comes with a mirror to shape your brows on the go or bring it with you when you travel. 90's Brows Love it or not, this trend is back but with a modern twist. The 90’s trend featured razor-thin brows whereas the 2021 version focuses more on sleeker, sculpted brows that are well-groomed and perfectly filled in. Start by lightly tweezing & shaping your brows (we love the Chella Scissors) and fill them in first to ensure you can create the shape you like without having to over-tweeze. Next, fill your brows with your preferred pencil or pomade for a stronger look. Then carve out the brow with a highly pigmented concealer and a dense brush for extra definition. Playful Brow Trends The other brow trends that made our list may not be your go-to choice for your everyday look, but they can be perfect for a fun event or to express yourself in a unique way!   Glitter Brows If you're feeling extra festive or want to stand out from the crowd, nothing screams “party” like bold glitter brows! Mehron’s Paradise Glitter is an excellent solution for all your sparkly needs. There are 15 different colors to try, and the highly pigmented glitters will stay in place all party long. Simply apply a makeup-grade adhesive like Lit Cosmetics Forever Wear Glitter Base to your brows and use the Sigma S02 Spatula Brush to apply the glitter while the adhesive is still tacky. This brush will pick up and apply the glitter easily. Once done you can wipe clean. Make sure to remove the glitter and glue carefully with an oil-based makeup remover at the end of the night. PRO Tip: To remove and rogue pieces of glitter take a piece of scotch tape and press over the area and lift to remove.   Colorful Brows If you want to try something completely new with your brows, why not just make them a fun new color? Or, if you have colored hair, try matching your brows to your hair dye for a whole new look! Colorful brows can be achieved with pigments, creams or powders, resulting in limitless creative and artistic variations. Try out different designs — from striped eyebrows to modern, graphic patterns like waves to adding tiny flowers, dots, or anything else you can think of — with products like the Danessa Myricks Beauty ColorFix. These cream-based products dry with a matte finish and come in over 30 different colors to choose from. Another versatile product to create a colored brow look is Meloway Your Way Mascara, available in a fun Mint Creme shade with an adjustable brush, perfect for getting into your brow’s nooks and crannies. If you want to test drive Meloway Your Way Mascara's unique pivoting brush head but prefer a more subtle brow, try the shade Cherry Cola, a burgundy brown that is the perfect shade for the season. If you're craving a pale pink brow moment, try Meloway Your Way Primer! This mascara primer can double as a colored mascara or brow gel because it's a trendy baby pink shade. Feeling Inspired? No matter what brow trend you want to try, we've got the perfect products for you? Click below to start exploring our favorite brow products. Need extra tips from our Beauty Advisors? Click here to drop them a line! About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. She dreamed of having a pro makeup showroom where artists could play with professional products without the typical makeup store attitude. Today, our team of beauty industry veterans work together to curate the best quality products on the market. We partner with brands who respect the industry and formulate products for true working artists. You won’t find CRC in high-end malls, and we don't wear matching brush belts. If you want to play with products for a few hours and buy nothing, that's okay ... come in and play! Our store is your playground.

Professional makeup artists and aestheticians around the globe have incorporated NuFACE devices into their services. From the instant results from NuFACE FIX® through the Lip Flick Treatment to lifted brows and smoothed fine lines, we love how NuFACE devices can help makeup apply better on top of treated skin AND provide lasting results with regular use!   Did you miss our Instagram Live with NuFACE Sales Manager Katie Gonzalez? Watch it now! Routines for PROs For the Bride On the big day, every bride wants to look their best. The NuFACE FIX provides an instantly smoother canvas by smoothing out fine lines and plumping up the skin with gentle microcurrent in just three minutes. Using the feathering technique (learn more here), you can provide a soothing facial while also creating a more even base for makeup application. Simple start with cleansed skin, apply the NuFACE Fix Line Smoothing Serum, and treat the areas you want to smooth. The device will automatically turn off after three minutes. Tap any remaining serum into the skin, as it will provide extra hydration and will act as a primer for makeup. For added contouring to the face, use the Trinity PRO or Mini to contour and sculpt the face using the 5-Minute Facial Lift, or give their eyes an extra using the ELE attachment. For the Mother-of-the-Bride In addition to using the NuFACE FIX to smooth lines, try the Lip Flick technique to smooth lip lines and plump the lips. This quick 3-minute treatment will also help prevent lip liner and lipstick from bleeding throughout the day. If time allows, treat the Mother-of-the-Bride to the 15-Minute Advanced Facial Lift. For Quick Makeup Changes or Touch-ups If you're on set and always on the go, be sure to keep the FIX and the Prep-N-Glow Cleansing Cloths handy for an instant perk-me-up! The cleansing cloths are dual-sided and remove makeup, dirt, oil, and impurities with soft spun lace while the polishing micro-dots provide gentle exfoliation to brighten skin. These individually wrapped cloths are enriched with hydrating hyaluronic acid as well as antioxidants and minerals to keep skin looking radiant and beautifully refreshed, at home or on the go. They're the perfect way to exfoliate and cleanse skin before your microcurrent treatment.   Once properly cleansed, perform the Instant Line Smoothing Treatment, an easy 3-minute routine, to get skin ready for the next look. The skin will be instantly smoother, and your makeup will apply easier and be less prone to creasing. Routine by Target Area ALL FACE EYES LIPS BODY SHOP NuFACE Most Popular Routines 5-Minute Facial Lift® The Advanced 15-Minute Facial-Lift FIX® Instant Line Smoothing Treatment Targeted Eye and Lip Treatment NuBODY® Treatment Trinity Wrinkle Reducer Treatment Lip Flick Treatment Advanced 15-Minute Facial-Lift Five-Minute Facial-Lift®  SHOP NuFACE Information and images courtesy of NuFACE® Explore NuFACE Are you ready to learn more about NuFACE? Click here to read more about the brand and the devices. Ready to shop? Click here to explore NuFACE. NuFACE FIX® LEARN MORE NuFACE FIX® Serum LEARN MORE Prep-N-Glow® LEARN MORE NuFACE Trinity PRO® LEARN MORE About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. She dreamed of having a pro makeup showroom where artists could play with professional products without the typical makeup store attitude. Today, our team of beauty industry veterans work together to curate the best quality products on the market. We partner with brands who respect the industry and formulate products for true working artists. You won’t find CRC in high-end malls, and we don't wear matching brush belts. If you want to play with products for a few hours and buy nothing, that's okay ... come in and play! Our store is your playground.

The eyes are the window to the soul, so let’s make those beauties stand out! Every client you encounter will have a different eye shape, and it’s important to know the best tips and techniques for enhancing their natural beauty.  “What eye shape do I have?” This is a question we get a lot, so we’ve outlined each of the most common shapes of eyes below with tips on how to effectively accentuate different eye shapes, as well as which products will help you achieve maximum results for each of the different eye shapes. Educate yourself, get inspired, and stock your kit with these eye makeup essentials for a versatile kit anywhere you go.  The Different Eye Shapes:  Deep set eyes Wide set eyes Protruding eyes Close set eyes Upturned eyes Downturned eyes Hooded eyelids Monolids Deep Set Eyes Having deep set eyes simply means the eyeballs are set further back into the skull, creating a more prominent brow bone. Famous faces with this shape of eye include Taylor Swift, Halle Berry, and Renee Zellweger. For deep set eyes makeup, opt for lighter, highlighting colors to brighten the lid and to create the illusion of more eye space. The key with deep set eyes and makeup is to de-emphasize shadows caused by the brow bone. The Make Up For Ever Pro Glow Highlighter comes in a Pearly Rose and Iridescent Gold colors and works well to enhance a natural glow. Wide Set Eyes This shape of eye refers to eyes that are more than one eye-width apart. Famous faces with this feature include Michelle Pfeiffer, Oprah Winfrey, and Jackie O. The goal of enhancing wide set eyes is to make them look closer together. The simplest way to achieve this is by using a dark liner around the entire rim of the eye, as well as the inner corners near the tear ducts. Jillian Dempsey’s Khol Eyeliner leaves a silky-smooth finish that lasts all day. Protruding Eyes Considered one of the more recognizable shapes of eyes, protruding eyes are very round, wide, and appear further out from the skull. Famous faces with this feature include Nicole Richie, Christina Ricci, and Emma Stone. People with this shape of eye can typically pull off any makeup style, but most especially a dark smokey eye with false lashes and bold brows. Dose of Colors’ Smokey Soiree Eyeshadow Palette is the perfect option for a subtly seductive look. The versatile palette includes a mixture of matte and ultra-reflective shimmer shadows. Close Set Eyes Another recognizable type among the different eye shapes, close set refers to eyes that have more space between the temples and outer eye corners than between the actual eyes. Famous faces with this feature include Jennifer Anniston, Kristen Bell, and Miley Cyrus. Opposite of wide set eyes, the goal here is to create the appearance of eyes that are farther apart. Light, reflective shadows applied to the inner corner of the eyes are effective but stay away from darker shades that will make the eyes look smaller.  The RMS Beauty Eye Polish creates a sheer, metallic finish that illuminates the eye and moisturizes all at the same time. Upturned Eyes This is the perfect shape of eye for a seductive cat eye. Upturned eyes are almond-shaped but curve upward towards the outer corners. Famous faces with this feature include Angelina Jolie, Kendall Jenner, and Beyonce.  Upturned eyes are best accentuated with a balance of shimmer and darker, matte hues. Avoid heavy eyeliners and choose appropriate shadow colors for the skin tone and eye color you’re working with for a more natural look. Create the perfect look with the Mehron E.Y.E. and CHEEK Powder Palette. The powder-based shadows are designed for the most extreme HDTV close-up, so you can feel confident it will perform well and last all day long. Downturned Eyes Almond-shaped with the outer corners curved downward, the downturned shape of eye has a rounded upper lip and flat bottom. Famous faces with this feature include Katie Holmes, Anne Hathaway, and Marilyn Monroe. When doing makeup for downset eyes, aim to create an artificial upward lift by accentuating the outer corners. Choose soft, warm shadows and liners that accentuate the eye color to create the appearance of bigger eyes. Rituel De Fille’s Ash and Amber Eye Soot is actually an eyeshadow color product, but we also love it for soft, natural eyeliner. The rich texture is created with pure pigments and oils, so it won’t melt off or fade throughout the day. This eye soot is the perfect product to makeup downset eyes with a sultry lift.   Hooded Eyelids Among the different eye shapes, hooded lids are known for creating the appearance of small, squinty eyes due to a hidden or less visible crease. Famous faces with hooded eyelids feature include Kate Moss, Lucy Liu, and Blake Lively.  Neutral tones will enhance the eyelid and create the appearance of bigger eyes without looking over the top. Highlighting shadow on the inner corner of the eyes and along the brow bone will also make this hooded lids shape of eyes appear more open. An unusual favorite is Illamasqua’s Beyond Liquid Highlighter, which offers a lightweight glow and a dewy finish. Just a light dab to the inner corner of the eyes, and you’ll have a beautifully luminous, fresh-faced look. Monolids A common trait amongst Asian populations, monolids are the shape of eye defined by the upper lid completely overlapping the lower lid, creating the appearance of no eye crease and a softer brow bone. Famous faces with this feature include Sandra Oh, Jamie Chung, and Vera Wang. The goal of applying makeup on this shape of eye is to develop a gradient of color without creating an artificial crease. Choose products that blend very easily to create a look that appears as if each layer is fading into the next. We love Stila’s Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner because it’s easy to blend and manipulate upon initial application, but once it sets, your creation won’t budge. Shop The Best Products for Different Eye Shapes Now you’re ready to master makeup application for any of the different eye shapes! Arm your kit with the products mentioned above so you’ll be ready for any makeup style anywhere you go. 1) Deep Set Eyes: Make Up For Ever Pro Glow Highlighter 2) Wide Set Eyes: Jillian Dempsey’s Khol Eyeliner 3) Protruding Eyes: Dose of Colors’ Smokey Soiree Eyeshadow Palette 4) Close Set Eyes: RMS Beauty Eye Polish 5) Upturned Eyes: Mehron E.Y.E. and CHEEK Powder Palette 6) Downturned Eyes: Rituel De Fille’s Ash and Amber Eye Soot 7) Hooded Eyelids: Illamasqua’s Beyond Liquid Highlighter 8) Monolids: Stila’s Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner   About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by makeup artist Mary Erickson. An industry veteran for more than 30 years, Mary knows quality and value and understands what an artist needs. Mary is the buyer for Camera Ready Cosmetics and chooses only what she would use on set. If you don’t find the product you’re looking for on our site, that’s because we have something better. Just ask us!

Dear men: has your grooming routine become mundane? Longing for better quality products that keep your hair perfectly styled all day long? Meet 18.21 Man Made: a Texas-based business with a passion for making premium goods. Made for men by men, the new collection from 18.21 elevates and simplifies the male grooming experience. Camera Ready Cosmetics first met the masterminds behind this unique brand at the 2018 Indie Beauty Expo, and we knew right away we had to carry the line. From waxes and pomades to hair wash and spray, 18.21 has created a variety of must-have products for perfectly coiffed hair. And for an added old-school touch, all 18.21 products have the aroma of Sweet Tobacco which is irresistibly manly. Man Made Wax This two-ounce container of texturizing perfection works to eliminate frizz and keep hair in place all day. Perfect for any hair type, this paraben-free wax is great for separating, defining and manipulating hair and leaves a natural, satin sheen that’s not too shiny and not too matte. The formula is created from a beeswax like mixture of wax and clay that is great for both structured and unstructured hairstyles. Shop The Wax Man Made Pomade Shape, refine or separate hair with this medium-hold, non-greasy pomade. This product is perfect for short and medium length hair and helps to tame texture and create classic or structured hairstyles that hold all day. The water-soluble formula easily rinses out, does not flake, and is easy to scoop out of the jar and comb through. Shop The Pomade Man Made Paste Get ready to mold your hair and refine texture like never before. This lightweight, creamy mixture offers medium hold and a satin sheen finish that helps to control frizz, moisturize and shape hair before blow drying. The formula is created from a cream like mixture of wax and grooming cream that is great for shaping, molding and managing wavy or curly hair. Shop The Paste Man Made Clay This mixture of clay, wax and elastic fibers provides medium to strong hold with a natural finish and no shine. Work this through the hair to thicken, separate and define an unstructured hairstyle. The non-greasy clay is perfect for fine or thinning hair types. The water-soluble formula feels similar in consistency to pottery clay and leaves touchable hold that’s not too stiff or crunchy. Shop The Clay Man Made Wash Inspired by the look and feel of a whiskey bottle, we’ve found an all-in-one hair and body wash (shampoo, conditioner and body wash) that cleans and conditions from head to toe, made just for men. Infused with macadamia glycerides, hydrolyzed quinoa and jojoba esters, this sulfate-free, ph-balanced wash gently works to moisturize and strengthen the hair and skin. Shop The Wash Man Made Hair Spray Control frizz and protect again humidity with this fast-drying finishing mist. Inspired by the look and feel of a beer can from the early 1900s, you’ll feel retro as ever while setting your hairstyle in place. The hairspray work for any hair type, especially those with fine or thinning hair, and offers a flexible hold that lasts all day. No touch ups required. Shop The Hair Spray Are you ready to elevate your hair grooming routine? Shop the 18.21 Man Made collection and find the perfect products for you. About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. Having been in the makeup artist industry for 30+ years, Mary knows quality and value and understands what an artist needs. Mary is the buyer for Camera Ready Cosmetics and chooses only what she would use on set. If you don’t find the product you’re looking for at Camera Ready Cosmetics, that’s because we have something better. Just ask us!

Attention false eyelash lovers: if messy lash glue isn’t your thing, but you can’t leave the house without your eyes on point, magnetic falsies may be your new best friend. When we first heard about Ardell’s Magnetic Accents lash collection, we couldn’t believe that magnetic lashes ACTUALLY stayed put…much less, all day long. And, boy were we proven wrong! We carry four styles in the Ardell Magnetic Accents collection - Accents 002, Double Wispies, Double Demi Wispies, and Double 110. Camera Ready’s lash-obsessed, beauty guru Rocio applied the Accents 002 and Double 110 magnetic lashes to show you how easy they are to apply (just four easy steps!) Watch the full video tutorial here, or keep reading for a step-by-step guide. Step 1: Apply Mascara Before you apply falsies, add a light coat of mascara to your natural lashes to enhance the final look. This technique also gives your falsies something to cling onto, which makes application much easier. Step 2: Apply The Top Lashes When you get your lash kit, you’ll notice a top row and bottom row. As you may have guessed, the top row is designated for the top of your lashes, and the bottom row is designated for underneath your top lashes. To get started, take the first top row lash and place it as close to the lash line as you can get. Step 3: Apply The Bottom Lashes Next, you’ll take the bottom row lash and place it underneath your top lashes, as close to the lash line as you can get. The magnet strips will connect as you do this, locking your lashes in place. If you need to adjust, simply grab the corner of each lash strip to gently to pull to reposition. If the lashes are completely off, just gently pull them off starting from one corner of the eye and reposition. Step 4: Repeat On The Other Eye To complete your look, just repeat steps 1-3 on the opposite eye. Voila! You’re looking fab :) Shop our site to discover other Ardell lash products or to browse the other false eyelash brands we carry. About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. Having been in the makeup artist industry for 30+ years, Mary knows quality and value and understands what an artist needs. Mary is the buyer for Camera Ready Cosmetics and chooses only what she would use on set. If you don’t find the product you’re looking for on our site, that’s because we have something better. Just ask us!

Choosing the perfect bridesmaid makeup look for a bridal party is tough. Countless factors determine the final look: the wedding theme, the venue, the dress, the time of day … the list goes on. Follow these classic, go-to tips to make your wedding day seamless and stress-free. (And to ensure you and your bridesmaids make it down the aisle on time and looking fabulous!) 3 Main Focus Areas for Bridesmaid Makeup Looks: Face Eyes Lips Bridesmaid Makeup FOR THE FACE Prime, prime, prime! Before you apply any makeup to the face, be sure to use a mattifying primer to reduce shine and ensure the foundation stays put through hour-long photo sessions (and the ceremony, of course!) There are countless primers to choose from, but one of our favorites is the Bioderma Sebium Control for those with an oily complexion.This quick absorbing, moisturizing lotion smoothes, mattifies and provides instant, deep down results for naturally beautiful skin that stays matte all day and night. For those with a more mature complexion, Mehron Skin Prep Pro prolongs weartime while providing lasting hydration to plump up the skin for a hydrated and fresh appearance. Once you’re primed and ready to continue the bridesmaid makeup look, choose a lightweight, full-coverage foundation that will translate well on camera. We recommend TEMPTU’s Perfect Canvas Hydra Lock Airbrush Foundation, which comes in 20+ shades, does not transfer, and lasts all day. The semi-matte finish leaves a natural-looking appearance.  If you don’t have the airbrush applicator, we recommend TEMPTU Air, which weighs less than one pound and is easy to pack in your kit. BRIDESMAID EYE MAKEUP A classic smokey eye is the most common wedding bridesmaid makeup look because it’s easy to achieve and customizable depending on the colors you want to incorporate. To start this bridesmaid makeup look, you’ll want to apply a light silver or gold eyeshadow across the lid.. Choose an option with a little shimmer to enhance the bridesmaid eye makeup. We love using Viseart Sultry Muse because it offers a wide range of tones perfect for a wide range of complexions and eye colors. Next, you’ll want to apply a dark or jewel tone matte shade to the crease of your eyelid. Concentrate on the outer corner of the eye and blend upward toward the brow bone. Depending on the color you’re after, La Femme offers a variety of affordable shades perfect for a smokey eye. Finish the bridesmaid eye makeup with a light neutral color across the brow bone, like Kitten by Stila. If you’re looking for an eye palette that has all the colors you need in one for the best bridesmaid eye makeup looks, the Viseart Grande PRO 1X Palette offers all the shades you need to create looks ranging from soft glam and natural to deep and smokey.  BRIDESMAID MAKEUP FOR THE LIPS A neutral lip is a perfect way to balance out a smokey bridesmaid eye makeup. Choose a lip creme for added shine without the messy look that gloss can create. We’re loving lip palettes like Ben Nye’s All for One  or Danessa Myricks Beauty Luxe Cream Palettes in Nudist and The Feminist. Each palette boasts a wealth of shades that can be mixed and matched to create the perfect lip shade.  If you’re going for a bolder look, the Besame Red Lipstick is a true classic. Modeled after the iconic red lip made famous in the 1920s, this bright and vibrant lipstick leaves a full-coverage, semi-matte finish with just one coat. 30-MINUTE BRIDESMAID MAKEUP WORKSHOP This event has passed, but be sure to sign up for our text messages and emails to be notified of future classes, events, and sales! With bridal parties getting bigger and bigger, the key for any bridal makeup artist is maximizing efficiency to save time. Camera Ready Live has teamed up with pro makeup artist Erin Blair to showcase tips and tricks that will elevate your bridal makeup career. Learn how to simplify your makeup kit and speed up your process to execute a beautiful bridesmaid makeup look in just 30 minutes or less. After the demo, you'll get a chance to test out the new tricks you've learned during the hands-on segment of this workshop. Be sure to bring your kit so you can practice with the tools you're most familiar with! ABOUT PRO MAKEUP ARTIST ERIN BLAIR Erin Blair Gobin has been one of Dallas-Fort Worth’s leading bridal makeup artists for almost 15 years. She is the owner of Erin Blair Makeup & Hair Design, which handles approximately 150 weddings each year. Erin Blair is a member of the Knot: Best of Weddings Hall of Fame and a five-time nominee of the AACWP Vendi Award for best wedding hair and makeup in Dallas-Fort Worth. About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by makeup artist Mary Erickson. Having been in the makeup artist industry for 30+ years, Mary knows quality and value and understands what an artist needs. Mary is the buyer for Camera Ready Cosmetics and chooses only what she would use on set.  If you don’t find the product you’re looking for at Camera Ready Cosmetics, that’s because we have something better. Just ask us!

This Valentine’s Day, whether you are out with your special someone, or with a group of friends (#singlelife), a beautiful lip color that lasts is essential for a night filled with sipping wine and eating chocolate.  Before selecting the perfect shade for your Valentine’s Day evening, you want to make sure your lips are prepped and primed to sustain a lasting, vibrant color.  Step 1: Exfoliate Begin with a lip scrub; Cinema Secrets’ Lip Scrub is a great option for a smooth canvas. Prep your lips with this gentle, yet effective, exfoliator by buffing away rough, flaking skin. Use a warm towel, or tissue to remove any excess scrub or dryness. Now, you have plump, pillow-soft lips. Step 2: Moisturize Follow the exfoliation with a moisturizing lip balm. Rosebud Perfume Co.’s Mocha Rose Lip Balm Tin is perfect for Valentine’s Day. Why? It is a blend of mocha, vanilla and chocolate –perfect for the occasion. Apply a liberal amount onto your freshly exfoliated pout. After waiting a minute for the balm to moisturize, remove any excess. Step 3: Line the lips Now, it is time to pick the perfect lip color! Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to wear a bold red, burgundy, or pink lip. Select a color that makes you feel sexy and confident. Something you may not wear normally. Choose a lip pencil to prep for the coordinating lip color. Invest into a luxury line; By Terry's Crayon Levres Terrybly has a gorgeous selection of lip pencils, perfect for this occasion. Use shades of red in Cancan, Red Alert, Wine Delice and Dolce Plum to compliment a darker lip.   Step 4: Fill them in For a lasting lip color with little fuss, choose a liquid lipstick. Caked Makeup has a great selection of liquid lipsticks, and if you haven’t had the pleasure of using them, they smell amazing too. If you are looking for a more dazzling look maybe you should try a liquid metallic lipstick. Kevyn Aucoin has a selection of vivid lip colors that go bold with a high impact, metallic finish. Go with The Molten Lip Color in Bronze to create a look with a beautiful red-brown combo and a unique sheen. If reds and burgundies are a little too much for your plans, check out NYX’s Soft Matte Lip Cream. These seductive shades have a plush, matte, nude finish. Each uniquely sultry and will hug the shape of your lips ever so perfectly. Caked Makeup Lip Fondant Holla Back Kevyn Aucoin - The Molten Lip Color Molten Metals NYX - Lip Lingerie Lipsticks By this point your lips will be irresistible, but here is a final recommendation: Create an ombre effect. Start with a darker shade from your lip line, transitioning to a lighter color as you move closer inside your lips. If you want to have options, the Viseart 12-Color Lip Palette would give you a variety to mix and blend, or leave as is, giving a natural, satin finish.   Now that you have ideas and choices for Valentine’s Day, what will be your go-to look?

Perfect Your Glow   We suggest using Ofra's Rodeo Drive Highlighter to achieve that perfect glow.   Bold Lips and Sparkling Sips   A New Year calls for bold lips that last! Prep your lips with a gentle sugar scrub and lip balm, such as our favorite, Smith's Strawberry Lip Balm. Use a lip liner that matches your lip or that is colorless, such as DuWop's Reverse Lipliner,. Avoid constant reapplying by using a stain in the bold color of your choice or a long-wearing liquid matte lipstick. We are obsessed with La Femme's Lip Stains, that come in a wide variety of colors and will last through the night.   Fun with Flirty Lashes Start by curling your natural lashes and lightly apply mascara. Trim the false lash strip to fit your eye shape. Gently run a small bead of glue onto false lashes, and let it set until tacky. Using an applicator, such as Japonesque's False Eyelash Applicator, apply them from the inner corner of the eye to outer edge. Curl both your false and natural lashes together to blend. Get extra festive this year with Inglot's Strip Lashes!   Shine Bright Like A Diamond Turn up your look this New Years with sparkling eyes. Pat on your favorite glitter using a glitter glue adhesive, so you can shine all night. We love Lit Cosmetics and both their loose glitters and Water Resistant Glitter Base. Make your eyes pop by pairing your favorite shade of glitter with a nude lip or go bold with silvers and golds with a bolder more vibrant lip.   Amp up the Eyes Bring in the New Year with a beautiful bold shimmer. Wet your brush with Inglot's multi-use Duraline and pair it up with Inglot AMC Pure Pigment to bring a metallic shine to your eyes. Experiment with the look by lining the lids with pure pigment with your favorite liner brush.  

The Perfect Velvet Matte Lip For a long-lasting, velvety-smooth look, we suggest a matte lip, this look is perfect for parties where you'll be talking and socializing. Ensure the lips have their fair share of moisture. We love prepping the lips with Smith's Rosebud Salve for baby smooth lips. Line the lips with your lip liner of choice as close to the lip line as possible, then apply your favorite matte lipstick; we suggest using Stila's Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick which keeps the lips feeling hydrated and is perfect for this look. To make the lips pop even more, conceal around the lips with a cream concealer. Pro Tip: Make your application last that much longer by following this simple hack: Place a napkin over the lips and pack a translucent powder over it with a BeautyBlender, cotton sponge, or powder puff. The result: bold, matte lips that just won't quit. The Glitter Lip Glitter lips have taken the beauty world by storm and now you can achieve this red carpet-ready look just like the pro's. First, hydrating the lips and locking in moisture is essential for this trend. You can do this by applying lip balm before the application. Next, apply foundation that is about two shades lighter than your complexion to mute out your natural lip color. Outline and fill in the lips with a lip liner that matches the color of the glitter you will be using. Finish off by taking a brush and apply glitter to the lips using Lit Glitter Adhesive. Pro Tip: Keep clear adhesive handy for any fallout that may occur with this adventurous look. We recommend the Lit Cosmetics Mini Me Lip Kit when trying this look, it's literally made for it. The Pouty Lip Give your lips a full-on voluminous makeover with this next lip trend. Amp up the lips before applying any color, with a lip plumper like DuWop Lip Venom. Lip plumpers increase the blood flow to the lips creating a natural fullness. Next, overdraw the lips just outside of the natural lip line. Line the lips with a lip color similar to your own and fill in. Once the lips are completely filled in, take a lip pencil that is two shades lighter than your natural lip color and fill the center of the lips. You will start to notice how this gives the lips added dimension. Clean up the lip line with concealer around the perimeter of the lips. Run highlighter over the cupids bow like Ofra's "Dupe That" highlighter. Take a clear lip gloss on the center of the lips as the last step. Pro Tip: Adding shimmer to the center of the lips creates fullness like never before. Take that same highlighter you used on the cupid's bow, over the center of the lips for added oomph! The Ombre Lip For maximum staying power, start out by prepping the lips with a lip primer. Just like when you apply a base prior to wearing foundation, the right primer minimizes dryness and imperfections giving you a more flawless look. After prepping the lips, grab your deeper-hued lip pencils and line the perimeter of the lip with your color of choice, starting from the outer perimeter of the lips working your way in; ensuring the color is as symmetric as possible.  Check the corners of the mouth and fill in any missing gaps where color might have been missed. Next, pop a lighter shade onto the center of the lips.  After the lighter color is applied, feather out any harsh lines between the two colors. Pro Tip: Try your hand at playing around with different finishes like metallics, and non-traditional colors for an artisanal approach. The Glossy Lip Glossy lips add a touch of sophistication to any look. Start out by prepping the lips with lip balm. We love using Duwop's Reverse Lip Liner. Unlike a colored lip liner, this liner is invisible and acts as a barrier so your lipstick does less budging and smudging. Next, define the lips by using a colored lip liner by following the natural lip line. To further extend the longevity of the gloss, fill in the lips with the same lip pencil. Lastly, apply a colored lipgloss. We suggest using a thicker gloss that will ensure it adheres to the lips for a glossy pout that lasts for hours. Pro Tip: To make the lips look even more alluring, take your favorite highlighter and swipe it over the cupid's bow. The result: lips that shine with seduction.

One of our favorite celebrity makeup artists, Barbra Jo Batterman, stopped by Camera Ready Cosmetics to show off her male grooming skills, talk makeup and do a little shopping.  B.J. is well known as department head of some of television's most watched live events like the Billboard Music Awards, iHeart Music Festival and the Academy of Country Music Awards to name a few.  She has also done makeup for some of the most famous people in recent history including Tiger Woods, Heidi Klum, Joan Rivers, LeBron James, President Barak Obama, Paul McCartney, Tina Fey and dozens more!   We asked for her thoughts about the makeup industry, trends that need to disappear, how she preps for a job and so much more. Enjoy! When did you realize you wanted to be a makeup artist? My mom was a makeup artist and actually owned a makeup store in Philadelphia, so I was always around it. I was probably about 17 when I decided I wanted to make it my career.   The great chicken or the egg debate... Do you do the complexion first, or the eyes? When I’m working on a client, I always do the eyes first to prevent fallout. If I’m doing an application lesson, I like to start with the complexion since it’s the first thing you need to learn.   What product do you find yourself refilling the most frequently? Like most people, I am obsessed with Cinema Secrets brush cleaner. I keep two huge bottles in my kit at all times and I'm always ordering more. I'm obsessed with clean brushes!   What is one trick you use on talent that you think everyone could benefit from? Don’t neglect your brows! Brows frame your eyes and lift. In fact, part of my business is focused specifically on shaping, filling and educating my clients on how to perfect their brows every day!   What part of working as professional makeup artist have you struggled with, and how have you learned to overcome it? Judging myself and worrying that I may not be good enough. Through experience, I have learned my value.   What trend are you ready to see disappear? I don’t know if it’s even a trend, but I’m so sick of heavy lip gloss.   What has changed about the industry since you started? There are so many new avenues to learn and gather information!     Do you think formal training is necessary in any way, shape or form? Yes, there are basic rules for color, contour and highlight that are good to learn in a classroom setting, but there are things you can’t learn from formal training alone. There is definitely something to be said about learning on a set. Just because you are good with your own makeup, doesn’t make you a makeup artist.   What advice would you give a budding artist looking to break into your industry? If makeup’s your passion, give it your heart and soul… Always have an open mind to learn! The industry is always changing, so you will never know everything. I’m still so excited to learn new things and I’ve been doing makeup for over 35 years!   How do you prep for your biggest jobs (fashion week, award shows, etc.)? As far as supplies go, I tend to be a bit over prepared. You would be surprised what some people ask you for! I was even asked if I had a wine bottle opener once, so now I always keep one in my kit. I mean, what’s better than a glass of wine while your having your makeup done? If you want to learn more about Barbra Jo and her impressive portfolio, visit her websites at www.bjbatterman.com and www.thebattermangroup.squarespace.com. You can also watch her male grooming tutorial here: Male Grooming with BJ Batterman.