EDUCATION AT CAMERA READY

As we head deeper into the season, we will go back to having longer and warmer days, which means more sun exposure, increased perspiration, and all sorts of environmental factors than can cause your skin to react differently than it did during winter. Of course, we recommend sunscreen year-round, but in this blog, we wanted to give you extra tips to switch up your skincare routine to help you adjust your regimen for beautiful skin no matter what Mother Nature has in store! In this blog, we’ll be going over our top 5 skincare tips for spring: Avoid over-exfoliation Keep oiliness at bay with a new cleansing routine Incorporate BHAs Find a moisturizer that meets your skin’s changing needs Stay hydrated Tip #1: Avoid Over-Exfoliation As chemical peel season also comes to a close, it’s important to be careful with what you are exfoliating with. Many exfoliating treatments containing high amounts of Glycolic Acid, and Retinol can sometimes be harsh and weaken the skin’s barrier so it may not be best to use those when the sun is stronger. Using gentler but still effective acids, such as Azelaic, Lactic, and Mandelic Acids may be a better choice. Also, refrain from receiving too many deeper skin treatments such as microneedling, laser, and peels once the weather becomes warmer. Work with your dermatologist to fine tune your treatment schedule to ensure you're not over-doing it. How to tell if you've over-exfoliated... and how to heal your skin If you're experiencing extra sensitivity, redness, irritation, burning, or even see small pustules forming, odds are you may have over-exfoliated. As always, speak to your dermatologist who already knows your skin's personal needs and the ingredients you respond the best to, but a few universal steps anyone can take include: Use a gentle cleanser like Avene Tolerance Extremely Gentle Cleanser, or Ren Clean Skincare Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk Avoid scrubs and the use of retinols until your skin has healed Use a healing moisturizer that is created to restore your skin's barrier like Bioderam Cicabio Cream or Kiehl's Dermatologist Solutions Centella Cica Cream Tip #2: Learn How to Control Seasonal Oiliness Humidity increases as the temperature does, which can cause increased oil production. Incorporating an oil cleanser as your first step is key to removing excess oil, makeup residue, sunscreens, and pollutants. When oil-cleansing, apply to dry skin and dry hands, massage gently while focusing on areas with congestion & excess oil production. Follow up with wet hands and massage again; this will emulsify the oil cleanser and turn it into more of a milky consistency. Rinse and follow up with your regular cleanser. When cleansing, make sure you are taking your time and cleanse for a whole minute with each cleanser ("60 second rule"). This allows the ingredients to really penetrate your skin and helps dissolve excess sebum. This may sound scary for people who tend to be on the oilier side, however, oil attracts oil, and using this “pre-cleanse” step is basically like sweeping before you mop! A few great options are Ren Clean Skincare No. 1 Purity Cleansing Balm, Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil, and Milk + Honey Cleansing Balm. Turn Down the Heat to Protect Your Hair During the Spring and Summer Tip #3: Incorporate BHAs Into Your Skincare Routine to Exfoliate That being said, BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids), such as Salicylic Acid, will be ideal for the warmer weather. They are oil-soluble, and in addition to effectively exfoliating dead skin cells, they also help decrease an excessive amounts of sebum. Senna Exfoliating Cleanser, which contains Salicylic & Lactic Acid, is a pro favorite! Tip #4: Don't Forget to Moisturize! Moisturizing is also necessary year-round! People with oily skin sometimes assume they don't need extra moisturizer during the warmer months, but that is not the ideal mentality to have. Often times, oily is actually dehydrated skin that is over-producing oils to compensate for the hydration it is not receiving. You may skip your nightly application of facial oils this time of year, but using serums and moisturizers with water-loving ingredients, such as Hyaluronic Acid, is ideal! You may opt for lighter weight, gel-based moisturizers versus rich, creamy ones that you would typically be using in the colder season. Embryolisse Emulsion Hydra-Mat works great for this, as it absorbs excess oil, and slightly mattifies, without leaving the face feeling tight or void of moisture! It is also a great option for men's grooming, as well. Tip #5: Don't Forget to Stay Hydrated This tip is one we will give no matter the season. During the winter and cooler months, we recommend using a humidifier in the bedroom at night to add extra moisture to the air. You may stop using this method once the weather warms up and humidity returns, but make sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body, and in turn your skin, hydrated and happy! In fact, we recommend increasing your water intake if you're more active and spending more time outdoors, as you'll lose moisture as your skin heats up and perspires.   Feeling Inspired? We hope this blog has helped you learn how to change up your skincare routine for the season ahead! Explore our best selling skincare products, and if you need more help or a personalized recommendation, we are here to help. Click here to contact a Beauty Advisor! 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 the flowers begin to blossom, trees start to sprout new leaves, and the weather warms up, it can only mean one thing: spring has truly sprung, and summer is knocking at the door! But with warmer weather comes humidity, which can take a large toll on not just the look but also the manageability of your hair. The more humid it is, the more likely your hair is to frizz. With these tried-and-true methods, you’ll keep your hair looking great all year long. How Can I Keep My Hair Healthy in the Warmer Months? Spring and summer bring new hair challenges after cold, dry winters, but you can achieve healthy, shiny, soft, and frizz-free hair even during the hottest days with a few simple tweaks to your hair care routine. Battle bad hair days with our top tips, including: Get a haircut/trim Ditch the heat Stock up on frizz-taming products Use weekly hair treatments or hair oils Incorporate a refreshing scrub New Hair, New You  It’s a great idea to kick off the spring season with a fresh haircut to get rid of those dry, dead ends. Split ends can travel up the strand, causing more damage and frizz, so it's key to get a haircut when you start to notice fraying. If you live in a region with high humidity, haircuts with blunt lines can help! How to Style Your Hair When the Weather Heats Up Turn Down the Heat to Protect Your Hair During the Spring and Summer While nobody likes a cold shower, turning the heat down a notch to lukewarm can work wonders for your locks. High temperatures can cause the hair cuticles to raise and open, which makes your hair need more moisture (AKA, avoid steam if you can!) to behave. You can combat open cuticles with a cool-water rinse at the end of your shower. What about hot air from the blow dryer, though? Well, when it comes to using heat for blow-drying and styling, a great trick is using the “cold” feature (that little blue button!) on your blow dryer to create this cuticle-soothing effect for a smooth head of hair. Fight Frizz With Top-Notch Hair Products When it comes to frizzy hair, stocking up on frizz-fighting products is an absolute must as the temperature starts to rise. And we highly recommend using UV protective products in the spring and summer to shield your hair from sun damage. Fun Fact: Your hair can burn just like your skin – you just can’t feel it! To counteract hair burn and frizz, use lightweight creams or serums that create a barrier between your hair shaft and water in the atmosphere. Oribe Impermeable Anti-Humidity Spray not only shields hair from frizz on the steamiest of days (and nights) but also contains UV protection - a true two-for-one! The team at Living Proof knows what a struggle it can be to tame your tresses when the humidity is on the rise, so they developed a patented Healthy Hair Molecule (OFPMA) and the No Frizz System. The system consists of Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner, Living Proof No Frizz Humidity Shield, and Living Proof No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream. This system not only helps in blocking humidity but also smooths your hair texture leaving those strands polished, frictionless, and moisturized. Treat Your Tresses to Minimize Flyaways and Frizz Using a weekly hair treatment can also assist in combating those pesky flyaways. One of our favorites is the Philip B Rejuvenating Oil, which starts working instantly to make your hair soft and shiny with great bounce. This product’s ultra-light essential oils offer instant results for a beautiful, manageable mane no matter the season. How to Apply A Hair Oil: Hair oils can be used on towel-dried or dry hair to provide extra hydration, shine, and softness. However, one of our favorite ways to use it is prior to cleansing. Apply the hair oil liberally to dry, unwashed hair, starting 2 inches from the roots, and work it in with your fingers down to the ends. Shampoo and condition as normal. Hot tip: To help the moisture sink in quickly, warm your hair with a blow dryer for 1 to 2 minutes. If you prefer to treat yourself to a hair mask, opt for one that is designed to treat damaged hair like the Christophe Robin Regenerating Mask with Rare Prickly Pear Oil. Even if your hair isn't damaged, these nourishing masks can protect against future damage. If you have curly hair, the Oribe Moisture Control Deep Treatment Masque is a great option to provide extra hydration and to protect against photoaging. Use A Scalp Scrub to Whisk Away Buildup and Restore Shine Scalp scrubs have gained popularity during the last few years, but their benefits really shine as the weather warms up! Odds are, you'll be spending more time outdoors, and although you may not actively be sweating, your scalp will produce more sweat and oil in response to the changing climate. A gentle scrub will help slough away those impurities and will stimulate bloodflow to your scalp for healthy hair growth. Additionally, it can get to the root of the problem (literally) when it comes to dull hair that has lost its luster due to buildup. How to Use a Scalp Scrub: Each scalp scrub will come with different instructions based on the formulation, so read the packaging to determine if you should scrub after using shampoo or if you can apply as soon as you enter the shower. For example, the Christophe Robin Cleansing and Purifying Scalp Scrub with Sea Salt is formulated with shampoo in it to provide a proper cleansing and exfoliating session in one easy step! The key to a good exfoliating session is to keep it relatively short (compared to the 5-15 minutes you leave a hair mask in) and to let the exfoliating agents in the scrub itself do the heavy lifting. Apply a generous amount of the scrub as close to your scalp as possible and gently massage using the pads of your fingertips instead of your nails to prevent accidental scratches or damage to your skin. Lightly rub the scrub all over the scalp, allow to sit on your head for a couple of minutes (or as instructed by the packaging, as certain brands incorporate chemical exfoliators), and rinse well.   How Often You Should Use a Scalp Scrub: If you have a healthy scalp without any flakiness, dryness, or irritation, a scalp scrub can be used safely every 5-7 washes or after excessive sweating and product usage. The Philip B Peppermint Avocado Scalp Scrub provides a cooling effect that can be a refreshing way to treat your mane after a warm day in the sun. If you have scalp irritation, it's best to select a scrub that is formulated with chemical exfoliators and smaller exfoliating particles like Oribe Serene Scalp Exfoliating Scrub. It is extra gentle and has flower extracts to calm and hydrate a dry, irritated scalp. Feeling Inspired? We hope this blog has helped provide a few new tips for you to achieve your hair goals this season! If you're ready to refresh your hair routine, explore all of the great hair care products we offer! If you need more help or a personalized recommendation, click here to contact a Beauty Advisor. 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. 

With many so hair styles ranging from romantic, edgy, classic, bohemian, and retro to choose from, it's no wonder selecting the perfect hairstyle for a wedding can be one of the most dizzying decisions for a bride. However, one thing remains true no matter which style you choose; proper hair care can make achieving the bridal hairstyle of your dreams easier for both you and your stylist. That's why we worked with our in-house licensed cosmetologist Jessica Dickison to provide a few tips for brides to ensure their hair is Camera Ready for their big day. Tips for Hair Care 6-12 Months Before the Wedding We know the time between engagement and the actual wedding day can vary greatly from one wedding to another, but if a bride has at least six months before the big day, they can get a jump start on caring for their hair for extra lustrous locks. JESSICA: If possible, try to book your bridal hair appointment at least nine months in advance. This will allow you to schedule your trial with plenty of time to make adjustments to your hair like extra conditioning, coloring, and trimming before the big day. We suggest doing the trial 1-3 months before the wedding so your stylist can let you know what kind of products and treatments you should be using for your exact hair type. It can also be helpful to schedule your dress fitting after your hair and makeup which will allow you the opportunity to see the whole bridal look Where to go for bridal hair inspiration On one hand, looking for inspiration has never been easier thanks to social media sites like Pinterest, Instagram, and now even TikTok showcasing beautiful styles, but use a little bit of caution when saving out images to show your stylist. JESSICA: I know these days everyone runs to Pinterest to plan their big day, but what Pinterest doesn’t tell you is that those models generally have hair extensions, hairpieces, or wigs to achieve the desired look. It's possible that your stylist may be comfortable using extensions on you, too, but double-check with them to see if they think your dream 'do is doable with or without extensions or additional pieces so you may purchase them in advance, if necessary. Color matching them can be a little tricky. What treatments should a bride enjoy or avoid 6-12 months before the wedding? JESSICA: While it may be tempting to change your look up entirely to achieve a certain vision for your wedding, avoid services that can be overly taxing on your tresses. These services can include perms, intense highlighting sessions where you're lifting the color more than three to four shades, or chemical straightening. Your stylist will be able to determine what condition your hair is in and what treatments they feel comfortable performing on you during this time, so definitely work with them to select the proper services for your hair. Tips for Hair Care 2-3 Months Before the Wedding Products to Consider Adding to Your Routine As the wedding date draws closer, the focus shifts from searching for the perfect style to achieving healthy hair that will be in optimal condition. There are a few ingredients you can avoid and consider using to help! JESSICA: Now is the time to treat yourself and your hair to a little extra TLC! The wedding process is in full swing, and a bride can treat themselves with a deep conditioning mask for a few moments of much-needed pampering time. To get your hair as glossy as possible, consider adding a mask to your routine 2-3 months out from the big day. A weekly deep conditioning treatment like Living Proof PhD Night Cap Overnight Perfector is a great option because it is sulfate-free and is formulated to be extra gentle on chemically-treated and colored hair. It also helps the hair to be more manageable which will help your stylist! PRO Tip: Avoid products with sulfates during the months leading up to the wedding. They can strip the hair of moisture, and this can cause colored hair to fade faster and all hair types to look dull.   Tips for Hair Care 1-2 Months Before the Wedding At this stage, the hair routine should consist of very few major changes. A light color refresh service like toning or glossing should be okay, as long as you keep the changes subtle. Ideally, your makeup trial should take place after your last hair coloring session so your bridal makeup artist can select products that compliment your hair color, too!   JESSICA: If you do choose to color your hair during this time frame, it's best to communicate these changes with your bridal makeup and hair team (if the stylist is different than the one you're working with for the big day). Even subtle changes to your hair tone can change which makeup products will complement your overall look. This is also the time to get one last trim to get rid of split and dry ends, to avoid heat styling when possible, and to avoid products that can cause build-up. Since many brides will choose to have their bridal hair trial during the two months out time frame, this is the perfect chance to make those fine-tuning tweaks to ensure everything is perfect for the wedding day. Be sure to ask your stylist for the products they would recommend for your hair type, as they will be able to identify your hair's needs. Hair Care Advice for the Bride for the Big Day Just like that, the week leading up to the wedding day is here! Now is the time to avoid heat styling or using products that cause build-up. JESSICA: Of course, check with your stylist first, but as a general rule of thumb, do not wash your hair on the wedding day! Do that the day before. I actually recommend double-washing and then conditioning to ensure you're removing any extra build-up of oils, product residue, or impurities. Leave the conditioner on a little longer than normal, up to five minutes, and rinse well. Avoid using any post-shower products (a leave-in conditioner is okay) to avoid adding any extra products that will impact how it holds a style on your wedding day. Lightly blow-drying is fine. Washing the day before the wedding will also allow enough natural oil to form to help lock your bridal style in place. My final piece of advice? Take a deep breath, and enjoy every moment! It's the most exciting day of your life, and no matter what, you'll look beautiful! A Summary of the Do's and Don'ts for Bridal Hair Care We covered a lot in this blog, so to make it as easy as possible, we've created a list of the basic things to do and the things to avoid before the big day. The DO’s for Bridal Hair Care: -DO Make sure your haircut aligns with your day-of style -DO book your consultation a minimum of 2 months before your wedding day -DO treatments/hair masks weekly the 2-3 months leading up to the big day -DO make sure to get a trim and color touch up 2 weeks prior to the event -DO use sulfate-free shampoo & conditioner -If you are frequently in the sun, we DO suggest using a leave in with UV protection The DON'TS for Bridal Hair Care: -Don't overly process your hair within one year of your wedding (excessive highlighting, chemical straightening, perms, etc.) -Don't book your consultation too close to your wedding date. Leave wiggle room to try something new or tweak it to perfection -Don't overheat your hair. Use a thermal protection spray when blowing out/flat ironing/curling to minimize damage -Don’t use too much product in your hair during your wedding week to avoid product buildup -Don't wash your hair the morning of your wedding (unless your stylist advises you otherwise) -Don't make any drastic changes. Feeling Inspired? We hope you're feeling confident about your hair's needs after reading our blog. If you need more help or a personalized recommendation, click here to contact a Beauty Advisor, otherwise, enjoy perusing our beautiful selection of hair care products! 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. 

Makeup by @stephaniepowersmakeup, Model @gabriellepaoletti, Photography by @nellhovingphoto, Hair Styling by @amandaleighrush, Bridal Boutique & Styling by @marimibridal, custom veil and accessories by @gianascanellibridal When it comes to wedding makeup, there are plenty of blogs, inspiration photos, and tips for the bride, but what about the makeup artist? While wedding guests often remark on the venue, the dress, and even the food served, they’re also focused on the bridal makeup. That’s why we’re sharing PRO Tips from our Bridal Look Book makeup artist Stephanie Powers. Sit back, relax, and enjoy her tips for aspiring bridal makeup artists! Things to Consider for the Bridal Makeup Trial CRC: For newer makeup artists, what are the important questions that they need to ask brides when brides reach out for bridal makeup trial (e.g. what style do you like, can you send examples of the look you're after, how much makeup do you normally wear, etc)? STEPHANIE: I feel the questions should be saved for the initial trial. If a bride is inquiring your services for their event they most likely saw your work or was referred to you. Keep your inquiry reply simple in order to secure your services. That initial email back to a client/bride is important. I always have a template ready to go. This business is all about communicating in a timely manner. Send pricing, contract and all details you have regarding hiring you, this way there won’t be so many questions and back and forth before the initial trial. Once the bride returns your email you can then discuss the trial date. I like to ask the potential bride, Do you have a desired look you are going for? Theme etc. on the wedding day? I always like to suggest days for the trial such as; Do you have any special days coming up you would your makeup or hair trial on? Such as, events, bridal shower, date night, dress fitting etc. One of my favorite days to do a trail is when the bride can get hair & makeup trial done on the day of a dress fitting. This way they can see everything together and decide if changes need made for the big day. Important Questions to Ask the Bride CRC: What questions do you ask during the trial to ensure you're giving them exactly what they want and providing the best service possible? STEPHANIE: The very first question I ask a bride when they are in my chair, Do you have any allergies to skincare, makeup, latex etc. that you are aware of? Other questions would include, Have you had your makeup professionally done before? What was the likes and dislikes of your last professional experience? Do you have a desired look? What do you not like about makeup? If applying lashes, always ask if they have worn them before and if they have not, walk them through your process on how you apply them. Also as a professional I evaluate their skin type, ask them about their daily skin routine. If they do not take care of their skin, I always suggest them getting on a good skincare routine 3-6months before their wedding. I suggest seeing an aesthetician if it is in their budget. Good skin equals good makeup, and that’s a good reminder to them. CRC: How do you handle feedback if they seem to like the makeup the day of and contact you later asking you to change things up completely? STEPHANIE: One thing I never do is take it offensively. This is what a trial is for, to see if they like the look. If they want another trial they pay for another trail, no discounts. I reassure the bride that these changes that they desire can be attainable on the wedding day. On the day of the trial I always make sure I take photos, not only on my phone and camera but the brides as well. This way we can reference back on what they would like to change. CRC: How long, in your opinion, is a good length for a trial session? How far out from the wedding would you recommend people book this service? STEPHANIE: I think this depends on each individual bride. Unfortunately some brides may live outside of state. Ideally 3-4 months before the big day is a good time frame. CRC: What other tips do you have for makeup artists during this time frame? STEPHANIE: Because most trials happen during bridal season, my best advice would be to setup trial days in your schedule. Book your bridal trials throughout those days. Not only does it help your pocket, it will help scheduling. Remember you are a business with business hours. Skin Prep for the Bride Things to Consider as a Bridal Makeup Artist Since the busiest bridal season kicks off in the spring and runs through early fall, makeup artists are up against a slew of environmental factors, especially if the wedding or reception are outdoors. Humidity, heat, and even excessive sunlight can take a toll on the makeup. While we cannot control the weather, we can prep the skin and select products that work no matter the conditions. CRC: How do you change up skin prep for brides compared to other types of clients for different events? STEPHANIE: I always start by cleaning the face, neck and décolleté. I like to use micellar water with cotton rounds. For my brides, I always have a hydrating mask and or eye patches. By the time of the wedding day, you should have a good understanding of your brides skin and choose the right skin prep for each individual bride. I determine this by texture, large pores, breakouts, hyperpigmentation, etc. Other than starting off with a clean face, skin prep varies due to skin type. CRC: As we all know, a good skincare regimen is important to have a great base for makeup. As makeup artists, we can always work our magic with skin prep, but since you're in touch with brides before their big day, do you give them any skincare advice so their skin is in the best shape possible for the wedding? STEPHANIE: One thing I always tell brides to never do is start any new treatments or products one month before the big day. This should be done at least 3-6 months before the wedding. Also, one week before wedding day is an ideal time to receive your final facial. Avoid any kind of peels or extractions. Oxygen therapy, hydra facials, and hydrating serums will help decrease puffiness and help ensure your skin looks beautiful the week of the wedding. The night before the big day focus on hydration. PRO Tip: Speaking of uncontrollable situations when parts of the wedding or reception are outdoors, there are a few things you can do to help ensure their makeup is picture perfect no matter the lighting. Unless your bride asks for it, consider using products with more of a satin finish versus true shimmer or glitter if the ceremony or reception is outside during daytime hours. Glitter will catch and reflect the light in a scattered way instead of diffusing it. If you're a newer artist and aren't sure how to determine if you've added too much glow during the trial, there is no harm in walking with the bride over to a window or well lit area to show them how luminous the makeup looks to see if they are comfortable with it or would like it to be toned down or dialed up! You can achieve a luminous glow with a radiant primer under the foundation but avoid the urge to go all out with glowy products. The same is true for eyeshadow and highlighter. Unlike in a studio for bridal portraits where the lighting is set and forgiving, the natural sunlight will reflect differently throughout the day causing the bride’s makeup to look different in their wedding photos. To help provide a satin finish to the bridal look, we recommend Skindinavia Bridal Makeup Finishing Spray. Extra Advice for Bridal Makeup Artists CRC: What do you do to elevate the bridal service and experience? STEPHANIE: Remember a bride has a lot on their mind. So the most important thing you can do is help make them a timeline for the hair and makeup, discuss this with the planner or bride ahead of time. Time management is especially important on a wedding morning. I like to arrive a half hour early for setup and I also provide the bride with eye gel patches and or a mask best suited for her skin type, always hydrating though. One piece of advice I like to give artists starting out in the industry is to remember that we, as the glam squad start, off the mood of their special day. Feeling Inspired? We hope this blog has given you a few extra tips you haven't considered as you continue your career as a bridal makeup artist! For more bridal inspo, check out our Bridal Look Book. If you need more help or a personalized recommendation, click here to contact a Beauty Advisor. 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. 

All images in this blog are styles created by Melissa Dunn, @bridalbabesbymelissa Brides invest countless hours of their time into researching vendors and a glam team for their wedding day and therefore making a great first impression on a bridal client as a vendor will make you stand out from the crowd, every single time. For most brides, finding the perfect hair stylist for their big day can be an intimidating task. However, as beauty professionals, we can make it easier for them to find what they’re looking for! We spoke with Melissa Dunn, an award-winning hair stylist based in Charleston, South Carolina, to gain insight into the everyday life of a bridal hair stylist. Melissa was kind enough to share a bit of her story with us and provide her insider advice for other hair stylists looking to work in the bridal industry. Be sure to read all the way until the very end to enjoy a special step-by-step tutorial for one of her most requested styles! How to Attract Bridal Clients For stylists hoping to attract new clients, you can help brides find you and ultimately gain more bookings! It takes a bit of branding and marketing, but the extra effort will be worth it. You can attract the type of clientele that you want by showcasing your work across different platforms. In today’s world, connecting with others and networking is the quickest and most efficient form of word-of-mouth marketing. CRC: Where did you go for inspiration when you first started your career? MELISSA: Instagram! I began by following every bridal hair account I could find because it helped me gather ideas and draw inspiration for the kind of bridal hairstyling that I wanted to create and become my signature style. PRO Tip: Social media has opened the doors for so many creatives, including hair stylists who showcase their portfolio of work on their social media feeds and build their brand one post and one follower at a time. Consider finding social media groups or pages of like-minded professionals to grow your network and share your ongoing work and services. Research the hashtags other artists use to promote the styles you specialize in and use those in your posts, too. There is no such thing as too much education or networking so take advantage of all of the wonderful resources at your fingertips! CRC: Do you prefer if a bride sends you inspiration pics, a character from a movie/show, etc.? MELISSA: I love inspo pics! I send my brides a direct link to my Instagram gallery so that they can personally review all of my work. In doing so, my bride can see three very important components: my aesthetic, the vibe of my work, and the type of upstyles that are my specialty. Additionally, I ask my brides to send me photos showcasing a similar hair color to their own because oftentimes, the same updo can look completely different on different colors and tones of hair. CRC: How do you structure your trials? MELISSA: I structure my trials as a one-on-one appointment. I allow them to bring one person; however, I prefer to meet with the bride individually so that we can focus together on the exact desired look. Oftentimes, too many on-lookers can provide too many opinions and it ends up confusing the bride. I also provide my brides with a Trial Hair Prep list to follow prior to our appointment. This includes instructing my brides to wash and dry their hair the night before and asking them to wear something white and off-the-shoulder so that when I photograph their hair, they can see it against a white top. I find it helpful for them to see it that way. CRC: How long do your trials typically last? MELISSA: My trials can take 3-4 hours because my bride and I spend that time getting to know each other. We cover everything about the special day, from hair and makeup, to how many services they will need on the wedding day. We also discuss the timeline, what the dress and veil look like, floral, and décor! As I’m working during this time, we discuss all details of the hairstyle. I like for the client to approve of each detail before moving on to the next stage so I constantly show all angles of the hairstyle as I’m creating/working so that they can see the volume, texture, curls, etc. Trials are charged separately from a bridal day-of-the-wedding styling session; they are a separate service as they are time-consuming and costly. Handling Negative Feedback and Sticky Situations During a Bridal Hair Trial Although it's not a fun topic, and your many practice sessions can leave you feeling fully confident that you'll deliver exactly what the bride wants, it's important to remember that you may someday encounter negative feedback from your clients. Remember, this isn't personal, and it is an opportunity for yout o learn and to get better at reading your clients, communicating with them, and feeling more confident in the long run. CRC: How did you handle clients that seemed like they loved their trial only to tell you later they either wanted to make major changes or cancel altogether? MELISSA: The first thing I tell my bride when they sit in my chair is: “This is not about me, this is about you. Don’t be afraid to tell me the truth about how you feel about your hair or afraid to ask for adjustments or make changes to your upstyle. My goal is for you to be happy and excited about your bridal hair.” Communicating this from the very beginning opens up an honest line of communication between us and makes my bride feel comfortable about asking for adjustments. I have learned that doing this also helps keep cancellations at bay. I have had a couple of brides change things on me on the wedding day, and it can be stressful, but I just do my best to prepare myself for anything. If a bride cancels and moves forward with someone else, I have learned that it is totally okay also! I do not beat myself up about it. My work may not have been exactly what she was looking for and I do not take it personally. I just keep it moving!   CRC: What are some of the tricky situations that have learned to navigate through during your career?   MELISSA: There are so many tricky situations! One tricky situation that I often encounter involves timelines and expectations. Because most weddings typically include a handful or more of clients that I have to style, I begin hours in advance to ensure that everyone is ready on time, and oftentimes, this means beginning early in the morning, even if the wedding is not until the second half of the day. I have to be stern and sweet at the same time to explain that every minute counts on the day of the wedding.   Another common situation I experience is when the bride received a haircut prior to the wedding and now the hair is too short. Working with countless brides over the years, I have discovered hair extensions can be a lifesaver. I have learned that when I remain calm and reassuring, it really helps the bride. PRO Tip: Be sure to showcase a variety of hair styles on your website and social media to allow prospective clients to see your range of skills! How to Navigate Last Minute Styling Request During the Bridal Service CRC: How do you handle clients that try to add additional clients to your styling duties the day of that were not part of the original contract? MELISSA: If my timeline permits, I will add additional clients in this type of situation; however, I stress the “if I have time” factor so as to not over-promise or disappoint anybody, especially the bride. And in this case, I do charge an extra add-on fee on top of the service fee. Extra Advice for Bridal Hair Stylists CRC: What do you do to elevate the bridal service and experience? MELISSA: I set myself apart by how I communicate with my brides and how I go above and beyond achieving a desired look for them. I also care for my brides like I do for my family and they know it, too! CRC: If you could go back in time and give yourself some advice as you were starting your career, what would you say? MELISSA: I wish I had known in the beginning that in addition to being the bridal hair expert, you are also your own marketing team, photographer, and social media manager. You respond to all inquiries, manage restocking your kit, and most importantly - furthering your education. It is important to practice your craft as often as possible because things get chaotic and we play so many roles. Other stylists often say to me, “gosh Melissa, I just don’t have time to post on social media, I don’t know how you do it,” and I always respond with, “I don’t have the time either, but I MAKE the time because I want to run a successful bridal hair business!” Ironically enough, I’m in the gym on a bike while answering the questions for this interview! One final and major thing I want other stylists to know: Do not let fear hold you back like I did! I waited way too long to start my business because I thought I would fail or not be good enough. I had to let go and take this risk and it’s been the most amazing journey! A Hair Tutorial by Melissa Dunn How to create a romantic braided bridal bun First, curl the hair with a 1-inch curling iron with all of the curls going in the same direction. Next, take two sections near the partial ridge and twist towards the face. Pinch and pull each section. Take the twisted section and place it just above the nape and pin it into place. Repeat the same step above but on the opposite side. Create three twists and fluff out the sections. Next, take the three sections you twisted and braid them together. Take the fluffy braid and wrap it into a circle to create a fluffy messy bun. Pin the bun in place. Finally, fine-tune the upstyle. Take a step back and look at the updo, Pinch, pull, tug, and pin into place once you reach the desired look! Be sure to visit Melissa on Instagram to view more of her pictorials and video tutorials! About Our Featured Pro, Melissa Dunn Melissa services brides in Charleston, South Carolina, and the surrounding areas and offers a range of makeup and hair styles from military balls, maternity shoots, boudoir, and of course, bridal! Melissa Dunn Hair and Makeup has been awarded Best of Weddings from The Knot for the last three years in a row and describes her work and style as “light and airy.” She has been in the industry for over a decade and studied at Paul Mitchell The School before launching her own business. In addition to being inspired by all things beauty, she loves staying active and spending time with her daughter. In addition to helping her clients feel and look their best, she also offers virtual classes to other stylists that want to learn how to create her signature hair styles. Visit her website, or visit her on social media for more inspiration! Feeling Inspired? We hope reading about Melissa's journey and seeing her work has inspired you and taught you a few things to keep in mind for your next bridal session! For more bridal inspo, check out our Bridal Look Book. If you need more help or a personalized recommendation, click here to contact a Beauty Advisor. 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. 

Unless you’re a professional makeup artist, it can be a little daunting to select the perfect powder. That’s why we worked with our Beauty Advisors to create a blog to explain the differences between the most popular powder types and to share a few tips and tricks to make sure your makeup stays Camera Ready all day long. The Different Types of Powder So many specific ways to use different powders to enhance your makeup, so little time! Chances are you’ve at least used a setting powder before, but what other types of powder are there, and what are the benefits of each? In this blog, we’ll be talking about the following: Loose Powder versus Pressed Powder Under-eye Powder Blurring Powder Setting Powder versus Finishing Powder Loose Powder versus Pressed Powder The Benefits of Loose Powder Loose powder has been a beauty staple for decades, in fact, it’s the most commonly used powder and has been around since the early 1900s. While they originated to keep a flawless matte look, quite a few different spins on the classic loose powder have developed. Loose powder is commonly used to set your makeup and is especially used under the eyes and in tandem with contour under and above the cheekbones. Wherever you’ve applied the powder will look matte, smooth and bright. When applying the loose powder, it helps to have a small powder puff or makeup sponge that you lightly dip in the jar. After applying your concealer you will use your puff or sponge and pack in — or “beat” — the loose powder on those areas you want set, mattified and brightened. Using a dabbing motion rather than wiping it on your face will help maintain the integrity of the makeup underneath! To make sure it’s even, take a medium to large makeup brush and buff in your powder using a circular motion and make sure it’s blended with your foundation, contour and blush. Three of our best selling powders that are available in both a pressed and loose version include RCMA No Color Powder & Premiere Powder, Ben Nye Luxury Powder, and By Terry powders. The Benefits of Pressed Powders We love a good compact pressed powder, as they’re easy to take with you on the road or keep in the purse for a quick fix, and are much more mess-free than a loose powder. Pressed powders are best at removing shine and blotting oil from the skin for midday touchups , which can happen after wearing your makeup for a few hours. These powders are very sheer and are definitely not made for full coverage — they are typically best for quick touch-ups. Most pressed powders come with a sponge or puff in the compact. Either can make it easy to quickly apply all over the face or as needed to reduce shine until your makeup looks fresh again. The Different Types of Powder Blurring Powder What if we told you that you could achieve the “filtered” look in real life with the help of one magical powder? Well, let us introduce you to blurring powder! Blurring powders are super lightweight and are made to “blur” out the skin’s imperfections giving your skin that photoshop effect. They also usually leave the skin looking flawless. These powders come in both loose and pressed forms and are made to spot treat whereas mattifying loose powders are made for all over setting. It is best to use a blurring powder after covering a blemish or mark on the face. Make sure to use a small, dense makeup brush or dry makeup sponge to use to set the powder on the areas you need coverage. A powder like Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Matte Setting Powder is a micro-fine, lightweight power that blurs skin by minimizing the appearance of pores, and sets the makeup with this anti-shine powder. It is perfect for oily and combination skin types. The Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder is a cult favorite for its instant blurring effect without any flashback. To create an instant blurring effect using these powders, we recommend using a velour powder puff to apply. Folding the velour puff in half and using a “press and roll” motion will ensure you do not move the makeup underneath nor apply too much powder. Foundation Powder True to the name, foundation powder is meant to build full coverage like a liquid or cream foundation would. This powder is extremely multifunctional as it can be used for bronzing, contouring and full-coverage foundation. You can also use it on top of your liquid foundation to give it that extra coverage — just make sure to get it true to your shade! Foundation powder usually comes in a pressed formula and is definitely not for matifying or setting like other powders. To apply foundation powder, you will want to use a face sponge or beauty blender to build the powder on depending on the type of coverage you are looking for. Under-Eye Powders Under-eye powders are not only magical but are specifically made to help cover even the deepest, darkest under-eye bags. They usually come in small jars and three different colors to help with discoloration around the eyes. These powders can come in loose or pressed form and are meant to disappear upon application. Green tones help with redness, while peach tones aid dark circles, and yellow tones help cancel out purple discoloration and dullness. After you apply your concealer is when you come in with the under eye powder of your choice. You can use a sponge or an eyeshadow brush to blend. Lightly load your under eye powder and tap it into place under the eyes. Laura Mercier offers an under-eye powders in both a loose powder and pressed powder form. Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder For Under Eyes is a weightless powder to set under-eye concealer, brightens the look of dark circles, and diminishes signs of visible fine lines. The micronized pigments won't settle into fine lines or accentuate shadows. Secret Blurring Powder for Under Eyes is a pressed, transparent, weightless powder to set under-eye concealer and blur the look of fine lines. This powder will also contain micronized pigments that won't settle into fine lines or look cakey around the eye area. This powder will also give a sheer hint of coverage. Both formulas are translucent but come in two shades, designed to work on any skin tone to brighten tired eyes The Difference Between Setting Powder and Finishing Powder The fine line between finishing powder and setting powder is often blurred (see what we did there). The industry now seems to market these products as one and the same, making the actual uses and benefits of each unclear. If you’re feeling confused and unsure of which powder is right for you, we’re here for you.We’re breaking down the differences between the two so you can feel more comfortable and educated before making a purchase. What is Setting Powder Setting powder is exactly what the name says. It is a powder that is designed to “set” or hold foundation and other complexion products in place. They prevent base makeup from rubbing off and reduce shine for a long-lasting, flawless complexion. Available in two common forms – loose and pressed – setting powders can be translucent or slightly tinted to match skin tone. Choosing the best form of setting powder is purely a matter of preference. Pressed powders are semi-solid, easy to use, and great for taking on the go. Loose powders are finer in consistency and don’t transport well because they can be messy, but they offer great lightweight coverage and work well for those prone to oily skin or who prefer wearing liquid foundations.   Setting powder also serves as the perfect weapon against excess oil buildup, so it’s great to have on hand to knock down shine.   For those in search of a more sheer look, apply setting powder in place of foundation for lightweight, natural coverage. If you or your client are prone to getting extra oily throughout the day, you can even mix a small amount of powder into your foundation or apply a thin layer of it before applying foundation. Just make sure you’re properly cleansing, toning, and prepping your skin before using this trick. Popular Setting Powders Here are the top three setting powders, as voted by our Pro Artist community: RCMA No Color Powder : Loved amongst celebrities and makeup artists, this beauty favorite sets foundation without changing the color. The formula delivers a smooth translucent veil without adding unwanted texture or creating a "caked on" look. Disappears for a completely invisible hold and keeps shine at bay. Ben Nye Neutral Set : This colorless powder formula blends with every skin tone without diminishing the complexion’s natural glow. Ben Nye's only non-translucent powder that contains a bright white pigment good for very fair shades. Controls perspiration for high energy performers. For a lightly tinted option, opt for one of Ben Nye’s Luxury Powders including the cult favorite Banana Powder. Danessa Myricks Evolution Powder : Provides a silky smooth, invisible finish. This light-diffusing weightless translucent powder can be used over and under foundation. Mimics perfect skin with professionally tested, vegan and cruelty-free ingredients. Also available in four tinted shades to match fair to deep skin tones. What is Finishing Powder As the name suggests, finishing powders are designed for use after a makeup look is complete. From a makeup artist perspective, this powder isn’t intended for everyday use, but it’s a great option when you’ll be in front of bright lights and cameras. Most commonly sold in loose form, finishing powders blur fine lines, conceal pores and leave a flawless, camera-ready finish. Blend the product well to avoid a dry and cakey appearance. Top 3 Finishing Powders Here are the top three finishing powders, as voted by our Pro Artist community: Mehron Celebré Pro HD Loose Mineral Finishing Powder : A luxurious matte finishing powder that perfectly complements every skin tone. Made of transparent French delaminated talc, keeps your colors bright and true. This ultra-fine powder is made with a multi-mineral complex to promote skin’s vigor and moisturization, keeping skin soft and hydrated. Available in three versatile shades to compliment all skin tones. NYX Studio Finishing Powder : This 100% pure mineral silica finishing powder is perfect for locking your makeup into place. The luminous white powder goes on translucent and works on all skin tones to leave your skin looking radiant and luminous. RCMA Over Powder : This lightweight finishing powder adds a soft sheen effect. These powders are gorgeous when layered over blush or any of the high points of the face, as well as for achieving an ethereal effect all over the body. Dust it onto collarbones, shoulders, cheekbones and the cupid's bow for a subtle light-catching highlight. Feeling Inspired? There truly is a powder for everyone, every need, and any makeup look. It’s important to know what each one is for so you can add to your makeup kit as needed, depending on what kind of coverage you’d like. We hope this blog has helped you decide which powder is best for you, so go ahead and explore all of the great powders we offer! If you need more help or a personalized recommendation, click here to contact a Beauty Advisor. Stay Camera Ready for every occasion by staying up to date with the latest makeup tips, tricks, and trends.   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. 

Have you ever dreamt of a complexion product that doubled as skincare while still giving you the coveted no-makeup makeup look? Danessa Myricks recognized the lack of products that allowed beauty lovers to achieve that level of coverage, and the Yummy Skin Collection was born.   In this blog, we'll be breaking down the benefits of each formula in the new Yummy Skin Collection, discussing the claims, the undertones, and the best way to apply them! About Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Glow Serum and Serum Foundation The new Yummy Collection is a collection of two new products blends skincare and makeup. Formulated with skin-loving ingredients like Niacinamide, Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Vegan Squalane, Maracuja Oil, and Fruit Extracts, the skin is hydrated, balanced, and brightened with each wear. Both the Yummy Skin Glow Serum and Serum Foundation have a lot of great claims and has the clinical trials to back it up: When subjects wore Yummy Skin Serum Foundation alone, studies indicated: • Over 96% of the panelists said the foundation provides even, buildable coverage. • 90% of the panelists said this foundation provides the perfect amount of coverage. • 90% of the panelists said this foundation evened out their complexion. • Over 86% said this foundation corrected the discoloration on their skin. • Over 86% said their skin felt comfortable throughout the day while wearing Yummy Skin Serum Foundation. • Over 83% said this foundation gave the appearance of healthy-looking skin. • Over 80% of subjects showed an immediate improvement in pore size. It maintained skin’s pH level within normal range. • During a 6-hour wear test, there was a 36.51% boost in hydration. When subjects wore Yummy Skin Glow Serum & Yummy Skin Serum Foundation together, studies indicated: • An improvement and overall balance of skin’s natural pH level • During a 6-hour wear test, there was a 49.34% boost in hydration. • Over 96% said the serum worked well as a primer before foundation. • Over 93% said the serum helped hydrate their skin. • Over 90% said the serum made them look healthier when worn under their foundation. The Shade System for Yummy Skin Serum Foundation & Glow Serum The new Yummy Skin Serum Foundation includes 26 shades with four different undertones. Danessa describes the foundation shades as "stretchable", meaning they are sheer enough to allow your natural skin tone to shine through while still providing enough coverage to cover blemishes and other imperfections. The Undertones for Yummy Skin Serum Foundation P = Pink Undertones N = Neutral or olive undertones G = Golden or olive undertones W = Peach or red unertones Yummy Skin Glow Serum is intended to provide a healthy glow instead of coverage, so both shades can be used universally. The Two Shades of Yummy Skin Glow Serum Juice Boost = Sheer Bronze Main Squeeze = Sheer Golden Champagne   How to Apply Yummy Skin Glow Serum and Serum Foundation The secret to a beautiful complexion is always skincare and skin prep, and thanks to the Yummy Skin Glow Serum, you achieve both steps with one product. Using a pea-sized amount of serum, lightly cover your entire face. You may apply using a brush or your fingertips. Next, it's time to color correct. Since the Yummy Skin Serum Foundation provides light to medium buildable coverage, it is important to take the time to color correct before applying foundation. Danessa used ColorFix in the shade Carrot Top under the eyes and on other problem areas. Once you're done color correcting, it's time to apply the foundation. Using a brush or sponge, start at the center of the face and work around the perimeter using light sweeping or bouncing motions. This allows the foundation to blend out evenly without sheering the coverage out too much. Move on to the forehead and blend outward, and be sure to blend out onto the ears and neck to avoid any lines of demarcation. Concealing, Highlighting, and Contouring with Yummy Skin Serum Foundation The beauty of Yummy Skin Serum Foundation is how it layers without feeling heavy or looking cakey. You can easily build up coverage, spot conceal, brighten under the eyes, and even contour by using different shades. To conceal, use a smaller brush to spot conceal with your regular shade of foundation. To brighten dark circles, select one or two shades lighter and apply in tapping motions with a brush. To contour, select a shade that is one to two shades deeper and apply to the areas you'd normally apply to for contour, and blend well. The foundation will meld together with the base shade you already applied. Setting Yummy Skin Serum Foundation While the goal of the Yummy Skin Collection is to give you a healthy, glowing, no-makeup makeup look, you still set the face with Evolution Powder. Use a fluffy brush or puff to lightly set areas you would like to be mattified or where you tend to get oily throughout the day. Watch the Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Achieve Different Coverage Levels with Yummy Skin Serum Foundation Of course, just like with any Danessa Myricks Beauty product, you're encouraged to experiment and find the method use that works best for you, but as a general rule of thumb, Danessa Myricks has provided the following application instructions: To Achieve Light Coverage with Yummy Skin Serum Foundation:Squeeze a pea-sized amount and apply in even layers using fingers, brush or sponge. To Achieve Medium Coverage with Yummy Skin Serum Foundation:Squeeze two pea-sized amounts and apply in even layers using a brush or sponge. PRO Tip:• Start from the center of the face and blend outwards for even application.• Layer over Yummy Skin Glow Serum for an added boost of radiance for the ultimate healthy, glowing complexion. Feeling Inspired? Are you excited to experience the new Yummy Skin Collection for yourself? We had a feeling you would be. Explore the Yummy Skin Glow Serum, Yummy Skin Serum Foundation and the refills. or click here to contact our Beauty Advisors for personalized tips! 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 experience dryness, flakiness, or general skin discomfort during the winter, you're not alone. Every year, our Beauty Advisors receive questions from makeup artists and beauty lovers about how to combat these common winter woes and how to create a beautiful canvas for makeup application. While there's no shame in going makeup-free to let your natural beauty shine through, winter weddings and special events may call for an elevated yet natural makeup look, and we're here to help! In this blog, we'll share our top tips for creating a natural makeup look on dull, dry skin, but these steps can be used to achieve a full glam look, too! Let's get started. Skin Prep for Dull, Dry Skin Dropping humidity levels strip your skin of moisture and can lead to dryness and itchiness, and skin that is prone to breakouts can become even more sensitive and harder to treat. That's why selecting the proper cleanser and moisturizer is essential. Cleansers: If your skin is irritated, avoid the urge to use a physical exfoliator to slough away dry dull skin cells and opt for a cleanser with salicylic acid. This popular skincare ingredient is safe for most skin types to use daily in a cleanser because it is often less concentrated than it is in moisturizers and serums, but start off using it a few times a week to determine your skin's tolerance. Use lukewarm water to cleanse, pat dry, and follow immediately with moisturizer. PRO Tip: If extra exfoliation is needed and the skin isn't too sensitive, try a gentle peel like Peter Thomas Roth FirmX Peeling Gel or Senna Exfoliating Cleanser. Both formulas use fruit enzymes to slough away debris and dull skin to reveal a brighter complexion. Focus on problem areas, and use a few drops of Bioderma Hydrabio H2O on a cotton pad to lightly sweep away any stubborn patches and to add extra moisture. Moisturizers: When it comes to moisturizers, layering a face mist, moisturizer, and oil can work wonders to soothe and protect dull and dry skin. We recommend starting with a light spritz of Avene Thermal Water or Koh Gen Do Herbal Spa Mist to provide a quick boost of antioxidants to nourish and to calm irritated skin. The neutral pH helps balance the skin and works well with other skincare products. Next, opt for a richer moisturizer that provides lasting hydration. Pro favorites include Embryolisse Filaderme Emulsion for a formula with shea butter to heal the skin, Avene Hydrance Aqua Gel for a hyaluronic rich gel that absorbs quickly, and REN Clean Skincare Replenishing Gel Cream for clients that are prone to breakouts. Follow up with a facial oil to lock in hydration, and allow the products to sink into the skin.   If extra hydration is needed, use a sheet mask immediately after cleansing and before moisturizing.   For Makeup Artists: Since most makeup artists rely on toners and rinse-free options to cleanse the skin, we recommend keeping Bioderma Hydrabio H2O in your kit along with best selling NuFACE Prep N Glow Cleanse Exfoliation Cloths.  Hydrabio removes dirt and debris with ease, while the Prep N Glow Cloths will give you extra exfoliating power thanks to the gentle exfoliating surface on one side of the cloth. Both have skin-loving ingredients to prevent irritation and to soothe dry skin. Apply an extra layer of hydration with Mehron Hydro Prep Pro and follow with moisturizer. Create a Glowy Complexion with Foundation Of course, with the right prep, you can make any foundation look beautiful, but these pro picks will make it easier to achieve a natural, healthy glow. For a luminous and perfected look, try Kevyn Aucoin The Etherealist Skin Illuminating Foundation. This lightweight formula has hyaluronic acid for added hydration and ultra-fine pearl pigments to diffuse light and give the skin a smoother appearance. Face Atelier Ultra Foundation is also at the top of our list because of the unique silicone-based formula that allows it to glide easily over textured skin for a smoother appearance. The lightweight formula flexes and moves with ease and can even be worn without setting. Finally, we recommend Koh Gen Do's Maifanshi Moisture Foundation and Aqua Foundation for those that want formulas packed with skin-loving ingredients and a skin-like finish. Both foundations are top picks for makeup artists working behind the scenes for television and film because they provide sheer to medium buildable coverage that still looks like real skin, but better. PRO Tip: The key to applying foundation to dry and dull skin is to work in thin, lightweight layers. This will help you control the coverage and allow each layer to adhere better to the skin. Remember, for a naturally glowy look, less is more. Spot conceal where necessary to keep the overall makeup look light and natural. Select a Hydrating Powder, and Apply Lightly Selecting and applying the perfect powder for a healthy winter glow is almost as important as skin prep because it can make or break your makeup look. Powders formulated with hyaluronic acid are a great choice because they'll keep your complexion looking smoother longer. By Terry offers a range of pressed, loose, tinted, and translucent powders, while Jouer's Soft Focus + Hydrate Powder adds allantoin and Vitamin E in addition to hyaluronic acid to smooth the skin. If you're setting the entire face, use a fluffy brush to apply a light dusting of powder, and use a powder puff for more precise application to areas that are prone to wearing away the fastest. Complete the rest of the makeup look with blush, eyeshadow, and any other products you desire, and finally, apply a light mist of setting spray, and that's it! You're Camera Ready! PRO Tip: When using a powder puff, first press your puff into the powder, and massage the powder into the puff to ensure it's evenly distributed into the fibers. Roll the powder onto areas that need to be set, and lightly tap onto any areas that need extra hold. Feeling Inspired? Are you ready to give our tips and tricks a try? Click here to explore skincare options, or click here to explore our newest makeup. If you have any additional questions, our Beauty Advisors are here to help, so click here to send them an email! 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.

Images and information courtesy of Saint Jane In honor of Saint Jane's third birthday, we're breaking down the ultimate guide to layering Saint Jane products. From brightening and soothing the skin to enhancing and nourishing lips with CBD and botanical-rich products, we're providing a step-by-step routine that's perfect to elevate your services for your clients or a luxurious self-pampering session. About the Saint Jane Facial Routine Saint Jane is a nourishing, reparative skincare line designed for use towards the end of facial treatments. Depending on the goal of the treatment and your client’s skin type, cleanse and prep the skin per the specific facial treatment protocol, prior to applying potent Saint Jane serums. Cleanse, extract, exfoliate, mask, then on to Saint Jane. Enhancement for Facial Treatment: Luxury Body Serum (optional) If a neck and shoulder massage is part of your facial offering, Luxury Body Serum is an indulgent, rich formula that helps clients relax and destress while making their skin more radiant. While their face mask is drying, a neck and shoulder massage is the perfect addition to the ultimate Saint Jane experience. How to use: use 4-6 pumps of Luxury Body Serum for a relaxing massage experience. Step 1: The C Drops As a general layering rule of thumb, you should start with the thinnest in product texture and work your way up to the heaviest. For Saint Jane, that means The C Drops serum is the first layer of the routine. Packed with a 20% glycerin-encapsulated Vitamin C blend, this powerful serum is formulated to penetrate the deepest layers of skin for maximum effectiveness while citrus AHAs resurface and brighten. Starting with The C-Drops enables you to up your client’s skin glow factor for their most radiant complexion. Though Vitamin C is a potent ingredient that can sometimes cause irritation and redness as an unfortunate side effect, our formulation includes skin-soothing botanicals, such as CBD, for a gentle yet effective first step. As always with active Vitamin C products, do not use after heavy exfoliation, and use only if your client’s skin can tolerate it. HOW TO USE: apply one pipette if The C Drops onto clean, dry skin. Gently press and pat into skin until absorbed. STEP 2: Hydrating Petal Cream (optional) With the ultra-hydrating power of 1% pure Hyaluronic Acid combined with the smoothing capabilities of Hibiscus Peptides, Hydrating Petal Cream delivers silky smooth, hydrated skin that lasts all day. Its featherweight texture absorbs quickly and is specifically designed to never pill, making it the perfect lightweight moisturizer to layer on top of The C Drops. As an option, Hydrating Petal Cream can be used under Luxury Beauty Serum (the next step) as a bonus hydrator. It also works as a great skin-prepper for a dewy effect before applying makeup in the spa or salon. HOW TO USE: Smooth 1-3 pumps over client’s face and neck using upward motion. Let absorb. STEP 3: Luxury Beauty Serum It has been called “the face oil to end all face oils” for a reason. Saint Jane's award-winning Luxury Beauty Serum is a powerful treatment packed with hundreds of nutrients designed to reverse signs of aging and calm skin. This omega-rich serum not only delivers a huge dose of soothing botanicals to skin, it also packs a punch with actives such as Sea Buckthorn and Calendula, which gently resurface and detoxify pores. Luxury Beauty Serum is our holy grail, skin-transforming powerhouse and is the ultimate final layer to seal in all of the nutrients from the previous steps. The 500mg of CBD will soothe and destress after treatment, leaving a beautiful glow. HOW TO USE: apply 1 pipette of Luxury Beauty Serum on to the skin for deep nourishment and hydration, using upward motions. As an option, before the Luxury Beauty Serum is fully absorbed, use a gua sha to massage the skin using sweeping upward motions from the center to the outer edges of the face. This will help the serum to absorb deeper, enhance contours, and visibly reduce puffiness. STEP 4: Bright Repair Eye Cream (optional) Bright Repair Eye Cream is specifically designed to target dark circles and fine lines while protecting the integrity of our delicate eye skin. 10% Vitamin C visibly brightens while Green Tea and Grapeseed work to de-puff and knock out the intensity of dark circles for a calm, well-rested look. HOW TO USE: gently tap a pea-sized amount of Bright Repair Eye Cream around the eye to brighten and de-puff your client’s under eye area. STEP 5: Luxury Lip Shine or Cream Luxury Lip Shine is a beautifully protective, hydrating lip oil with a wash of color that also doubles as a lip treatment. Eight impeccably clean ingredients nourish and protect the delicate lip area. Give your clients the ultimate dewy glow as they leave your treatment room with a swipe of lip protection in nude or lightly-colored shades. For a richer, more saturated color, opt for the Luxury Lip Cream lipsticks, available in seven shades. HOW TO USE: Swipe on lips for the perfect finishing touch and all-over glow. Explore Saint Jane That's it! Your client's skin is hydrated, protected, and nourished, and if you're anything like us, you'll want to experience this routine for yourself, too! Click here to learn more about the products and get started on the path to calmer, happier, and brighter skin! 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.

For many makeup artists, the first male grooming job may be a bit intimidating, but don't worry! We’ve got you covered! From which products to use to the tools you should keep in your kit, we’ll break down the basic steps to getting a man Camera Ready. Step 1: Shape the Brows Brows are truly the frame for the face, and a good brow grooming session can change the entire look. It's important to have a good pair of tweezers, brow scissors, and tools to comb the brows in your kit. To shape them, comb them into place with a spoolie brush or a disposable mascara wand and trim any excessively long hairs using brow scissors. Gently pluck out of place hairs with tweezers. Don’t worry about setting the brows during this step. We will tackle that task later! Chella Brow Scissors LEARN MORE Tweezerman Tweezers LEARN MORE Camera Ready Disposable Wands LEARN MORE Step 2: Skin & Lip Prep Even if your client tells you he washed his face already, it's important to cleanse again. Start by gently exfoliating the lips, and cleanse the entire face with Bioderma Sensibio H20 on a cotton pad to whisk away oil and impurities. Apply a thin layer of lip balm and moisturize the skin with a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer like Avène Hydrance Aqua Gel. This moisturizer is the ultimate multitasker because it's safe to use around the eye contour and is suitable for all skin types. For oily skin, Nurturing Force Blot Out Offensive is a pro favorite because it is a moisturizer and an oil-controlling primer all-in-one! If you opt for Nurturing Force, go ahead to the next step. Once the moisturizer has absorbed into the skin, apply an oil-absorbing primer. We recommend Embryolisse Emulsion Hydra-Mat and Avene Cleanance Mattifying Emulsion. Both provide extra hydration while absorbing excess oil, leaving the skin smooth and matte all day. If he has a bit of redness or a slightly dull complexion, the Makeup Forever Color Correcting Step 1 Primers are great additions to your kit. Bioderma Sensibio H2O LEARN MORE Avène Hydrance Aqua Gel LEARN MORE Embryolisse Hydra-Mat LEARN MORE Make Up For Ever Step 1 LEARN MORE Step 3: Apply Concealer & Foundation Your regular beauty routine calls for concealer next, don't rush to apply it the same way to a man. Perform a quick spot check first for any imperfections, and if he needs a little cover-up, apply concealer sparingly. The goal is to spot conceal and reduce the appearance of any blemishes. The lighting will do the rest for you. While you may not use it for every male grooming job, it's important to have a few color correctors in your kit. Many men tend to have redness around their noses or dark circles. The Graftobian Hi-Def Glamour Creme Corrector Palette offers corrector shades for both light and deep skin tones to counteract any discoloration he may have. To even out the complexion, apply a light layer of foundation, and blend it into the hairline and down to the neck. RCMA Cream Foundation is a pro favorite because it photographs well and has a skin-like finish when it's applied to a properly prepped face. If you prefer using a liquid foundation, Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation offers buildable coverage with a natural finish. To ensure you're not over-applying, we recommend using a sponge for seamless, light coverage. Wet the sponge, squeeze out excess water, and use it to pat on the foundation. Keep in mind, you are aiming for a no-makeup-makeup look, so if you need to add more coverage, add very thin layers until you reach the desired look. PRO Tip: If it's been a while since he had a haircut, you can use a light layer of foundation along his hairline to create the look of having a fresh cut. Use a buffing brush to blend it well and to ensure you don't have any harsh lines. Graftobian Corrector Palette LEARN MORE RCMA VK Foundation Palette   LEARN MORE Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation LEARN MORE Step 4: Powder Next up, it's time to powder! Studio lights and high-definition cameras pick up on the tiniest bit of shine, so set the makeup in place with a powder that provides a natural finish like Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Loose Translucent Powder or Graftobian Dual-Finish Powder Foundation. For touch-ups, RCMA No Color Powder and Mehron Touch Up Matte Finishing Anti-Shine Gel will come in handy to eliminate shine. Focus on the T-zone, as this is the area that tends to produce the most oil. Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Loose Powder Translucent LEARN MORE Graftobian 12-Color Dual Finish Powder Palette LEARN MORE RCMA No Color Power LEARN MORE Step 5: Set the Brows Now that you have achieved complexion perfection, it's time to set the brows. Make Up For Ever Aqua Resist Brow Fixer is a great choice for men with brows that only need to be brushed and held in place. For men with thicker brows that require a little more work, opt for a stronger hold with Graftobian StudioBrow Eyebrow Styling Wax , Kryolan Eyebrow Forming Gel, or Brett Brow Arch Control Gel.  Make Up For Ever Aqua Resist Brow Fixer LEARN MORE Graftobian StudioBrow Eyebrow Styling Wax LEARN MORE Brett Brow - Arch Control Gel LEARN MORE Step 7: Finishing Touches You're almost done! Take a look at your work from all angles to ensure your makeup is well-blended. If the makeup is looking a little too matte, a quick spritz of Avène Thermal Spring Water or Koh Gen Do Herbal Spa Mist will bright the complexion back to life. If you've applied too much foundation and have lost some of the definition of his facial features, lightly contour with a powder that is only slightly deeper than his skin tone. The final step is to ensure the hair is also well-groomed for an overall put-together look. Tame any flyaways with a lightweight hair spray with flexible hold. If the job calls for a sleeker look, Sachajuan Matt Wax will help you style and hold the hair in place with a matte finish so you don’t have to worry about unwanted shine. If he has facial hair, comb it into place and fill in any sparse areas with the same products you'd use to fill in brow hair. Apply one last thin coat of lip balm, and that's it! He's Camera Ready! Avène Cold Cream Nourishing Lip Balm LEARN MORE Avène Thermal Spring Water LEARN MORE Oribe Superfine Hair Spray 300mL LEARN MORE Feeling Inspired? In a nutshell, the key to getting a man camera ready is covering up any blemishes, evening out the skin tone, eliminating shine, and ensuring his hair and brows look neat. Pretty simple, right? To shop our top picks for male grooming products, click here. We hope this blog has given you the confidence to tackle your next male grooming job, but if you have any questions, we are here to help! Click here to contact one of our Beauty Advisors for additional tips and tricks! 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.