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PRO Tips: Tips for the Bridal Hair Stylist
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.
Self Care Week: Best Selling Skincare, Hair Care, & Body Products
We spent the week focusing on our Staff Top Picks for Self Care, best selling skincare tools, and makeup recommendations to express whatever mood you're in, but the most important part of creating a good self care routine is finding products that suit your preferences and beauty style.
We know it can be hard to figure out which product is best for you, so our in-house licensed esthetician Chelsie joined us for this blog to break down the benefits of our best selling products to tell you the benefits and perks of each!
The Benefits of Skincare from Professional Makeup Brands
It’s a well-known fact that the most important factor in achieving a beautiful makeup look is the prep that takes place before makeup application. Brands like Senna Cosmetics and Graftobian have led the makeup industry for television, film, stage, and other performances, so it’s no surprise they have also created some of our best-performing skincare products. The pros that formulated them knew their products had to perform under any conditions and on any skin type, no matter what the actors, models, or clients used on a regular basis for their skincare routine.
Additionally, professional brands focus on creating skincare products that play well with makeup. From mixing them with makeup to create different finishes and textures to the prep products like toners, moisturizers, and primers, they are created to maximize the beauty of the makeup placed on top.
To help explain this even further, Eugenia Weston of Senna Cosmetics joined Chelsie for an episode of Camera Ready LIVE on Instagram to explain the benefits of professional makeup brand skincare products.
Top Three Skincare Products
Best Selling Skincare
Look in any makeup artist's kit, and you’re bound to find at least one of our top three best selling skincare items inside.
Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre
Bioderma Sensibio H2O
FITISH Don’t Sweat It
Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentrate
is a medium-weight cream and a multitasker! It acts as a great base for makeup application and leaves the skin soft and supple. It can also be used as a moisturizer or a hydrating mask. For makeup artists, it can be used as a quick five-minute mask to alleviate dry and flaky skin. Simply apply a generous layer to the skin, leave on for approximately five minutes, and massage in excess.
Make a makeup mistake? Lait Creme Concentre can help with that, too! Apply a small amount to a cotton swab and lightly swipe where you want to correct the makeup. From sharpening a winged liner or gently wiping away a hint of mascara from the lower lash line, Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre has you covered.
Even if you’re not a pro, you can use this ultra-rich product to help balance the hydration levels in your skin to reduce excess oiliness or dryness. You can also use it to replace your favorite hand and body cream for those days you’re in need of extra moisture!
Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre PRO Tip:
Use this emollient product as a mixing medium to create your own custom products. Depending on the amount, you’re able to make wax or cream-based foundations more emollient and can sheer them down to a coverage similar to a tinted moisturizer. You can even scrape off some of the pigment from your favorite highlighter to create a radiant creamy highlighter that looks extra healthy and glowy.
Bioderma Sensibio H2O
Bioderma Sensibio H2O has been a favorite for makeup artists and enthusiasts alike because it is available in varying sizes and contains non-irritating ingredients. Sensibio H2O is gentle to be used around the eyes but effective enough to prep and cleanse the skin. This comes in handy for makeup artists wanting to quickly switch looks or clean up imperfections. You can even remove the most pigmented lipstick without leaving the skin feeling raw or irritated.
For makeup lovers that are curious about this popular product, consider its many uses. In addition to serving as an effective makeup remover, it can also be used to cleanse and refresh the skin post-workout or doing a hot summer day. Unlike many drugstore micellar waters, Bioderma Sensibio H2O is created without irritants or chemicals that can leave the skin sensitive.
Additionally, Sensibio H2O contains Cucumber Extract which hydrates and soothes, so it’s the perfect product to cleanse, tone, and calm the skin all-in-one! This great ingredient can also alleviate redness and itchiness.
FITISH Don’t Sweat It
If you haven’t heard about FITISH Beauty, it’s a skincare and lifestyle brand that focuses on wellness through calming ingredients and self care. The key ingredient used in FITISH products is CBD, and the benefits for the skin include reducing inflammation and redness. Don’t Sweat It is a CBD-infused setting spray that has been known to even keep on a full face of makeup even after an intense workout.
Additional ingredients including aloe, green tea, and allantoin help add extra hydration, soothing moisture, and protect your skin with each wear.
Top Three Hair Care Products
Best Selling Hair Care
We proudly serve both the professional makeup artist world as well as makeup and beauty lovers, so it's no surprise our best selling hair care products are styling products that help refresh a style and lock it in place all day (or night) long!
Oribe Gold Lust Dry Texturizing Spray
Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo
Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo
Oribe has created several iconic product lines including the best selling Gold Lust and Beautiful Color collections, and we're proud to offer kit and travel-friendly sizes of most of their products. Similarly, Living Proof has their cult-favorite Perfect Hair Day line that works well on a wide range of hair types making it a perfect choice for pros to work on a variety of clients.
Top Three Body Care Products
Our best selling body care products will come as no surprise because they feature brands included in our top three skincare products list!
Embryolisse Lait Creme Fluide Hydratant
Bioderma Atoderm Cream
FITISH Tone Down Body Cream
Embryolisse Lait Creme Fluide Hydratant
If you feel like the name of our best selling body care product sounds familiar, you're correct! Lait Creme Fluide Hydratant is the full body version of best selling Lait Creme Concentre. Embryolisse Lait Creme Fluide Hydratant contains all the same hydrating ingredients found in the best selling version for your face but is intended for your full body to seal in moisture. This light, velvety smooth lotion replenishes the moisture your skin craves, leaving it soft and supple.
Bioderma Atoderm Cream
As service providers, professional makeup artists are constantly disinfecting and taking extra steps to keep things as clean and sanitary as possible. That not only includes disinfecting their kit, tools, and products but also their hands. With increased hand washing and sanitizing, a professional-grade moisturizer is a must-have. Just like with many other professionals, a makeup artist's hands are the most essential tool to their work, so Bioderma Atoderm Cream deeply hydrates without being heavy, so they're still able to work while being freshly moisturized. It's also great to apply to talent if they will be shooting images showing with their hands, legs, or chest in the frame.
FITISH Tone Down Body Cream
This CBD-infused body cream is the richer and denser version of their Tone Down spray. It's the ultimate self care treat for those with congested or sensitive skin because it provides an instant cooling effect and contains ingredients that help reduce inflammation, acne, eczema, and psoriasis. It's great for brides and clients that tend to have redness or sensitive skin, and it's the perfect post-workout treatment or post-summer sun body care product.
Feeling Inspired?
Are you feeling inspired? Explore our best selling pro-approved skincare, hair care, and body care. 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.
January Staff Top Picks
At Camera Ready, we take pride in offering the best products in the industry and have incredibly high standards for the makeup, tools, skincare, and hair care we have within our own collections. That's why we are sharing our top picks to get Camera Ready! Enjoy learning more about our January Top Picks!
Stacy's Top Picks
I recently picked up one of Danessa Myricks' Inifinte Gemstone Kits from her holiday collection, and I am loving the new Infinite Chrome Pencils! In particular, I've been loving the shades Opal and Jade. The formula is great and doesn't tug at your skin, and it's easy and fun fun to put in the waterline to open up my eye with a subtle multichrome iridescence. They have such a precise tip, and the formula is waterproof. If you've been wanting to dip your toe into the multichrome trend, this is hands down the way to go.
My other top pick for the month will probably make you laugh. I bought the L.A. Girl PRO Color Foundation Mixing Pigment in the shade white because I wanted an easy-to-use product to turn my husband's eyebrows and beard white for a quick change Santa Claus during the holidays. It worked out perfectly. I then started using a small amount with my foundation since it is a tad bit dark this time of year, and it worked liek a charm. The formula is incredibly pigmented but easy to blend. It works perfectly with both my liquid and cream foundations to create a perfect match. This product is great to have in your personal makeup collection or in your artist kit. Plus, it's super affordable. If you've struggled like many others to find your perfect winter shade, add a tiny bit of this to your favorite summer foundations for a custom match!
Danessa Myricks Infinite Chrome Pencils
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L.A. Girl Color Mixing Pigment
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Chelsie's Top Picks
When it comes to complexion products, I always strive to achieve a natural, skin-like finish, and Danessa Myricks Beauty Balm Contour makes it so easy! It is formulated with some of my favorite skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E, so the formula is ultra-creamy and blendable. It essentially does my job for me! I have a history of acne-prone and extremely dry skin, so in the past, it had been very difficult to find a contour product that doesn't look muddy or emphasize my dryness. That's why Beauty Balm Contour is a game-changer. It performs well on different skin types. This looks undetectable on the skin while still providing a gorgeous warmth and dimension to your look! In terms of my kit, there is such a wide variety of shades and undertones, so I know I can rely on this product and will never run into a moment where I can't find a shade for someone.
As a licensed esthetician and makeup professional, I look for double-duty products and am ALL about hydration! Senna's Moisture Mist is the perfect toner because it balances the skin's pH, provides soothing hydration, and contains plenty of antioxidants to enrich your skin and protect it against environmental stressors. It also helps your serums and moisturizers to penetrate deeper into your skin and is great over makeup as a refresher or to blend out any powders. With Aloe, Hyaluronic Acid, and Lavender Oil, it really is the perfect combination of ingredients packed into a mist!
Danessa Myricks Beauty Balm Contour
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Senna Moisture Mist
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Calvin's Top Picks
Have you ever heard the saying, " it's not your makeup it's your tools"? It's a phrase that I live by. I recently added the MYKITCO My Flawless Face Brush 0.22 to apply foundation to my clients, and it makes me wonder what took me so long to try it! It glides across the skin and allows you to buff product faster for a smoother finish regardless of the coverage. You can kiss patches and streaks goodbye, and your blending time will be cut in half!
PRO Tip: Dot your liquid foundation onto the main points of your face like the cheeks, forehead, and chin. Grab the Flawless Face Brush and your favorite setting spray. Give the brush a light spritz and blend out your foundation. You've now given your complexion a long-wear, flawless finish.
For my other top pick this month, I have to give a shout out to a powder that may seem like a splurge but is well worth it. The By Terry Colorless Hydra-Care Powder is a makeup artist's dream because it works with pretty much any foundation formula and is so finely milled that it's essentially weightless. It won't look nor feel like you're wearing powder, but it sets the makeup beautifully and increases the wear time for everyday use or for the biggest events. You won't have flashback, and it's one of those products that look better as the day goes on. For a convenient on-the-go option, they also offer a pressed powder compact.
MYKITCO My Flawless Face Brush 0.22
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By Terry Colorless Hydra-Care Powder
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Liz's Top Picks
This past summer, I experienced an insane allergic reaction. I spent months working to heal the damage done to my face and upper body. During my reaction, nothing would calm my skin or create the soothing effects I was looking for. Right before this happened, I had started trying out Saint Jane Beauty. After trying countless recommendations from my General Practitioner, Allergist, and Dermatologist, I decided to put my Saint Jane products to the test, and I wasn't disappointed. My skin started to calm down and heal. It was a relief, and as I have healed, I continue to use Saint Jane's Luxury Beauty Serum and Body Serum daily. It gives my skin the most beautiful, healthy glow, and it even helps my skin look flawless when I put on makeup. Some days, I go makeup-free and get compliments on my skin. I can't think of any other products that have made such a positive impact on my skin.
For hair care, I've been really enjoying Sachajuan's Leave In Conditioner. I have fine color-treated hair that needs a lot of moisturizing products to feel soft and look bouncy. It's incredibly lightweight, and that's important for my fine but thick color-treated hair. It also helps control frizz and flyaways, adds shine, and refreshes my style if I give my hair a quick mist throughout the day.
Saint Jane Luxury Beauty Serum
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Sachajuan Leave In Conditioner
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Lauren's Top Picks
As a makeup artist, I have tried a lot of different blush formulas, and pigmentation and long-wear are essential. The Lethal Cosmetics MAGNETIC Face Powder Blushes have been an amazing addition to my kit because they check all the boxes for what I need in a blush and offer unique colors that work on a variety of skin tones! From rich wine shades to face brightening coral, orange, and even a yellow-toned blush, you'll be able to create a unique flush that will brighten up any look.
A kit staple and personal favorite for my own routine during the winter season is Embryolisse Creme Exfoliante. It's no secret that Embryolisse makes a lot of makeup artist staples! This creamy cleanser is ideal for all skin types because it has microspheres that provide gentle physical exfoliation along with hyaluronic acid, vitamins A, E, and F, and other nourishing ingredients. It's the perfect way to revitalize your skin and give you a healthy glow no matter how dull, dreary, or cold the weather may be outside!
Lethal Cosmetics MAGNETIC Face Powder Blush
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Embryolisse Creme Exfoliante
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Morgan's Top Picks
The True + Luscious Lucky Glow Palette is extremely pigmented, and when I say the highlighters glow, I mean they GLOW. The texture is smooth and lightweight, and it doesn't emphasize my skin's natural texture.
When it comes to mascara, I'm always trying new formulas. On me, mascaras usually smudge, flake, or are messy to apply. However, when I tried the Smashbox Super Fan Mascara, I was impressed both from the very first time I tried it and have made it my go-to mascara for several months now! I've been using this mascara for a few months now, and my lashes still look like the first application. It's one of those great formulas that isn't too wet or too dry, helps keep my lashes separated, doesn't flake nor smudge, and gives me everything I want when it comes to my lashes! I know I'll be repurchasing this again and again!
True + Luscious Lucky Glow Palette
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Smashbox Super Fan Mascara
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Jessica's Top Picks
As a licensed cosmetologist who did hair for over a decade, it's safe to say I am picky when it comes to my hair care products! I have a sensitive scalp that can get very dry yet also oily from the South Florida humidity, and I think I've tested just about every brand for hair care there is! When my scalp is feeling a bit on the more oily side, I must say I LOVE using the Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo. It truly gives you that "squeaky clean" feeling and really helps with any product build-up!
As I don't wash my hair daily, I rely on Oribe's Gold Lust Dry Shampoo. It smells amazing, and it doesn't leave that white residue most dry shampoos leave. I have dark brown hair, and it's hard to find a dry shampoo that is undetectable! With this product, I am able to go longer between washes without looking like I really need a wash... don't judge me, if you know you KNOW.
Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo
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Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo
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Maria's Top Picks
When it comes to complexion products, I tend to stick to my tried and true. I am in my late 30s and have normal skin that's slightly dry leaning in the winter, and I prefer foundations that are perfecting and that give me natural-looking coverage without feeling heavy. If the formula has added skincare benefits, that's the icing on the cake, and Jouer's Essential High Coverage Creme Foundation checks all of those boxes! I don't know how they did it, but this liquid foundation is more pigmented than any other foundation I've ever tried while still feeling like you're not wearing makeup. A half pump can cover my entire face, and once it sets, it's there all day. It's one of those formulas that actually gets more natural-looking and beautiful as the day goes on, and I have found that I don't even have to set it! For reference, my other favorites include Joe Blasco Ultrabase, RCMA Liquid Foundation, and Chanel Ultra Le Teint.
The other product I haven't been able to stop using this month goes hand in hand with my other pick! When it comes to foundation, I'm that person that prefers to blend it out with fingertips or the Dose of Colors Penpoint Beauty Sponge. However, I have added the PRO Multiblender to my complexion routine because it gives my creamier foundations like Joe Blasco Ultrabase & RCMA Liquid Foundation the prettiest natural finish and blends them out better than any other tool I've ever used. Additionally, it gives me extra play-time for foundations that set faster than others (like the Jouer Essential High Coverage Creme Foundation). The texture of this sponge is unlike anything I've ever used! It's so bouncy and almost squishy feeling, so it's incredibly comfortable and fun to use. I have also found that I prefer to use it dry because it gives me a smooth finish that you'd expect from other beauty sponges that have been wet, so it's the ultimate tool in any situation (in my gym bag, for quick application, travel, etc.)!
Jouer Essential High Coverage Creme Foundation
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Camera Ready PRO Multiblender
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Feeling Inspired?
Ready to experience the products we can't get enough of? Click here to start exploring or top picks or click below to discover more great products. To learn more about our top picks from 2021, click here.
Want to create your perfect makeup, hair care, of skincare routine? Or team of Beauty Advisors are here to help! Click here to send them a message!
EXPLORE HAIR CARE
EXPLORE SKINCARE
EXPLORE SKINCARE TOOLS
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.
Camera Ready's Best of 2021: Makeup
A look inside our Dallas, TX, showroom
It seems like we blinked our eyes and another year flew by, but what a beautiful year it has been! From the addition of 19 new brands and a wealth of new releases, it's been a year we will never forget.
As we do each December, we like to reflect upon the beauty trends and the highlights from the year. From your favorite products, new collections, and our own favorite moments, let's discuss the products YOU have been loving this year!
2021 Best of: Face Makeup
This year, our top three face products are true professional staples. These products are the items that you, our beauty community, bought the most of this year. They are the workhorses, the items that can be used no matter the job (bridal, editorial, etc.), and if you're a pro, odds are you have most of them in your kit. If you're a makeup lover that wants to learn what the pros love and use, be sure to take notes on the products below!
3. Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Face Essentials Palette
Co-created with Make Up For Ever's pro makeup artists, the most essential shades were hand-picked out of their two most famous blush and foundation palettes for you to get the best of everything. This universal multi-use palette provides 12 shades to use alone or blend together. Mix the shades together to create your own unique makeup look & play with them to sculpt the face at your heart’s content.
2. Danessa Myricks Vision Cream Cover
Envision perfect skin that has a smoother and more even tone. Now imagine if you could achieve that look with a foundation that provides long-wearing high coverage while still feeling comfortable all day. Danessa Myricks' Vision Cream Cover fits the bill and is an all-in-one foundation & concealer created with the latest in texture minimizing technology to model the art of perfect skin while defying age, concealment of skin conditions such as hyper-pigmentation, and the ability to cover uneven discolorations while appearing like gorgeous skin. This foundation was designed for makeup lovers and artists alike and is available in a variety of sizes ranging from samples to kits containing 10 shades for working artists to expand their kit.
1. RCMA VK Cream Foundation
RCMA VK Foundation is a professional, highly pigmented, blendable cream base that is formulated without perfume, mineral oil, or lanolin. It performs beautifully for photography, film, and anywhere high-definition quality is needed with a finish that feels light enough for every day wear as well. While it's been a makeup artist staple for years, many makeup lovers have started adding the popular 5 Pan version of this pro classic to their foundation lineup because it offers a range of shades to help you customize the perfect shades for contour, highlight, and base all in one convenient and portable palette! For the pro on the go, we recommend either buying a premade palette or even creating your own using our Palette Builder and the single refills of this beloved formula!
Honorable Mention
In June, RCMA released a Liquid Foundation, Liquid Concealer, and new powders to complement their existing lineup of complexion products. Since then, it's been dubbed "The BEST FOUNDATION I've ever used..." by beauty influencer Tati Westbrook and received rave reviews from pro artists like Wayne Goss.
RCMA VK Foundation
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Danessa Myricks Beauty Vision Cream Cover
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Make Up For Ever Face Essentials Palette
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2021 Best of: Lips
This year, bold lips were back, and these products truly delivered! Although they're designed with the makeup artist and a wide variety of clients in mind, we know they're the perfect way for makeup lovers to enjoy some of the best formulas the beauty industry has to offer.
3. Ben Nye One for All Palette
This handy lip palette consist of beautifully, creamy shades of nudes, pinks, and reds, perfect for matching to any client. Save time in your appointments and room in your kit! This sleek, compact case has a clear lid for instant accessibility. Ben Nye's formula has a rich, moist base that lasts throughout the hours offering full coverage and endless possibilities.
2. Graftobian Super Palette
Graftobian's long lasting lip formula has been a long-time favorite for pros, and this 18-Color Super Palette is the ultimate must-have for those wanting a wide range of shades in a single palette. The formula is ideal for print and film work, and the palette includes a 4 x 6 inch mirror, and a lip brush groove making it extra kit friendly. The colors included may be viewed here and offers Graftobian's best selling shades.
1. Danessa Myricks Beauty Luxe Cream Palettes
In true Danessa Myricks' fashion, these pro palettes are filled with an innovative cream-based formula that can be used multiple ways. If you're after a dewy blush, tap a little onto your cheeks. However, the most popular way to use the Luxe Cream Palette is for the lips. The Feminist palette features more vibrant reds, corals, and pinks while The Nudist offers a wide range of nudes perfect for any occassion.
Honorable Mention: Mehron Lipstix Sealer
While this product didn't make the top three list, it definitely made a splash this year on YouTube! This smudge and waterproof formula seals color in with just a light coating to keep color from fading or transferring. It's essentially like a setting spray for your lips, and a little goes a long way to help keep your lipstick in place.
Ben Nye One for All
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Graftobian Super Palette
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Danessa Myricks Beauty Luxe Cream Palette
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Mehron Lipstix Sealer
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2021 Best of: Eyes
It's no surprise there was still a big focus on eye makeup this year! Do you have any of our top three eye products in your collection?
3. Lethal Cosmetics MAGNETIC Pressed Eyeshadow
If you love unique colors, a range of finishes, and silky smooth mattes, you will love Lethal Cosmetics MAGNETIC Pressed Eyeshadows. You can shop singles in metallic, matte, and multichrome shades or explore a range of pre-built palettes. However, if your inner artist is feeling extra creative, you can build your own palette using our palette builder. Lethal Cosmetics, based in Berlin, takes pride in sourcing ethical ingredients including ethically-sourced Mica.
2. Viseart Grande Pro 1X
Back by popular demand, this pigment-rich palette of 35 essential matte shades has been expanded upon to create the ultimate work-ready professional palette. Grande Pro 1X extends upon the iconic Viseart Grande Pro 1, redesigned featuring the addition of 11 new mattes, highly requested by loyal makeup artists and Viseart makeup lovers with shades ideal for shading, highlighting, and defining.
Totaling 35 shades in the new 1.5 gram pan size of the Étendu collection, these shadows are ideal for interchangeability and endless creativity. New shades include: 15 (Letterbox), 9 (Creme), 16 (Piglet), 23 (Liaison), 3 (Café Creme), 10 (Dove), 31 (Thistle), 25 (Framboise), 5 (Nude Caramel), 11 (Bis), 19 (Blush).
The universally flattering shades are magnetized, allowing for easy customization for the artist who requires flexibility. Housed within Viseart’s iconic proprietary convertible packaging with folding easel and conveniently laid out to support global skin tones with blending and mixing of hues in one artist's palette!
1. Inglot AMC Gel Liner
Odds are, you either own this cult favorite liner or have heard about it through the grapevine, and for good reason! This buttery formula will not go anywhere once applied and boasts a smudge-proof, budge-proof, and crease-proof finish. It is available in a wide range of highly pigmented shades in a waterproof formula that will last all day (and night).
2021 Best of: Setting Sprays
Last year, makeup influencer and entrepreneur Jackie Aina put Final Seal on the radar of many makeup lovers, but this year introduced even more beauty enthusiasts to the world of professional makeup sealers. Our best selling setting sprays are listed below. Want to learn more about setting sprays? Check out "All About Setting Spray" blog series!
3. Skindinavia Bridal Makeup Finishing Spray
This award-winning formula perfectly balances the skin and offers makeup protection for the most important events! It controls excess moisture and levels out temperatures with Skindinavia's patented Temperature Control Technology so your makeup stays fresh and flawless for up to 16 hours.
Wear it alone to provide a satin-like finish to your face or under makeup for extra makeup protection to ensure your makeup won't budge through hours of dancing the night away. Oil, paraben, and sulfate free, this formula is ideal for all skin types - even sensitive!
2. Kryolan Fixing Spray
This setting spray needs no introduction. Pro makeup artitsts have been using it for years, but thanks to a a viral TikTok video, this sealer skyrocketed in popularity amongst makeup lovers. Fixing Spray creates an invisible protective film which prolongs the life of the makeup. It's a favorite for those working in theatre, bridal, and SFX, and it has a permanent place in our kits, too!
1. Ben Nye Final Seal
This pro staple sealer has been a pro favorite for decades and is the number one choice for stage makeup, film, and more, but it gained mainstream appeal in 2020 thanks to Jackie Aina's Mask Proof Makeup tutorial on YouTube. While the 2 oz spray bottle was our most popular size, it is also available in 1 oz and 4 oz spray bottles and 8 oz and 16 oz bottles with caps for those wanting to refill their smaller bottles.
Honorable Mention: FITISH Beauty Don't Sweat It
For those looking for a unique everyday setting spray with skincare benefits, we recommend FITISH Beauty Don't Sweat It! This CBD-infused sealer comes in at fourth place in popularity this year and locks in makeup and provides lightweight moisture. It's formulated with skin-loving ingredients like aloe, green tea, allantoin, and eucalyptus, so spray with abandon and know your skin will thank you for it later!
Samples
We know how important it is to be able to test drive a product to find the perfect shade and to see how it works on your skin before purchasing the full-size, and we proudly offer a wide range of samples including foundation, powders, and more - both in our Dallas showroom and online! Keep reading to see what samples were the most popular this year!
3. Face Atelier Ultra Foundation
A favorite for bridal makeup artists and those that want a lightweight foundation that gives you a your-skin-but-better look, Face Atelier's Ultra Foundation is one of the industry's best kept secrets! This self-setting silicone-based foundation has a built in primer and is a great choice for textured skin because the silicone create an optical blurring effect that diminishes the look of fine lines and wrinkles, creating the illusion of a smoother, more uniform skin with a naturally dewy finish It can be built up to full coverage or sheered out perfectly for those that want lighter coverage.
2. Hot Makeup Pores Away
Say goodbye to texture and visible pores with Hot Makeup's Pores Away Vanishing Cream. A little goes a long way with this primer, so it's no surprise many folks that buy a sample end up purchasing the full-size! Simply apply to moisturized skin with a sponge for smooth application before foundation or by itself for instant blurring and to smooth the appearance of textured skin. This oil-free formula nourishes skin with Vitamin E while helping your makeup stay on longer.
1. Joe Blasco Ultrabase Foundation
There's a reason this is one of Kim Kardashian's personal favorites, and scores of artists over the span of decades agree - there's nothing quite like Joe Blasco Ultrabase Foundation! This creamy, weatherproof, ultra lightweight foundation is packed with color to effortlessly conceal stubborn hyper-pigmentation, blemishes, and uneven skin tones. Kim Kardashian's tone is Olive Beige 3.
Just a little goes a long way and lasts throughout the day. With superior coverage and 38+ shades to choose from, there's an Ultrabase for everyone! Apply with a dampened or dry sponge and build for desired coverage.
Honorable Mention: RCMA No Color Powder
RCMA No Color Powder came in at the fourth place for our best selling samples this year, and we know why. It's one of those "is it too good to be true" types of products that you hear about and wonder if it's worth the hype, and the 1980+ reviews on our site will let you know that is truly 5-star worthy. It does exactly what you need it to, no more and no less! This totally translucent powder disappears for a completely invisible hold and keeps shine at bay. If you prefer a pressed version, you can purchase that here.
Face Atelier Ultra Foundation
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Hot Makeup Pores Away
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Joe Blasco Ultrabase Foundation
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RCMA No Color Powder
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Honorable Mentions
We feel lucky we had the chance to introduce more makeup brands to our lineup this year including well-known brands Jouer Cosmetics and Dose of Colors. However, many of the newest members to our Camera Ready Family found us while searching for indie brands we started carrying this year including Sydney Grace.
If you love discovering the best next thing, we recommend checking out the following:
Meloway is a new brand that offers a unique twist on mascara and one of the best eyeliner pens you'll ever use. The Meloway Your Way Mascara and Primer both have a pivoting brush applicator to give you precise application that can reach even each and every lash! Gavissi is a Florida-based family-owned company that creates unique shades of water-activated liners including best selling multichrome liners and UV-reactive shades. From individual shades to split-color pans, we know you'll have fun experimenting with Gavissi.
Feeling Inspired?
Our goal is to continue to seek out the best brands that we know you'll love, so stay tuned for more exciting news and brands as we head into the new year!
Are you ready to start exploring all the great products we have to offer? Click the pictures below to start shopping!
BEST SELLERS
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SKINCARE
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HAIR CARE
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MAKEUP
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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.
Camera Ready's Best of 2021: Hair Care, Skincare, & Tools
As beauty lovers, products that make getting Camera Ready easier and faster are always at the top of our favorites lists! That's why we get so excited when we find a great hair care product, new tools, and skincare that can help give us a great base for makeup. Let's dive into the products you loved the most this year!
Hair Products
Our top products were based on the items you bought the most this year, and for the hair obsessed, our list is dominated by one brand. Oribe offers professional hair care formulated without parabens and sodium chloride. Their entire line of products is gluten-free, cruelty-free, color and keratin treatment safe, and offers UV-protection for the hair. Each of the following award-winning products are available in travel size as well as full-size options.
3. Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo
This rejuvenating cleanser combines centuries-old healing oils and extracts including cypress, argan, and maracuja, with a revolutionary bio-restorative complex to balance the scalp and reinforce the inner strength of each strand. Your hair will reawaken to its glossiest, healthiest prime.
2. Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo
Instantly clean with Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo. Extend your blowout and prevent damage with this transformative dry shampoo. It absorbs product buildup, oil, and impurities with translucent powders while soothing the scalp, restoring strength, and softness. Fragrance-retention technology means Oribe's signature scent stays with you all day.
1. Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray
Get bigger, better, full-on glamorous hair with this revolutionary spray. This invisible dry hair spray builds in incredible volume and sexy texture. Patented polymers absorb oil at the roots, leaving you with just-styled hair for days (and nights). So easy to use, shake, and spray where you want volume.
Honorable Mention: SACHAJUAN Scalp Shampoo
SACHAJUAN is known for their proprietary blend of ingredients called Ocean Silk Technology. Simple in its roots yet highly effective, Ocean Silk Technology is derived from the extract of two cold-water algae—Rhodophycea and Chondrus. By perfectly combining these ingredients, SACHAJUAN’s Ocean Silk Technology improves elasticity and adds long-lasting moisture and shine to the hair. It works both on the surface and the interior of the hair, nourishing the scalp and adding to the hair’s mineral balance.
This special shampoo is formulated with piroctone olamine and climbazole to remove dandruff and to soothe an irritated scalp. Rosemary oil, menthol, salicylic acid, and ginger extract soothe and maintain healthy moisture balance of hair and scalp.
Face Moisturizers
Most makeup artists will agree beautiful makeup starts with beautiful skin. Each of the following products not only work beautifully on their own but can be used to prep the skin before foundation.
3. Danessa Myricks Beauty Oil
This luxury facial oil has a unique blend of 9 nourishing oils and skin-friendly ingredients like plante-derived Squalene and Gold leaf designed to leave your skin feeling smooth & hydrated bringing forth your natural radiance.
This lightweight formula was designed to work with all skin types with special attention to oily skin. It hydrates the skin leaving it with a natural-looking radiant finish. Wear it alone for a boost of hydration day and night, or mix a small drop of the Beauty Oil with your favorite foundation for added luminosity.
2. Embryolisse Hydra-Mat Emulsion
This nourishing and mattifying lotion penetrates deeply into the skin, leaving the face feeling fresh and hydrated. A true multi-tasker, Hydra-Mat balances moisture while absorbing excess oil and shine. Apricot oil tones the skin, leaving the face feeling soft, smooth, and matte all day. The jellylike texture is lightweight and dissolves quickly, making it ideal to use under makeup for a flawless face that lasts into the night.
1. Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre
Peek inside any Makeup artist's kit and you are sure to find a tube of Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre 24 Hour Miracle Cream. A cult favorite among pros since 1950, this intense and nourishing lotion is three products in one: primer, moisturizer, and makeup remover. The light and silky texture absorbs easily into skin, leaving it soft, supple, and camera ready.
Full of nourishing ingredients like shea butter, fatty acids, and soy proteins, it repairs and firms the skin, restores elasticity, and creates a healthy glow reminiscent of younger days. The beauty industry's secret weapon, this hardworking cream can also be used to reduce irritation after shaving, as a foundation mixing agent, and even as a hair texturizer.
Honorable Mention Fitish Beauty Dewing It Moisturizer
Packed with nutrients, Fitish Beauty Dewing It Moisturizer will leave your skin beautifully dewy. It’s fragrance-free and filled with botanical antioxidants including CBD. The lightweight whipped texture leaves your skin dewy and supple without leaving you feeling sticky or greasy, and a little goes a long way. It protects the skin from environmental damage and helps to clarify and hydrate for smoother skin while promoting collagen production.
Danessa Myricks Beauty Oil
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Embryolisse Emulsion Hydra-Mat
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Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre
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Tools
The term “tools” can apply to different types of products including brushes, applicators, and even skincare devices. However, the common thread for all of the products we consider tools is that they improve the makeup, skincare, or hair care application or experience. Let’s discuss the tools you loved the most in 2021!
3. Temptu - Air
Create the most flawless, natural-looking skin-like finish with the Temptu Air. This cordless airbrush device can achieve red-carpet beauty in minutes, using less makeup than traditional makeup. In othr words, you'll enjoy a simplied and a more hygienic beauty routine. The three-speed airflow and SoftTouch control allows you to customize coverage from sheer to medium-to-full. Temptu has revolutionized the makeup industry with this portable device. It is no wonder this tool is a staple in so many makeup artist’s kits. Looking to get started with airbrush makeup? Temptu offers the Temptu Air Best Sellers Basics Kit including the Temptu Air device.
2. GLAMCOR Multimedia X (w/ Selfie Function & Universal Phone Clip)
The GLAMCOR Multimedia X with Selfie Function & Universal Phone Clip has color temperature adjustability, remote control, and an array of accessories for all devices. It's a portable lighting studio that is lightweight, durable, and powerful. The MULTIMEDIA X is the ultimate content creation solution. With the Bluetooth Selfie Function, you can pair your smartphone to the light and use the remote control to take your photos and video to the highest level. Use the Multimedia X to film your tutorials by adding a camera, iPad, or smartphone. Great lighting is a must-have for makeup and photography.
In our Danessa Myricks's Camera Ready Favorites Blog, she mentions that "amazing lighting is a non-negotiable for me! If I’m on a live, or hosting a masterclass, GLAMCOR has some amazing lighting options for all artists."
1. Conture Kinetic Skin Toning System w/ Serum
It is no surprise this viral sensation landed in our #1 spot after Jessica Alba described the Conture Kinetic Skin Toning System as a tool "that does all the things". Beauty Influencer Tati Westbrook tested this skincare tool and said she looked younger and sculpted thanks to the treatment.
Conture is committed to discovering new ways to care for skin that are easy, painless, and deliver proven results. They have done just that with their Kinetic Skin Toning System by utilizing Isometric Compression combined with Low Frequency Vibrations to gently stimulate and tone skin for a more youthful-looking appearance. This technology is similar to those used, and once only available, by professionals in med-spas and skin centers. Used daily, the Conture Kinetic Skin Toning System has been clinically shown to enhance the appearance and absorption of skin. Resulting in the overall signs of aging, dull and tired-looking skin are improved and skin is left feeling and looking radiant and more youthful.
Honorable Mention MYKITCO My Pro Selects Makeup Brush Set
The MYKITCO My Pro Selects Makeup Brush Set contains a selection of 16 MYKITCO brushes hand-picked by makeup artist and co-founder Jame Molloy. You have every brush you need to create flawless skin, stunning eyes, perfect brows, and defined lips. These brushes are trusted by makeup artists and loved by makeup lovers alike.
Body Products
Body care and self care go hand in hand. Each of these products will no doubt leave your skin happier and healthier.
3. Fitish Beauty Tone Down Body Cream
Tone Down Body Cream uses the finest THC-Free CBD in combination with aloe, green tea, coffee, and peppermint. It's cooling, clarifying, and moisturizing. It was created to help calm redness but has shown results for conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne on the body. For a lightweight spray-on version of this fan favorite, opt for Fitish Beauty Tone Down Facial Mist.
2. Embryolisse 222000 Lait Creme Fluide Hydratant 500ml
Embryolisse Lait Crème Fluide contains all the same hydrating ingredients found in the best selling 24 Hour Cream but is formulated specifically for your hands and body. This light and velvety smooth lotion replenishes the moisture your skin craves, leaving it soft and supple. Apply to your entire body after bathing for an intense hydration that lasts all day.
1. Esker Beauty Body Plane
The Esker Beauty Body Plane is inspired by the rituals of ancient Greek and Roman bathhouses. Strigils were metal scraping tools used for oil cleansing from head to toe. This modern take on the strigil is crafted from premium teak wood. The stainless steel blunt edge is plated with colloidal sterling silver which is naturally antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, leaving skin soothed and smoothed. This tool gently and thoroughly exfoliates the skin without damaging or irritating its moisture barrier. It helps smooth skin and alleviate roughness and patchiness including ingrown hairs and keratosis pilaris.
Honorable Mention Indie Lee Coconut Citrus Scrub
The scent of this clean-beauty scrub is almost good enough to eat thanks to natural ingredients including lemongrass, lemon balm, and vanilla. It also contains raw cane sugar, coconut oil, and jojoba oil for a moisture boost with gentle exfoliation.
Honorable Mentions
It was an exciting year for us when it comes to skincare, hair care, and tools, so we wanted to spotlight a few extra brands we've added this year!
Saint Jane offers luxurious skincare and beauty products that incorporate calming botanicals including CBD and sustainably sourced ingredients for all skin types and skin tones. Each ingredient is gently extracted to optimize purity and performance and meticulously blended to ensure maximum potency.
Ilios Lighting was created to solve the mirror and lighting needs of makeup artists, photographers, and content creators in one innovative ring light. Mario Dedivanovic explains it best. "Lighting is such a critical part of everything I do, from makeup application to content creation," said Mario. "I not only see a need for this product, but a need for a company that truly embraces our industry and understands it. The Ilios Beauty Ring is the closest thing I’ve experienced to natural sunlight. The quality is just perfect.”
MYKITCO was created by makeup artist James Molloy and partner Alex. They took the utmost care to hand-make their original designs from scratch. James then tried and tested each and every bag and brush until they were perfect. With ultimate confidence in the quality they were offering, MYKITCO quickly became an industry favorite, responsible for some major kit upgrades all over the world.
AVENE has over 275 years of expertise in caring for sensitive skin and is recommended by dermatologists worldwide. At the heart of every formula, is clinically proven Avène Thermal Spring Water to soothe, soften and calm the skin.
Originating as pure rain mixed with sea-spray rich in mineral salts, Avène Thermal Spring Water makes its 50-year journey through the Cévennes Mountains in Avène, France. During this journey, the water filters through the dolomites, mineral-laden porous rocks, where it comes into contact with an ancient microorganism, named Aquaphilus Dolomiae*, that produces key substances which are in part responsible for making Avène Thermal Spring Water so effective. This remarkable biological property, combined with the well-known mineral properties, is the double signature of Avène Thermal Spring Water.
Feeling Inspired?
We hope you loved learning more about our top skincare, tools, and hair care! To start exploring, click the pictures below.
EXPLORE HAIR CARE
EXPLORE SKINCARE
EXPLORE SKINCARE TOOLS
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.
Back to the Basics: Male Grooming
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
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Tweezerman Tweezers
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Camera Ready Disposable Wands
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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
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Avène Hydrance Aqua Gel
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Embryolisse Hydra-Mat
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Make Up For Ever Step 1
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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
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RCMA VK Foundation Palette
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Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation
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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
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Graftobian 12-Color Dual Finish Powder Palette
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RCMA No Color Power
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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
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Graftobian StudioBrow Eyebrow Styling Wax
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Brett Brow - Arch Control Gel
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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
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Avène Thermal Spring Water
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Oribe Superfine Hair Spray 300mL
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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.
Allure Best of Beauty 2021
Information and images courtesy of Allure
Each fall, Allure releases their Best of Beauty awards and instantly catapults the winning products to cult status with their red stamp of approval. It's no easy feat to select the winners. They have an entire team dedicated to swatching, sampling, testing, and trying out numerous products to ensure they find products that truly stand out amongst a crowd of beautiful options.
This year, Camera Ready is proud to offer 18 products featured on the list across a wide range of categories - from hair and skincare to makeup and beauty tools. We're sure you'll find a few of your own favorites and kit essentials in the lineup.
Keep reading for a list of the game-changing, Allure-approved products you need, right now, or click here to start shopping!
Best of ... SKINCARE
St. Tropez Self Tan Express Advanced Bronzing Mousse, $22-40
For the third time, St. Tropez Self Tan Express Advanced Bronzing Mousse has earned the Best of Title for best self-tanner. Every self-tanner on Earth does its darkening with dihydroxyacetone (DHA), the chemical that prompts that faux golden glow. But somehow, St. Tropez has managed to make the customizable results of its Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse the most convincingly un-faux — to the point that your staunchly pro-sunscreen friends might scold you for laying out in the sun. A three-time Best of Beauty winner, the advanced formula even wows scientists. "What's really impressive about this technology is that they've been able to show that every time you wash it off after an hour, you'll get a light, even tan, and so on for the rest of the shades," cosmetic chemist Jim Hammer previously told Allure. "From a chemistry perspective, this sort of consistency is a real achievement. And for people at home, being able to pick three shades from one bottle? That's a first."
Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Mask, $36
Kiehl's Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Mask is formulated with Amazonian White Clay sourced from the mouth of the Amazon River. This detoxifying and purifying clay face mask helps draw out impurities, reduces surface oil production, and visibly minimizes pores.
GlamGlow BrightMud Dual-Action Exfoliating Treatment, $25-$60
A real glow-getter, GlamGlow Brightmud Dual-Action Exfoliating Treatment fits every imaginable brightener (AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C, pumice particles) into one elegant formula.
Patchology Serve Chilled Rosé Eye Gels, $3-$37
Laced with strawberry extract and resveratrol (the same antioxidant found in red wine), Patchology Serve Chilled Rosé Eye Gels smooth, brighten, and generally take the edge off the day. Want to up your self care game? Try the matching sheet mask!
Murad Intense Recovery Cream, $82
Murad’s richest cream to date, this award-winning product soothes the visible signs of skin stress, whether environmental or triggered by lifestyle. It may be used on the face and around eyes and reduces the visible signs of stress-induced aging and redness.
Hall of Fame - Best Self Tanner
Best Clarifying Mask
Best Brightening Mask
Best Eye Mask
Best Rich Moisturizer
Best of ... TOOLS
Sigma Beauty E40 Tapered Blending Brush, $17
Sigma's E40 brush may be designed to be a blending brush, but its shape and the less densely packed bristles have earned it the title of Allure's Best Highlighting Brush! Lightly tap your brush into your favorite highlighter and glide across the high points of your face for the perfect glow.
Tweezerman Classic Slant Tweezer, $23
If you feel like you're having deja vu, you're not. Tweezerman's Classic Slant Tweezer has been deemed the best tweezer for several years! Famous for its precision, the Slant Tweezer is consistently acclaimed as setting the standard for excellence and quality. With perfectly aligned, hand-finished tips that grab the hair every time, these stainless steel tweezers have been the choice of make-up artists, celebrities, and beauty professionals for over 30 years.
BeautyBlender The Original Makeup Sponge, $20
It may come as no surprise that this makeup sponge made the list again this year. In fact, this is the tenth time it's earned the Allure Best of title! Access hard-to-reach areas with stunning ease. The suede texture is sensual to the touch and features unique curves that fit the contours of your face, leaving makeup undetectable. Ideal for applying foundation, powder, BB + CC cream, cream blush, and powder. For best results, wet the sponge before applying makeup. At Camera Ready, we proudly offer a special professional value pack with six BeautyBlenders and a Solid Cleanser.
NuFACE Trinity, $399
For the second year in a row, the NuFACE Trinity has proudly claimed the Best of Skincare Device Title. This high-tech uses metal spheres to channel low-level current to facial muscles, painlessly zapping skin into a tighter, smoother, more toned-looking state.
Kevyn Aucoin The Eyelash Curler, $21
A few short pumps of this award-winning tool transforms lashes from plain Jane to gorgeously seductive! This eyelash curler is a must-have for makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts alike.
Best Tweezers
Best Highlighting Brush
Hall of Fame - Best Eyelash Curler
Hall of Fame - Best Makeup Sponge
Best Skin Device
Best of ... HAIR
Oribe Imperial Blowout Transformative Styling Creme Spray, $68
This transformative blowout crème, formulated with skincare technology, creates a full, flawless, iconic Oribe blowout that lasts for days while styling in strength, density, softness, and shine. The ultra-nourishing formula smoothes away signs of damage and aging for hair that looks and feels healthier and younger after just one use.
Christophe Robin Cleansing Volumizing Paste with Pure Rassoul Clay and Rose Extracts, $37
The Christophe Robin Cleansing Volumizing Paste With Pure Rassoul Clay and Rose Extracts is the ultimate grand gesture when you want to pamper your hair in the shower: The thick clay melts into an airy foam that polishes roots, softens ends, and smells intoxicatingly of roses.
Best Hair Splurge
Best Hair Splurge
Best of .... MAKEUP
Make Up For Ever Step 1 Hydra Boost Primer,$17-$37
The Hydra Booster Step 1 Primer is a skin-perfecting and softening base. It instantly hydrates and softens the skin, delivering a plumped effect and an instant luminous finish that lasts 24 hours. Powered by ginseng, glycerin, glycols, polymers, and spherical powder, Hydra Booster Step 1 Primer offers long-lasting hydration, while plumping and softening the skin with a creamy texture and a blurring effect.
Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer Duo, $32
Laura’s iconic Secret Camouflage, now simplified. A two-in-one, all-over face and under-eye concealer duo effortlessly blurs imperfections and brightens under the eyes. Two high-pigment good-for-skin formulas, infused with Brightening Pearls to brighten the delicate eye area and Lotus Flower Extract to calm skin, give you creamy concealing power anytime, anywhere.
Stila Stay All Day Dual-Ended Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, $28
Available in black or brown, this dual-ended liquid liner combines the effortless application of Stila's original liquid liner with the fine precision of Micro Tip.
Stila Heaven's Hue Cream Highlighter, $32
Bouncy-to-the-touch, these unique, radiance-enhancing highlighters are gossamer-light and melt into skin for a barely-there feel. Ultra-fine, light diffusing particles help skin look lit from within with a soft, luminous, natural-looking glow.
Available in three shades, there is a highlighter that suits every skin tone.
Danessa Myricks Beauty Twin Flames, $26
Danessa Myricks is no stranger to the Allure Best of Beauty list! Her pro-favorite Colorfix has won numerous awards in the past, and this year, her Twin Flames liquid eyeshadow now has the same claim to fame. One swipe delivers a holographic, multidimensional gleam.
Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Microfinishing Powder, $36
This finishing powder has earned a permanent spot in Allure Best of Beauty History thanks to winning the 'Best of' title six times! Created for the very latest high-definition technologies of the film and TV industry, ULTRA HD advanced formulas look invisible on 4K camera and to the naked eye. Perfect for the makeup pros and for you. It gives a light matte effect and a smooth luminous finish.
Best Primer
Best Undereye Concealer
Best Liquid Eyeliner
Best Cream Highlighter
Best Liquid Eyeshadow
Hall of Fame - Best Powder
Shop the Winners
Are you ready to discover what all the beauty buzz is about?! Click here to view all the products, or simply click one of the buttons below to add one your cart!
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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.
Beauty On The Go: Meet Our Favorite Travel Size & Multi-Tasking Products
As the weather gets warmer and more businesses open up, we are seeing the return of weddings and bookings, and many are starting to hit the road for a summer vacation. Whether you’re traveling for work or for pleasure, we’ve curated some of our favorite mini and travel sized beauty essentials to keep you looking fabulous wherever you are.
Tools Perfect for Travel
If you’re looking to trim down your travel bag, makeup tools are a great place to start. Tools can be some of the hardest items to downsize, but luckily, we have tons of miniature options that pack a punch without packing extra weight in your carry-on.
The Jenny Patinkin Luxury Vegan Petites Brush Set is a 4-piece set of palm-sized vegan makeup brushes in a convenient petite brush case. It includes two face brushes and two eye brushes, all with full-sized brush heads, for flawless application without the extra bulk. If you’re ready to wipe the day off, The Makeup Eraser “Giving Me Butterflies” 7-Day Set is perfect. Their best-selling reusable makeup wipe comes in a miniature version, and this 7-day set allows you to pack exactly enough for your trip so you can spot clean your brushes or remove makeup with ease.
FOR PROS:
For our pros on the go, the Esum Brush Book is a compact travel solution for those wanting to stay organized while on the road or on set. The elastic pocket on the right side is perfect for all of your brushes, and the clear, covered pocket on the left houses anything else you need to perfect your clients. If you need more space, the LippieBook Baby Pro is ideal for those that want to carry more with them without travelling with their entire kit. The LippieBook can hold 92 lipsticks and 27 lip pencils or eyeliners.
Vueset has always been a pro essential, but their newest mini-sized palettes can create almost-pocket-sized palettes that save even more space in your kit. They even offer a key ring, so you can hang your custom palette on the strap of a bag to free up more room!
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Multi-Tasking Makeup
Using a multi-purpose is a great way to slim down your makeup bag while still achieving a flawless look.
The Jillian Dempsey Cheek Tint is a cult favorite, formulated with bamboo stem extract to help moisturize and provide a protective skin barrier. It’s available in six versatile shades perfect for lips or cheeks. The Danessa Myricks Colorfix is another makeup artist staple — it’s a do-it-all workhorse that can be used in virtually every step of makeup application for a completely customized look. Choose from dozens of different colors and finishes, including matte, cream, glaze, and foil.
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Skincare Tools for On The Go
Even if you’re on the go, it’s easy to enjoy a quick self-care moment or to treat your client with these space-saving skincare tools.
If your plans have you jet-setting across time zones, even the most seasoned travelers can experience more skincare woes than normal. The NuFACE FIX can instantly help feather away the look of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, mouth, and forehead with a gentle microcurrent. Don't forget to use the included NuFACE Fix Line Serum, as it is essential in allowing the microcurrent to effectively reduce signs of aging, to restore hydration, and to enhance a flawless makeup application. The FIX is just slightly larger than the average-sized tube of mascara and perfect for a luxury skincare moment in the sky, the hotel, or on set, and it is easily recharged with a USB cord.
If your usual routine calls for a facial rolling session, the pocket-sized Petite Jenny Patinkin Rose on Rose Face Roller is ideal for your travel skincare ritual. This palm-sized yet powerful tool measures just 3.25 inches in length and can target smaller areas such as the eyes and mouth. It even comes with its own luxury vegan croc-embossed pouch in matte pink with a rose gold zipper making it an adorable – and indispensable – tool in your kit.
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Travel Size Skincare
Just because you’re taking a few days off doesn’t mean your skin can. You’ll likely want to keep up your skincare regime while away, and these adorable travel sizes make it easy (and TSA approved!)
To refresh a dull complexion after a long day of travel or work, indulge in the GlamGlow BrightMud Dual Action Exfoliating Treatment. This compact 15g bottle defeats dull skin in 20 minutes with AHA, BHA, and microfine pumice that help whisk away impurities and leave your skin soft, supple, and glowing.
The NuFace Prep N Glow Cleansing & Exfoliating Cloths are one of our favorites for cleansing away from home. Available in a 5 pack or 20 pack, these dual-sided cloths remove makeup, dirt, and oil with soft spunlace while the polishing micro-dots provide gentle exfoliation to brighten skin. They're perfect to refresh or prep for makeup application, and they're individually wrapped, making them easy to use and pack without fear of having a whole pack dry out!
Your favorite skincare products can be difficult to find in convenient travel sizes — luckily, Indie Lee has perfectly curated kits! If you’re new to the brand, pick up a discovery set to get the best value for your money, or scoop up your holy grail favorites in a mini size. The best-selling Squalane Oil — many MUAs’ secret to creating a glowing complexion — is available in a 10ml travel size. Their Banish Stick is also a travel favorite, as it’s created to be a super compact, fast-acting treatment for pesky blemishes.
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Hair Care
You can have camera ready hair no matter where your travels take you. If you need to look refreshed but have no time for a shower, we love the Sachajuan Dry Powder Shampoo. Brunettes can even enjoy the Sachajuan Dark Dry Powder Shampoo in a travel size; no one has time to worry about dry shampoo white cast while on the go!
All of our Oribe favorites are also available in minis. The Oribe Beautiful Color Travel Set is the perfect all-in-one if you have color-treated hair, with a travel size shampoo and conditioner specially formulated for preserving vibrant color.
If your destination is notorious for dry weather or you need a quick way to smooth your client's hair for their next event, the Oribe Gold Nourishing Lust Hair Oil will help tame your locks and add high shine while hydrating. If your main concern is humidity, the Oribe Impermeable Anti-Humidity Spray comes in a 75mL travel size. It’s a Miami-tested anti-humidity shield that will help prevent frizz, protect sleek blowouts, and protect curls.
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Feeling Inspired
Whether you’re pairing down your kit or are trying to pack lightly, you don’t have to sacrifice quality. Our travel sized favorites maintain the same extraordinary formulas as your cult favorites — just in convenient sizes! If you need help finding the perfect miniatures for your makeup bag, contact one of our Beauty Advisors at beautyadvisor@crcmakeup.com, or visit us in our Dallas showroom! Already know what you need? Browse our site to stock up on your favorites!
EXPLORE BEST SELLERS
EXPLORE SKINCARE
EXPLORE MAKEUP
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.
Warm Weather Essentials Pt. 1: Body & Hair Care
Winter weather has its charm, but there’s nothing like the feeling of a new summer. Beachgoing, picnics in the park, walking around the city, and — of course — glowy skin and the return of effortless hairstyles! Whatever your plans are for the warmer season, we are here to help you get warm weather-ready.
Body Care
Get ready to break out your tank tops, shorts, dresses, and sandals. Of course, that means getting your legs ready for the sun and spotlight, too. Exfoliating your skin can help provide a luminous glow by removing dull dry skin, increasing circulation, and aiding in lymphatic drainage.
This season, we're proud to introduce the Indie Lee Coconut Citrus Scrub to our skincare lineup! It smells like a tropical vacation and uses naturally derived ingredients like raw cane sugar to gently exfoliate, jojoba and coconut oil to provide lasting hydration, and lemongrass and vanilla for an uplifting aromatic experience.
If you prefer a skincare tool to do the trick, the Esker Beauty Body Plane is the easiest way to slough off the dull, dead skin cells. Simply glide the tool over freshly cleansed skin that has been patted mostly dry, and you'll reveal a healthy layer of skin without disturbing your skin's moisture barrier. You can pair it with a body oil for an extra smooth glide and instant hydration.
PRO TIP: Although it may be tempting, we do not recommend using a body scrub nor an exfoliating tool daily. For best results, use 2-3 times weekly, and always use sun protection, especially on freshly exfoliated skin. If you incorporate both a scrub and a body tool into your routine, do not use both on the same day.
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Body Glow & Self Tanning Products
If you want to get that summer glow without exposing your skin to the sun, a body glow or self-tanning product is the ideal choice. Melanie Mills Gleam Body Radiance and Red Carpet Kolour Body Glow are both makeup industry favorites for giving a beautiful, healthy glow to the skin while evening out tan lines.
Melanie Mills Gleam Body Radiance comes in a variety of shades and incorporates potent anti-aging ingredients (green tea extract, white green tea extract, and vitamin E), hydrating ingredients (aloe vera, jojoba oil, safflower oil, and olive oil), and skin-perfecting ingredients (Kalpariane- a wrinkle filler and brown seaweed extract- a skin tightener), to give your skin that healthy glow. Red Carpet Kolour Body Glow also boasts three shades that are water-resistant for a long-wearing and non-transferable glow that doesn't clog pores, so add a drop to your favorite foundation for a luminous finish.
If you want to stay in the shade and fake a summer tan, we have a large selection of best-selling and award-winning self-tanning products. Our best-selling Loving Tan Deluxe Face Tan and Loving Tan Deluxe Self-Tanning Applicator Mitt will give you a streak-free bronze finish that fades evenly.
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Sun Protection & Post-Sun Care
Nothing is more important than protecting your skin from the harsh sun. Skincare and beauty professionals alike have emphasized time and time again how important sunscreen is not only for preventing skin cancer, but also for preventing signs of aging. If you'd like to opt for a moisturizing sunscreen, the Murad Essential C Day Moisture SPF 30 or Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 are great options for a non-greasy 2-in-1 product. For a true sunscreen that is great for all skin types, try Kiehl's Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 50. The lightweight formula has a matte finish and is non-comedogenic, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin.
No matter how much sunscreen you use, you can always benefit from a quick cool-down session after hours in the sun. The Fraîcheur Paris Ice Globes will refresh and cool the skin while simultaneously brightening the complexion and reducing puffiness, redness, and visible pore size. The Fitish Beauty Sheet Mask Set will leave your skin calmer and more supple by utilizing calming botanicals including green tea and tiger grass. We recommend putting both of these in the fridge for an extra refreshing cooling sensation.
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Hair Care
Winter can make your hair limp and lifeless, but spring and summer can send it on the fritz! From the changing temperatures, increased time in the sun, and humidity levels rising, even the healthiest hair can prove problematic when the seasons change. Tame your mane with Oribe Impermeable Anti-Humidity Spray. Perfect for humid days (or nights), this spray shields hair from frizz and protects your curls or blowout. Available in a travel size, it’s perfect for your next vacation.
If you prefer to lean into a little natural frizz, Sachajuan Ocean Mist will give you effortless tousled texture for that “just back from the beach” look. For tresses that look perfectly sunkissed and healthy, Oribe Bright Blonde Sun Lightening Mist also helps you achieve that golden glow by utilizing a natural blend of lemon and chamomile. Spray it throughout your hair to gradually brighten, illuminate, and enhance highlights. The peroxide-free formula even protects from damage and dryness caused by UV rays.
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Final Thoughts
No matter what your plans are for the warmer months, we are here to help you find the skincare, hair care, and beauty solutions to meet your needs. If you have any questions, our Beauty Advisors are here to help, so click here to send them your questions! We're here to help!
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.
Beauty Buzz: Award-Winning & Editor Approved
It's no secret we take pride in offering you the best makeup, hair care, skincare, and tools, but we love hearing when the brands we offer receive high praise from beauty editors, celebrities, and more. In this blog, we'll take a look at some products that have been getting extra buzz in the beauty community!
Images & quote courtesy of Koh Gen Do, makeup by @makeupbylatrice for Hollywood Reporter
Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Moisture Foundation - PRO Makeup Artist Shoutouts
In 2020, Koh Gen Do reformulated their iconic Maifanshi Moisture Foundation to include their Gloss Film Powder technology, and it has quickly become a favorite for makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts thanks to its natural skin-like finish. One quick glance at the Koh Gen Do Artist Voice page on their website shows an extensive list of ongoing film and television productions where the makeup artists have chosen to use the Maifanshi Moisture Foundation for their leading actors and actresses.
"I have been using Koh Gen Do Moisture & Aqua Foundation’s for all of my entire cast members on Netflix Bling Empire," explains Patrick Tumey, Key Makeup Artist Netflix Bling Empire. "The application is flawless and doesn’t look heavy on high DEF tv/screen (High definition) As well as long-lasting. The wide range of color tones for this all-Asian cast is absolute perfection. Thank you to my friends at Koh Gen Do for their support for these years I am truly grateful."
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Images & quote courtesy of SACHAJUAN
SACHAJUAN Scalp Brush - Daisy Beauty
Our newest haircare brand SACHAJUAN is also making waves in the industry. Daisy Beauty, a Swedish magazine, named SACHAJUAN's Scalp Brush the Best Hair Care and Styling Product for 2021. The judges told Daisy the brush is "the product you didn't know you needed, and which you - when you have tried it- do not want to be without! It increases blood circulation and at the same time provides a moment of conscious presence - like yoga for the scalp!"
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Images courtesy of Brett Freedman
Brett Freedman Brow Products - Forbes, Vogue, & More
When it comes to brows, Brett Freedman's products have been pro favorites for years. He has helped celebrities including Taylor Swift, Reba McIntire, Kelly Clarkson, Catherine Zeta Jones, Sarah Silverman, and more achieve brow perfection, so it's no surprise he has been receiving high praise from the press lately.
Several of Brett's best sellers including his dual-ended tweezers, Duo Shade Brow Powders, and Laser Brow Pencil have recently been included in articles on Forbes.com (The Nine Best Tweezers for Eyebrow Shaping), Coveteur.com (The Top Five Brow Powders for Natural Looking Brows in a Flash), and Vogue.com (Looking for the Best Eyebrow Pencil? 11 Celebrity Makeup Artists Share Their Favorites).
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Images courtesy of Indie Lee
Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser - Allure
While the results for the Allure Best of Beauty 2021 have yet to be revealed (voting has closed), we're proud to say that our newest brand Indie Lee was included in the Reader's Choice nomination list under Clean Beauty! Their Brightening Cleanser was one of two Indie Lee products voters nominated to be a Best of Beauty award winner, and we know why.
This gentle yet effective cleanser does it all. It gently removes dirt and excess oil, removed makeup, and can act as a gentle mask if left on for a few minutes for extra purifying. Hydrating ingredients including coconut and sunflower oil prevent your skin from being stripped of its moisture, and strawberry seed oil, hydrolyzed wheat protein, and tomato extra provide an antioxidant boost for firming-looking skin. This cleanser is available in a full and travel-size, and if you're wanting to try more from Indie Lee (and trust us, you'll want to!), it's also available in the Discovery Kit.
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Images courtesy of One Love Organics
One Love Organics Botanical E Eye Balm - Byrdie
With so much focus on our eyes during the past year, it's no surprise many of us are treating our eyes to nourishing eye creams that can provide some much-needed hydration to the sensitive skin around our eyes. If you're looking for a new eye product with skin-loving ingredients, One Love Organics Botanical E Eye Balm may be the perfect choice!
Byrdie recently named it the Best Eye Balm thanks to the powerful blend of Vitamin E, organic shea butter, pomegranate, and sea kelp that help provide rich and lasting hydration. You can use it sparingly under makeup to hydrate your skin during the day or as a nighttime eye cream.
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Feeling Inspired?
Want to learn more about the other great products we offer at Camera Ready? Click here to see our best selling products including makeup, tools, skincare, hair care, and 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.
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April Staff Top Picks
It's exciting to find a product that makes your beauty routine easier, makes your makeup or hairstyle last longer, or a new and innovative formula, but with so many new items being released all the time, it can help to have a beauty bestie to tell you what is worth trying. That's where we come in! At Camera Ready, it’s our goal to find those standout products and share them with you so you can experience the magic for yourself! This month, our top picks include a wide range of skincare, hair care, and beauty products that help keep us feeling our best, so keep reading to learn more about them!
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Back in 2022, the original Inglot PLAYINN Soap Brow was my top pick of the year. However, Inglot has answered all my brow prayers and released a brown version! I've always enjoyed the Inglot Soap Brow because it has more of a jelly-like texture allowing it to be more flexible, and it does not require any water to be activated. The softer texture gives me more play time to shape my brows, and it NEVER looks crunchy or stiff! This new brown version gives me great hold AND adds definition to my brow hairs, and I don't ever have to worry about having that white cast some other brow soaps can give. My second top pick this month caught me as a surprise because I haven’t played with any of NYX’s complexion products in a while. However, the serum aspect drew me in because I have drier skin. The NYX Bare With Me Serum Concealer is unbelievably lightweight and smooth, offers medium to full coverage, and packs a bigger punch than I originally anticipated. It’s perfect for no-makeup makeup or if you just prefer a lighter consistency!
Courtney's Top Picks
My top picks this month are all about complexion! The Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder Ultra-Blur is lightweight, glides on smoothly to minimize the appearance of pores, and gives your skin a refined and velvety texture. It’s your skin but better. My skin looks flawless when I pair it with Jason Wu Beauty’s Magic Potion 5 primer. The non-greasy texture ensures comfortable wear throughout the day, and its quick absorbing nature makes it an effortless addition to any beauty routine.
. August's Top Picks
The R+Co Dart Pomade Stick is a pocket-sized weapon to tame unruly hair, and it has been my favorite find this year - it goes with me everywhere! I use it almost daily to tame the frizz around my roots and make myself look a tiny bit neater. It has a super subtle outdoorsy scent and is also perfect for creating and touching up any slick back styles I’ve also been loving the Blend Bunny Cosmetics Lip Oil in the shade Love Bite. It’s so hydrating and has the perfect amount of pigment. It’s kind of sheer, so it’s cute by itself, but I adore it over my other fav lip combos to take them to the next level!
Brendan's Top Picks
Danessa Myricks Beauty Blurring Balm Powder is so great because it applies effortlessly on the skin and perfects it without looking like you’re wearing makeup. This is great for people who just want a flawless finish without looking done up. My second top pick is Indie Lee Coconut Citrus Scrub. It’s great for a self-care moment, has great ingredients, smells wonderful, and leaves the skin refreshed, bright, and prepped for the day.
Liz's Top Picks
Face Atelier’s Glass Skin Water Powder is by far the most unique powder I have ever tried. It creates a cooling sensation when you apply it and feels wet to the touch even though it's a powder. I also love how it doesn't accentuate the texture on my skin and creates a flawless finish. I don't even know how to put into words how this powder has blown me away. I have struggled with my skin and hormonal breakouts for as long as I can remember. After I had kids and hit 30, it was worse than ever. I have tried every product you can think of, and while my skin behaved for the most part, I still experienced monthly, hormonal breakouts that were more annoying than anything. I was curious about KOVO's Tumeric + Face Cleanser when the co-founder first introduced me to it. I started using it, but I wasn't sure it was making a difference after the first few uses. I continued to use it and decided to try Skin1004 Centella Soothing Cream as I heard great things about it. I started to notice a huge difference in my skin. If I ran out of one of these products and used something else in place of it, the hormonal breakouts would resurface. I have been using both products for the last 6 months, and I can't imagine switching to anything else. I love how they make my skin feel and look in winter or summer!
Morgan's Top Picks
I love using the Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer - Illuminating. It's lightweight, smooth, and gives my skin a radiant glow. I like to mix it with my sunscreen, and it looks great on its own. For my hair, R+Co's Grasp Intense Holding Shaping Balm provides excellent hold without making my hair look crunchy or like I piled on a bunch of products. I really enjoy using it to style my curls, slick back my hair, or on my kid's thin fly-away hair.
Jess's Top Picks
Last year, IGK Rich Kid Coconut Oil Gel was one of my top picks, and the IGK Rich Kid Wave Enhancing Air-Dry Cream helps me live my best hair life every day! This product oozes luxury while serving all the justice to my natural wave pattern. A staple in my haircare routine forever. As a no-makeup-makeup girly, good brows are key. I love the quick application and range of shades of the West Barn Co. Brow Pomade, but most importantly, the WATERPROOF 💦 factor for a long, smudge-free wear 🙌.
Feeling Inspired?
Ready to experience the products we can't get enough of? Click here to start exploring our top picks or click below to discover more great products. Want to create your perfect makeup, hair care, or skincare routine? Our team of Beauty Advisors are here to help! Click here to send them a message!
EXPLORE HAIR CARE EXPLORE SKINCARE EXPLORE SKINCARE TOOLS 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 Brands We Added in 2023
Here at Camera Ready Cosmetics, it's our mission to find the best products that live up to high standards, are a great value, or offer something unique to the beauty industry. We know there are a lot of great products to choose from, but we get it! It can be overwhelming to look for the best hair care, find the perfect foundation for your skin type, or to find exactly what you're looking for. That's why we have a dedicated team of beauty industry veterans including makeup artists, skincare experts, an esthetician, lifelong beauty lovers, and more. We personally test the brands and products we offer to ensure it meets our high standards so that we know you'll love them, too. Of course, we also take your feedback and requests into consideration, and we've proudly added 11 new brands that many of you have asked us for this year!
The Brands we added this year are:: Sonia Roselli Grande Cosmetics Booby Tape Blend Bunny Cosmetics MOB Beauty West Barn Co. Wrinkles Schminkles Skin1004 Made By Mitchell Tinge Lash Lash
Learn more about the brands we proudly added to our Camera Ready family of brands this year!
Sonia Roselli Our makeup artist community has been asking us to add Sonia Roselli to our family of brands, and we are thrilled we were able to add it to our assortment in 2023! Her products have been kit staples for makeup artists around the globe, and her line offers skin prep and skincare products that work beautifully under makeup and serve as a complete skincare system to help protect and restore the balance your skin barrier needs. To learn more about the skin barrier, view our blog with pro tips from makeup artist Sonia Roselli, herself!!
Grande Cosmetics Bigger, bolder-looking lashes, lips, and brows in your future thanks to powerful eyelash and brow serums & skincare-infused cosmetics from Grande Cosmetics! With more than 90 industry awards, they're on a mission to empower their community with salon-service-inspired DIY formulas that enhance your natural features. We love that all Grande Cosmetics products are proudly cruelty-free and PETA Certified.
Booby Tape Nothing is worse than finding the perfect outfit... but not being able to find the perfect bra to give you the lift and support without the straps peeking through... that's where Booby Tape comes in! This women-founded brand was created to offer an inclusive, skin-friendly, all-in-one breast lift solution as well . Now, you can keep your bust in check with this vegan, latex-free adhesive. We love how they offer a wide rage of shades, and trust us, it's super easy to use.
Blend Bunny Cosmetics Blend Bunny Cosmetics been one of our most popular new brands this year and for great reason! The beauty behind the brand is a makeup artist (aka she KNOWS pigmentation, color theory, and what gaps there were in the shade range of other products), and her colorful palette and products help fill the bold gap that other brands were lacking. Her products are best known for the unique shades that range from nudes to bold and grungy, and we're thrilled to have them as part of our Camera Ready Family.
MOB Beauty When it comes to beauty innovation and sustainability, MOB Beauty is at the forefront of the industry. Their ingredient-conscious, cruelty free, and vegan formulas deliver pro quality results and are housed in sustainable packaging. We love how you can mix and match their products to create your own custom palette - a must for makeup artists!
West Barn Co. Our community is always looking for the next best brow product, and West Barn Co. captured our hearts at first use! Created by mother and daughter duo, Donna and Kim, West Barn Co began their journey in 2016. Professional Makeup Artist, Kim, was inspired by old Hollywood tricks, but she wanted something more suitable and usable for her clients. She paired up with her mother that was exploring skincare and formulation, and together, they launched what has become a cult classic. Soap Brows took the world by storm and moved the brow trend into a new, and natural direction. Donna and Kim continue to bring innovation and experience to the table and focus on producing high performing, pro quality brow products. It’s the perfect fit for an artist’s kit.
WRINKLES SCHMINKLES Fun name, incredible product! Soothing patches for eyes and the face are a must for makeup artists, but trust us, even if you're not a pro, you'll want to experience Wrinkles Schminkles! Gabrielle Requena began Wrinkles Schminkles in 2014 after realizing the market was missing a solution to reduce signs of aging on her body. She focused on creating a non-invasive range of products that would offer women a solution to look and feel confident at any age without breaking the bank or undergoing the knife. Today, the brand continues to focus on premium quality, performance based skincare. They offer affordable, medical grade silicone patches for the eyes, forehead, neck, chest, lips, and mouth. Join the party and see why these patches are TikTok's favorite wrinkle patch!
Skin1004 SKIN1004 is an award-winning hypoallergenic & ingredient-conscious skincare brand from Korea. Each product is infused with Centella Asiatica, originating from the untouched nature of Madagascar. This high-quality Centella extract is one of the world's finest. SKIN1004 values well-crafted, ingredient-conscious skincare at an affordable price. Experience the mild, soothing, extra-light, and non-comedogenic formulas that are cruelty-free & vegan.
Made By Mitchell If you've been part of our Camera Ready Family for a while, we see you ;).. and we've seen your DMs asking us to add Made By Mitchell! We proudly added this makeup artist founded brand to our assortment, and it's been a beautiful partnership! Makeup Artist Mitchel Halliday dreamt of unifying the beauty community one look at a time, and after several collabs, he officially launched his brand in 2020. His brand is known for its unmatched and unconventional color combinations and is perfect for any look from every day to creative self-expression. If you take anything from Made by Mitchell, remember ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.
Tinge Body makeup has been a makeup artist's secret weapon to make their clients look flawless from head to toe, but Tinge impressed us thanks to the range of shades and longwearing nature of their beautiful formula. Their signature product, The TINGE Tint, a water + transfer-resistant body makeup has been gleaned by professional and celebrity makeup artists as the body makeup that doesn’t look so made up. The TINGE Tint’s tried and true undertone-oriented shade range paired with its formula’s medium, buildable coverage, and undetectable finish work in perfect harmony to keep you looking and (most importantly!) feeling like yourself— instantly smoothing out the complexion below the neck, easing the appearance of body bumps, bruises and blemishes where you wish. Confidence is their brand catalyst; body positivity is their native language. TINGE exists to bring you exceptional body-centric products that can be worn and loved by everybody, in every season— giving you the added confidence to feel good in the skin that you're in, and that's a brand mission we adore supporting!
Lash Lash Great lashes can make a great look even more beautiful, and that's why we love Lash Lash! While we adore their products, their brand story may be one of our favorites (can you tell we love supporting fellow makeup artists?). After spending countless hours pre-cutting and mixing different lash styles to create a perfect, natural lash for her clients, Celebrity Makeup Artist, Mari Shten realized the lashes ever looked as good as she hoped and perfect natural eyelashes simply did not exist. She set out to develop the most natural lashes on the market.Their mission is to create products of superior quality and unique designs to help you to express yourself through the most natural and unique eyelash look. Each eyelash is made from the highest quality 100% Premium Korean PBT Silk. All lashes are vegan, cruelty free, and tested by professional makeup artists.LASH LASH was born in 2018 after Mari spent nearly a year designing, trialing, and producing lashes that anyone could customize to fit their eye flawlessly. LASH LASH offers the shortest and most natural individual lashes and continues to expand their collection that Pro Makeup Artists and their celebrity clients LOVE worldwide.
Feeling Inspired?
We hope you love our newest brands as much as we do! To explore more of our newest arrivals, click here. To learn more about our Top Products and to see more Top Lists, visit our "Best of" blog series!
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.
Best of: Our Top Picks of 2023
All year, our team has been trying new products to make sure we are only bringing you the best products that actually work, so naming products the Best of the Year is a responsibility we take very seriously! From new skincare to hair care and all the beautiful products in between, we have tried some incredible products in 2023. Of all the things we tried, these are the ones we keep going back to time after time. That's why they are our top picks of 2023, PLUS learn about our Camera Ready Creators' Top Picks for the. year!
Our 2023 Top Picks Here are a few of our top picks, but to learn more about each of them, keep reading, or click here to see (and shop!) more 2023 favorites! Sold out SHOP NOW Sold out SHOP NOW Sold out SHOP NOW Sold out SHOP NOW Sold out SHOP NOW Sold out SHOP NOW Sold out SHOP NOW Sold out SHOP NOW Chelsie's Top Picks
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