EDUCATION AT CAMERA READY

Longer days, summer vacation, and time spent outdoors with loved ones. While the perks of summer can be great for the soul, they can take a toll on our skin and hair, but don't worry. We have the perfect products to keep you Camera Ready all season long! In this blog, we’ll be going over our top 5 Ways to Adjust Your Summer Beauty Routine: Make sure you have sun protection for your skin Incorporate sun protection and repair for your hair Consider using a self-tanning product instead of a true summer tan Incorporate exfoliators like scalp scrubs, body scrubs, and more Enhance your best assets with body glow products Tip #1: Always Use Sun Protection for Your Skin While sunscreen and sun protection should be a part of your routine all year long, it's important to remember that even if you're outside for a short time, the sun's UV rays will be more intense during the summer season. If your summer activities call for a day by the lake, pool, or ocean, you're getting both direct sun rays and the reflected rays bouncing off the water. If you use Vitamin C or AHAs in your skincare regimen, your skin will be even more sensitive to UV radiation and may burn faster. Lucky for you, we offer sun protection products that are formulated for different skin types and to work well under makeup, so you can shop with confidence knowing you'll be Camera Ready no matter which one you select! How to Select the Right Sunscreen Select a sun protection product with at least SPF30 Read the label and see if it's broad spectrum to give you the most protection Don't rely solely on makeup with SPF. Tinted moisturizers with SPF are a great option, especially if your outdoor activities are limited to 20 minutes or less, but the amount of sun protection you need for full protection will often exceed how much makeup most users will apply, and if you do not apply even coats of makeup to your face, you will not be protected properly Choose a separate sun protection product for your face and your body. Facial sun protection products are formulated with skincare benefits and sensitive skin types in mind, so they'll often be more expensive than body SPF products. Facial sun protection products can work for your body, but having two separate sun protection products can help you have the best value and maximize benefits Make sure you follow the reapplication instructions on the packaging. If you're actively sweating or swimming, consider reapplying even before the packaging suggests, as you will actively be wiping away product doing these activities Don't forget to protect your lips with a balm with SPF How to Select the Right Sunscreen Based on Your Skin Type If you have dry skin, opt for SPF that has hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid If you have oily or acne-prone skin, look for SPF that is oil-free or formulated specifically to prevent pores from being clogged If you have sensitive skin, opt for mineral sunscreen, as it is less likely to irritate your skin than chemical sunscreen; we also offer a range of sunscreen specifically for those with sensitive skin. Tip #2: Incorporate Sun Protection and Restorative Treatments for Your Hair Most folks already incorporate SPF into their skincare routine, but if you've ever experienced a scalp sunburn or experienced extra hair frizz and damaged tresses, you'll know how it can be to soothe and repair! Wearing a hat can go a long way to protect the more sensitive skin on your scalp, but you should take extra steps to protect your hair that isn't covered by the brim or cap of the hat. Many Oribe products include sun protection to help keep your hair looking its best. The newest products we've added from SACHAJUAN are designed to not only protect your hair from the sun's damaging rays but to also replenish and restore after a long day of exposure. Hair In The Sun with Ocean Silk Technology protects your hair and hair color from the sun with a UV filter that stays in the hair even after a bath or a shower. It also works as a styling cream, providing a light styling effect to keep your hair in place while enjoying the sun. Hair After The Sun with Ocean Silk Technology is the perfect treatment to use after a long day at the beach. It re-moisturizes, highly conditions, and restores shine in your hair after exposure to sunlight. Both products are cruelty free, vegan, and paraben free. Tip #3: Consider Opting for a Sunless Tan with Self-Tanning Products We know a sunkissed glow can complete your summer look, but a sunless option is always a healthier option for your skin. We offer pro-approved sunless tanning products from St. Tropez and Loving Tan to give you. If you're not sure which formula suits you best, we offer minis and kits to find your perfect tan! To achieve your best self-tanning results at home, follow these simple steps: Cleanse and exfoliate either with a body scrub or an exfoliating tool Follow the instructions on the self-tanning product, and apply with a self-tanning mitt for best results (and to avoid self-tanned palms!) Wear loosely fitting clothes to avoid rubbing the product off Turn down the temperature in your shower to prevent the tan from fading too quickly Add in a gradual tanning product to extend the life of your tan Tip #4: Find a Good Exfoliator for Your Skin and Scalp Exfoliation is a key part of any skincare routine, and it's a process our bodies go through naturally. However, as we age, our cell turnover slows down, and our bodies can use a helping hand to slough off dead skin cells and debris. While there are various types of exfoliators including skincare with acids, a physical scrub or tool like a body brush or exfoliating body plane will help whisk away impurities without having to worry if your skin will react well to any skincare ingredients. How to Use An Exfoliating Body Brush Best used on dry skin before a bath or shower. Begin at your feet, gently brushing upwards (toward your heart) in long, circular, sweeping motions. Be sure to brush your entire body, but take care as your brush over sensitive areas. PRO Tips: Dry brush at least once a day for the best results. Alternate between the hottest water temperature you can tolerate and the coldest. This technique stimulates blood circulation by bringing more blood to the top layers of the skin. Clean your brush with soap and water once a week and store in a clean, dry place to avoid mildew accumulation.   How to Use An Exfoliating Body Plane Immediately after cleansing in the bath or shower, apply a body oil from head to toe. Using medium to strong pressure, glide the Body Plane over damp, oiled skin towards the torso. Focusing on arms and legs, scrape away dead skin and dirt with long, steady, upward strokes maintaining a moderate pressure. Wipe the Body Plane clean as needed with a clean, cotton cloth, or tissue. Use softer pressure and shorter strokes on chest, torso, and neck. PRO Tip: In order for the Body Plane to work properly, make sure your skin is damp and softened. If skin is fully dry it will be difficult to remove the surface skin and dirt even with oil.   When incorporating scrubs into your summer routine, don't forget your scalp! Hot days in the sun, at the pool, or increased humidity can cause build-up, so use a scalp scrub once a week to keep your scalp in Camera Ready condition! Tip #5: Use a Body Glow Product to Enhance Your Best Assets Since warmer weather often means shorts and sleeveless shirts, you can always enhance your freshly exfoliated and sun-protected skin with a body glow product for that added healthy sheen! From temporary body tanning products to those that have luminosity, we have you covered. Pro favorite brands like Melanie Mills Hollywood have been used on television sets including Dancing With The Stars to provide light blurring of imperfections and wrinkles, and the Melanie Mills Hollywood Super Lite Setting Spray was created to lock the glow in place. It's infused with botanicals to condition the skin and is even safe for use on the face. If you prefer a powder instead of a lotion, Scott Barnes Body Bling offers three inclusive shades that were created to mimic the effect of crushed diamonds on the skin for a truly show-stopping sparkle from head to toe. Feeling Inspired? We bet you're even more excited to get out there and start living your best life this summer! Explore our best selling skincare products, and if you need more help or a personalized recommendation, we are here to help. Click here to contact a Beauty Advisor! About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. She dreamed of having a pro makeup showroom where artists could play with professional products without the typical makeup store attitude. Today, our team of beauty industry veterans work together to curate the best quality products on the market. We partner with brands who respect the industry and formulate products for true working artists. You won’t find CRC in high-end malls, and we don't wear matching brush belts. If you want to play with products for a few hours and buy nothing, that's okay ... come in and play! Our store is your playground. 

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

Packing your kit for a new season is like second nature for long-time professional makeup artists, but our team often gets questions from new artists wondering how to downside, restock, or refresh their kits. That’s why we created our “Hot to Get A Fit Kit” series of Camera Ready LIVES on Instagram, and we saved them here so you can watch them anytime! This blog is packed full of amazing tips and tricks on how to downsize your makeup artist kit, so feel free to bookmark it so you may refer to it later and share it with others. Why Makeup Artists Downsize Their Kits From carrying your makeup kits, makeup chair, and makeup lighting, you may feel like they’ve completed a workout before you’ve even started on your first client. For professional makeup artists, carrying a heavy kit on a regular basis can have a long-term effect on their health and back. Downsizing your kit will not only lighten your load but will also allow you to work more efficiently and save time packing up.Our Beauty Advisor and host of the How to Get a Fit Kit Series Calvin Brockington has decades of experience working as a professional makeup artist. In this first LIVE of our series, he shared his suggestions on how to slim down your kit. Professional Makeup Artist Favorites A makeup artist backpack will help you carry all the items you need. Packing your backpack the way that you work allows you to organize your kit to find exactly what you need more efficiently. This means organizing the products in the order you will use them so you can access them easily as you go through the various steps during your makeup application.   Multipurpose products like the Cozzette Brush Vessels will allow you to maximize your space. You can easily use one side of the canister to hold dirty brushes when you are done using them. The other half can be used as a mini trash can to keep your workspace tidy. See-through pouches like the Zuca Utility Pouches are perfect to organize skin prep/skincare, eyeshadow palettes, and complexion products. Once you are done using the products, put them back into the appropriate pouch. Best Selling Palettes for Makeup Artists We have plenty of blush, foundation, and eyeshadow palettes that incorporate shades that you’ll use regularly on your clients. While it may be tempting to opt for something trendy and new, these tried and true palettes have been created with events like weddings, photoshoots, and even film and television in mind. These kit-friendly palettes are often in sturdy packaging to protect the product inside because they are designed with the busy makeup artist lifestyle in mind. They are often in slim cases that stack and pack easily. Best Selling Palettes for Makeup Artists Viseart Grande Pro Palette Make Up For Ever Flash Palette Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Palette Danessa Myricks Vision Cover Creme Palette Cozzette Infinite Padded Palettes Universal Contour Senna Brow Book Danessa Myricks Beauty Luxe Cream Palette - The Feminist or Nudist Depotting and Customizing Your Own Makeup Palettes Customizing your own palettes allows you to keep your go-to shades in one convenient place. Z Palette and Cozzette make great empty palette options. The Z Palette has a clear window so you can see exactly what is in that palette. Cozzette Palettes are padded which is created for giving your makeup an extra layer of protection. Both palette options are great for creating and customizing your own palette with your favorite single pans or products after depotting. Vueset empty palettes are the industry’s go-to for depotting your cream lipstick, blushes, and foundations. These airtight containers allow you to minimize your cream products into one convenient palette. There are a variety of different sizes and options to choose from to reach your kit goals. You can even use thse trusty containers to organize your disposables, false lashes, and gems. For the products that are glued into a case or compact, using the Z Potter is a safe and simple way to depot your favorite products without damaging them. Z Potter uses induction technology which only responds to metal pans not your paper or plastic packaging. This device is also great for melting down your favorite lipsticks or concealers into smaller pans or containers. Why Fixy is a Must-Have In this second LIVE of our series, we spoke with FIXY Makeup Founder, Jill Rossini. She shared her story on how she came up with her innovative Makeup Creation and Repair Kit after breaking her favorite MAC eyeshadow. Her goal when creating this kit was to bring back broken makeup to the same great quality as it was before it broke. The Fixing Binding Spray does not destroy the makeup as alcohol can sometimes do. The unique Fixy Binding Spray formula will also sanitize the makeup.The Fixy press allows you to repair your broken powder eyeshadows, blushes, highlighters, and foundations. This unique tool’s capabilities do not end there; you have the creative freedom to create your very own custom colors. Whether you want to create your own shades by mixing colors together or use this tool to recycle your makeup. For the products you hit pan on, you can easily repress or use the product to create new products. How to Use Makeup Creation and Repair Kit Getting Started- Remove the top section of the press. Break & Dump- Using the pointy side of the spatula included in the kit to cleanly break the powder. Scape and dump everything last bit of product from the container into the grinder Grind- With the grinding tool press the powder into the screen using circular motions. Choose your pan- The kit comes with 3 sizes of pans: small, medium, and large. Choose your desired size and place the pan into the corresponding size hole from the top of the press. Pour- Use the corner of the container to pour the product into the pan. There are fill lines to help determine how much product will fit in the pan. Spray- Shake the Fixy Binder and spray about 5 inches away from the pan. It is recommended about 2-3 sprays for small pans, 3-4 sprays for medium pans, and 4-5 sprays for large pans. Press- Take the top of the press and align the pegs with appropriate size holes. Press down firmly for about 10 seconds. Shake- Lightly tap excess powder off and voilà you are done. Add your new pan to your magnetic palette. FIXY Cosmetic Glitter Binder If you are tired of the messiness of loose glitter getting all over your bathroom and makeup kit the Fixy Cosmetic Glitter Binder may be the answer you’ve been looking for. The Fixy Glitter binder allows you to press any biodegradable loose cosmetic glitter into a pressed glitter. This means you will not have to worry about the dreaded fallout when applying glitter to your eyes. You do not have to have a Fixy Makeup Creation and Repair Kit to use the Glitter Binder. You will need the Glitter Binder, metal pans, and biodegradable glitter to create your pressed glitter shadow. How to use Fixy Glitter Binder Fill the bottom of the metal pan with the Glitter Binder. Use the small spoon that comes with the Fixy Glitter Binder to fill the base of the pan with the glitter. Level out the pan. Slowly add glitter until the pan it is full and you have cream-like consistency. Using the pressing cloth that comes with the Fixy Glitter Binder to gently press down for about 5 seconds. Remove the cloth, then smooth out uneven areas with the pressing cloth. Glitter is ready to use. The Inspiration behind the BossBeauty Backpack In the last LIVE of our “Fit Kit” series, we spoke with Brianna Meshack, founder of StunnerBee Beauty, professional makeup artist, and makeup educator, and creator of th e behind Beauty Boss Backpack. As a working MUA, she would see these other artists come to set with huge suitcases as their makeup kits. After seeing a void in the industry for professional bags that were functional for the working MUAs, Brianna felt the need to create something efficient, that allowed her to work better as an artist, and that looked stylish. As an artist, you can spend so much time looking for products to use in your kit that it can cut down on your time working on your client. When working on a set, being timely is important. Having the working MUAs all over the U.S. in mind was important when designing the Boss Beauty Backpack. Taking into consideration an artist in NY taking the subway, the artist in LA in and out of Ubers, she wanted to create something for her community that was stylish, practical, and easy to carry. The Features of the BossBeauty Backpack 5 pockets on the exterior of the bag that open extra-wide Durable nylon stitching to withstand the weight of a heavy kit Convenient crossbody strap option Ergonomic top handle Stylish gold-tone hardware Luggage feet so the bottom so the backpack never hits the floor Padded Ipad or laptop compartment 3 PVC and Crocodile Embossed Faux Leather Carryall bags Tips for Packing your Makeup Artist Kit Working out of your backpack allows you to compartmentalize your kit. This will allow you to pack only what you need. Use the exterior pockets of the backpack for your grab-and-go items. These may include your makeup palettes, disposables, touch-up products. Use the carryall bags to separate your products according to the way you work. For example, have separate bags for skin prep, complexion, and powders. This will allow you to work more efficiently. Using this method to organize your kit, will you to know exactly where your products are, and it will ensure you have a quick breakdown at the end of your day. Feeling Inspired? Are you ready to explore the our PRO Picks? Click here to discover what professional makeup artists are loving! About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. She dreamed of having a pro makeup showroom where artists could play with professional products without the typical makeup store attitude. Today, our team of beauty industry veterans work together to curate the best quality products on the market. We partner with brands who respect the industry and formulate products for true working artists. You won’t find CRC in high-end malls, and we don't wear matching brush belts. If you want to play with products for a few hours and buy nothing, that's okay ... come in and play! Our store is your playground. 

Makeup by @stephaniepowersmakeup, Model @gabriellepaoletti, Photography by @nellhovingphoto, Hair Styling by @amandaleighrush, Bridal Boutique & Styling by @marimibridal, custom veil and accessories by @gianascanellibridal When it comes to wedding makeup, there are plenty of blogs, inspiration photos, and tips for the bride, but what about the makeup artist? While wedding guests often remark on the venue, the dress, and even the food served, they’re also focused on the bridal makeup. That’s why we’re sharing PRO Tips from our Bridal Look Book makeup artist Stephanie Powers. Sit back, relax, and enjoy her tips for aspiring bridal makeup artists! Things to Consider for the Bridal Makeup Trial CRC: For newer makeup artists, what are the important questions that they need to ask brides when brides reach out for bridal makeup trial (e.g. what style do you like, can you send examples of the look you're after, how much makeup do you normally wear, etc)? STEPHANIE: I feel the questions should be saved for the initial trial. If a bride is inquiring your services for their event they most likely saw your work or was referred to you. Keep your inquiry reply simple in order to secure your services. That initial email back to a client/bride is important. I always have a template ready to go. This business is all about communicating in a timely manner. Send pricing, contract and all details you have regarding hiring you, this way there won’t be so many questions and back and forth before the initial trial. Once the bride returns your email you can then discuss the trial date. I like to ask the potential bride, Do you have a desired look you are going for? Theme etc. on the wedding day? I always like to suggest days for the trial such as; Do you have any special days coming up you would your makeup or hair trial on? Such as, events, bridal shower, date night, dress fitting etc. One of my favorite days to do a trail is when the bride can get hair & makeup trial done on the day of a dress fitting. This way they can see everything together and decide if changes need made for the big day. Important Questions to Ask the Bride CRC: What questions do you ask during the trial to ensure you're giving them exactly what they want and providing the best service possible? STEPHANIE: The very first question I ask a bride when they are in my chair, Do you have any allergies to skincare, makeup, latex etc. that you are aware of? Other questions would include, Have you had your makeup professionally done before? What was the likes and dislikes of your last professional experience? Do you have a desired look? What do you not like about makeup? If applying lashes, always ask if they have worn them before and if they have not, walk them through your process on how you apply them. Also as a professional I evaluate their skin type, ask them about their daily skin routine. If they do not take care of their skin, I always suggest them getting on a good skincare routine 3-6months before their wedding. I suggest seeing an aesthetician if it is in their budget. Good skin equals good makeup, and that’s a good reminder to them. CRC: How do you handle feedback if they seem to like the makeup the day of and contact you later asking you to change things up completely? STEPHANIE: One thing I never do is take it offensively. This is what a trial is for, to see if they like the look. If they want another trial they pay for another trail, no discounts. I reassure the bride that these changes that they desire can be attainable on the wedding day. On the day of the trial I always make sure I take photos, not only on my phone and camera but the brides as well. This way we can reference back on what they would like to change. CRC: How long, in your opinion, is a good length for a trial session? How far out from the wedding would you recommend people book this service? STEPHANIE: I think this depends on each individual bride. Unfortunately some brides may live outside of state. Ideally 3-4 months before the big day is a good time frame. CRC: What other tips do you have for makeup artists during this time frame? STEPHANIE: Because most trials happen during bridal season, my best advice would be to setup trial days in your schedule. Book your bridal trials throughout those days. Not only does it help your pocket, it will help scheduling. Remember you are a business with business hours. Skin Prep for the Bride Things to Consider as a Bridal Makeup Artist Since the busiest bridal season kicks off in the spring and runs through early fall, makeup artists are up against a slew of environmental factors, especially if the wedding or reception are outdoors. Humidity, heat, and even excessive sunlight can take a toll on the makeup. While we cannot control the weather, we can prep the skin and select products that work no matter the conditions. CRC: How do you change up skin prep for brides compared to other types of clients for different events? STEPHANIE: I always start by cleaning the face, neck and décolleté. I like to use micellar water with cotton rounds. For my brides, I always have a hydrating mask and or eye patches. By the time of the wedding day, you should have a good understanding of your brides skin and choose the right skin prep for each individual bride. I determine this by texture, large pores, breakouts, hyperpigmentation, etc. Other than starting off with a clean face, skin prep varies due to skin type. CRC: As we all know, a good skincare regimen is important to have a great base for makeup. As makeup artists, we can always work our magic with skin prep, but since you're in touch with brides before their big day, do you give them any skincare advice so their skin is in the best shape possible for the wedding? STEPHANIE: One thing I always tell brides to never do is start any new treatments or products one month before the big day. This should be done at least 3-6 months before the wedding. Also, one week before wedding day is an ideal time to receive your final facial. Avoid any kind of peels or extractions. Oxygen therapy, hydra facials, and hydrating serums will help decrease puffiness and help ensure your skin looks beautiful the week of the wedding. The night before the big day focus on hydration. PRO Tip: Speaking of uncontrollable situations when parts of the wedding or reception are outdoors, there are a few things you can do to help ensure their makeup is picture perfect no matter the lighting. Unless your bride asks for it, consider using products with more of a satin finish versus true shimmer or glitter if the ceremony or reception is outside during daytime hours. Glitter will catch and reflect the light in a scattered way instead of diffusing it. If you're a newer artist and aren't sure how to determine if you've added too much glow during the trial, there is no harm in walking with the bride over to a window or well lit area to show them how luminous the makeup looks to see if they are comfortable with it or would like it to be toned down or dialed up! You can achieve a luminous glow with a radiant primer under the foundation but avoid the urge to go all out with glowy products. The same is true for eyeshadow and highlighter. Unlike in a studio for bridal portraits where the lighting is set and forgiving, the natural sunlight will reflect differently throughout the day causing the bride’s makeup to look different in their wedding photos. To help provide a satin finish to the bridal look, we recommend Skindinavia Bridal Makeup Finishing Spray. Extra Advice for Bridal Makeup Artists CRC: What do you do to elevate the bridal service and experience? STEPHANIE: Remember a bride has a lot on their mind. So the most important thing you can do is help make them a timeline for the hair and makeup, discuss this with the planner or bride ahead of time. Time management is especially important on a wedding morning. I like to arrive a half hour early for setup and I also provide the bride with eye gel patches and or a mask best suited for her skin type, always hydrating though. One piece of advice I like to give artists starting out in the industry is to remember that we, as the glam squad start, off the mood of their special day. Feeling Inspired? We hope this blog has given you a few extra tips you haven't considered as you continue your career as a bridal makeup artist! For more bridal inspo, check out our Bridal Look Book. If you need more help or a personalized recommendation, click here to contact a Beauty Advisor. About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. She dreamed of having a pro makeup showroom where artists could play with professional products without the typical makeup store attitude. Today, our team of beauty industry veterans work together to curate the best quality products on the market. We partner with brands who respect the industry and formulate products for true working artists. You won’t find CRC in high-end malls, and we don't wear matching brush belts. If you want to play with products for a few hours and buy nothing, that's okay ... come in and play! Our store is your playground. 

Camera Ready Cosmetics is Excited to Welcome Jason Wu Beauty The secret is out: Jason Wu Beauty is now available at Camera Ready Cosmetics! In early 2021, Jason Wu expanded his brand into the world of beauty by partnering with Bespoke Beauty Brands and launching a makeup line that appeals instantly to the elegant minimalist who loves a classic, neutral moment, with an elevated touch. The line was described by Wu himself as one that reflects “impeccably refined femininity” with multipurpose products, and we could not agree more. We are thrilled to now carry Jason Wu Beauty online and in our Dallas Showroom. Why We Love Jason Wu The Taiwanese-Canadian designer is already well-known for his luxury fashion and fragrance designs and has dressed the likes of Former First Lady Michelle Obama, Julianne Moore, Kate Bosworth, and more since his debut in 2007. Wu’s use of perfectly paired colors, elegant fabrics, and feminine lines transitions effortlessly from the runway to the real world. He describes his childhood in the ‘80s as a time when makeup was très popular, and this focus on beauty captured his attention from a very young age. His beauty brand, in particular, gives way for ease and accessibility with a mid-level price point (all individual products retail for under $35). His makeup line features a nude color spectrum that offers quintessential shades for every skin tone. Wu hopes for his products to invoke a sense of strength, confidence, and beauty when applied and for his designs to make us feel like our best selves. In addition, Wu’s clean beauty products are 100% cruelty-free and formulated without parabens, phthalates, and sulfates. Jason Wu Beauty Products We’re Excited About:   Jason Wu Beauty offers a full range of products to excite your inner icon and help you create and complete your look. The Bush: This vegan formula clear brow soap is a kit must-have for taming thick or unruly brows and creating the perfect laminated brow look. Activate the product with a spray of Mist-er Soap Star directly onto the soap and then run a spoolie over the surface to pick up just enough product to comb upward through the brow. Upon application, this non-sticky formula adds a healthy shine and smooths the texture of the brow. Whether using this duo alone or pairing with other brow tinting and defining products, we know your brows will look better than ever. Eyeshadows: Both his perfectly curated eyeshadow palettes which include mattes and shimmers, and his cream-based eyeshadow Jewel Sticks, are available in a beautiful range of tones to work on a wide spectrum of skin tones and skin textures. Thanks to the convenient twist-up packaging and easy glide-on texture of the Jewel Sticks, they are quick to become a staple product in the everyday makeup bag or the pro artist’s kit. Whether the occasion calls for a sultry, earth tone shimmer eye or a vibrant blue or purple eye, the Jewel Sticks deliver glamour with just a twist and can be used on their own or as a pop of color on top of a powder shadow base. And because the perfect nude eyeshadow palette is something we’re always skimming the shelves for, we are so excited to now have Wu’s amazing palettes to specifically include soft and natural nude tones with great pay-off and minimal fall-out. For the Face: Skin is always in, and with Jason Wu’s unique and innovative face formulas, you can achieve both matte and natural looks that are light, easy, and effortless. Magic Matte Oil: Wu’s Magic Matte Oil is a vegan formula that can be used as a primer or as a way to refresh and mattify the face. With just a few drops applied to the fingertips and then pressed into the face either in targeted areas or all over, skin becomes the perfect velvety soft matte texture. Wu-Prime It’s So Soft: For those days when bare skin needs a little pick-me-up, but you still want something lighter than foundation, the Wu-Prime It’s So Soft vegan formula is the perfect balance of coverage and breathability. Upon application, the appearance of pores and fine lines is minimized, and the skin is left with a flawless finish. Available in either Light/Medium or Medium/Deep, this tinted primer is a product that can be worn alone or as a primer underneath your favorite foundation to prep the skin for an all-day even complexion. Feeling Inspired? Are you ready to explore the innovative formulas and colorful world of Jason Wu Beauty? Click here to discover 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. 

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

There's just something fun about playing and creating with colorful beauty products and exploring different tones, finishes, and textures. Whether you're a makeup minimalist or love going all out with your beauty routine, we're sharing some of our top picks for a little color therapy. Express yourself with soothing earth tone hues from Jillian Dempsey or luxurious lip glosses from Saint Jane. Saint Jane Luxury Lip Shine shades featured (L-R): Nectar, Elixir, Alchemy, and Bliss Top Picks for Makeup Minimalists If you’re more of a minimalist with a calm, neutral vibe, here are our top picks for a quick routine with minimal products. The Smashbox Always On Cream Eyeshadows have the perfect on-the-go creamy eyeshadow formula because they can be applied with your finger and are easy to blend. These completely smudge-proof shadows come in a variety of neutral shades for a quick no-makeup makeup look. Feeling creative? You can mix the shades for a custom color of your own! When it comes to a "less is more" beauty routine, a hydrating, go-to gloss is an easy quick pick-me-up. For a subtle wash of color, we love the vegan, cruelty-free and CBD-infused Saint Jane Luxury Lip Shine. The shades Cloud and Tonic are the best-selling sheer, non-shimmer formulas, and Mystic is perfect for a deeper plum shade. Finally, check out Jillian Dempsey for the ultimate no-fuss beauty routine. The Cheek Tints and Lid Tints provide a dewy wash of color for an effortless look, and they contain skin loving ingredients and antioxidants to help improve your skin with each wear. Explore beautiful colors from Danessa Myricks and Lethal Cosmetics. Palettes featured include the Danessa Myricks Beauty Dew it Flirty Dewy Lip & Cheek Palete and a custom Lethal Cosmetics palette. Top Picks for Colorful & Multi-Tasking Makeup Lovers We couldn't create a blog about makeup without including some of our favorite Danessa Myricks products! Her Allure Best of Beauty award-winning, multi-purpose ColorFix is a pro favorite because it can be used on the eyes, lips, cheeks, and body, and can be mixed to create new shades. For a dewy option, try her new Dewy Cheek & Lip Palettes for a highly-pigmented pop of color. These palettes are blendable with a balm-like texture that provides a dewy, healthy glow. If you're into cream-based products but want a formula that sets down to a more powdery finish, check out the Jouer Blush and Bloom Cheek & Lip Duos. Each one has two perfectly paired shades and is infused with skin-loving ingredients for comfortable wear. If you love expressing your creativity through eyeshadows, Sydney Grace has you covered with budget-friendly singles in a wide range of colors, long-wearing Cream Shadows, and a range of palettes perfectly curated for lighter and deeper skin tones. If lips are your love language, Dose of Colors has you covered with plenty of options including limited edition Lip Sets featuring extra savings and their hydrating Stay Glossy Lip Gloss. If you love bolder and unique colors, Lethal Cosmetics has a range of palettes of all sizes, hard to find blush colors including a dandelion yellow and violet-based pink, gel liners that are UV-reactive, and more! Go all out with bold and vibrant colors. The full-face looks were created by Danessa Myricks using Infinite Chrome Pencils and Infinite Chrome Flakes. The abstract coloful look was created by makeup artist and foundation of Karla Cosmetics, Karla Powell. Top Picks for Trend Followers If you are the type of person who loves keeping up with the trends, trying new formulas, or are always looking online or to Hollywood for inspiration, then these are the products for you! If you’re a fan of holographic glitter and are not afraid of looking like a cast member from “Euphoria,” then check out the glowing, multichromatic Danessa Myricks Infinite Chrome Flakes. These beautiful gel-based long-wearing glitter flakes went viral several times on social media, and it's easy to see why. You can easily go from everyday to glam with a single swipe, and each shifts to a different color as the light hits it from different angles. If you're after the same effect but shy away from glitter, Karla Cosmetics Pressed Eyeshadows and Lethal Cosmetics Multichrome Magnetic Pressed Eyeshadows can give you a similar look. These fun, colorful eyeshadows both come in unique color options for bold babes and several subdued shades for those craving a subtle yet eyecatching shift.   Finally, for those wanting to explore the colorful multichrome world in smaller doses, the Danessa Myricks Infinite Chrome Pencils are a perfect addition to your makeup collection. Simply add to the waterline for an eyecatching look or create a full-blown multichromatic graphic liner look with these easy-to-use pencils. Feeling Inspired? Are you feeling inspired to play with some beautiful makeup products? Click here to explore our newest arrivals. 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.

If you’re not getting the finish, coverage, or wear-time that you want from your foundations, it may not be the foundation… it might be how you’re applying it! Sometimes we aren’t using the right tool for the outcome we want, so in this blog, we will explain the different types of tools we recommend and the benefits of each! Sponges Sponges are great for applying foundation and blending out foundation after it has been applied with a brush. There are two types of sponges that you will commonly find in any makeup artist’s kit, wedge sponges and beauty sponges. Wedge Sponges Wedge sponges are great as an inexpensive and hygienic way to apply foundation. These sponges typically come in a block of 8 and each side can be used to apply your foundation. This type of sponge works great with cream foundations. You may find when using this type of sponge with liquid foundations you are using up more foundation since some of the product is absorbed into the sponge. PRO Tip: Use a wedge sponge to “bake” or apply loose powder in targeted areas of the face. Sweep away any visible powder away with a fluffy brush. Beauty Sponges:Beauty sponges like the Beautyblender and Camera Ready PRO Multiblender can be used wet or dry. They can also be used with your liquid or cream foundations. The most popular way to use a beauty sponge is to use it damp while using a bouncing technique to press the foundation onto your skin. This will allow you to build up the foundation for your desired coverage. After finishing your makeup, use the damp beauty sponge to seamlessly blend out any lines of demarcation. PRO Tip: To remove bacteria and extend the life of your beauty sponge, clean your sponge on a regular basis with a soap like Crazy Merman. Camera Ready Makeup Sponge LEARN MORE Camera Ready PRO Multiblender LEARN MORE Beautyblender® SINGLE Original PINK LEARN MORE Duo Fiber Brush Duo fiber brushes are sometimes referred to as stipple brushes. Stippling is a technique used to create a flawless airbrush-like finish. You will notice with a brush like Scott Barnes Foundation Brush #68 the white bristles are longer and will pick up and apply the foundation to the skin. The shorter black bristles will blend the foundation when using the brush. You can use this brush for liquid or cream products. For the best results, it is recommended to use it with lightweight liquids. Be careful with using it with heavy foundations or too much foundation, as this type of brush may cause streaking. PRO Tip: Apply the foundation to the back of your hand or on a steel palette. Lightly press the duo fiber brush into the foundation to coat only the longer bristles. Using an up and down motion begin pressing the product into your skin until you reach your desired coverage. Scott Barnes Foundation Brush #68 LEARN MORE Illamasqua Foundation Brush     LEARN MORE Bdellium Tools Maestro Series #955 LEARN MORE Flat Foundation Brush The flat foundation brush is considered to be a classic. A brush like Bdellium Tools Maestro Series #948 is a go-to for any foundation formula, regardless of the coverage or finish. It’s recommended to start in the center of the face and work your way outward with flicking motions. Use short quick strokes to apply the foundation. PRO Tip: Use this brush at an angle to apply and blend your cream contour products. Bdellium Tools Maestro Series #948 LEARN MORE Cozzette Rounded Foundation Brush P340 LEARN MORE Ben Nye Makeup Foundation Brush FCB-20 LEARN MORE Tapered Blending Brush The Tapered Blending brush marries several tools in one. A brush like MYKITCO My Flawless Face Brush Medium 0.22 is not as dense as a full coverage brush, yet not as sheer as a stipple brush. This brush can be used with your liquids, creams, and powders. The shape of the brush allows you to apply the product to the smaller areas of the face. Using a buffing technique you can evenly apply the product to build up the coverage from light to full.  PRO Tip: Use this brush to apply a setting powder by pressing and rolling the powder into the skin. MYKITCO My Flawless Face Brush Medium 0.22 LEARN MORE Sigma Brush for Face F86 LEARN MORE Smith Cosmetics 154 Quill Face Brush LEARN MORE Buffing Brush You will notice that with a Smith Cosmetics 115 Foundation Brush, the bristles are short, dense, and tightly packed together. With a buffing brush, there is less movement in the bristles meaning the product will lay closer together when applied. This will allow you to create a fuller coverage faster. This tool is great for creams and liquids. PRO Tip: Stripe lines of foundation on the larger areas of your face. Hold the brush handle about mid-way up. Then in a circular, using buffing type motion blend out the foundation until even. For harder to cover areas, tap the brush to build coverage. Smith Cosmetics 115 Foundation Brush LEARN MORE Senna Face Blur 47 Brush LEARN MORE Real Techniques Expert Face Brush LEARN MORE 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 LEARN MORE SKINCARE LEARN MORE HAIR CARE LEARN MORE MAKEUP LEARN MORE About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. She dreamed of having a pro makeup showroom where artists could play with professional products without the typical makeup store attitude. Today, our team of beauty industry veterans work together to curate the best quality products on the market. We partner with brands who respect the industry and formulate products for true working artists. You won’t find CRC in high-end malls, and we don't wear matching brush belts. If you want to play with products for a few hours and buy nothing, that's okay ... come in and play! Our store is your playground. 

If you experience dryness, flakiness, or general skin discomfort during the winter, you're not alone. Every year, our Beauty Advisors receive questions from makeup artists and beauty lovers about how to combat these common winter woes and how to create a beautiful canvas for makeup application. While there's no shame in going makeup-free to let your natural beauty shine through, winter weddings and special events may call for an elevated yet natural makeup look, and we're here to help! In this blog, we'll share our top tips for creating a natural makeup look on dull, dry skin, but these steps can be used to achieve a full glam look, too! Let's get started. Skin Prep for Dull, Dry Skin Dropping humidity levels strip your skin of moisture and can lead to dryness and itchiness, and skin that is prone to breakouts can become even more sensitive and harder to treat. That's why selecting the proper cleanser and moisturizer is essential. Cleansers: If your skin is irritated, avoid the urge to use a physical exfoliator to slough away dry dull skin cells and opt for a cleanser with salicylic acid. This popular skincare ingredient is safe for most skin types to use daily in a cleanser because it is often less concentrated than it is in moisturizers and serums, but start off using it a few times a week to determine your skin's tolerance. Use lukewarm water to cleanse, pat dry, and follow immediately with moisturizer. PRO Tip: If extra exfoliation is needed and the skin isn't too sensitive, try a gentle peel like Peter Thomas Roth FirmX Peeling Gel or Senna Exfoliating Cleanser. Both formulas use fruit enzymes to slough away debris and dull skin to reveal a brighter complexion. Focus on problem areas, and use a few drops of Bioderma Hydrabio H2O on a cotton pad to lightly sweep away any stubborn patches and to add extra moisture. Moisturizers: When it comes to moisturizers, layering a face mist, moisturizer, and oil can work wonders to soothe and protect dull and dry skin. We recommend starting with a light spritz of Avene Thermal Water or Koh Gen Do Herbal Spa Mist to provide a quick boost of antioxidants to nourish and to calm irritated skin. The neutral pH helps balance the skin and works well with other skincare products. Next, opt for a richer moisturizer that provides lasting hydration. Pro favorites include Embryolisse Filaderme Emulsion for a formula with shea butter to heal the skin, Avene Hydrance Aqua Gel for a hyaluronic rich gel that absorbs quickly, and REN Clean Skincare Replenishing Gel Cream for clients that are prone to breakouts. Follow up with a facial oil to lock in hydration, and allow the products to sink into the skin.   If extra hydration is needed, use a sheet mask immediately after cleansing and before moisturizing.   For Makeup Artists: Since most makeup artists rely on toners and rinse-free options to cleanse the skin, we recommend keeping Bioderma Hydrabio H2O in your kit along with best selling NuFACE Prep N Glow Cleanse Exfoliation Cloths.  Hydrabio removes dirt and debris with ease, while the Prep N Glow Cloths will give you extra exfoliating power thanks to the gentle exfoliating surface on one side of the cloth. Both have skin-loving ingredients to prevent irritation and to soothe dry skin. Apply an extra layer of hydration with Mehron Hydro Prep Pro and follow with moisturizer. Create a Glowy Complexion with Foundation Of course, with the right prep, you can make any foundation look beautiful, but these pro picks will make it easier to achieve a natural, healthy glow. For a luminous and perfected look, try Kevyn Aucoin The Etherealist Skin Illuminating Foundation. This lightweight formula has hyaluronic acid for added hydration and ultra-fine pearl pigments to diffuse light and give the skin a smoother appearance. Face Atelier Ultra Foundation is also at the top of our list because of the unique silicone-based formula that allows it to glide easily over textured skin for a smoother appearance. The lightweight formula flexes and moves with ease and can even be worn without setting. Finally, we recommend Koh Gen Do's Maifanshi Moisture Foundation and Aqua Foundation for those that want formulas packed with skin-loving ingredients and a skin-like finish. Both foundations are top picks for makeup artists working behind the scenes for television and film because they provide sheer to medium buildable coverage that still looks like real skin, but better. PRO Tip: The key to applying foundation to dry and dull skin is to work in thin, lightweight layers. This will help you control the coverage and allow each layer to adhere better to the skin. Remember, for a naturally glowy look, less is more. Spot conceal where necessary to keep the overall makeup look light and natural. Select a Hydrating Powder, and Apply Lightly Selecting and applying the perfect powder for a healthy winter glow is almost as important as skin prep because it can make or break your makeup look. Powders formulated with hyaluronic acid are a great choice because they'll keep your complexion looking smoother longer. By Terry offers a range of pressed, loose, tinted, and translucent powders, while Jouer's Soft Focus + Hydrate Powder adds allantoin and Vitamin E in addition to hyaluronic acid to smooth the skin. If you're setting the entire face, use a fluffy brush to apply a light dusting of powder, and use a powder puff for more precise application to areas that are prone to wearing away the fastest. Complete the rest of the makeup look with blush, eyeshadow, and any other products you desire, and finally, apply a light mist of setting spray, and that's it! You're Camera Ready! PRO Tip: When using a powder puff, first press your puff into the powder, and massage the powder into the puff to ensure it's evenly distributed into the fibers. Roll the powder onto areas that need to be set, and lightly tap onto any areas that need extra hold. Feeling Inspired? Are you ready to give our tips and tricks a try? Click here to explore skincare options, or click here to explore our newest makeup. If you have any additional questions, our Beauty Advisors are here to help, so click here to send them an email! About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. She dreamed of having a pro makeup showroom where artists could play with professional products without the typical makeup store attitude. Today, our team of beauty industry veterans work together to curate the best quality products on the market. We partner with brands who respect the industry and formulate products for true working artists. You won’t find CRC in high-end malls, and we don't wear matching brush belts. If you want to play with products for a few hours and buy nothing, that's okay ... come in and play! Our store is your playground.

The Winter 2022 beauty trends keep rolling in, and it looks like it's going to be a beautiful season ahead. In this blog, we're breaking down each trend and are sharing our top pro picks to achieve each look! Glass Hair You've heard about glass skin, but the latest "glass" trend is for your locks. "Glass Hair" is the phrase beauty editors have coined to describe hair that looks healthy, shiny, smooth, and clean. While this style doesn't require a daily washing, styling products like dry shampoo, a hydrating hair oil or shine spray, and leave in conditioner will help you achieve the look. For those with extra dry or color treated hair, a deeply moisturizing mask is also an important step to achieve maximum shine. To combat a bit of frizz and get ultra-smooth hair, first start with a leave in conditioner and seal with a hair oil. Extra Sparkly & Frosted Eyes This winter, frosty and over-the-top sparkly eyeshadow has made a shimmery comeback. When used in moderation, these glistening shadows add a professional yet striking pop to any traditional makeup look. We recommend testing out a few different products to find the texture and hue best suited for you. To create an enchanting frosty eyeshadow look, start by applying a base layer of a light matte shadow for even color application. If you want the shimmer to be the star of the show, start with a dark base color for maximum impact. Next, apply your favorite metallic shadow or glitter evenly all over the lid. If it tends to be grittier in texture, use your finger or a dense brush to pack on the shimmer. For an even more dramatic look, use a mixing medium like Cozzette Matrix Mixing Liquid for an ultra-foiled effect. If you're looking for a fun new palette, Lethal Cosmetics' Magnetic Pressed Powder Palette in Berlin 89 includes a wide range of finishes including a multichrome to create the perfect frosty glam. Their crease-proof shadow formula is long-lasting and vibrant to keep your looks feeling fresh all day. If you’re interested in buying a single chromatic shade rather than a full palette, their new single multichrome shadows will have you turning heads all season long. If you're after a beautiful shimmery sheen that will add the perfect level of sparkle in a long-lasting cream-based formula, the Cozzette Crystal Cream Eye Shadows are right for you. These dazzling shades come in a variety of colors ranging from jewel-tones to everyday earthy shades making them excellent for any holiday makeup look. If you want a quick way to add sparkle to any shadow look, try out the Lethal Cosmetics Glitch Liquid Shadow Berlin 89 Collection. Their enchanting liquid formula gives you a glittery and chromatic shine without any fallout, making it excellent for beginners and experts alike and offers a glimmering gold or a prismatic silver. Extra Long Natural Lashes While eyelashes have always been in style, natural lashes are making a comeback this winter than ever. This is great news for those that don't love wearing false lashes. If longevity is your main priority, there’s no better product to turn to than the Smashbox Mascara + Mini Lash Primer Duo. This handy kit comes with everything you need to make sure your mascara doesn’t run and stays clump-free all day. The kit includes one full-sized tube of their Super Fan Mascara and a deluxe-sized lash primer. If you're a fan of waterproof mascara, the new Scott Barnes MaXXX Out Mascara may be the perfect choice. This innovative formula contains a special mix of oils and other natural ingredients to nourish and protect your lashes while still delivering the long-wearing volume you want. For the mascara junkies that love testing new products, we know you'll fall in love with Meloway Your Way Mascara and Ready Set Primer. They feature a pivoting applicator that can be tilted to any angle you desire to ensure you reach each and every lash. Simply press the tip of the wand against the side of the bottle to reach the desired bend and apply with ease. Berry Lips Deep wine-stained lips have been a winter trend that has withstood the test of time, and this season is no different. There’s something about the dipping temperatures that seem to make these rich and sultry lip colors soar in popularity. While there are tons of lipsticks and glosses out there to give you a sultry look, you’ll want to make sure sure you prep your lips to ensure they last as long as possible! To make sure your lip color last all day, start by gently exfoliating your lips. If your beauty routine allows you a few extra moments to get ready, we recommend doing this before your skincare routine and applying a hydrating oil like Jouer's Essential Hydrating Lip Oil to smooth lip lines and moisturize your lips for even lip color application. Once your lips are fully prepped, a lip liner is a must to keep your prevent you lipstick from feathering and fading unevenly. For a versatile liner that can be used on the lips and eyes, we recommend Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil in Endless Plum for a cool toned lip or Free Burgundy for a warmer tone. If you're after a brown-toned berry shade, line with the budget friendly KimChi Chic Beauty Y.U.M. Lip Liner in Root Beer. Finally, for a true berry liner that won't budget, we recommend Jouer Long-Wear Creme Lip Liner in Aubergine. Now that we're prepped and lined, we're ready to move on to the star of the show, the berry lipsticks! Melt Cosmetics Ultra Matte Lipstick in Catsuit is as rich as they come with a lovely matte finish, and Ben Nye Boysenbery Lipstick is the perfect deep berry shade if you're feeling extra bold. If you prefer a cooler toned lip color, try Senna Cosmetics Black Rose Lipstick, and for a berry that leans toward merlot, try Besame Noir Red. Regardless of the lip color you choose, you can achieve a more subtle, blushed berry tone by using your finger to apply the lipstick over a light balm to create a stained berry tint on your lips. If you prefer a liquid lipstick, try Dose of Colors Liquid Lipstick in Mood for a warmer berry or Berry Me for a vibrant raspberry shade. Icy Highlighter While many makeup artists are opting for a subtle highlight rather than a full-face beat this year, an icy highlighter across the cheekbones and nose can make you look like you just stepped out of a winter wonderland. Products like the Lethal Cosmetics Wavelength Press Highlighter in Scatter or Illamasqua Beyond Powder Highlighter are perfect options to give you an effortless, icy or warm glow from the inside out. If you aren't afraid of unique highlighter colors and want a value-packed palette, check out the KimChi Chic Beauty Drama Queen Highlighter Palette for many beautiful highlighter options. Plus, it’s cruelty-free and vegan! For a highlighter with a slight opalescent shift, try Jouer Powder Highlighter in Celestial. This finely milled powder will give your cheeks a light pink glow with a lilac shift! For the perfect frosty glow, apply powder highlighters with a light hand and a highlighter brush like MYKITCO's PRO My Blush and Polisher 0.24 Brush for maximum glow. A little bit of highlighter goes a long way, so be sure to blend well for a lit from within look. Feeling Inspired? Whether you want to test drive the trends or opt for your own makeup style this winter, we offer plenty of high-quality products to help achieve beautiful results from head to toe. Click here to start exploring! 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.