EDUCATION AT CAMERA READY

Whether it’s your first year filing taxes as a makeup artist or whether you’ve been doing it for decades, every independent contractor can agree that tax season is one of the most confusing and stressful times of the year. With ever-evolving laws and regulations, no two tax filings are the same, and it can be hard to keep up. Not to mention, there’s that ever-present fear of messing something up and being at the mercy of the law. If you’re filing 2020 taxes as a freelance makeup artist, here are the top five things you need to know before Tax Day. But, as always, consult a CPA to ensure that your taxes are filed correctly and with your best financial interests in mind. 5. Self-Employment Tax So, why exactly are taxes so much more complicated as a freelance makeup artist than when you worked a 9-to-5 job? That’s because you’re now considered an independent contractor. When you work a full-time job, your employer automatically deducts federal and state taxes ahead of time, which is reflected in the paycheck you receive. As a sole proprietor (a.k.a. someone who is self-employed), you receive full pre-tax payment from clients. This means that you later need to pay federal and state income taxes and contribute to programs such as social security and Medicare. To report your income and pay those taxes, you’ll need to fill out the forms Schedule C, Schedule SE, and Form 1040 annually. However, it’s important to note that you’ll need to pay your taxes quarterly using Form 1040-ES. Consult the IRS quarterly tax deadlines to keep track of when you’ll need to submit your payments. (Spoiler alert: first quarter taxes are due April 15!) 4. Health Insurance Deductions It’s important to know that, if you’re not covered by a group insurance plan, you can deduct your health insurance premium from your taxes. Health insurance is an “above the line” deduction, so it can be deducted before you arrive at your adjusted gross income. However, note that if you qualify for health insurance through a full-time job or a spouse’s employer health plan, you may not be eligible for this deduction even if you opt to pay for your health insurance premium yourself. 3. Business Mileage Expenses Another important deduction to note is your gas and mileage. It’s an often-overlooked deduction among sole proprietors since using your car for work is typically seen as common and insignificant. However, if you use your car for business purposes, such as traveling to a client’s venue, the deduction of 57.5 cents per mile can add up to be a significant amount. To file for this deduction, be sure to keep thorough mileage records throughout the year for every job you work. Investing in business and mileage apps created specifically for this purpose will make the process much easier and less tedious, ensuring greater accuracy. 2. Inappropriate Write-Offs Just as many deductions go underutilized by sole proprietors, there are also many frivolous deductions falsely taken that could come back to hurt you if you don’t file carefully. While reasonable business expenses like mileage can be written off, you can’t write off anything used for personal use. For instance, you can write off the purchase of a makeup product that is used for your kit, but you cannot write off your latest personal skincare haul. Similarly, you can’t claim a home office as a write-off if that room is used for anything else. If you have a dedicated studio space, that may be eligible for a write-off. However, you can’t opt for a deduction for your workspace if you’re working out of your personal living room, for example. It can be difficult to parse which expenses are appropriate and which aren’t, especially as a sole proprietor. Start by asking yourself whether the expense is solely for business or whether you will personally utilize it or gain from it. If you’re ever in doubt, consult your CPA to ensure your deductions are legitimate and to help you avoid an audit. 1. COVID-Related Stimulus Payments This point is unique to 2020 taxes, but COVID-related payments and loans can factor into your tax filings this year. If you’ve received a COVID-related loan, check with the lender to see whether the loan will be forgiven. Regardless of whether they’re forgiven or not, make sure to mention any loans of this kind to your accountant to ensure they’re factored into your filings. You should also ask your accountant about whether you qualify for a stimulus check credit. If you didn’t qualify for government-issued stimulus checks based on your 2019 taxes, but you believe you should’ve qualified due to changes in 2020, you may be eligible for a tax credit. Final Thoughts If you have any questions about how to correctly file your taxes as a professional makeup artist, it’s always worth the extra cost to hire a CPA to handle them for you. They keep track of all the relevant tax laws in your state, so they can ensure your taxes are filed correctly and maximize any potential return. About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. She dreamed of having a pro makeup showroom where artists could play with professional products without the typical makeup store attitude. Today, our team of beauty industry veterans work together to curate the best quality products on the market. We partner with brands who respect the industry and formulate products for true working artists. You won’t find CRC in high-end malls, and we don't wear matching brush belts. If you want to play with products for a few hours and buy nothing, that's okay ... come in and play! Our store is your playground. 

With many so hair styles ranging from romantic, edgy, classic, bohemian, and retro to choose from, it's no wonder selecting the perfect hairstyle for a wedding can be one of the most dizzying decisions for a bride. However, one thing remains true no matter which style you choose; proper hair care can make achieving the bridal hairstyle of your dreams easier for both you and your stylist. That's why we worked with our in-house licensed cosmetologist Jessica Dickison to provide a few tips for brides to ensure their hair is Camera Ready for their big day. Tips for Hair Care 6-12 Months Before the Wedding We know the time between engagement and the actual wedding day can vary greatly from one wedding to another, but if a bride has at least six months before the big day, they can get a jump start on caring for their hair for extra lustrous locks. JESSICA: If possible, try to book your bridal hair appointment at least nine months in advance. This will allow you to schedule your trial with plenty of time to make adjustments to your hair like extra conditioning, coloring, and trimming before the big day. We suggest doing the trial 1-3 months before the wedding so your stylist can let you know what kind of products and treatments you should be using for your exact hair type. It can also be helpful to schedule your dress fitting after your hair and makeup which will allow you the opportunity to see the whole bridal look Where to go for bridal hair inspiration On one hand, looking for inspiration has never been easier thanks to social media sites like Pinterest, Instagram, and now even TikTok showcasing beautiful styles, but use a little bit of caution when saving out images to show your stylist. JESSICA: I know these days everyone runs to Pinterest to plan their big day, but what Pinterest doesn’t tell you is that those models generally have hair extensions, hairpieces, or wigs to achieve the desired look. It's possible that your stylist may be comfortable using extensions on you, too, but double-check with them to see if they think your dream 'do is doable with or without extensions or additional pieces so you may purchase them in advance, if necessary. Color matching them can be a little tricky. What treatments should a bride enjoy or avoid 6-12 months before the wedding? JESSICA: While it may be tempting to change your look up entirely to achieve a certain vision for your wedding, avoid services that can be overly taxing on your tresses. These services can include perms, intense highlighting sessions where you're lifting the color more than three to four shades, or chemical straightening. Your stylist will be able to determine what condition your hair is in and what treatments they feel comfortable performing on you during this time, so definitely work with them to select the proper services for your hair. Tips for Hair Care 2-3 Months Before the Wedding Products to Consider Adding to Your Routine As the wedding date draws closer, the focus shifts from searching for the perfect style to achieving healthy hair that will be in optimal condition. There are a few ingredients you can avoid and consider using to help! JESSICA: Now is the time to treat yourself and your hair to a little extra TLC! The wedding process is in full swing, and a bride can treat themselves with a deep conditioning mask for a few moments of much-needed pampering time. To get your hair as glossy as possible, consider adding a mask to your routine 2-3 months out from the big day. A weekly deep conditioning treatment like Living Proof PhD Night Cap Overnight Perfector is a great option because it is sulfate-free and is formulated to be extra gentle on chemically-treated and colored hair. It also helps the hair to be more manageable which will help your stylist! PRO Tip: Avoid products with sulfates during the months leading up to the wedding. They can strip the hair of moisture, and this can cause colored hair to fade faster and all hair types to look dull.   Tips for Hair Care 1-2 Months Before the Wedding At this stage, the hair routine should consist of very few major changes. A light color refresh service like toning or glossing should be okay, as long as you keep the changes subtle. Ideally, your makeup trial should take place after your last hair coloring session so your bridal makeup artist can select products that compliment your hair color, too!   JESSICA: If you do choose to color your hair during this time frame, it's best to communicate these changes with your bridal makeup and hair team (if the stylist is different than the one you're working with for the big day). Even subtle changes to your hair tone can change which makeup products will complement your overall look. This is also the time to get one last trim to get rid of split and dry ends, to avoid heat styling when possible, and to avoid products that can cause build-up. Since many brides will choose to have their bridal hair trial during the two months out time frame, this is the perfect chance to make those fine-tuning tweaks to ensure everything is perfect for the wedding day. Be sure to ask your stylist for the products they would recommend for your hair type, as they will be able to identify your hair's needs. Hair Care Advice for the Bride for the Big Day Just like that, the week leading up to the wedding day is here! Now is the time to avoid heat styling or using products that cause build-up. JESSICA: Of course, check with your stylist first, but as a general rule of thumb, do not wash your hair on the wedding day! Do that the day before. I actually recommend double-washing and then conditioning to ensure you're removing any extra build-up of oils, product residue, or impurities. Leave the conditioner on a little longer than normal, up to five minutes, and rinse well. Avoid using any post-shower products (a leave-in conditioner is okay) to avoid adding any extra products that will impact how it holds a style on your wedding day. Lightly blow-drying is fine. Washing the day before the wedding will also allow enough natural oil to form to help lock your bridal style in place. My final piece of advice? Take a deep breath, and enjoy every moment! It's the most exciting day of your life, and no matter what, you'll look beautiful! A Summary of the Do's and Don'ts for Bridal Hair Care We covered a lot in this blog, so to make it as easy as possible, we've created a list of the basic things to do and the things to avoid before the big day. The DO’s for Bridal Hair Care: -DO Make sure your haircut aligns with your day-of style -DO book your consultation a minimum of 2 months before your wedding day -DO treatments/hair masks weekly the 2-3 months leading up to the big day -DO make sure to get a trim and color touch up 2 weeks prior to the event -DO use sulfate-free shampoo & conditioner -If you are frequently in the sun, we DO suggest using a leave in with UV protection The DON'TS for Bridal Hair Care: -Don't overly process your hair within one year of your wedding (excessive highlighting, chemical straightening, perms, etc.) -Don't book your consultation too close to your wedding date. Leave wiggle room to try something new or tweak it to perfection -Don't overheat your hair. Use a thermal protection spray when blowing out/flat ironing/curling to minimize damage -Don’t use too much product in your hair during your wedding week to avoid product buildup -Don't wash your hair the morning of your wedding (unless your stylist advises you otherwise) -Don't make any drastic changes. Feeling Inspired? We hope you're feeling confident about your hair's needs after reading our blog. If you need more help or a personalized recommendation, click here to contact a Beauty Advisor, otherwise, enjoy perusing our beautiful selection of hair care products! About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. She dreamed of having a pro makeup showroom where artists could play with professional products without the typical makeup store attitude. Today, our team of beauty industry veterans work together to curate the best quality products on the market. We partner with brands who respect the industry and formulate products for true working artists. You won’t find CRC in high-end malls, and we don't wear matching brush belts. If you want to play with products for a few hours and buy nothing, that's okay ... come in and play! Our store is your playground. 

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

NOTE: This blog was originally published in 2021 and has been updated. We recommend working with a CPA if you have questions. Whether it’s your first year filing taxes as a makeup artist or whether you’ve been doing it for decades, every independent contractor can agree that tax season is one of the most confusing and stressful times of the year. With ever-evolving laws and regulations, no two tax filings are the same, and it can be hard to keep up. Not to mention, there’s that ever-present fear of messing something up and being at the mercy of the law. If you’re filing 2022 taxes as a freelance makeup artist, here are the top five things you need to know before Tax Day. But, as always, consult a CPA to ensure that your taxes are filed correctly and with your best financial interests in mind. 5. Self-Employment Tax So, why exactly are taxes so much more complicated as a freelance makeup artist than when you worked a 9-to-5 job? That’s because you’re now considered an independent contractor. When you work a full-time job, your employer automatically deducts federal and state taxes ahead of time, which is reflected in the paycheck you receive. As a sole proprietor (a.k.a. someone who is self-employed), you receive full pre-tax payment from clients. This means that you later need to pay federal and state income taxes and contribute to programs such as social security and Medicare. To report your income and pay those taxes, you’ll need to fill out the forms Schedule C, Schedule SE, and Form 1040 annually. However, it’s important to note that you’ll need to pay your taxes quarterly using Form 1040-ES. Consult the IRS quarterly tax deadlines to keep track of when you’ll need to submit your payments. (Spoiler alert: first quarter taxes are due April 15!) 4. Health Insurance Deductions It’s important to know that, if you’re not covered by a group insurance plan, you can deduct your health insurance premium from your taxes. Health insurance is an “above the line” deduction, so it can be deducted before you arrive at your adjusted gross income. However, note that if you qualify for health insurance through a full-time job or a spouse’s employer health plan, you may not be eligible for this deduction even if you opt to pay for your health insurance premium yourself. 3. Business Mileage Expenses Another important deduction to note is your gas and mileage. It’s an often-overlooked deduction among sole proprietors since using your car for work is typically seen as common and insignificant. However, if you use your car for business purposes, such as traveling to a client’s venue, the deduction of 57.5 cents per mile can add up to be a significant amount. To file for this deduction, be sure to keep thorough mileage records throughout the year for every job you work. Investing in business and mileage apps created specifically for this purpose will make the process much easier and less tedious, ensuring greater accuracy. 2. Inappropriate Write-Offs Just as many deductions go underutilized by sole proprietors, there are also many frivolous deductions falsely taken that could come back to hurt you if you don’t file carefully. While reasonable business expenses like mileage can be written off, you can’t write off anything used for personal use. For instance, you can write off the purchase of a makeup product that is used for your kit, but you cannot write off your latest personal skincare haul. Similarly, you can’t claim a home office as a write-off if that room is used for anything else. If you have a dedicated studio space, that may be eligible for a write-off. However, you can’t opt for a deduction for your workspace if you’re working out of your personal living room, for example. It can be difficult to parse which expenses are appropriate and which aren’t, especially as a sole proprietor. Start by asking yourself whether the expense is solely for business or whether you will personally utilize it or gain from it. If you’re ever in doubt, consult your CPA to ensure your deductions are legitimate and to help you avoid an audit. 1. Keep Your Receipts Organized Managing a pile of receipts and expenses can be tricky, especially if you have to grab a single product for a last minute job (and make sure you're tracking the extra mileage, too). However, with a little discipline, you can build some good habits and a routine to keep this important step in check! There are tools to like phone apps, receipt scanners, and more, to create digital versions of your receipts for your records. Popular bookkeeping software like QuickBooks offers a mobile receipt uploading option. If you have receipts emailed to you, you can submit them via email, and it will be uploaded to your QuickBooks account for safe keeping. Genius Scan is another popular choice because it allows you to quickly scan a document, give it a filename that will help you find it later, and email it to yourself later in PDF form. Have a separate bank account that you use solely for your artistry? Some credit card providers and even some banks allow you to sign up for notifications (email or text) every time that card is used. If you use that card solely for business purchases, you'll have an easy way to track your spending! Final Thoughts If you have any questions about how to correctly file your taxes as a professional makeup artist, it’s always worth the extra cost to hire a CPA to handle them for you. They keep track of all the relevant tax laws in your state, so they can ensure your taxes are filed correctly and maximize any potential return. About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. She dreamed of having a pro makeup showroom where artists could play with professional products without the typical makeup store attitude. Today, our team of beauty industry veterans work together to curate the best quality products on the market. We partner with brands who respect the industry and formulate products for true working artists. You won’t find CRC in high-end malls, and we don't wear matching brush belts. If you want to play with products for a few hours and buy nothing, that's okay ... come in and play! Our store is your playground. 

For many makeup artists, the first male grooming job may be a bit intimidating, but don't worry! We’ve got you covered! From which products to use to the tools you should keep in your kit, we’ll break down the basic steps to getting a man Camera Ready. Step 1: Shape the Brows Brows are truly the frame for the face, and a good brow grooming session can change the entire look. It's important to have a good pair of tweezers, brow scissors, and tools to comb the brows in your kit. To shape them, comb them into place with a spoolie brush or a disposable mascara wand and trim any excessively long hairs using brow scissors. Gently pluck out of place hairs with tweezers. Don’t worry about setting the brows during this step. We will tackle that task later! Chella Brow Scissors LEARN MORE Tweezerman Tweezers LEARN MORE Camera Ready Disposable Wands LEARN MORE Step 2: Skin & Lip Prep Even if your client tells you he washed his face already, it's important to cleanse again. Start by gently exfoliating the lips, and cleanse the entire face with Bioderma Sensibio H20 on a cotton pad to whisk away oil and impurities. Apply a thin layer of lip balm and moisturize the skin with a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer like Avène Hydrance Aqua Gel. This moisturizer is the ultimate multitasker because it's safe to use around the eye contour and is suitable for all skin types. For oily skin, Nurturing Force Blot Out Offensive is a pro favorite because it is a moisturizer and an oil-controlling primer all-in-one! If you opt for Nurturing Force, go ahead to the next step. Once the moisturizer has absorbed into the skin, apply an oil-absorbing primer. We recommend Embryolisse Emulsion Hydra-Mat and Avene Cleanance Mattifying Emulsion. Both provide extra hydration while absorbing excess oil, leaving the skin smooth and matte all day. If he has a bit of redness or a slightly dull complexion, the Makeup Forever Color Correcting Step 1 Primers are great additions to your kit. Bioderma Sensibio H2O LEARN MORE Avène Hydrance Aqua Gel LEARN MORE Embryolisse Hydra-Mat LEARN MORE Make Up For Ever Step 1 LEARN MORE Step 3: Apply Concealer & Foundation Your regular beauty routine calls for concealer next, don't rush to apply it the same way to a man. Perform a quick spot check first for any imperfections, and if he needs a little cover-up, apply concealer sparingly. The goal is to spot conceal and reduce the appearance of any blemishes. The lighting will do the rest for you. While you may not use it for every male grooming job, it's important to have a few color correctors in your kit. Many men tend to have redness around their noses or dark circles. The Graftobian Hi-Def Glamour Creme Corrector Palette offers corrector shades for both light and deep skin tones to counteract any discoloration he may have. To even out the complexion, apply a light layer of foundation, and blend it into the hairline and down to the neck. RCMA Cream Foundation is a pro favorite because it photographs well and has a skin-like finish when it's applied to a properly prepped face. If you prefer using a liquid foundation, Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation offers buildable coverage with a natural finish. To ensure you're not over-applying, we recommend using a sponge for seamless, light coverage. Wet the sponge, squeeze out excess water, and use it to pat on the foundation. Keep in mind, you are aiming for a no-makeup-makeup look, so if you need to add more coverage, add very thin layers until you reach the desired look. PRO Tip: If it's been a while since he had a haircut, you can use a light layer of foundation along his hairline to create the look of having a fresh cut. Use a buffing brush to blend it well and to ensure you don't have any harsh lines. Graftobian Corrector Palette LEARN MORE RCMA VK Foundation Palette   LEARN MORE Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation LEARN MORE Step 4: Powder Next up, it's time to powder! Studio lights and high-definition cameras pick up on the tiniest bit of shine, so set the makeup in place with a powder that provides a natural finish like Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Loose Translucent Powder or Graftobian Dual-Finish Powder Foundation. For touch-ups, RCMA No Color Powder and Mehron Touch Up Matte Finishing Anti-Shine Gel will come in handy to eliminate shine. Focus on the T-zone, as this is the area that tends to produce the most oil. Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Loose Powder Translucent LEARN MORE Graftobian 12-Color Dual Finish Powder Palette LEARN MORE RCMA No Color Power LEARN MORE Step 5: Set the Brows Now that you have achieved complexion perfection, it's time to set the brows. Make Up For Ever Aqua Resist Brow Fixer is a great choice for men with brows that only need to be brushed and held in place. For men with thicker brows that require a little more work, opt for a stronger hold with Graftobian StudioBrow Eyebrow Styling Wax , Kryolan Eyebrow Forming Gel, or Brett Brow Arch Control Gel.  Make Up For Ever Aqua Resist Brow Fixer LEARN MORE Graftobian StudioBrow Eyebrow Styling Wax LEARN MORE Brett Brow - Arch Control Gel LEARN MORE Step 7: Finishing Touches You're almost done! Take a look at your work from all angles to ensure your makeup is well-blended. If the makeup is looking a little too matte, a quick spritz of Avène Thermal Spring Water or Koh Gen Do Herbal Spa Mist will bright the complexion back to life. If you've applied too much foundation and have lost some of the definition of his facial features, lightly contour with a powder that is only slightly deeper than his skin tone. The final step is to ensure the hair is also well-groomed for an overall put-together look. Tame any flyaways with a lightweight hair spray with flexible hold. If the job calls for a sleeker look, Sachajuan Matt Wax will help you style and hold the hair in place with a matte finish so you don’t have to worry about unwanted shine. If he has facial hair, comb it into place and fill in any sparse areas with the same products you'd use to fill in brow hair. Apply one last thin coat of lip balm, and that's it! He's Camera Ready! Avène Cold Cream Nourishing Lip Balm LEARN MORE Avène Thermal Spring Water LEARN MORE Oribe Superfine Hair Spray 300mL LEARN MORE Feeling Inspired? In a nutshell, the key to getting a man camera ready is covering up any blemishes, evening out the skin tone, eliminating shine, and ensuring his hair and brows look neat. Pretty simple, right? To shop our top picks for male grooming products, click here. We hope this blog has given you the confidence to tackle your next male grooming job, but if you have any questions, we are here to help! Click here to contact one of our Beauty Advisors for additional tips and tricks! About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. She dreamed of having a pro makeup showroom where artists could play with professional products without the typical makeup store attitude. Today, our team of beauty industry veterans work together to curate the best quality products on the market. We partner with brands who respect the industry and formulate products for true working artists. You won’t find CRC in high-end malls, and we don't wear matching brush belts. If you want to play with products for a few hours and buy nothing, that's okay ... come in and play! Our store is your playground. 

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

Now that we've discussed how to prep your body and hair for the warmer season, it's time to discuss one of the most popular topics our Beauty Advisors are asked about this time of the year: how to keep your makeup in place when it's hot and humid. Whether you’re a makeup artist in need of heat and sweat-proof additions to your kit or a beauty lover looking for insider tips, we’ve got you covered! It's time to discuss our must-haves for the season ahead. Exfoliating, Cleansing, and Moisturizing Odds are, most of us will experience some sort of skin changes during the warmer months. Normal skin may lean toward oily. Dry skin may not respond the same way to skincare products as it did during the colder months. However, a few small tweaks to how you prep the skin can make this transition easier for you and your clients! Cleansing and Exfoliating: Even those with the best complexions can have sensitivity, dry patches, redness, or irritation this time of the year. Adding a gentle exfoliator, brightening cleanser, or soothing mask to your kit will ensure you're prepared to counteract any of these warm-weather woes and give your client the extra TLC their skin needs before moving on to the next step. If they are experiencing dry patches, use a cleansing balm to infuse extra moisture into the skin. Consider using a non-physical exfoliator on clients with irritated skin. Physical exfoliators rely on textured granules to scrub away impurities. Selecting a cleanser like Koh Gen Do Soft Gommage Gel that relies on fruit enzymes to gently lift away dull dry skin will allow you to exfoliate with light wiping motions instead of applying more pressure to buff and polish the skin. Lightweight and alcohol-free, the Soft Gommage Gel also restores balance with T3 Oil to replenish skin with protective moisture and contains the same herbal spa water found in their other skincare items. The result? Instant brightening and long-term benefits through a nourishing blend of mineral water and six herbal extracts. Before Moisturizing: Once the skin is properly cleansed, it's time to get ready for moisturizer. A toner like Indie Lee CoQ-10 Toner will help calm the skin with ingredients including chamomile and cucumber while also providing clarity with papaya, aloe, and sage. This alcohol and fragrance-free toner is formulated for all skin types and comes in a convenient kit-friendly spray bottle or a bigger size for personal use and refills. If your client is suffering from maskne, consider using the Skindinavia Maskne Control Spray to help keep the skin calm throughout the day. It helps preserve your skin and maintains balance while it endures time spent behind a mask. Ingredients including willow bark, black currant, and raspberry leaves help prevent oil production and have anti-inflammatory properties to keep skin problems associated with mask-wearing at bay. Sold out Sold out Sold out Sold out Moisturizing & Priming When it comes to skin prep, do not take shortcuts with these steps. Selecting the right moisturizer and primer will make the biggest difference for both the application and longevity of the makeup. Moisturizing: Now that the skin is freshly cleansed, it's time to moisturize! If your client is experiencing redness or irritation, try a moisturizer geared toward calming sensitive and stressed-out skin like FITISH Beauty Dewing It Moisturizer, a botanically-based moisturizer that can aid in reducing redness. If you're like many other pros and love using Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre to moisturize and prime, try substituting with Lait Creme Sensitive. Priming: A popular pick for makeup artists is Embryolisse Emulsion, a multi-purpose primer that hydrates and tones the skin while absorbing excess oil and shine. If you're looking for a primer to help color correct or to brighten the complexion, try the Make Up For Ever Step 1 Primers. The Step 1 Fresh Brightening Primer instantly illuminates dull skin and levels out an uneven skin tone for a brightened complexion with a fresh, healthy glow. Extra Prep for Oily Skin and All-Day Events: Thankfully, there are products designed to delay oil and sweat production. For clients that will be under hot studio lights or outdoors in warm or humid weather, use a product like Alcone Stop the Sweat or Mehron Skin Prep Pro before applying makeup to prevent perspiration. They act like an antiperspirant for the face and will not disturb the makeup you add on top of it. PRO Tip: Start with a freshly cleansed face (for extra dry skin, use a cleansing balm) and lightly moisturize before applying the product to a cotton ball or cotton round. Apply a thin layer, as you would with toner, in the areas prone to sweating like the t-zone or the entire face if they have extremely oily skin. Allow it to dry completely before applying makeup. Sold out Sold out Sold out Sold out Setting & Touch-Ups When it comes to powder, the iconic Ben Nye Luxury Powders and RCMA No Color Powder are perfect year-round. For oily skin or all-day-long shoots, consider an oil-controlling powder like Kett Setting Powder, Kryolan Anti-Shine, or the Danessa Myricks Evolution Powders.   If your client has dry skin or mature skin, consider a powder infused with hyaluronic acid including the By Terry Hydra Powders or Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Natural Lighting Powder. The Natural Lighting Powder is finely-milled with a soft pearl finish that smooths the skin and gives a velvety appearance, while the Hydra Powders are available in a range of shades to perfectly set, smooth, and blur any complexion. Setting Spray: To lock everything in place and to prevent warm weather from wearing away your work, we recommend using a setting spray. If you need help selecting the right sealer, be sure to read our All About Setting Sprays blog series. For the summer time, we love Skindinavia setting sprays. Innovators in the setting spray game, they’re a must-have to prevent a summer makeup meltdown because they contain a proprietary blend of ingredients that help to provide a cooling sensation to the skin for up to 16 hours. They have three formulas to provide long-lasting looks including oil-control, a bridal formula with a satin finish, and their iconic original formula for a natural matte look. If you prefer a dewier finish, try Danessa Myricks Dewy Forever Mist. This brand new ultra-hydrating formula locks in makeup while keeping you feeling refreshed with Danessa Myricks' Hyaluronic Hydrating Complex, a unique blend of ingredients that provide hydration to the skin while keeping makeup in place. Touch-ups: For touch-ups throughout the day, keep a simple to use product like Mehron Touch-Up Matte Finishing Anti-Shine Gel in your kit for easy and quick fixes. Simply dab a small amount onto shiny areas throughout the day for instant mattifying effects. If you prefer a pressed powder on-the-go, set with the By Terry Hyaluronic Pressed Hydra-Powder for a flawless matte finish that’s never drying or RCMA No Color Powder, an industry favorite in compact form. To help prevent any additional makeup or powder from appearing heavy or powdery, lightly spritz with a refreshing spray like the Koh Gen Do Herbal Spa Mist to restore a skin-like and natural appearance. Sold out Sold out Sold out Sold out Makeup Trends Summer brings with it a whole host of fresh and fun makeup trends, from cream blushes and lightweight foundations to glossy lips and pops of warm color. For a lightweight foundation that will stay all day, try the Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Moisture Foundation or the new Make Up For Ever Watertone Liquid Foundation.  If you’re looking for a foundation with long wear-time and water resistance, Make-Up Atelier Waterproof Foundation is perfect for all day photo shoots under hot lights or for outdoor weddings. This pro favorite is available in full-sized bottles and convenient 5ml minis to test out shades or for smaller jobs. Warming up the cheeks is a guaranteed way to turn any base into a glowy summer goddess moment. The Melt Cosmetics Cream Blushlights come in eight shades, each giving the cheeks a natural, glowing flush. Enhance your summer tan (or fake it ‘til you make it) with the Danessa Myricks Beauty Power Cream Bronzer or The Balm Cosmetics Balm Desert Bronzer. For a convenient 2-in-1, the Stila Putty Blush/Bronzer Duo features a perfectly paired blush and bronzer that will add sun-kissed warmth and a radiant finish to any makeup look. Summer is a great time to play with color, and the right pop of orange, coral, or red can even enhance your summer tan. For a long-wearing vibrant lipstick that won’t dry out your lips, try the True + Luscious Super Moisture Lipstick in Orange Punch. If you prefer a high-shine finish, the Scott Barnes Flossy Glossy Lip Gloss adds the perfect final touch to any look. If your client is interested in creating a monochromatic moment, you can achieve the look with the Danessa Myricks Nude Colorfix Glaze; it can be used on the eyes, cheeks, or lips for a flush of color and glossy finish. Sold out Sold out Sold out Sold out Feeling Inspired? We hope you're feeling a little more prepared for the season and photo shoots ahead! If you need help selecting the perfect products or shades, our Beauty Advisors are here to help. Drop them a line at beautyadvisor@crcmakeup.com, or come visit us at our Dallas showroom! Are you ready to restock your kit with warm weather essentials and the newest arrivals? Click the pics below to start exploring! 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. 

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.   Sold out Sold out Sold out Sold out 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. Sold out Sold out Sold out Sold out 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. Sold out Sold out Sold out Sold out 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. Sold out Sold out Sold out Sold out 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. 

If you're considering making a few changes while restocking your kit this year, you're not alone. Most artists have their staple products memorized and rarely deviate from that list, but every so often, a new or innovative product comes around that elevates your artistry. It's like baking chocolate chip cookies and swapping out your regular milk chocolate morsels with milk chocolate chunks. All of the ingredients remained essentially the same, but the small tweak made a delicious difference. Variety is the spice of life, after all.   Hungry to learn more? We thought you'd be! We spoke to our beauty advisors to get their top tips for refreshing your kit for the season ahead. 1. Make Sanitizing a Priority Let's start with the topic that's on all of our minds, sanitation. Disinfecting and cleaning the products in your kit aren't new practices, but they're more important than ever. The extra steps you take to disinfect your products and tools will help you stay healthy and show your clients you are taking their safety into consideration, too. If you haven't updated your website or marketing materials to talk about the extra precautions you're taking, do that now! For Your Makeup BeautySoClean Cosmetics Sanitizer Mist is a must-have! This mist disinfects eye shadows, lipsticks, cream products, and more without drying them up nor changing the texture. An added perk? It's available in spritz bottles ranging from a purse-friendly size to an 8.5oz bottle you can keep on top of your station. If you prefer wipes, they have those, too! SHOP BEAUTYSOCLEAN For Your Makeup Kit, Bags, and Brushes To make sure your makeup kit and bags are safely disinfected, be sure to grab a bottle of Rejuvenate. It's an eco-friendly, hospital-grade disinfectant that is commonly used at spas, salons, and clinics. Rejuvenate can be used on almost anything; it can be used to disinfect cloth, plastic, and glass but not brushes. For your brushes, our best seller is Cinema Secrets Brush Cleaner. It's an industry essential because it's fast-drying and leaves your brushes smelling fresh and clean. Just remember, this quick disinfecting option should not replace your regular deep cleaning with a brush soap because relying solely on a quick sanitizing dip or spray can break down the glue in the ferrule of your brush.  Click here to view all of our brush cleaner options. Want to take your disinfecting and cleaning routine to the next level? The Sterilelight ILLUMICIDE Case allows you to disinfect the surface of anything you place inside and even has a setting to dry your brushes if you deep cleanse with a brush soap in between clients. It uses short-wavelength ultraviolet light to kill or inactivate bacteria, viruses, molds, and other pathogenic microorganisms. In addition to disinfecting brushes, you can safely clean items like your mixing palettes, car keys, and phone in it. Sold out Sold out Sold out Sold out For Your Hands Now that your kit is nice and sanitized, let's get to those busy hands. Our newest addition Jao Refresher smells fantastic, comes in a variety of sizes to fit your kit, and can double as a body refreshing spray for those long days on the job. It dries quickly and doesn't leave your hands tacky, so you can get back to work without worrying about leaving residue on your clients. Sold out Sold out Sold out Sold out 2. Downsize, Customize, and Organize! It's time to lighten the load! Let's free up some space in your kit and show you how you can minimize the amount of products you have to pack for each job. Downsizing Many artists are opting for compact bags and cases, so if you're ready to drop some extra weight, check out the Zuca Artist Backpack. It has plenty of pockets and slots to hold your tools including a thermal pocket to handle the heat of flat irons and curling wands. It even comes with two small clear vinyl pouches to take the guessing game out of what you're reaching for next. Want to downsize even further? The Vueset Mini Palettes allow you to create pocket-sized versions of your favorite custom Vueset palettes and can be hung on the strap or handle of your bag or case and free up space inside your kit. Sold out Sold out Sold out Sold out Customizing There's just something about grabbing a palette knowing every shade it contains is a product and color you picked for that job. The Z-Potter is a must-have for creating a custom palette. This flameless cooktop uses induction technology to separate blushes, eye shadow, and bronzers from their packaging. Want to create a lipstick or cream blush palette? The Z-potter has you covered there, too, and can melt down your products with ease. The days of carrying twenty lipsticks and six eyeshadow palettes that you only use two colors from each are over! For complexion and cream products, the pro favorite Danessa Myricks Flexi Palette lets you customize liquids, creams and gels into interchangeable air-tight containers housed in a durable case.   Sold out Sold out Sold out Sold out Organizing Nothing is worse than fumbling around in your kit to find a product. LippieBook cases will keep your favorite products in place and boast an impressive amount of slots to fit your kit essentials. For a larger jobs, the LippieBook Pro 3.0 has 32 small slots for pencils, 112 large slots to fit most tube-shaped products like lipsticks and depotted foundations, two large pencil sharpener slots, and two medium pouches for palettes and tools. The Baby Pro measures in at 13 inches x 8.5 inches x 4 inches but still offers 92 slots for lipstick, 27 slots for pencils, and one sharpener slot.   If you're like many other artists and are carrying more disposable applicators than ever, the Cozzette Mini Vessel is a great option to keep them separate from the rest of your supplies. Sold out Sold out Sold out Sold out 3. Say Goodbye to Old or Expired Makeup We know tossing products can be a painful task. However, you always want your client to look their best, and expired or old makeup may not perform as well as it's supposed to. Most products have a shelf life guideline on the box or packaging itself, but if you can't find the recommended timeline, we recommend reading the expiration guide below. Mascara Shelf Life: 3-6 months Why Replace? Mascara needs to be replaced more frequently than any other beauty product. Every time you pump a mascara wand back into its tube, the product traps bacteria which can cause harmful eye infections. When to Replace? If the product becomes dry and clumpy or the bristles have excessive buildup, it's time to re-order. Another tell-tale sign is the scent. If it changes at all, go ahead and toss it. Shop Mascaras Foundation Shelf Life:  6 to 12 months Why Replace? Unlike powder formulas, liquid foundations contain oils or other ingredients that break down over time. Pump containers provide more protection than ones with an open top. For open-top foundations, it’s best to put the product on to a palette before applying with a clean brush or sponge. When to Replace? When a foundation is nearing expiration, you may notice dryness or changes in consistency. Shop Foundations Powder Shelf Life: 2-3 years Because they don’t require large amounts of water to manufacture, powders have a longer shelf life than most other cosmetic products. To prolong the life of your powder, store in cool locations with the lid firmly closed. When to Replace? If you notice powder becoming more difficult to blend or chalky, a replacement is due. Shop Powders Gel Eyeliner Shelf Life: 3-6 months Like mascara, gel eyeliner should be at the top of your frequent replacements list. To lengthen the life of your gel liner, take a clean spatula and scoop out the amount you need onto a palette.   When to Replace? It's normal for gel liners to get dry over time. A product like Inglot Duraline or Cozzette Matrix Mixing Liquid can help revive a drying gel liner, but since you're opening and closing it frequently, replace it every three to six months, depending on how often you use it. Shop Eyeliner Eye and Lip Pencils Shelf Life:  1-2 years Pencils tend to last longer because they are constantly being sharpened, which provides a clean, fresh layer before each application. However, it's important to disinfect and sharpen them after every use since they're being used on the eyes and lips where bacteria levels are higher than other areas of the face. When to Replace? It’s difficult to tell when an eye or lip pencil has gone bad, but a good rule to follow is to replace pencils that no longer sharpen easily. For example, pencils that frequently break-off after sharpening are best to toss. If you notice they're changing color, it's time to throw them away. Discoloration is often a sign of mold growing within the product. Shop Eye Pencils Shop Lip Pencils Skincare Shelf Life: Varies, but typically 12 months The shelf life for skincare can vary based on the ingredients, packaging style, and frequency of use. However, a good rule of thumb is to replace it if it's been more than a year. When to Replace? After a year, moisturizers and toners have lost most of their beneficial properties. The efficacy of the active ingredients decreases over time, and some deteriorate each time they're exposed to air. Others include ingredients that break down with exposure to light or extreme temperatures, so be sure to read the label and store them properly. Always apply these products with clean hands. Never add water to prolong the life of these products, as it dilutes the formula. Shop Skincare Brushes Shelf Life: n/a Makeup brushes can last for decades if you properly care for them. Purchase an all-natural, deep-cleaning brush cleaner to rid your bristles of pesky bacteria and buildup. We offer a variety of brush soaps and cleaners to clean and prolong the life of your tools. When to Replace? If your brush sheds with every use or no longer applies product evenly, it may be time for replacements. Shop Brush Cleaners Shop Brushes Other Guidelines As a general rule of thumb, here are a few expert tips to help keep any makeup products you purchase from causing an infection: 1) Write the date of purchase on the outside of each product. 2) Federal law requires all makeup products to feature a PAO (Period After Opening) or BBE (Best Before End Date) symbol. A PAO symbol applies only if the shelf life is 30 months or more. Any less and the product will feature a BBE symbol. 3) Products made from natural ingredients will include an expiration date that applies even if unopened. 3) If you can’t find an expiration date, PAO or BBE label, check for the manufacture date. This will help you to know if the product is nearing expiration, as many unused cosmetics lose their quality over time. Want to learn more? Ready to refresh? Go ahead and click the links below to browse the most popular products. Have a question or need a little extra help curating your kit? Our Beauty Advisors are here to help, so drop them a line at beautyadvisor@crcmakeup.com.   EXPLORE BAGS & CASES EXPLORE SANITIZER 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. 

I’m sure there are at least 100 answers I can give to this question. As an Artist, foundation, sponges and brushes are important – in fact, everything we carry is important or it wouldn’t be taking up real-estate in our makeup cases. Average consumers are finally realizing what many artists consider one of their most important tools: setting spray. Why spend an hour on doing the perfect makeup just to have it fade away or move around?   Creating Mask-Proof Makeup If you’ve worn a face mask with makeup on, you know the makeup ends up on your mask, and it’s not pretty. If you’re like me, you remove the mask the minute you get into your car or your home, and this on-and-off motion can be hard on your makeup. A good sealer will help minimize the rub off onto your mask. My favorite sealer is the Ben Nye Final Seal, which is also one of the most popular setting sprays in the professional makeup industry.   Facts About Ben Nye Final Seal Final Seal has been around over 20 years, and real pros have been using it that long. It can be used prior to makeup application to retard perspiration. Final Seal may be applied with Ben Nye ProColor Aqua Airbrush Paints to make paints waterproof. You can blend Final Seal with F/X Crème Colors for added durability. Ben Nye just came out with a 4-oz size that comes with a sprayer. This is in addition to the 1-oz bottle already very popular for artists kits, and of course the 8-oz size to keep for refilling. It is made in Los Angeles, California at the Ben Nye factory. Ben Nye does not sell direct to the consumer. The company’s focus is manufacturing a great product and not competing with their retailers. In today’s world this is very rare, and retailers respect the company for taking this stance, allowing them to do what they are good at while Ben Nye focuses on making great products. In addition to producing Final Seal at their LA factory, they also produce their cult favorite Banana Powder, a pro and makeup lover favorite thanks to Kim Kardashian, Wayne Goss, and other celebrities and makeup artists. Jackie Aina tested (and approved) Ben Nye Final Seal as a great way to make your makeup mask-proof. MUA Wayne Goss included Ben Nye Banana Powder in his recent Best Powder roundup video. Behind the Brand Photo & Behind the Brand courtesy of Ben Nye Ben Nye is a long-time family business owned by Dana Nye. I’ve met and chatted a lot with Dana Nye over the years. When it comes to the business of makeup and manufacturing products for pro Artists, you won’t find a more passionate person than Dana. I’ve toured the Ben Nye factory, and it felt like I was touring the Willy Wonka chocolate factory from a child's eyes. The entire place is pristine and well maintained; you could eat off the floors there. I had to throw that in because I was beyond impressed with the factory, and I’ve toured a lot of cosmetics factories over the years. Photo & history courtesy of Ben Nye FOUNDERBEN NYE SR. Ben Nye, Sr., renowned Hollywood Makeup Artist, founded his company in 1967 to serve professional artists and actors with high quality makeup products.   As 20th Century Fox Makeup Director, Ben Nye, Sr. was responsible for over 500 feature films and TV Shows spanning four decades. He worked with legendary actors, including Marilyn Monroe, Paul Newman, and Julie Andrews in epic films, such as Gone With The Wind, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, The Fly, and the Sound of Music. He taught countless makeup artists who would influence artistry with Ben Nye’s iconic style of beauty and realism. Dana Nye, Photo courtesy of Ben Nye The Company Today Today, Dana Nye, Ben Nye’s youngest son, maintains his father’s commitment to serving professionals throughout the world. For the Ben Nye Company, it’s a business based upon relationships. He and his creative staff listen carefully to working artists who provide inspiration on how to serve the industry better. Shop Ben Nye Final Seal Sold out Sold out Sold out Are you interested in learning more about setting sprays? Stay tuned for another All About Setting Spray blog next week where our Beauty Advisors will discuss the best sealers for special effects makeup, or click here to All About Setting Sprays Part One: The Best Setting Sprays for Everyday Use. Written by Mary Erickson Mary Erickson, founder of CRC and retired makeup artist, is a beauty industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience. To learn more about Mary, click here. 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. To learn more about how you can be a contributing writer to our PRO Tips Blog Series or to request a topic for us to cover, click HERE!