EDUCATION AT CAMERA READY

No matter how well your skin has behaved over the last few months, be sure to read this blog because even the most predictable skin can be prone to irritation, dryness, or become sensitized as we transition into the cooler months. That's why our in-house Skincare Expert, Chelsie, is sharing the Top 5 Skincare Misconceptions for the cooler seasons! In this blog, we will be discussing the FOLLOWING COMMON SKINCARE MYTHS and mistakes: Not adjusting your environment/lifestyle during the cooler and drier months Using the same facial cleanser during all seasons Mistaking dry, rough texture for dead skin cells vs moisture loss from the skin barrier Only using sunscreen during the spring and summer Not taking advantage the cooler months for professional skincare services COLD WEATHER SKINCARE MISTAKE #1Not adjusting your daily routine/environment to meet your skin's needs We love to stay warm and toasty during the cold weather, however, if we stay in the hot shower too long or have the thermostat on high, we are potentially setting ourselves up for dry skin. Having the heat too high or taking extra hot showers to stay warm will draw out necessary moisture from your skin and can cause it to become dry and more sensitized skin. To combat this, use lukewarm water and don't take unnecessarily long showers. To prevent moisture loss at home (or even at work), add a humidifier to the rooms you spend the most time in! These both help to maintain moisture levels in your home so that the drier air does not seek moisture from your skin, but instead from the environment! PRO Tip: Using a more emollient lotion with occlusive ingredients (like petrolatum, squalene, jojoba oil, or olive oil) on the hands and body along with a facial oil can also help seal in moisture and slow moisture loss during the drier seasons. OUR RECOMMENDATIONS SHOP KIEHL'S SINCE 1851ULTRA FACIAL CREAM SHOP SONIA ROSELLI'S WATER OIL SKIN PREP COLD WEATHER SKINCARE MISTAKE #2Using the same facial and body cleanser during all seasons Our bodies are amazing and can adjust how much sweat and oil it produces to adjust to our ever-changing environments, but sometimes they can use a helping hand. During the warmer months, the main concerns may be reducing blackheads and combating excess oil production, so reaching for a gel-based cleanser during the spring and summer can help! However, in cooler weather, gel cleansers may leave the skin feeling too tight and dry, so our experts recommend opting for a gentler, creamier formula. These gentle cleansers will still remove impurities, excess oil, and makeup, while reintroducing hydration and leaving the skin soft and supple! OUR RECOMMENDATION SHOP BIODERMA'S SENSIBIO MICELLAR CLEANSING OIL COLD WEATHER SKINCARE MISTAKE #3Mistaking dry, rough texture for dead skin cells versus moisture loss and an impacted skin barrier The first thing that comes to mind when you feel uneven texture on your skin is to slough off the "dead skin", especially with more abrasive exfoliants. However, this rougher & flaky texture can be due to the lower humidity, increased water loss, and windburn. If over-exfoliation occurs, the skin can become rougher and more sensitized, essentially doing the opposite of what we would want! When you have those dry, pesky patches, AHA's are best to stick to versus BHA's or physical exfoliation, as AHA's are water-soluble and tend to have humectant properties (yay extra hydration!) However, make sure you don't overdo it. If you're not seeing an improvement after one use, visit a local esthetician or dermatologist so they may properly diagnose and treat your skin. OUR RECOMMENDATION SHOP SONIA ROSELLI'S SEXAPPEAL INSTANT EXFOLIATION SPRAY COLD WEATHER SKINCARE MISTAKE #4Reserving SPF for the warmer months We know this is a tip we'll bring up in every skincare blog, but it's important to remember UV rays are around ALL year round and can still permeate through the cloudiest of weather. While you may be seeing less direct sun rays due to a lower sun angle during the winter, ice and snow act as little shiny mirrors that will reflect those unwanted rays toward your skin making it more important than ever to cover any exposed skin with a sun protectant. While the various types of UV rays can impact the skin, it's the UVA rays that accelerate premature aging and lead to unwanted hyperpigmentation and loss of elasticity. Preventing damage is much easier (and less expensive) than trying to "fix" the dark spots and potential for skin cancer later. PRO Tip: When it comes to how much SPF to use, a good rule of thumb is to use one ounce for your entire body. For your face, some professionals have used the "finger length" method. Open your hand with your palm facing up, and draw a stripe of SPF the entire length of your middle finger and pointer finger, and that will give you the minimum amount you should use for your face! If you're wearing an outfit that exposes your neck and decolletage, draw a third stripe of SPF down your ring finger and use that amount for the exposed skin. OUR RECOMMENDATION SHOP SKIN1004 CENTELLA HYALU-CICAWATER-FIT SUN SERUM SPF50+ COLD WEATHER SKINCARE MISTAKE #5: Not taking advantage of peels and other skincare services If we're being honest, many of us have likely skipped a few sunscreen applications here or there, and we may be starting to see some hyperpigmentation or fine lines peeking through. The fall and winter months are the perfect time to combat those skincare woes with professional chemical peels and services. Let us explain why! A professional chemical peel is designed to remove the top layers of your skin to allow it to grow back smoother. This can help slow the formation of fine lines and sunspots, but it's important to avoid direct sunlight after each treatment. With less direct sunlight exposure, it can be an ideal time to get a chemical peel, but as always, never skip sun protection, especially on freshly treated skin. PRO Tip: Make sure you work with a professional to schedule peels and treatments based on your own skin's needs and your lifestyle. Remember, achieving the perfect skincare and treatment plan is like a marathon, not a sprint! It's also important to remember that peels are not for everyone, so be sure to contact your local professional. Feeling Inspired? We hope this blog has helped clear up some of the skincare questions and myths you may have heard! If you have any additional questions, our Beauty Experts 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.

Mario Dedivanovic helped perfect the Ilios Beauty Light Ring with lighting industry expert Kelly Mondora and Nikon World Ambassador Jerry Ghionis When it comes to makeup artistry and how the look appears in photography and video, great lighting can make or break the entire look!  That's why we teamed up with the Ilios Lighting Team for an Instagram Live (view the entire demo below!) to show their lighting solutions in action and to unveil their newest arrivals, the travel-friendly versions of their best selling Ilios Beauty Ring. There's a reason Kim Kardashian told them it's "literally the best makeup light I have ever seen!" VIEW THE TABLE TOP MIRROR The NEW Rechargeable Table Mirror offers true color daylight for makeup application on the go. It easily detaches from the base for travel.   VIEW THE WALL MOUNTED MIRROR This NEW revolutionary wall mirror and light can be mounted without needing nearby electricity due to its long-lasting rechargeable battery. VIEW ALL ILIOS PRODUCTS Experience the most true to daylight makeup lighting and mirror solution, and discover why ILIOS offers our best selling mirror! When it comes to makeup artistry and how the look appears in photography and video, great lighting can make or break the entire look!  That's why we teamed up with the Ilios Lighting Team for an Instagram Live to show their lighting solutions in action and to unveil their newest arrivals. If you missed the Live, don't worry. We saved it for you. Follow us on Instagram to watch the live event or keep reading below for a full recap! Topics discussed during the event include: The importance of using great lighting for makeup application The importance of the lighting temperature and intensity for makeup application How to ensure the lighting or ring light you use as a makeup artist or makeup lover can make or break how the makeup appears on film, photography, or in person at an event How the Ilios Beauty Ring and their newest products provide light that's as close to daylight as you can get A live demo with a real model to see how the lighting impacts how her makeup appears Watch the Live Demo! View this post on Instagram A post shared by CRC | Pro Makeup Store (@camerareadycosmetics) Why Great Lighting is Important for Makeup Application Cameras have come a long way for film and television, but even cell phone cameras can take images and video in 4K! It's no wonder many people feel the need to use filters, but with the proper lighting, you won't need it. That's where Ilios comes in. The Founders (who are also world-class experts in makeup artistry, photography, and lighting) wanted to create lighting that mimicked the beautiful natural window-lighting we all crave on those beautiful sunny days. It's perfectly diffused, softened by the window glass, and perfect for makeup application and photography. Their Beauty Ring (and their newest products) offers the most accurate daylight lighting in portable ring light, but it goes beyond that! It also offers a warmer setting and a "blend" setting to help adjust the lighting in any environment you're in, and it offers five brightness levels to ensure you're applying makeup in the same type of lighting environment where you'll be filming, photographed, or in for an event. Why It's important to use the proper lighting level and temperature while doing makeup Imagine you apply makeup with a standard light with only one temperature (let's say, cool), but you're filming video or being photographed in a candlelit room - the makeup that was so skillfully applied will look completely different. With the Ilios Beauty Ring and its lighting options, you can set the light to be the same lighting and intensity you'll be in during the event while being filmed or photographed, or even while going live, to ensure you look your best! Learn More About Our Camera Ready LIVE Co-Hosts About Jerry Ghionis, Nikon Ambassador & award-winning photographer   At the top of his field for 3 decades, Jerry is an expert on lighting and bringing out the best in people. With the flair of a fashion designer and the ingenuity of an architect, his style can be described as vintage glamour that meet contemporary fashion.   About Kelly Mondora, the Lighting Expert   Mondora has leveraged her decades of experience building lighting for the film and photography industry to offer a higher-quality alternative to the sub-standard makeup mirrors currently on the market. Wanting the well-respected perspective of a Hollywood makeup artist, she reached out to Dedivanovic and pitched the product to him. She also folded in famed fashion photographer Jerry Ghionis to gain insight from the photographer's perspective. The Current Ilios Product Lineup The first product the Ilios Lighting team created is a makeup artist and content creator favorite - the Ilios Beauty Ring. The Ilios Beauty Ring is a makeup mirror, ring light, and phone stand all in one. The Ilios Beauty Ring is the result of the collective efforts of the renowned lighting expert and makeup artist, promising to deliver the perfect lighting for makeup application, selfies, vlogging, and video conferencing. To help makeup artists and creators use the product on the go, they also offer a traveling case for protection and a light stand so it can be set up at a variety of heights for different locations and setups. Ilios Beauty Ring LEARN MORE Ilios Travel Case LEARN MORE Ilios Light Stand LEARN MORE Watch the video to learn more about Ilios and its features: Ready to Experience Ilios Lighting? Are you ready to elevate your makeup application and photography with Ilios Lighting? Click here to shop! Have questions? Our Beauty Advisors are here to help at beautyadvisor@crcmakeup.com. 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. 

Quick temperature changes can wreak havoc on your hair, but don’t worry! We’ve got you and your tresses covered! We've enlisted the help of our in-house Hair Care Expert, Jess, for tips on how to combat the effects of cold weather on your hair and not hide under a hat! IN THIS BLOG, WE WILL BE DISCUSSING THE FOLLOWING FALL AND WINTER HAIR HACKS TO KEEP YOUR PREVENT DAMAGE AND REPAIR WEATHER-STRESSED STRANDS Scale back on the hot showers Refrain from over-washing your hair Double up on moisturizing Change up your post-shower routine Limit heat-styling Tip #1: Take it easy on the hot showers during the winter As nice as it is to take a steamy shower after a long chilly day, while it may FEEL nice - it is quite damaging! Hot water strips away your hair's (and skin’s) natural oils, which in turn dries up the shaft of your hair. We know, it’s a bummer but your hair will thank you! We recommend washing your hair in warm or lukewarm water and if you’re feeling bold - switch to cold water at the very end to help seal the hair follicles and lock in moisture! If this tip sounds familiar, it’s because our in-house skincare expert suggests the same thing for cooler-weather skincare! PRO Tip: Using a more emollient lotion with occlusive ingredients (like petrolatum, squalene, jojoba oil, or olive oil) on the hands and body along with a facial oil can also help seal in moisture and slow moisture loss during the drier seasons. Tip #2: Cut back on frequent hair washes during the fall and winter Overwashing can alter the PH of your skin, especially if your hair is prone to dryness. Give your scalp’s natural oils a chance to do their job of replenishing those locks! If your hair is on the oily side, we recommend a good dry shampoo between washes to extend your hairstyle! We recommend our First Class Charcoal Detox Shampoo by IGK! This dry shampoo packs a punch on even the oiliest of scalps, and contains a charcoal powder that eliminates odor + oil! Tip #3: Double up on Moisturizing during the winter Restore moisture during cooler months by giving your dry or fine hair a deep conditioning hair treatment every week. Applying a hair mask will do wonders, and helps replenish + restore the moisture that’s been lost in your dry scalp. Temperature changes from dry heat indoors + cold air can cause the moisture on your scalp and skin to deplete. We recommend Olaplex No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask 1-2x per week as a conditioning and reparative mask treatment! Tip #4: Change up your post-shower routine for fall and winter Hair is more susceptible to breakage when it’s wet, so after showering, try not to rub your hair dry! Instead, gently press the water out with a soft, microfiber towel, and comb your hair softly with a wide-tooth comb while it’s still damp, working from the ends upwards. We recommend using a soft brush, like the R+Co Detangling Brush, and waiting until your hair is about 80% air-dried before combing and blow drying. PRO Tip: Avoid harsh bristled brushes! They can tear up your hair follicles, so opt for a brush that is more gentle if you can! Tip #5: Avoid overheating your hair during the fall and winter We know it’s hard to resist using styling tools, especially when the weather is brisk, but if you can go without - your locks will thank you for it! Most flat and curling irons nowadays heat up to 450 degrees (twice the temperature at which water boils), so if you must use them, make sure to adjust the temperature settings on your styling tools to eliminate damage. You can get creative and try using braids, buns, twists, and ponytails to give your hair a much-needed break from the heat! Feeling Inspired? We hope this blog has given you a few hair care tips to keep your locks looking camera ready! If you have any additional questions, our Beauty Expers 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.

We are still GLOWING from the Instagram LIVE we held with two of our I Am Camera Ready PROS: Danessa Myricks and @Paintedbyspencer! If you missed it, don't worry! You can always watch the LIVE on our Instagram feed or keep reading the blog to get a quick recap of all the amazing tips, tricks, and advice they shared with us. In this blog, Danessa Myricks & Paintedbyspencer will be sharing: What being Camera Ready means to them Some of the perks of "professional makeup" A Demo of the Danessa Myricks Beauty Lightwork Volume IV Transcendence Palette What Being Camera Ready Means to Danessa Myricks & Paintedbyspencer This summer, we have shared our top tips to get your skin, makeup, and hair Camera Ready. To us, being Camera Ready is all about the steps and routine you follow to feel ready to face the day and express yourself. There are no defined rules that say you have to follow the same routine that others do. Being Camera Ready is a unique state of mind that each person achieves in their own way! To Danessa Myricks, being Camera Ready is all about showing up confident no matter what. She admits it took a lot for her to grow into herself and find her own confidence and that sometimes, it can change on a daily basis. However, finding that confidence - even if it means makeup or no makeup, that’s being Camera Ready. For Paintedbyspencer, he knows being Camera Ready can vary day to day. Some days, it is just gaining confidence through just a good skincare routine. Other times, it’s his favorite cologne. Of course, some days, it is about having a full face of great makeup! His pro tip? REST! The key to feeling Camera Ready is just being fully rested because it allows you to be your best self! What Are Some of the Perks of Professional Makeup Simply put, professional-grade makeup is makeup that is formulated specifically for professional makeup artists to achieve a certain finish or look. That can range from the makeup used for special effects in movies, on set of a photo shoot, for brides, and beyond. Oftentimes, but not always, these professional-grade products have higher pigmentation, unique finishes, or impressive wear times, so it's no surprise when a professional product goes viral on TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube! That doesn't mean that it's better than traditional makeup! It's just created with a different purpose and goal in mind. Another perk of professional-grade makeup is that it's often formulated so that it can be mixed with other products or textures to create all new shades, textures, and finishes. That's where Danessa Myricks Beauty comes in! Before she was creating beautiful innovative products that you'll see makeup lovers and makeup artists around the world using today, she was (and still is) in the heart of the Makeup Artist Industry both applying makeup to models and photographing them! However, after lugging around a huge kit and realizing she wanted more multipurpose products that allowed her to create the looks she was trying to achieve, she made it her mission to create those products! That’s one of the many reasons her products are beloved by artists and makeup lovers alike. She created products that she wished she could have at her fingertips to create any look imaginable. Her goal is to create products that work on any and every model she works with. It should perform in ever scenario, for every skin tone, skin type, and age! That's where the Balm Contour, Yummy Skin Collection (including Allure Best of Beauty Award-winning Blurring Balm Powder, Infinite Chrome Flakes, ColorFix, Twin Flames, and the Lightwork Palettes came from- to give Danessa the finishes, the creative shades, and the dimension she wanted for all of her models! The Danessa Myricks Beauty Lightwork Volume IV Transcendence Palette Demo Now it's time for the fun part - the demo of Danessa's newest innovation: Lightwork Volume IV Transcendence Palette! Watch the video below, and prepare to be inspired! Are You Ready to Get Camera Ready? We're here to help YOU get Camera Ready in whatever way makes YOU feel confident and ready to take on the day! Go ahead and explore the products our I Am Camera Ready Pros use to get Camera Ready, or view our entire library of I Am Camera Ready tips and tricks from great hair care blogs and tutorials to the skincare pros use to help their clients get Camera Ready! 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.

So you just got the Danessa Myricks Beauty Lightwork Volume IV Transcendence Palette (perhaps you're considering it or another water-activated makeup product)- congratulations! You're in for a magical world of textures, finishes, colors, and multichromes! If you're new to using water-activated makeup, welcome to the beautiful world of unique textures and finishes! This pro-favorite product is great to create clean, crisp, highly pigmented eyeliner looks for graphic liner eyes, a pop of color, and more.   It may be a little daunting, at first, but once you've mastered the technique to use water-activated makeup, you'll be hooked. In this blog, we'll share three easy steps and a tutorial video to use the Aqua Chromes! How to use the Danessa myricks beauty lightwork iv transcendence palette aqua chrome water-activated shades in three easy steps: STEP 1: Add a couple of drops of water to activate the makeup STEP 2: Swirl your brush to mix the pigment with the water STEP 3: Use a liner brush or other tool to apply The tools you'll want to have handy to use the Danessa myricks beauty lightwork iv transcendence palette: The Lightwork IV Palette A small amount of water (either in a small dish or dropper) A thin liner brush A paper towel or other towel to wipe your brush How to use water-activated Danessa Myricks Lightwork IV Transcendence Aqua Chromes STEP 1: Apply a few drops of water to activate the makeup In this step, it's important to only use a little bit of water. Start with three drops. This will allow you to achieve maximum pigmentation. If you accidentally apply too much water, you can swiftly dab off a little with a paper towel or simply allow the water to sit on top of the makeup for a minute or two before you start to mix it. This will ensure the water softens even more of the makeup instead of only activating the top layer, resulting in a diluted mixture. How to use water-activated Danessa Myricks Lightwork IV Transcendence Aqua Chromes STEP 2: Mix until you reach a paste-like consistency Our favorite way to use water-activated makeup is for eyeliner or graphic eyeliner, so we often turn to a very thin eyeliner brush when using our Aqua Chromes from the Danessa Myricks Lightwork IV palette. Taking your brush, lightly swirl and swipe it in the water you've dropped onto the Aqua Chrome shade. At first, you'll see the magical shimmer floating in the makeup, but it won't take long before the shimmer has almost "melted" into the water creating a beautiful multichrome liquid. Keep stirring! You're so close to being ready to use it! You're looking for a thicker almost paste-like consistency, and it should stay on your brush easily and look a little thicker once it's ready. If it has become chunky or gloopy looking, add a tiny drop of water and try again. PRO Tip: Keep a small dish of water nearby and lightly dip your brush into it to pick up the desired amount of water to work into your Aqua Chrome. This will give you optimal control while mixing and can come in handy as you work with the product, as it will start to dry up again as you're using it. How to use water-activated Danessa Myricks Lightwork IV Transcendence Aqua Chromes STEP 3: Start playing with the makeup! Now that your Aqua Chrome is the perfect consistency, it's time to start playing! Of course, since it's a wet formula, if you're lining your eyes, try not to blink too hard or open/close your eye until the liner has dried. Your body heat will help the liner dry pretty quickly. Once dry, the Aqua Chrome will give you a dazzling long-lasting multichrome look! To remove, simply use your favorite cleanser or makeup remover. It will be easy to remove since it's water-activated! PRO Tip to use the Aqua Chromes from Lightwork IV: We recommend practicing on your hand or arm until you get used to how much of the Aqua Chrome liquid to place on your brush and to see how thick you like the consistency! Wiping your brush onto a paper towel in between lining sessions will also help you create clean, crisp lines. Watch the Video Tutorial from the Danessa Myricks Beauty Team showing how to use the Lightwork IV Transcendence Palette Aqua Chromes! If you need more help learning how to use your new palette and water-activated makeup, our Beauty Advisors are here to help! Click here to contact them! Are You Ready to Get Camera Ready? We're here to help YOU get Camera Ready in whatever way makes YOU feel confident and ready to take on the day! Go ahead and explore the products our I Am Camera Ready Pros use to get Camera Ready, or view our I Am Camera Reach Schedule of Events to learn more & to view our full schedule of events, giveaways, & 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.

Earlier this year, we had the pleasure of hosting world-renowned hair stylist and brand owner Frederic Fekkai at our showroom in Dallas, and he generously took the time to share some of his best advice for you, our artist, stylist, and beauty-loving community! Keep reading the blog or scroll all the way to the bottom to watch the interview! In his interview, frederic fekkai shared tips and insights into: His own brand and the future of his hair care line How to find inspiration as a stylist How to stay motivated as an artist or stylist How to set yourself apart from other makeup artists or hair stylists Why it's important for makeup artists and hair stylists to work with teams Why it's important for makeup artists and hair stylists to perform a great consultation with their client His own journey and what he did to achieve success as a budding stylist How to Find Inspiration and to Stay Motivated as a Makeup Artist or Hair Stylist Q: how can a makeup artist or hair stylist stay motivated throughout their career? Fekkai: "You don't want to do anything if you don't believe in it," said Fekkai. "To stay passionate, you need a reason. From the minute when I wake up in the morning to anything I do; exercise, go into the office, we need a reason... When we approach a problem, whenever we create a hairstyle. Whatever we do, it has to have a reason."   Makeup and Hair Style Trends Q: What would you say to a stylist or makeup artist that is always wanting to follow the trends?? FEKKAI: "I don't believe in trends for trends... Trends are great when you create them. What does a trend even mean? It's not about following Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, Jennifer Aniston, or anybody. That is not a trend. A trend is when you find an amazing style that really suits everyone - a person, a friend. You find a style that is right for them. That's a trend because it cannot be easily duplicated. That's a trend because it cannot be easily replicated. It's a novel item. Then people want that look because it's so desirable!" Getting Inspired by Other Artists and Hair Stylists Q: Why is it so important to work with teams? FEKKAI: "I get motivated when I work with my team at the salon. It's a great environment - like a lab- we test out products, it's like a focus group! We get feedback not only from the customer but also from the stylists. It's interactive." Education and Inspiration for Makeup Artists & Hair Stylists Q: Where would you recommend starting if you're thinking about becoming a hair stylist, a makeup artist, or just want to rebrand yourself? FEKKAI: "Today, more than ever, you have access to incredible content and information. Whether it's a tutorial on YouTube, or on Reels, beyond that, you can also look at the street, movies, books, and magazines to get inspired. Once you have a library of content, ideas, styles, and tools, you can perform and bring up that wow factor to your customer!" Why It's Important for Makeup Artists and Hair Stylists to Perform a Great Consultation Q: how do you approach consultations with your clients?  FEKKAI: "If you are a pioneer, an innovator, somebody who brings something outside of the box and not just following what every other trend does, you trigger incredible creativity... What makes a great stylist is not just a great cut or color. It's a consultation. We look at each other in the eyes. Somebody will assess your look, your beauty, your lifestyle, and then they'll make their best recommendation - something that is tailored for you and unique!" Fekkai's Tips for Career Success for Artists and Hair Stylists Q: What would you like to say to the aspiring artists and stylists in our community?  FEKKAI: "It's so important to be accessible, to be hungry, to always want. One of the biggest keys to success in my career was when other stylists weren't willing to do a job, I would say YES. I did more jobs which meant I met more people - photographers. models, actors, actresses, and normal people by just saying yes. So, say yes as much as you can, and be curious. Stay curious all the time! " The Full Interview with Frederic Fekkai Watch the interview with frederic fekkai Prefer to watch vidoes instead of read? View the interview above or on our YouTube Channel for extra tips not included above! Feeling Inspired? We hope you were inspired by Frederic Fekkai's journey and the tips he shared! Explore his products, or email our Beauty Experts to learn more about how to incorporate Fekkai into your routine! Are You Ready to Get Camera Ready? We're here to help YOU get Camera Ready in whatever way makes YOU feel confident and ready to take on the day! Go ahead and explore the products our I Am Camera Ready Pros use to get Camera Ready, or view our I Am Camera Reach Schedule of Events to learn more & to view our full schedule of events, giveaways, & 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. 

We all strive to take the best care of our hair daily, but can always benefit from a little extra something to keep our locks luscious. That's where Fekkai comes in. His naturally derived, vegan, cruelty free, and packed with great ingredients hair care products will improve these qualities for your tresses: texture, shine, and movement. Stylists for Fekkai know that the secret to perfecting this trio is how well the hair is taken care of, starting in your shower. Follow these three techniques to help you achieve Camera Ready, off-duty model hair every day! 1. Use a Scalp Scrub to Remove Impurities and Build-up We all have some scalp build-up, especially if you are a fan of adding hair styling products. Scalp build-up can also occur if you like to stretch the time between hair washes or live in a larger city. Build-up doesn't only dull hair but it can also irritate your scalp and prevent you from achieving your hair goals. If you have ever had a dry, flaky scalp it can be more than embarrassing, it can cause lasting damage to your hair. Fekkai Apple Cider Detox Scrub's formula is full of eco-certified ingredients like ginger extract and edelweiss flower extract. Ginger Extract stimulates the scalp to promote strong, healthy hair growth while delivering essential nutrients to the scalp. In a salon test, 78% of Fekkai Apple Cider Detox Scrub users report that their scalp felt excellent after using the scalp scrub. When your hair starts to feel weighed down, it's the ideal time to reach for an exfoliating scrub or pre-shampoo to treat your scalp and extract impurities. Fekkai Apple Cider Detox Scrub is perfect for all hair types, especially those with sensitive scalps because it uses mild Rice Exfoliant Extract to pull residue from products, like dry shampoo and pollution out. It's as simple as working a dollop of the scrub into your scalp and letting it sit for 1-2 minutes before shampooing. Consider adding Fekkai Apple Cider Detox Scrub to your shower routine once a week, or biweekly if you have a sensitive scalp. 2. Use a Mask to Smooth Hair If you have thicker or color-treated hair, we recommend Fekkai Technician Color Treatment Powerful Flash Mask. This powerful, color-protecting treatment mask serves up added vibrancy and hydration, and delivers enviable slip and shine with no lingering residue. It will keep your color-treated hair fresh and prevent fading thanks to Mirabelle Plum Seed Oil and Plant-derived extracts and solar protection polymers, and like all Fekkai products, the packaging is 100% recyclable. To make the most of this mask, apply evenly from roots to ends after shampooing, leave in for 1-2 minutes, and then rinse! If you’ve got curls, try the Shea Butter Intense Mask. This creamy, intensely moisturizing, sulfate-free mask conditions and softens for healthier, softer curls. A blend of natural Shea Butter (Karite) and Monoi Oil delivers potent nourishment and moisture, smoothes strands, eliminates frizz and tangles, and helps reduce split ends and frizz while amplifying your hair’s natural radiance. How to use the Shea Butter Intense Mask like a PRO:1. After shampooing, apply a generous amount from roots to ends.2. Leave on for 3 - 5 minutes, then rinse with water. 3. For those with tighter curls, use after conditioning. 4. Use as a leave-in treatment before sun/ swimming pool exposure. 5. Use as a leave-in treatment before gym/ exercise. 6. Use as an overnight mask, deeply nourishing the hair over time. 3. Add a Hair Oil to Nourish Dry Ends Oils are a must-have if you want smooth and sleek hair. Hair oils can almost do it all, in addition to adding shine, they nourish your scalp and hydrate your hair. They incorporate fatty acids to help to restore essential lipids that are often lost with frequent heat usage, chemical treatments, and pollution. Frédéric Fekkai and Fekkai’s in-house chemist worked closely to formulate an innovative Shea Butter Intense Oil for your hair, face, and body. It incorporates natural Shea and Monoi Oil smooth hair and fights frizz in a lightweight and nongreasy formula while Jojoba Esters locks in moisture to leave hair shiny. Apply Shea Butter Intense Oil on your skin for a slight sheen from head to toe. Feeling Inspired? In summary, the three steps to achieving your best hair day include: 1. Incorporating a Scalp Scrub to Remove Impurities, 2. Use a Flash Mask to Repair Stressed Hair, 3. Achieve Smoother, Shinier, and Healthier Hair with a Hair Oil. Incorporate these tricks into your hair care routine as needed to feel like a supermodel whenever you step out of the house. Don't forget to share your looks with us at Camera Ready Cosmetics on Instagram.  Are you ready to revamp your hair care journey? Explore all Fekkai’s clean hair care products that are formulated to restore, repair, and to protect your hair. Need help creating the perfect hair routine for your hair type? Our team of Beauty Advisors is here to help. Click here to send them a message! EXPLORE TREATMENTS EXPLORE STYLING EXPLORE FEKKAI About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. She dreamed of having a pro makeup showroom where artists could play with professional products without the typical makeup store attitude. Today, our team of beauty industry veterans work together to curate the best quality products on the market. We partner with brands who respect the industry and formulate products for true working artists. You won’t find CRC in high-end malls, and we don't wear matching brush belts. If you want to play with products for a few hours and buy nothing, that's okay ... come in and play! Our store is your playground. 

It's no secret all of us here at Camera Ready Cosmetics are thrilled to offer you clean, sustainable, and salon-performance hair care products from Fekkai, but we wanted to take it one step further to educate you as to why we love the products and share more about the brand! We sat down with Frederic Fekkai himself to explain more about the brand, the carefully chosen ingredients that provide high-performance for pros and beauty lovers alike, and to share his top five picks for professionals to add to their routine. About the Brand CRC: Tell us more about your journey - from being a professional hairstylist to deciding to create your own brand! FREDERIC FEKKAI: As a professional hairstylist, I know first-hand the importance of having the right products that consistently deliver high performance. I formulated my first product, Technician Color Care Shampoo, after being behind the bowl and watching hair color being washed down the drain. I thought, this is crazy that there is nothing that can remove the dye without stripping the color. This is how I entered the laboratory as a formulator. Other collections then followed, Brilliant Gloss and Full Blown Volume, to provide solutions to hair concerns and enhance the natural beauty of each woman’s hair. The FEKKAI brand created the luxury hair category and was sold to P&G in 2008. In 2018, I purchased my brand back and started over, now as a clean haircare entrepreneur. Today, each product has been formulated to make the stylists life easier and showcase their craft while incorporating clean ingredients and cutting edge science. Technician Color Care today, provides even more color fade protection and vibrancy boost while creating a rich, foaming lather with a sulfate free formula powered by Keraguard™ and Mirabelle Plum Seed oil. Clean Stylers Straight Balm is a revolutionary blowout balm that also bonds, seals split ends and reduces dry time by 30% with Phytenso™, a botanical relaxer. Plus, it has 450 degree heat protection and 24-hr frizz control. I formulate with the concerns of all hair types and styling needs in mind. All of the new products in development are what I call a triple threat- they deliver superior performance in 3 different categories. About the Ingredients CRC: Now, more than ever, clients are paying attention to the ingredients in their products. Tell us more about the ingredients you choose to formulate with and their benefits. FREDERIC FEKKAI: All of our formulas exceed the clean beauty standards today and as far as 2024. Many of the key ingredients in our plant powered formulas have long histories in ayurvedic and natural science for their extraordinary reparative and/or nourishing benefits. We also use Eco certified and sustainably harvested natural ingredients whenever possible. Our French cold pressed Olive Oil is rich in squalene, Vitamin E, and antioxidants. Shea Butter and Apple Cider Vinegar are ingredients that I experienced growing up in France and integrated into my formulations due to their high levels of efficacy, nourishment, and visible benefits. Camargue Rice Proteins and Edelweiss Extracts are infused into all our formulas to defend against damage, pollution and oxidative stress. Once we identify the key botanical extracts, we then look to cutting edge clean science to take the formulations to the next level of performance. Instead of sulfates, we use a plant based coconut surfactant called Iselux that produces a rich thick lather without any stripping. Instead of heavy silicones (cyclic) that dull and build up on hair, we elect to use vegan silicone alternatives such as olive oil esters and jojoba or PEG-12 dimethicone. Phytenso™, is an excellent natural alternative to chemical relaxers, Keraguard™ is powered by Sunflower Extract and is a potent shield to keep color vibrant and prevent fading. Zeolite TM comes from volcanic ash and not only absorbs excess sebum but also neutralizes odor. Defenscalp TM is a plant based active that regulates the ecosystem of the scalp and controls sebum production. Phytessence™ is a plant based complex that defends hair follicles from oxidative stress, premature aging and slowdown in growth. These are just a few examples in our existing lineup- much more to come!   Top 5 Fekkai Products for Pros From superior ingredients to formulas created by award-winning Fekkai himself, it's easy to see why we're excited to offer his products to you! However, we wanted to give you a quick and easy way to see why we know you'll love his clean, sustainable, and scientifically-based lineup. Fekkai's Top 5 Product Picks for Professionals Full Blown Volume Texturizer Spray- Instantly refreshes the hair with oil and odor absorbing Zeolite, while building volume and adding texture. Spray through the layers of the hair, from roots to end, to build invisible cushions of texture. Great as final touch to bouncy blowout, as a curl helper as the copolymers in it help fine hair retain styling or as an up-do helper to add more texture and grip to the hair. Root Lift- contrary to what many people believe, hair actually grows flat, laying down. Root Lift is a must have to boost the hair at the roots. What makes Root Lift so different from other root lifting products is that it is non-sticky, invisible, humidity resistant and doubles the volume at the root while also being non-irritating and having an active in it called Defenscalp™ that controls sebum production and preserves the ecosystem of the scalp. As more and more women and men are experiencing thinning hair, Root Lift will visibly change their look in 1 use while also repairing thin/ fine strands with vegan bonding proteins. Heat protection up to 450 degrees. Straight Balm- The cleanest and most versatile blowout balm on the market. Cuts down dry time by 30% and easily creates Liquid Hair look with high shine and 24-hour Frizz-Control. 450 degree heat protection, bonds with vegan proteins, straightens with Phytenso™ ( a natural relaxer) and seals split ends with Glycerin. Panthenol (Vit B5) & Biotin strengthen and moisturize the hair. Apply to damp hair pre-blowout, pressing hair through the palms to ensure even application. Stylists can use a small dab to instantly smooth and eliminate fly aways/static. In a pinch, can be scrunched into curls to banish frizz and add healthy shine. Shea Butter Oil- quench dry hair, revive color and soften unruly hair. Instantly eliminates static and adds shine. Also can be used to hydrate dry skin. Ultra clean formula plays well with others and can be used as a moisture booster. 10% pure Shea Butter, sustainably sourced from Africa, blended with Monoi Flower Oil for rich hydration and nourishment. Brilliant Gloss Multi-tasker- weightless finishing crème adds 4x shine and gloss. Can be used to define curls, banish frizz, as a blowout or finishing balm. Perfect for piecing and defining bangs. Add a pea size amount, starting at the ends and work upwards. Perfect addition to high ponytails or braids for weightless control and smoothing.   Top 5 Reasons to Try Fekkai From superior scientifically-based ingredients to formulas created by award-winning Fekkai himself, it's easy to see why we're excited to offer his products to you! However, we wanted to give you a quick and easy way to see why we know you'll love his clean, sustainable, and scientifically-based lineup. Our Top 5 Reasons You Will Love Fekkai Hair Care Products High Performance Salon Grade- Made by a Professional Stylist for Stylists   Clean, Vegan, and Sustainable Formulas Hybrid Products with multiple benefits Stress Tested by Professionals Cutting Edge, real science-based solutions for hair concerns Feeling Inspired? We hope you've enjoyed learning more about Fekkai products straight from the master hairstylist himself, 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. 

If you're a beauty lover and have spent time watching makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts on TikTok, you likely saw plenty of demonstrations showing people using pink-toned powders to brighten their faces. In particular, Ben Nye Pretty Pink Powder received a few features thanks to the great value from the price to the larger amount of powder you receive compared to other trending brands. If you watched the videos, you know exactly what we're talking about, and the results are incredible, right? This technique is one that professional makeup artists have been using for years, so we asked professional makeup artist and educator Terri Tomlison to break down why this pastel-hued powder works! How Does Ben Nye Pretty Pink Powder "Brighten" the Complexion Makeup artists know that every product in their kit has to serve a purpose. In fact, if it's not high-performance, they won't have it in their beauty arsenal because it can be a workout carrying around their kits to different venues for events, photoshoots, and on set. Using tones like this pale pink are based on color theory. A tool many makeup artists use is the Terri Tomlinson Flesh Tone Color Wheel, and when you look at it, you can see that the shade pink is opposite the yellow/green section of the wheel. This means it can neutralize greenish or yellow tones in the skin, and the white base (since pink is a white mixed with red) means it will lighten and brighten. Yellow, olive, and greenish-toned skin can look flat on camera. However, the pale pink makes the complexion look livelier and brighter! Ben Nye Pretty Pink Powder is a pro favorite because it's lightweight, finely milled, and it creates a natural to a slightly satin finish that smooths over fine lines and imperfections. Where Should You Apply a Pink Powder to Brighten Your Complexion, and Which Skin Tones Will It Work Best For? Using a pink powder can create a rosy glow, and it can be absolutely beautiful depending on the look you are going for! For more mature skin or those with a lighter complexion, applying it as a finishing powder can create a healthy rosy glow and make their complexions appear healthier. This technique can work for almost all skin tones, but pink powder works best to neutralize and soften features for those with a warmer undertone. The pink will slightly counteract the warmer tones (since it's not completely opposite on the color wheel, it won't neutralize it altogether), and this creates a healthy soft effect. However, since it has a lighter, paler base, and is quite sheer, the pale pink powder can still create a brightening effect across different complexions. The Best Places to Apply a Pink Powder In a C-shape around the orbital bone to brighten and create a lifting effect to enhance the eyes Around the perimeter of the face and down across the jawline to make the face appear fuller Adding a very light dusting as a finishing powder to add a slight rosy glow What Powder Should You Use to Bake and Set the Under Eye Area? Applying the principles of color theory, you can start to see why the pink powder won't necessarily help hide dark circles under the eyes. For many people, dark circles include blue and purple tones. Since pink is a shade of red, it would actually mix with the blue or purple tones to create another shade of purple. Since the pale pink is lighter, it can create a highlighting effect, but to truly conceal a dark circle, you want to find a color that will counteract the blue and purple. To neutralize them, look at the colors opposite blue and purple on the Terri Tomlinson Flesh Tone Color Wheel. It isn't pink. In fact, you will see orange across from blue, and yellow is across from purple. That means those tones are best for neutralizing dark circles! Now you can see why makeup artists often carry a palette that has primary tones like blue, yellow, and red adjusters so they can custom mix a shade that works best for their clients.   If you want a powder to brighten the under eye area, it's best to find a shade that is similar to your skin tone but lighter. For those with a warmer skin tone, that shade is a light yellow. A popular powder for this is Ben Nye Banana Powder (odds are you've heard about this one before, too)! This pale yellow powder has the same finely milled, lightweight qualities of Pretty Pink, so it's a pro favorite to create the brightened under eye effect. If the Banana Powder is not giving you enough brightness, there is even a paler shade, Banana Light, intended to suit lighter complexions bettter or to work for those wanting an extra brightening effect! Feeling Inspired? A special thanks to PRO Makeup Artist Terri Tomlinson for helping to explain Pink Powders are such a powerful tool for makeup artists and makeup lovers. Are you ready to experience the brightening effects of pink powder? Click here to explore and view other products that have been popular on social media, or explore other professional makeup artist favorites. 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. 

As we head deeper into the season, we will go back to having longer and warmer days, which means more sun exposure, increased perspiration, and all sorts of environmental factors than can cause your skin to react differently than it did during winter. Of course, we recommend sunscreen year-round, but in this blog, we wanted to give you extra tips to switch up your skincare routine to help you adjust your regimen for beautiful skin no matter what Mother Nature has in store! In this blog, we’ll be going over our top 5 skincare tips for spring: Avoid over-exfoliation Keep oiliness at bay with a new cleansing routine Incorporate BHAs Find a moisturizer that meets your skin’s changing needs Stay hydrated Tip #1: Avoid Over-Exfoliation As chemical peel season also comes to a close, it’s important to be careful with what you are exfoliating with. Many exfoliating treatments containing high amounts of Glycolic Acid, and Retinol can sometimes be harsh and weaken the skin’s barrier so it may not be best to use those when the sun is stronger. Using gentler but still effective acids, such as Azelaic, Lactic, and Mandelic Acids may be a better choice. Also, refrain from receiving too many deeper skin treatments such as microneedling, laser, and peels once the weather becomes warmer. Work with your dermatologist to fine tune your treatment schedule to ensure you're not over-doing it. How to tell if you've over-exfoliated... and how to heal your skin If you're experiencing extra sensitivity, redness, irritation, burning, or even see small pustules forming, odds are you may have over-exfoliated. As always, speak to your dermatologist who already knows your skin's personal needs and the ingredients you respond the best to, but a few universal steps anyone can take include: Use a gentle cleanser like Avene Tolerance Extremely Gentle Cleanser, or Ren Clean Skincare Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk Avoid scrubs and the use of retinols until your skin has healed Use a healing moisturizer that is created to restore your skin's barrier like Bioderam Cicabio Cream or Kiehl's Dermatologist Solutions Centella Cica Cream Tip #2: Learn How to Control Seasonal Oiliness Humidity increases as the temperature does, which can cause increased oil production. Incorporating an oil cleanser as your first step is key to removing excess oil, makeup residue, sunscreens, and pollutants. When oil-cleansing, apply to dry skin and dry hands, massage gently while focusing on areas with congestion & excess oil production. Follow up with wet hands and massage again; this will emulsify the oil cleanser and turn it into more of a milky consistency. Rinse and follow up with your regular cleanser. When cleansing, make sure you are taking your time and cleanse for a whole minute with each cleanser ("60 second rule"). This allows the ingredients to really penetrate your skin and helps dissolve excess sebum. This may sound scary for people who tend to be on the oilier side, however, oil attracts oil, and using this “pre-cleanse” step is basically like sweeping before you mop! A few great options are Ren Clean Skincare No. 1 Purity Cleansing Balm, Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil, and Milk + Honey Cleansing Balm. Turn Down the Heat to Protect Your Hair During the Spring and Summer Tip #3: Incorporate BHAs Into Your Skincare Routine to Exfoliate That being said, BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids), such as Salicylic Acid, will be ideal for the warmer weather. They are oil-soluble, and in addition to effectively exfoliating dead skin cells, they also help decrease an excessive amounts of sebum. Senna Exfoliating Cleanser, which contains Salicylic & Lactic Acid, is a pro favorite! Tip #4: Don't Forget to Moisturize! Moisturizing is also necessary year-round! People with oily skin sometimes assume they don't need extra moisturizer during the warmer months, but that is not the ideal mentality to have. Often times, oily is actually dehydrated skin that is over-producing oils to compensate for the hydration it is not receiving. You may skip your nightly application of facial oils this time of year, but using serums and moisturizers with water-loving ingredients, such as Hyaluronic Acid, is ideal! You may opt for lighter weight, gel-based moisturizers versus rich, creamy ones that you would typically be using in the colder season. Embryolisse Emulsion Hydra-Mat works great for this, as it absorbs excess oil, and slightly mattifies, without leaving the face feeling tight or void of moisture! It is also a great option for men's grooming, as well. Tip #5: Don't Forget to Stay Hydrated This tip is one we will give no matter the season. During the winter and cooler months, we recommend using a humidifier in the bedroom at night to add extra moisture to the air. You may stop using this method once the weather warms up and humidity returns, but make sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body, and in turn your skin, hydrated and happy! In fact, we recommend increasing your water intake if you're more active and spending more time outdoors, as you'll lose moisture as your skin heats up and perspires.   Feeling Inspired? We hope this blog has helped you learn how to change up your skincare routine for the season ahead! Explore our best selling skincare products, and if you need more help or a personalized recommendation, we are here to help. Click here to contact a Beauty Advisor! About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. She dreamed of having a pro makeup showroom where artists could play with professional products without the typical makeup store attitude. Today, our team of beauty industry veterans work together to curate the best quality products on the market. We partner with brands who respect the industry and formulate products for true working artists. You won’t find CRC in high-end malls, and we don't wear matching brush belts. If you want to play with products for a few hours and buy nothing, that's okay ... come in and play! Our store is your playground. 

When the flowers begin to blossom, trees start to sprout new leaves, and the weather warms up, it can only mean one thing: spring has truly sprung, and summer is knocking at the door! But with warmer weather comes humidity, which can take a large toll on not just the look but also the manageability of your hair. The more humid it is, the more likely your hair is to frizz. With these tried-and-true methods, you’ll keep your hair looking great all year long. How Can I Keep My Hair Healthy in the Warmer Months? Spring and summer bring new hair challenges after cold, dry winters, but you can achieve healthy, shiny, soft, and frizz-free hair even during the hottest days with a few simple tweaks to your hair care routine. Battle bad hair days with our top tips, including: Get a haircut/trim Ditch the heat Stock up on frizz-taming products Use weekly hair treatments or hair oils Incorporate a refreshing scrub New Hair, New You  It’s a great idea to kick off the spring season with a fresh haircut to get rid of those dry, dead ends. Split ends can travel up the strand, causing more damage and frizz, so it's key to get a haircut when you start to notice fraying. If you live in a region with high humidity, haircuts with blunt lines can help! How to Style Your Hair When the Weather Heats Up Turn Down the Heat to Protect Your Hair During the Spring and Summer While nobody likes a cold shower, turning the heat down a notch to lukewarm can work wonders for your locks. High temperatures can cause the hair cuticles to raise and open, which makes your hair need more moisture (AKA, avoid steam if you can!) to behave. You can combat open cuticles with a cool-water rinse at the end of your shower. What about hot air from the blow dryer, though? Well, when it comes to using heat for blow-drying and styling, a great trick is using the “cold” feature (that little blue button!) on your blow dryer to create this cuticle-soothing effect for a smooth head of hair. Fight Frizz With Top-Notch Hair Products When it comes to frizzy hair, stocking up on frizz-fighting products is an absolute must as the temperature starts to rise. And we highly recommend using UV protective products in the spring and summer to shield your hair from sun damage. Fun Fact: Your hair can burn just like your skin – you just can’t feel it! To counteract hair burn and frizz, use lightweight creams or serums that create a barrier between your hair shaft and water in the atmosphere. Oribe Impermeable Anti-Humidity Spray not only shields hair from frizz on the steamiest of days (and nights) but also contains UV protection - a true two-for-one! The team at Living Proof knows what a struggle it can be to tame your tresses when the humidity is on the rise, so they developed a patented Healthy Hair Molecule (OFPMA) and the No Frizz System. The system consists of Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner, Living Proof No Frizz Humidity Shield, and Living Proof No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream. This system not only helps in blocking humidity but also smooths your hair texture leaving those strands polished, frictionless, and moisturized. Treat Your Tresses to Minimize Flyaways and Frizz Using a weekly hair treatment can also assist in combating those pesky flyaways. One of our favorites is the Philip B Rejuvenating Oil, which starts working instantly to make your hair soft and shiny with great bounce. This product’s ultra-light essential oils offer instant results for a beautiful, manageable mane no matter the season. How to Apply A Hair Oil: Hair oils can be used on towel-dried or dry hair to provide extra hydration, shine, and softness. However, one of our favorite ways to use it is prior to cleansing. Apply the hair oil liberally to dry, unwashed hair, starting 2 inches from the roots, and work it in with your fingers down to the ends. Shampoo and condition as normal. Hot tip: To help the moisture sink in quickly, warm your hair with a blow dryer for 1 to 2 minutes. If you prefer to treat yourself to a hair mask, opt for one that is designed to treat damaged hair like the Christophe Robin Regenerating Mask with Rare Prickly Pear Oil. Even if your hair isn't damaged, these nourishing masks can protect against future damage. If you have curly hair, the Oribe Moisture Control Deep Treatment Masque is a great option to provide extra hydration and to protect against photoaging. Use A Scalp Scrub to Whisk Away Buildup and Restore Shine Scalp scrubs have gained popularity during the last few years, but their benefits really shine as the weather warms up! Odds are, you'll be spending more time outdoors, and although you may not actively be sweating, your scalp will produce more sweat and oil in response to the changing climate. A gentle scrub will help slough away those impurities and will stimulate bloodflow to your scalp for healthy hair growth. Additionally, it can get to the root of the problem (literally) when it comes to dull hair that has lost its luster due to buildup. How to Use a Scalp Scrub: Each scalp scrub will come with different instructions based on the formulation, so read the packaging to determine if you should scrub after using shampoo or if you can apply as soon as you enter the shower. For example, the Christophe Robin Cleansing and Purifying Scalp Scrub with Sea Salt is formulated with shampoo in it to provide a proper cleansing and exfoliating session in one easy step! The key to a good exfoliating session is to keep it relatively short (compared to the 5-15 minutes you leave a hair mask in) and to let the exfoliating agents in the scrub itself do the heavy lifting. Apply a generous amount of the scrub as close to your scalp as possible and gently massage using the pads of your fingertips instead of your nails to prevent accidental scratches or damage to your skin. Lightly rub the scrub all over the scalp, allow to sit on your head for a couple of minutes (or as instructed by the packaging, as certain brands incorporate chemical exfoliators), and rinse well.   How Often You Should Use a Scalp Scrub: If you have a healthy scalp without any flakiness, dryness, or irritation, a scalp scrub can be used safely every 5-7 washes or after excessive sweating and product usage. The Philip B Peppermint Avocado Scalp Scrub provides a cooling effect that can be a refreshing way to treat your mane after a warm day in the sun. If you have scalp irritation, it's best to select a scrub that is formulated with chemical exfoliators and smaller exfoliating particles like Oribe Serene Scalp Exfoliating Scrub. It is extra gentle and has flower extracts to calm and hydrate a dry, irritated scalp. Feeling Inspired? We hope this blog has helped provide a few new tips for you to achieve your hair goals this season! If you're ready to refresh your hair routine, explore all of the great hair care products we offer! If you need more help or a personalized recommendation, click here to contact a Beauty Advisor. About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. She dreamed of having a pro makeup showroom where artists could play with professional products without the typical makeup store attitude. Today, our team of beauty industry veterans work together to curate the best quality products on the market. We partner with brands who respect the industry and formulate products for true working artists. You won’t find CRC in high-end malls, and we don't wear matching brush belts. If you want to play with products for a few hours and buy nothing, that's okay ... come in and play! Our store is your playground. 

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

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

All images in this blog are styles created by Melissa Dunn, @bridalbabesbymelissa Brides invest countless hours of their time into researching vendors and a glam team for their wedding day and therefore making a great first impression on a bridal client as a vendor will make you stand out from the crowd, every single time. For most brides, finding the perfect hair stylist for their big day can be an intimidating task. However, as beauty professionals, we can make it easier for them to find what they’re looking for! We spoke with Melissa Dunn, an award-winning hair stylist based in Charleston, South Carolina, to gain insight into the everyday life of a bridal hair stylist. Melissa was kind enough to share a bit of her story with us and provide her insider advice for other hair stylists looking to work in the bridal industry. Be sure to read all the way until the very end to enjoy a special step-by-step tutorial for one of her most requested styles! How to Attract Bridal Clients For stylists hoping to attract new clients, you can help brides find you and ultimately gain more bookings! It takes a bit of branding and marketing, but the extra effort will be worth it. You can attract the type of clientele that you want by showcasing your work across different platforms. In today’s world, connecting with others and networking is the quickest and most efficient form of word-of-mouth marketing. CRC: Where did you go for inspiration when you first started your career? MELISSA: Instagram! I began by following every bridal hair account I could find because it helped me gather ideas and draw inspiration for the kind of bridal hairstyling that I wanted to create and become my signature style. PRO Tip: Social media has opened the doors for so many creatives, including hair stylists who showcase their portfolio of work on their social media feeds and build their brand one post and one follower at a time. Consider finding social media groups or pages of like-minded professionals to grow your network and share your ongoing work and services. Research the hashtags other artists use to promote the styles you specialize in and use those in your posts, too. There is no such thing as too much education or networking so take advantage of all of the wonderful resources at your fingertips! CRC: Do you prefer if a bride sends you inspiration pics, a character from a movie/show, etc.? MELISSA: I love inspo pics! I send my brides a direct link to my Instagram gallery so that they can personally review all of my work. In doing so, my bride can see three very important components: my aesthetic, the vibe of my work, and the type of upstyles that are my specialty. Additionally, I ask my brides to send me photos showcasing a similar hair color to their own because oftentimes, the same updo can look completely different on different colors and tones of hair. CRC: How do you structure your trials? MELISSA: I structure my trials as a one-on-one appointment. I allow them to bring one person; however, I prefer to meet with the bride individually so that we can focus together on the exact desired look. Oftentimes, too many on-lookers can provide too many opinions and it ends up confusing the bride. I also provide my brides with a Trial Hair Prep list to follow prior to our appointment. This includes instructing my brides to wash and dry their hair the night before and asking them to wear something white and off-the-shoulder so that when I photograph their hair, they can see it against a white top. I find it helpful for them to see it that way. CRC: How long do your trials typically last? MELISSA: My trials can take 3-4 hours because my bride and I spend that time getting to know each other. We cover everything about the special day, from hair and makeup, to how many services they will need on the wedding day. We also discuss the timeline, what the dress and veil look like, floral, and décor! As I’m working during this time, we discuss all details of the hairstyle. I like for the client to approve of each detail before moving on to the next stage so I constantly show all angles of the hairstyle as I’m creating/working so that they can see the volume, texture, curls, etc. Trials are charged separately from a bridal day-of-the-wedding styling session; they are a separate service as they are time-consuming and costly. Handling Negative Feedback and Sticky Situations During a Bridal Hair Trial Although it's not a fun topic, and your many practice sessions can leave you feeling fully confident that you'll deliver exactly what the bride wants, it's important to remember that you may someday encounter negative feedback from your clients. Remember, this isn't personal, and it is an opportunity for yout o learn and to get better at reading your clients, communicating with them, and feeling more confident in the long run. CRC: How did you handle clients that seemed like they loved their trial only to tell you later they either wanted to make major changes or cancel altogether? MELISSA: The first thing I tell my bride when they sit in my chair is: “This is not about me, this is about you. Don’t be afraid to tell me the truth about how you feel about your hair or afraid to ask for adjustments or make changes to your upstyle. My goal is for you to be happy and excited about your bridal hair.” Communicating this from the very beginning opens up an honest line of communication between us and makes my bride feel comfortable about asking for adjustments. I have learned that doing this also helps keep cancellations at bay. I have had a couple of brides change things on me on the wedding day, and it can be stressful, but I just do my best to prepare myself for anything. If a bride cancels and moves forward with someone else, I have learned that it is totally okay also! I do not beat myself up about it. My work may not have been exactly what she was looking for and I do not take it personally. I just keep it moving!   CRC: What are some of the tricky situations that have learned to navigate through during your career?   MELISSA: There are so many tricky situations! One tricky situation that I often encounter involves timelines and expectations. Because most weddings typically include a handful or more of clients that I have to style, I begin hours in advance to ensure that everyone is ready on time, and oftentimes, this means beginning early in the morning, even if the wedding is not until the second half of the day. I have to be stern and sweet at the same time to explain that every minute counts on the day of the wedding.   Another common situation I experience is when the bride received a haircut prior to the wedding and now the hair is too short. Working with countless brides over the years, I have discovered hair extensions can be a lifesaver. I have learned that when I remain calm and reassuring, it really helps the bride. PRO Tip: Be sure to showcase a variety of hair styles on your website and social media to allow prospective clients to see your range of skills! How to Navigate Last Minute Styling Request During the Bridal Service CRC: How do you handle clients that try to add additional clients to your styling duties the day of that were not part of the original contract? MELISSA: If my timeline permits, I will add additional clients in this type of situation; however, I stress the “if I have time” factor so as to not over-promise or disappoint anybody, especially the bride. And in this case, I do charge an extra add-on fee on top of the service fee. Extra Advice for Bridal Hair Stylists CRC: What do you do to elevate the bridal service and experience? MELISSA: I set myself apart by how I communicate with my brides and how I go above and beyond achieving a desired look for them. I also care for my brides like I do for my family and they know it, too! CRC: If you could go back in time and give yourself some advice as you were starting your career, what would you say? MELISSA: I wish I had known in the beginning that in addition to being the bridal hair expert, you are also your own marketing team, photographer, and social media manager. You respond to all inquiries, manage restocking your kit, and most importantly - furthering your education. It is important to practice your craft as often as possible because things get chaotic and we play so many roles. Other stylists often say to me, “gosh Melissa, I just don’t have time to post on social media, I don’t know how you do it,” and I always respond with, “I don’t have the time either, but I MAKE the time because I want to run a successful bridal hair business!” Ironically enough, I’m in the gym on a bike while answering the questions for this interview! One final and major thing I want other stylists to know: Do not let fear hold you back like I did! I waited way too long to start my business because I thought I would fail or not be good enough. I had to let go and take this risk and it’s been the most amazing journey! A Hair Tutorial by Melissa Dunn How to create a romantic braided bridal bun First, curl the hair with a 1-inch curling iron with all of the curls going in the same direction. Next, take two sections near the partial ridge and twist towards the face. Pinch and pull each section. Take the twisted section and place it just above the nape and pin it into place. Repeat the same step above but on the opposite side. Create three twists and fluff out the sections. Next, take the three sections you twisted and braid them together. Take the fluffy braid and wrap it into a circle to create a fluffy messy bun. Pin the bun in place. Finally, fine-tune the upstyle. Take a step back and look at the updo, Pinch, pull, tug, and pin into place once you reach the desired look! Be sure to visit Melissa on Instagram to view more of her pictorials and video tutorials! About Our Featured Pro, Melissa Dunn Melissa services brides in Charleston, South Carolina, and the surrounding areas and offers a range of makeup and hair styles from military balls, maternity shoots, boudoir, and of course, bridal! Melissa Dunn Hair and Makeup has been awarded Best of Weddings from The Knot for the last three years in a row and describes her work and style as “light and airy.” She has been in the industry for over a decade and studied at Paul Mitchell The School before launching her own business. In addition to being inspired by all things beauty, she loves staying active and spending time with her daughter. In addition to helping her clients feel and look their best, she also offers virtual classes to other stylists that want to learn how to create her signature hair styles. Visit her website, or visit her on social media for more inspiration! Feeling Inspired? We hope reading about Melissa's journey and seeing her work has inspired you and taught you a few things to keep in mind for your next bridal session! For more bridal inspo, check out our Bridal Look Book. If you need more help or a personalized recommendation, click here to contact a Beauty Advisor. About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. She dreamed of having a pro makeup showroom where artists could play with professional products without the typical makeup store attitude. Today, our team of beauty industry veterans work together to curate the best quality products on the market. We partner with brands who respect the industry and formulate products for true working artists. You won’t find CRC in high-end malls, and we don't wear matching brush belts. If you want to play with products for a few hours and buy nothing, that's okay ... come in and play! Our store is your playground. 

Unless you’re a professional makeup artist, it can be a little daunting to select the perfect powder. That’s why we worked with our Beauty Advisors to create a blog to explain the differences between the most popular powder types and to share a few tips and tricks to make sure your makeup stays Camera Ready all day long. The Different Types of Powder So many specific ways to use different powders to enhance your makeup, so little time! Chances are you’ve at least used a setting powder before, but what other types of powder are there, and what are the benefits of each? In this blog, we’ll be talking about the following: Loose Powder versus Pressed Powder Under-eye Powder Blurring Powder Setting Powder versus Finishing Powder Loose Powder versus Pressed Powder The Benefits of Loose Powder Loose powder has been a beauty staple for decades, in fact, it’s the most commonly used powder and has been around since the early 1900s. While they originated to keep a flawless matte look, quite a few different spins on the classic loose powder have developed. Loose powder is commonly used to set your makeup and is especially used under the eyes and in tandem with contour under and above the cheekbones. Wherever you’ve applied the powder will look matte, smooth and bright. When applying the loose powder, it helps to have a small powder puff or makeup sponge that you lightly dip in the jar. After applying your concealer you will use your puff or sponge and pack in — or “beat” — the loose powder on those areas you want set, mattified and brightened. Using a dabbing motion rather than wiping it on your face will help maintain the integrity of the makeup underneath! To make sure it’s even, take a medium to large makeup brush and buff in your powder using a circular motion and make sure it’s blended with your foundation, contour and blush. Three of our best selling powders that are available in both a pressed and loose version include RCMA No Color Powder & Premiere Powder, Ben Nye Luxury Powder, and By Terry powders. The Benefits of Pressed Powders We love a good compact pressed powder, as they’re easy to take with you on the road or keep in the purse for a quick fix, and are much more mess-free than a loose powder. Pressed powders are best at removing shine and blotting oil from the skin for midday touchups , which can happen after wearing your makeup for a few hours. These powders are very sheer and are definitely not made for full coverage — they are typically best for quick touch-ups. Most pressed powders come with a sponge or puff in the compact. Either can make it easy to quickly apply all over the face or as needed to reduce shine until your makeup looks fresh again. The Different Types of Powder Blurring Powder What if we told you that you could achieve the “filtered” look in real life with the help of one magical powder? Well, let us introduce you to blurring powder! Blurring powders are super lightweight and are made to “blur” out the skin’s imperfections giving your skin that photoshop effect. They also usually leave the skin looking flawless. These powders come in both loose and pressed forms and are made to spot treat whereas mattifying loose powders are made for all over setting. It is best to use a blurring powder after covering a blemish or mark on the face. Make sure to use a small, dense makeup brush or dry makeup sponge to use to set the powder on the areas you need coverage. A powder like Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Matte Setting Powder is a micro-fine, lightweight power that blurs skin by minimizing the appearance of pores, and sets the makeup with this anti-shine powder. It is perfect for oily and combination skin types. The Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder is a cult favorite for its instant blurring effect without any flashback. To create an instant blurring effect using these powders, we recommend using a velour powder puff to apply. Folding the velour puff in half and using a “press and roll” motion will ensure you do not move the makeup underneath nor apply too much powder. Foundation Powder True to the name, foundation powder is meant to build full coverage like a liquid or cream foundation would. This powder is extremely multifunctional as it can be used for bronzing, contouring and full-coverage foundation. You can also use it on top of your liquid foundation to give it that extra coverage — just make sure to get it true to your shade! Foundation powder usually comes in a pressed formula and is definitely not for matifying or setting like other powders. To apply foundation powder, you will want to use a face sponge or beauty blender to build the powder on depending on the type of coverage you are looking for. Under-Eye Powders Under-eye powders are not only magical but are specifically made to help cover even the deepest, darkest under-eye bags. They usually come in small jars and three different colors to help with discoloration around the eyes. These powders can come in loose or pressed form and are meant to disappear upon application. Green tones help with redness, while peach tones aid dark circles, and yellow tones help cancel out purple discoloration and dullness. After you apply your concealer is when you come in with the under eye powder of your choice. You can use a sponge or an eyeshadow brush to blend. Lightly load your under eye powder and tap it into place under the eyes. Laura Mercier offers an under-eye powders in both a loose powder and pressed powder form. Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder For Under Eyes is a weightless powder to set under-eye concealer, brightens the look of dark circles, and diminishes signs of visible fine lines. The micronized pigments won't settle into fine lines or accentuate shadows. Secret Blurring Powder for Under Eyes is a pressed, transparent, weightless powder to set under-eye concealer and blur the look of fine lines. This powder will also contain micronized pigments that won't settle into fine lines or look cakey around the eye area. This powder will also give a sheer hint of coverage. Both formulas are translucent but come in two shades, designed to work on any skin tone to brighten tired eyes The Difference Between Setting Powder and Finishing Powder The fine line between finishing powder and setting powder is often blurred (see what we did there). The industry now seems to market these products as one and the same, making the actual uses and benefits of each unclear. If you’re feeling confused and unsure of which powder is right for you, we’re here for you.We’re breaking down the differences between the two so you can feel more comfortable and educated before making a purchase. What is Setting Powder Setting powder is exactly what the name says. It is a powder that is designed to “set” or hold foundation and other complexion products in place. They prevent base makeup from rubbing off and reduce shine for a long-lasting, flawless complexion. Available in two common forms – loose and pressed – setting powders can be translucent or slightly tinted to match skin tone. Choosing the best form of setting powder is purely a matter of preference. Pressed powders are semi-solid, easy to use, and great for taking on the go. Loose powders are finer in consistency and don’t transport well because they can be messy, but they offer great lightweight coverage and work well for those prone to oily skin or who prefer wearing liquid foundations.   Setting powder also serves as the perfect weapon against excess oil buildup, so it’s great to have on hand to knock down shine.   For those in search of a more sheer look, apply setting powder in place of foundation for lightweight, natural coverage. If you or your client are prone to getting extra oily throughout the day, you can even mix a small amount of powder into your foundation or apply a thin layer of it before applying foundation. Just make sure you’re properly cleansing, toning, and prepping your skin before using this trick. Popular Setting Powders Here are the top three setting powders, as voted by our Pro Artist community: RCMA No Color Powder : Loved amongst celebrities and makeup artists, this beauty favorite sets foundation without changing the color. The formula delivers a smooth translucent veil without adding unwanted texture or creating a "caked on" look. Disappears for a completely invisible hold and keeps shine at bay. Ben Nye Neutral Set : This colorless powder formula blends with every skin tone without diminishing the complexion’s natural glow. Ben Nye's only non-translucent powder that contains a bright white pigment good for very fair shades. Controls perspiration for high energy performers. For a lightly tinted option, opt for one of Ben Nye’s Luxury Powders including the cult favorite Banana Powder. Danessa Myricks Evolution Powder : Provides a silky smooth, invisible finish. This light-diffusing weightless translucent powder can be used over and under foundation. Mimics perfect skin with professionally tested, vegan and cruelty-free ingredients. Also available in four tinted shades to match fair to deep skin tones. What is Finishing Powder As the name suggests, finishing powders are designed for use after a makeup look is complete. From a makeup artist perspective, this powder isn’t intended for everyday use, but it’s a great option when you’ll be in front of bright lights and cameras. Most commonly sold in loose form, finishing powders blur fine lines, conceal pores and leave a flawless, camera-ready finish. Blend the product well to avoid a dry and cakey appearance. Top 3 Finishing Powders Here are the top three finishing powders, as voted by our Pro Artist community: Mehron Celebré Pro HD Loose Mineral Finishing Powder : A luxurious matte finishing powder that perfectly complements every skin tone. Made of transparent French delaminated talc, keeps your colors bright and true. This ultra-fine powder is made with a multi-mineral complex to promote skin’s vigor and moisturization, keeping skin soft and hydrated. Available in three versatile shades to compliment all skin tones. NYX Studio Finishing Powder : This 100% pure mineral silica finishing powder is perfect for locking your makeup into place. The luminous white powder goes on translucent and works on all skin tones to leave your skin looking radiant and luminous. RCMA Over Powder : This lightweight finishing powder adds a soft sheen effect. These powders are gorgeous when layered over blush or any of the high points of the face, as well as for achieving an ethereal effect all over the body. Dust it onto collarbones, shoulders, cheekbones and the cupid's bow for a subtle light-catching highlight. Feeling Inspired? There truly is a powder for everyone, every need, and any makeup look. It’s important to know what each one is for so you can add to your makeup kit as needed, depending on what kind of coverage you’d like. We hope this blog has helped you decide which powder is best for you, so go ahead and explore all of the great powders we offer! If you need more help or a personalized recommendation, click here to contact a Beauty Advisor. Stay Camera Ready for every occasion by staying up to date with the latest makeup tips, tricks, and trends.   About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. She dreamed of having a pro makeup showroom where artists could play with professional products without the typical makeup store attitude. Today, our team of beauty industry veterans work together to curate the best quality products on the market. We partner with brands who respect the industry and formulate products for true working artists. You won’t find CRC in high-end malls, and we don't wear matching brush belts. If you want to play with products for a few hours and buy nothing, that's okay ... come in and play! Our store is your playground. 

Have you ever dreamt of a complexion product that doubled as skincare while still giving you the coveted no-makeup makeup look? Danessa Myricks recognized the lack of products that allowed beauty lovers to achieve that level of coverage, and the Yummy Skin Collection was born.   In this blog, we'll be breaking down the benefits of each formula in the new Yummy Skin Collection, discussing the claims, the undertones, and the best way to apply them! About Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Glow Serum and Serum Foundation The new Yummy Collection is a collection of two new products blends skincare and makeup. Formulated with skin-loving ingredients like Niacinamide, Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Vegan Squalane, Maracuja Oil, and Fruit Extracts, the skin is hydrated, balanced, and brightened with each wear. Both the Yummy Skin Glow Serum and Serum Foundation have a lot of great claims and has the clinical trials to back it up: When subjects wore Yummy Skin Serum Foundation alone, studies indicated: • Over 96% of the panelists said the foundation provides even, buildable coverage. • 90% of the panelists said this foundation provides the perfect amount of coverage. • 90% of the panelists said this foundation evened out their complexion. • Over 86% said this foundation corrected the discoloration on their skin. • Over 86% said their skin felt comfortable throughout the day while wearing Yummy Skin Serum Foundation. • Over 83% said this foundation gave the appearance of healthy-looking skin. • Over 80% of subjects showed an immediate improvement in pore size. It maintained skin’s pH level within normal range. • During a 6-hour wear test, there was a 36.51% boost in hydration. When subjects wore Yummy Skin Glow Serum & Yummy Skin Serum Foundation together, studies indicated: • An improvement and overall balance of skin’s natural pH level • During a 6-hour wear test, there was a 49.34% boost in hydration. • Over 96% said the serum worked well as a primer before foundation. • Over 93% said the serum helped hydrate their skin. • Over 90% said the serum made them look healthier when worn under their foundation. The Shade System for Yummy Skin Serum Foundation & Glow Serum The new Yummy Skin Serum Foundation includes 26 shades with four different undertones. Danessa describes the foundation shades as "stretchable", meaning they are sheer enough to allow your natural skin tone to shine through while still providing enough coverage to cover blemishes and other imperfections. The Undertones for Yummy Skin Serum Foundation P = Pink Undertones N = Neutral or olive undertones G = Golden or olive undertones W = Peach or red unertones Yummy Skin Glow Serum is intended to provide a healthy glow instead of coverage, so both shades can be used universally. The Two Shades of Yummy Skin Glow Serum Juice Boost = Sheer Bronze Main Squeeze = Sheer Golden Champagne   How to Apply Yummy Skin Glow Serum and Serum Foundation The secret to a beautiful complexion is always skincare and skin prep, and thanks to the Yummy Skin Glow Serum, you achieve both steps with one product. Using a pea-sized amount of serum, lightly cover your entire face. You may apply using a brush or your fingertips. Next, it's time to color correct. Since the Yummy Skin Serum Foundation provides light to medium buildable coverage, it is important to take the time to color correct before applying foundation. Danessa used ColorFix in the shade Carrot Top under the eyes and on other problem areas. Once you're done color correcting, it's time to apply the foundation. Using a brush or sponge, start at the center of the face and work around the perimeter using light sweeping or bouncing motions. This allows the foundation to blend out evenly without sheering the coverage out too much. Move on to the forehead and blend outward, and be sure to blend out onto the ears and neck to avoid any lines of demarcation. Concealing, Highlighting, and Contouring with Yummy Skin Serum Foundation The beauty of Yummy Skin Serum Foundation is how it layers without feeling heavy or looking cakey. You can easily build up coverage, spot conceal, brighten under the eyes, and even contour by using different shades. To conceal, use a smaller brush to spot conceal with your regular shade of foundation. To brighten dark circles, select one or two shades lighter and apply in tapping motions with a brush. To contour, select a shade that is one to two shades deeper and apply to the areas you'd normally apply to for contour, and blend well. The foundation will meld together with the base shade you already applied. Setting Yummy Skin Serum Foundation While the goal of the Yummy Skin Collection is to give you a healthy, glowing, no-makeup makeup look, you still set the face with Evolution Powder. Use a fluffy brush or puff to lightly set areas you would like to be mattified or where you tend to get oily throughout the day. Watch the Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Achieve Different Coverage Levels with Yummy Skin Serum Foundation Of course, just like with any Danessa Myricks Beauty product, you're encouraged to experiment and find the method use that works best for you, but as a general rule of thumb, Danessa Myricks has provided the following application instructions: To Achieve Light Coverage with Yummy Skin Serum Foundation:Squeeze a pea-sized amount and apply in even layers using fingers, brush or sponge. To Achieve Medium Coverage with Yummy Skin Serum Foundation:Squeeze two pea-sized amounts and apply in even layers using a brush or sponge. PRO Tip:• Start from the center of the face and blend outwards for even application.• Layer over Yummy Skin Glow Serum for an added boost of radiance for the ultimate healthy, glowing complexion. Feeling Inspired? Are you excited to experience the new Yummy Skin Collection for yourself? We had a feeling you would be. Explore the Yummy Skin Glow Serum, Yummy Skin Serum Foundation and the refills. or click here to contact our Beauty Advisors for personalized tips! About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. She dreamed of having a pro makeup showroom where artists could play with professional products without the typical makeup store attitude. Today, our team of beauty industry veterans work together to curate the best quality products on the market. We partner with brands who respect the industry and formulate products for true working artists. You won’t find CRC in high-end malls, and we don't wear matching brush belts. If you want to play with products for a few hours and buy nothing, that's okay ... come in and play! Our store is your playground. 

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

Images and information courtesy of Saint Jane In honor of Saint Jane's third birthday, we're breaking down the ultimate guide to layering Saint Jane products. From brightening and soothing the skin to enhancing and nourishing lips with CBD and botanical-rich products, we're providing a step-by-step routine that's perfect to elevate your services for your clients or a luxurious self-pampering session. About the Saint Jane Facial Routine Saint Jane is a nourishing, reparative skincare line designed for use towards the end of facial treatments. Depending on the goal of the treatment and your client’s skin type, cleanse and prep the skin per the specific facial treatment protocol, prior to applying potent Saint Jane serums. Cleanse, extract, exfoliate, mask, then on to Saint Jane. Enhancement for Facial Treatment: Luxury Body Serum (optional) If a neck and shoulder massage is part of your facial offering, Luxury Body Serum is an indulgent, rich formula that helps clients relax and destress while making their skin more radiant. While their face mask is drying, a neck and shoulder massage is the perfect addition to the ultimate Saint Jane experience. How to use: use 4-6 pumps of Luxury Body Serum for a relaxing massage experience. Step 1: The C Drops As a general layering rule of thumb, you should start with the thinnest in product texture and work your way up to the heaviest. For Saint Jane, that means The C Drops serum is the first layer of the routine. Packed with a 20% glycerin-encapsulated Vitamin C blend, this powerful serum is formulated to penetrate the deepest layers of skin for maximum effectiveness while citrus AHAs resurface and brighten. Starting with The C-Drops enables you to up your client’s skin glow factor for their most radiant complexion. Though Vitamin C is a potent ingredient that can sometimes cause irritation and redness as an unfortunate side effect, our formulation includes skin-soothing botanicals, such as CBD, for a gentle yet effective first step. As always with active Vitamin C products, do not use after heavy exfoliation, and use only if your client’s skin can tolerate it. HOW TO USE: apply one pipette if The C Drops onto clean, dry skin. Gently press and pat into skin until absorbed. STEP 2: Hydrating Petal Cream (optional) With the ultra-hydrating power of 1% pure Hyaluronic Acid combined with the smoothing capabilities of Hibiscus Peptides, Hydrating Petal Cream delivers silky smooth, hydrated skin that lasts all day. Its featherweight texture absorbs quickly and is specifically designed to never pill, making it the perfect lightweight moisturizer to layer on top of The C Drops. As an option, Hydrating Petal Cream can be used under Luxury Beauty Serum (the next step) as a bonus hydrator. It also works as a great skin-prepper for a dewy effect before applying makeup in the spa or salon. HOW TO USE: Smooth 1-3 pumps over client’s face and neck using upward motion. Let absorb. STEP 3: Luxury Beauty Serum It has been called “the face oil to end all face oils” for a reason. Saint Jane's award-winning Luxury Beauty Serum is a powerful treatment packed with hundreds of nutrients designed to reverse signs of aging and calm skin. This omega-rich serum not only delivers a huge dose of soothing botanicals to skin, it also packs a punch with actives such as Sea Buckthorn and Calendula, which gently resurface and detoxify pores. Luxury Beauty Serum is our holy grail, skin-transforming powerhouse and is the ultimate final layer to seal in all of the nutrients from the previous steps. The 500mg of CBD will soothe and destress after treatment, leaving a beautiful glow. HOW TO USE: apply 1 pipette of Luxury Beauty Serum on to the skin for deep nourishment and hydration, using upward motions. As an option, before the Luxury Beauty Serum is fully absorbed, use a gua sha to massage the skin using sweeping upward motions from the center to the outer edges of the face. This will help the serum to absorb deeper, enhance contours, and visibly reduce puffiness. STEP 4: Bright Repair Eye Cream (optional) Bright Repair Eye Cream is specifically designed to target dark circles and fine lines while protecting the integrity of our delicate eye skin. 10% Vitamin C visibly brightens while Green Tea and Grapeseed work to de-puff and knock out the intensity of dark circles for a calm, well-rested look. HOW TO USE: gently tap a pea-sized amount of Bright Repair Eye Cream around the eye to brighten and de-puff your client’s under eye area. STEP 5: Luxury Lip Shine or Cream Luxury Lip Shine is a beautifully protective, hydrating lip oil with a wash of color that also doubles as a lip treatment. Eight impeccably clean ingredients nourish and protect the delicate lip area. Give your clients the ultimate dewy glow as they leave your treatment room with a swipe of lip protection in nude or lightly-colored shades. For a richer, more saturated color, opt for the Luxury Lip Cream lipsticks, available in seven shades. HOW TO USE: Swipe on lips for the perfect finishing touch and all-over glow. Explore Saint Jane That's it! Your client's skin is hydrated, protected, and nourished, and if you're anything like us, you'll want to experience this routine for yourself, too! Click here to learn more about the products and get started on the path to calmer, happier, and brighter skin! About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. She dreamed of having a pro makeup showroom where artists could play with professional products without the typical makeup store attitude. Today, our team of beauty industry veterans work together to curate the best quality products on the market. We partner with brands who respect the industry and formulate products for true working artists. You won’t find CRC in high-end malls, and we don't wear matching brush belts. If you want to play with products for a few hours and buy nothing, that's okay ... come in and play! Our store is your playground.

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

For many of us, the fall season brings a welcome break from hot and humid weather, but it can also come with some less than desirable changes. That's right. We're talking about dry, dull, and flaky skin. We asked our Beauty Advisor and in-house esthetician, Chelsie, to share her top tips for both your personal routine and for makeup artists as we head into autumn. Tips for Your Personal Routine For the Face If your routine normally includes a gel-based cleanser, consider switching to a cream cleanser for extra comfort. Likewise, opt for richer & emollient moisturizers to replenish skin, and seal in hydration with an oil-based serum like One Love Organics Botanical E Youth Preservation Serum or Saint Jane Luxury Beauty Serum.    For the Body If you have a few pesky dry patches, you're not alone. Regular exfoliation is fine during the cooler months, but beware of over-exfoliating! If your routine normally calls for a weekly exfoliation, try switching the products you're using before assuming you need to exfoliate more. Try a gentle exfoliation tool like the Esker Body Plane or switch to a deeply hydrating product like the Indie Lee Coconut Citrus Scrub. Next, nourish your skin with an emollient moisturizer, like Milk + Honey Body Cream or Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Balm, to hydrate without an oily finish.     Finally, don't forget to top off your routine with a daily dose of SPF. Just because the sun is hiding out a little more this time of year doesn’t mean we should stop applying sunscreen daily. You can actually still get sunburned even if you live in a cloudy or snowy climate due to the sun’s rays’ reflection and refraction. Broad Spectrum SPF 30 & higher can help prevent photo-aging by about 90% — so using sunscreen daily to protect your skin all year long is important! Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 and Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench SPF 45 Hyaluronic Cloud Moisturizer are both great options to protect your skin from those harmful rays every day, and they also work well under makeup. Tips for Makeup Artists As you know, everyone’s skin is different and always changing, so having products for every skin type will help you no matter the season. To prepare for more dry faces in your chair, grab the Bioderma Hydrabio micellar water, which is better suited for dehydrated skin than the alternate, Bioderma Sensibio. If you love the Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre, consider keeping the richer formulation Embryolisse 302000 Filaderme Emulsion Peaux Seches on hand. If your client has sensitized skin, a great option is Embryolisse Lait-Creme Sensitive. It packs all the same great benefits as the original Concentre but is formulated to be extra gentle and extra soothing. If your client has extra dry or peeling skin, give them the VIP hydration treatment and start with an exfoliating cleanser like Embryolisse Creme Exfoliante. It focuses on physical exfoliation and reintroducing hydration, so it won’t further sensitize the skin, and it's packed with hyaluronic acid and vitamins A, E and F. Next, prep them with a sheet mask infused with hyaluronic acid before starting your regular routine. To hydrate chapped lips, Patchology FlashPatch Hydrating Lip Gels and Milk + Honey Lip Butters are perfect matches to provide soothing hydration.   Tips for Everyone The most important tip to remember is to take care of your skin every day and do your best to prevent dehydration in all forms, so, of course, drink water and have an array of products to choose from during the cold, dry months and when various skin problems arise. While using the heater on cold days, combat dryness by placing a bowl of water, or a humidifier, in each room to prevent water from evaporating from your skin. For further protection, end your skincare routine with a facial oil rather than using it before your moisturizer to help protect your skin’s barrier. This will allow it to work as a sealant and prevent further moisture loss from the skin. Keeping a nourishing face mist like the Koh Gen Do Herbal Spa Mist or Avene Thermal Water nearby and giving yourself a few refreshing spritzes throughout the day will help reintroduce some of the moisture you lose throughout the day. Also, don't forget your hands during this transitional season! Having a hand cream nearby (and applying it regularly) will help keep the delicate skin on your hands and your nails in top shape as the temperature continues to drop. Want More Tips? Want to learn more about how to create the perfect skincare routine for yourself or your clients. Chelsie is just an email away! Click here to reach out to her for more tips and information! 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.

RCMA Cream Foundation has been a staple in many artists’ kits for decades, so it's no surprise the makeup community was abuzz with excitement when RCMA released their new Liquid Foundation and Liquid Concealer this year. These water-free highly-pigmented formulations are made with ingredients like squalane to hydrate and help replenish the skin. The result is a high-definition quality finish that feels light enough for everyday wear and performs well for all forms of makeup artistry. To help you learn how to use the new products, we spoke with the team at RCMA to help answer some of your most frequently asked questions. Cream vs. Liquid RCMA's cream foundation is known for being highly-pigmented, and the new Liquid Foundation and Liquid Concealer have the same high pigmentation that you love! Our Beauty Advisor Calvin put it to the test, and he was able to cover his tattoo with ease. Q: Can the new liquid foundation and liquid concealer be used with my existing cream-based RCMA products? RCMA: For optimal performance, we recommend using the Liquid Foundation and Liquid Concealer together. However, we know our cream-based foundation is loved and an industry standard. Both the liquid foundation and liquid concealer can be used and mixed with our cream foundation and cream adjusters. Q: Is there any correlation between the cream-based colors and the new formulation? RCMA: There is no shade correlation between the two lines. People with cooler/beige undertones that would like a more neutral look should pick a very slightly warmer (peachy coral) foundation (the P series).   People with warmer/peachy undertones that would like a more natural look should pick a slightly golden or olive tone (the G Series). For those with neutral undertones, the N Series is the best choice, as it has truly neutral undertones. PRO TIP: While there isn't a true correlation between the shades, the guide below will be a good starting point to help you find a shade the liquid formulas. As always, you can mix various shades to create the perfect match, and for the best color match, you may always buy a sample or contact our Beauty Advisors! Shinto Shade Approximate Liquid Foundation Shade Shinto 1 N 210 with a dab of N 230 Shinto 2 N 310 to G 330 Shinto 3 G 410 Shinto 4 P 410 Shinto 5 Between G430 & G530 Q: Why isn't there a P Series for the Liquid Concealer? RCMA: We decided against a P Series for the Liquid Concealer because we found that the N Series was the perfect complement to the skin tones that were using the P Series in the Liquid Foundation. The New Formula Q: What are the benefits of the new formula being water-free? RCMA: Many formulations on the market have a tendency to oxidize over time. The oxidation reaction usually only occurs in water-based formulas.   Our water-free formula will never shift in color giving an all-day flawless look. Q: What type of artistry is the new formula ideal for? Editorial, bridal, print, commercial, etc.? RCMA: The formula has high coverage and provides a natural finish, so it is ideal for all types of artistry. It performs well on camera, and the olive oil derivatives and silica provide a skin-smoothing quality and keep the complexion fresh all day long for events and weddings. Tips to Use the New Formula Q: Is a brush or a sponge better? RCMA: Both tools work well. They are thicker than other liquid-based formulas, so they will not soak into your sponge as much as other liquid products can. Just like with the original cream formula, the foundation and concealer are highly pigmented and can be sheered out to your preferred coverage. PRO TIP: The new formula is water-free, so do not use a water-based mixing medium. Opt for silicone-based, oil-based, or wax-based mixing mediums. Q: Do you have to set the foundation? RCMA: We recommend setting it with the new Premiere Powder. The Pressed Premiere Powder is the perfect finishing touch to set the foundation and concealer into place and will provide a slightly matte finish to the areas you set. It's finely milled and can be used for touch-ups and will not look powdery or dry thanks to ingredients like Laurel Lysine and Butter Powder. Additionally, the new shades we added provide a brightening effect for different skin tones while blurring minor imperfections. Amber has a light peach tint that adds slight warmth to the skin. Topaz has a tint of warm brown to warm up medium to deep skin tones. If your client or model has dark circles or dull skin, Amethyst provides a brightening and softening effect. Q: What are the differences between the Pressed and Loose Premiere Powders? RCMA: The Loose Premiere Powder comes in three shades (Amber, Topaz, and No-Color) and can be used before applying foundation to provide extra oil control. The pressed is more of a finishing/touch-up product. The Loose Premiere Powder is intended for setting and baking. Stocking Your Kit with the New Products What shades should I add to my kit? Ready to try the new formula but aren't sure where to start? We recommend starting with the N Series and picking up a few shades. Start with the lightest shade that you feel matches your client base and grab a few more shades (skip two or three shades in between) so you have a wide range of shades to play with. The N Series is neutral, so use your Foundation Adjuster Palette to adjust the foundation to match your clients. After using it for several jobs, if you notice you are using the yellow adjuster frequently, you should add some shades from the G Series. If you are reaching for the red adjuster, add a few shades from the P Series to your kit, as it has the peachy and coral undertones you have been mixing. How are the new Premiere Powders different than the Original No Color Powder and other RCMA Powders? The new Premiere Powders offer three new shades and an updated formulation of No Color Powder. Amethyst is lightly tinted violet to provide a brightening effect for all skin tones, Amber adds a light tint of warmth for light to medium complexions, and Topaz has a slight warm brown tint that will add warmth for complexions ranging from medium to the richest deep shades. The powder is very finely milled and provides a blurring effect that helps smooth light imperfections, and it can be used numerous times throughout the day for touchups. The original powders are best used when makeup is first applied to set and perfect. RCMA Liquid Foundation LEARN MORE RCMA Liquid Concealer LEARN MORE RCMA Foundation Adjuster Palette LEARN MORE RCMA Premiere Powders LEARN MORE Ready to try the new formulas? If you're ready to try the newest RCMA products, click here to shop! If you want to test out the new Liquid Concealer and Liquid Foundation, click here to shop for samples. For more information and tips, 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. 

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.

Images and information courtesy of Indie Lee Toners and serums and oils, oh my! Skincare routines can be daunting. What comes first, a serum or an essence? Does squalane oil get applied before moisturizer , or after? Thanks to Indie Lee, we have that answer! How to Layer Skincare The more products you use, the more important proper layering becomes. Layering is particularly important when it comes to texture and concentration of your products. A rule of thumb we like to follow is to start with your lightest textures and highest concentrations, like toners, essences and serums. End with your heavier textures like your moisturizers and oils. This helps with absorption into the skin and efficacy of your products so they can do what they’re intended to do. Sold out Sold out Sold out What About Eye Products? Unsure on your eye products? Your eye product can really go over or under and it tends to be applied based on preference. Our tip: If you’re using an eye serum, layer in the same step as your facial serums, before your moisturizer. If you’re using an eye cream, layer last! Eye creams are usually rich and as a result thicker in texture, so it’s a good idea to end your routine with them. How Much Should I Use? It may be tempting to use more product because it may feel like the more you use, the more effective it will be. However, Indie Lee created the guide below to help show how much product is just enough to give you the maximum efficacy without wasting product! Cleanser: quarter size⁣Serum: blueberry size⁣Moisturizer: nickel size⁣Eye Serum: Pomegranate seed size Sold out Sold out Sold out Sold out Explore Indie Lee Are you ready to learn more about Indie Lee? Click here to learn more about the products and get started on path to an ingredient-focused skincare routine. 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 bridal season looks a bit different this year, but many of the makeup artists in our community are starting to get back to work. We know the Big Day is an emotion-filled day for the bride, but it can also be a little intimidating for you if it's been a while since your last bridal session. In this blog, we worked with Utah-based makeup artist Andy Truong and our founder Mary Erickson to share their top tips to ensure you're ready for your next bridal job! Before They Book You for the Wedding Keep your website up to date. Many bridal guides recommend booking a bridal makeup artist anywhere from six months to one year before the big day, but that timeline has changed. Consider adding a section to your website that outlines how far in advance they have to book your services and whether or not you're available for last-minute requests. Even better, consider adding a calendar that shows your availability.   Don't be afraid to ask for a deposit. Many artists that are starting their bridal makeup careers worry that taking a deposit may prevent a bride from booking, but it is a common practice that's in place to help ensure you're compensated for saving the date. Put a clear policy in place on your website that outlines how much your non-refundable deposit is and how many days from the wedding they can cancel before losing their deposit. “I recommend never booking a wedding without a deposit of at least $300,” says Mary, “and it should be non-refundable if they cancel less than three weeks prior to the wedding date. This is important because a lot of clients will cancel services if they feel that they don’t have something to lose.” Before The Big Day Communication is key to create the perfect look! Since social media sites like Pinterest and Instagram are brimming with bridal makeup looks, it's common for brides-to-be to bring a few inspiration pics to their trial session. If you can, ask that they send the photos to you ahead of time so you can alter the look to suit their facial structure. "I often follow up with questions including how much makeup they wear on a regular basis, if they prefer matte or shimmery looks, how dark they like their eyeshadow to be, and what type of foundation coverage they prefer," adds Andy. "That way, I can create the look they're aiming for in a way that suits their style." This extra communication will help the bride feel confident that you will make them look their best. During the trial, you may also want to ask if they're planning on coloring their hair or tanning for the wedding so you can be prepared to adjust your kit for the wedding day. If the bride is getting spray tanned before the big day, ask if she will consider not spray tanning her face, as it can make color correcting more difficult. Touch base before the wedding One month before the wedding is often when things kick into high gear. From last-minute wedding attire alterations to following up with guests that have forgotten to RSVP, your bride will be busy. Check in at least a week in advance with your bride. Mary recommends sending the bride a schedule of where and when she’ll need to be to have her makeup done as well. Most brides don’t anticipate the number of tasks and distractions she’ll have to deal with on the day, so one hour is not enough time for the bride’s full makeup session, despite what most clients think. Allow yourself enough time so that the bride’s makeup will be fully completed one hour before the photographer arrives to do portraits. On the Big Day Follow proper safety & sanitation procedures Most clients’ biggest concern nowadays when getting makeup done is COVID-19 and the risks associated. Since clients can’t have their masks on when getting their makeup applied, it’s important that you implement strict safety protocols so that you and the bride can have complete peace of mind on the day. Request to set up your station near an open window for maximum ventilation. Set a six-foot perimeter around your workspace, and require anyone who enters that perimeter to be wearing a mask at all times. It’s also important that you keep your kit and station extremely clean and sanitary. Although this has always been a major component of professional makeup artistry, never has it been more necessary than today. A messy or unhygienic workspace is unacceptable, so keep your brushes perfectly clean and follow all of the strictest sanitation procedures to keep you and your clients safe, healthy, and happy. Prep the bride for touch-ups Your services are likely only booked for a few hours before the ceremony, but the bride’s makeup needs to stay in place all day and night. With even more weddings than ever taking place outside, touch-ups are a must for every bride. Go the extra mile and provide your bride with her own mini makeup kit which she can use for subtle touch-ups throughout the day. “One should never let the bride go without touchup lipstick or powder,” says Mary. Put together some small samples of products you’ve used on your client that day, or even provide a full-size product if it’s within your budget. Just make sure you work it into your pricing beforehand, Mary reminds us. Final Thoughts Whether it’s your first-ever job or you’re getting back to work after months away, we have confidence that you’ll do a great job! Just keep these tips in mind, and remember that we’re always here for you for all of your bridal makeup needs. If you want more tips and tricks, reach out to us by clicking here! Need advice on how to restock your kit or even to learn how long you should keep a product before it expires? Click here to learn more. About ANDY TRUONG Andy is a full-time student and makeup artist based in Utah. His makeup style is "glam-natural", and he loves making women look polished without looking like they’re wearing a lot of makeup. He strives to create looks that luminous and timeless while making skin look natural to reflect the inner beauty of each client. For him, being a makeup artist is a privilege. Growing up, he was never happy and confident about who he was, so when the opportunity came that he could physically create confidence and a sense of beauty for someone who may need it through makeup and the relationship an artist forms with their clients, he found his true passion. While he loves seeing the transformation, the joy in a client's eyes when they see their makeup fuels his desire to keep creating. To learn more about Andy, visit him on Instagram. 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!  

Photos courtesy of Leslie Hernandez If you have an event or a photoshoot to attend, setting spray is a must-have. However, choosing the best setting spray for the job and your technique will ensure your makeup lasts all day. In this blog, we talked to Leslie Hernandez, a professional makeup artist and the CEO of Backstage Makeup Professionals based in Dallas, Texas, to see how she creates looks that last with Skindinavia. Behind the Brand Allen Goldman, the creator and owner of Skindinavia, found inspiration for his cult classic setting spray in a rather unusual place. He noticed women at the nightclub struggled to keep their makeup on in the hot and crowded environment1. He started Skindinavia in 2005 and worked with world-class chemists to create a setting spray that would keep makeup on for 16+ hours, prevent color fading and shifting, and work on all skin types. They introduced the Original Makeup Finishing Spray in 2007, and it took the film industry and performance artists in Hollywood and Las Vegas by storm.     Allen's passion for creating innovative formulas led to the introduction of the Bridal Makeup Setting Spray with a satin finish perfect for photography and the Oil-Control Makeup Setting Spray to keep makeup cool and shine-free while aiding in the absorption of excess oil. Picking the Perfect Skindinavia Formula CRC: Can you tell us a bit more about why you like to use Skindinavia Setting Sprays and what each formula is best suited for? Leslie: It's nice to have different formulas for different situations. During Texas summers, I rely on Primer Spray Oil Control and Finishing Spray Oil Control. During warm summer days or even under intense lighting, the skin will produce more sweat and natural oils. These products make sure that the makeup will stay immaculately. If my client has very oily skin, I use these, too. My pro tip is to wet your makeup sponge with the Oil Control spray to add extra oil-absorbing qualities to your favorite foundation. When I want the skin to look fresh with natural radiance, I use Finishing Spray Bridal Edition. Any of these three products will effectively hold the makeup for 16 hours. . It will look intact from the moment I finish till the end of the photoshoot or event. CRC: What sets Skindinavia apart from other setting sprays you've used? Leslie: It has a patented technology that helps control the temperature of the skin: Temperature Control Technology. It basically makes your skin breathe for a full 16 hours, even when you have full makeup on. The experts who worked on their products made clever use of science to solve the root cause of fading makeup: heat trapped in the skin.   Their products are capable of drawing heat away from the skin and make sure that evaporation—sweat and oil—will be gradual. The pump is also very unique and delivers a very fine mist that is lightweight and even in distribution. The Skindinavia team spent three years perfecting their spray pump, so you know it's good! Sold out Sold out Sold out Sold out Client Feedback CRC: As a makeup artist, there is almost no bigger compliment than when a client contacts you after their event to say how much they loved their makeup. What kind of feedback have you gotten when it comes to setting spray? Leslie: It is very common that I also get reviews from clients saying, “My makeup lasted all day!” or “I didn't touch up all day!” One of my clients even said, “I slept in my makeup and it was perfect the next day.” Of course, I definitely wouldn’t recommend doing the last one, but clients are always the best people who can put Skindinavia to the test.  They also tell me that whatever products they use at home don’t work like what I used on them at the studio, and they always want to know the secret. I love to share what I use, and I feel proud to say that I select professional products to use on them, which work much better than high-end products. Photo credit @felipe.photographer Leslie's PRO Tips CRC: What techniques do you use to get maximum performance from your setting spray? Leslie: I apply the finishing spray to my makeup sponge since it touches the face when it is a blank canvas. Then, I spray it in between makeup layers, depending on the look. At the end, I like to pamper my clients and give them a “spa-like experience” by applying several pumps. The mist feels so good at the end of a makeup session. CRC: What about pre-makeup prep? Leslie: The Makeup Primer Spray works very well with any liquid or cream primer, and from any brand. The product complements any other primer because its ingredients are filled with vitamins that other primers don’t have. It also simplifies skin prep, since it has a lot of hydrating benefits to wake the skin up and get it ready for makeup application. CRC: Do you ever have clients that are apprehensive about setting spray? If so, what do you tell them? Leslie: Some clients or students think that setting spray will be incredibly drying. I let them know Skindinavia has technology and research behind it. Another common misconception is that setting spray will make their makeup look shiny and dewy, especially when they have oily or combination skin types. I tell them that “oily” is different from “dewy and hydrated”. A setting spray can actually hydrate the skin, which is great for making the makeup look natural. Photo credit @felipe.photographer How to Use Skindinavia Setting Spray 1. Getting Started On a clean face, spray a light layer of the Makeup Primer Spray. Allow the spray to dry before moving to the next step.   2. Prep Your Tools Spray your makeup sponge or brush with the setting spray before you dip it into your foundation. This will allow it to mix in with the foundation during application and lengthen the wear time. 3. ​Apply Foundation After the first layer of foundation, I spray finishing spray again. The closer the finishing spray is to the skin, the better its cooling technology will work. 4. Finishing Touch When you're done with the makeup, apply the finishing spray again by moving the bottle in a circular motion to ensure the entire face is evenly coated. Allow to dry, and you're done! About Leslie Hernandez Leslie Hernandez is a professional makeup artist and CEO of Backstage Makeup Professionals, a collective of professional artists serving the DFW area. Her passion for makeup started at an early age when she played with her mother's Estee Lauder gift samples and stored them in her Caboodle2. She went to school for business before pursuing and obtaining her Masters in Science of Education from State University of NY. All throughout her education, she kept up with the beauty industry and trained with many renowned Mexican, American, Brazilian, Middle Eastern, celebrity & international makeup artists along the way including Makeup By Mario, Danessa Myricks, Patrick Ta, Jordan Liberty, and many more. To learn more about Leslie, click here, or visit her on Instagram. SOURCES: 1. Claudia Schaffer, The Skindinavia Story: How an Unlikely Place Created the Perfect Beauty Product 2. Leslie Hernandez, Meet Your Teacher, Backstage Life, June 3, 2020 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!  

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!  

Photo courtesy of Skindinavia, this blog was updated August 2022 to provide the most up to date product recommendations Although phrases and words like mask-proof makeup and maskne are not as big of a part of our everyday lives, we've all seen setting sprays have gone viral on social media and YouTube. At Camera Ready, we proudly offer more than 40 setting sprays and sealers, so we've created a new blog series, "All About Setting Spray", to help you select the best setting spray for your makeup style. In this first blog, we will explore the best setting sprays for everyday use. What is Setting Spray? Photo courtesy of Skindinavia Believe it or not, setting sprays have been around for decades. Professional Makeup Artists have relied on setting sprays, also known as sealers, to help keep makeup in place on stage, on photo shoots, on film and for performances of every type. The purpose of a setting spray is simple; they are designed to create a barrier or a seal (hence the name sealer) to keep the products below them in place and to prevent them from moving or smudging. They also increase the longevity of your makeup. Fast forward to present day, where we now have a wide range of setting sprays that are designed for different types of makeup, to have varying finishes, and even have some with skincare benefits. Our Most Popular Setting Spray While there are many ways to determine "popularity," whether it be best-selling or the most talked about setting spray, we're giving this award to Ben Nye Final Seal. Odds are, you've seen plenty of videos on YouTube and on TikTok about this long-time pro favorite sealer. Final Seal has an alcohol base making it quick-drying, a great choice for SFX makeup, and long lasting. There is a lot to learn about this great spray, and we will cover it in-depth in our next "All About Setting Spray" blog series. For now, let's get back to exploring our other offerings and discover the differences and benefits of each one! Jackie Aina tested (and approved) Ben Nye Final Seal as a great way to make your makeup mask-proof. How to Choose a Setting Spray Many of the setting sprays that are best for an everyday look have skin-loving properties. From brightening ingredients like pineapple to antioxidants including cranberry, goji berry, and blueberry extract, these setting sprays are a treat for your skin. While it's an added bonus to have these skincare-focused ingredients, the most important factors to consider are your skin type and the type of finish the spray will give you. To help you choose, we've broken down our recommendations into three categories: for All Skin Types, for Oily/Normal/Combo Skin, and Pro Favorites/Special Occasion sprays. For All Skin Types Best Setting Sprays for all Skin Types True + Luscious Spellbinder Makeup Setting Spray Danessa Myricks Beauty Dewy Forever Mist Skindinavia Bridal Makeup Finishing Spray PPI Zero Marble Matte Setting Spray Inglot Makeup Fixer Ofra Makeup Fixer Spray True + Luscious Spellbinder Makeup Setting Spray: This clean beauty fragrance-free formula has a proprietary blend of organic pineapple juice and exotic botanicals like rosewater and honeysuckle extract gives your skin a bevy of healthy nutrients and helps lock in makeup for all-day extended wear. This setting spray is alcohol-based but is great for all skin types thanks to the additional ingredients. Danessa Myricks Beauty Dewy Forever Mist: Keep your makeup fresh and flawless with this satin-finish setting spray that makeup artists trust for their clients biggest days! This budge-proof, moisture-controlling formula that won’t allow color to transfer for up to 16 hours. It’s the preferred finishing spray among bridal artists worldwide. Skindinavial Bridal Makeup Finishng Spray: Keep your makeup fresh and flawless with this satin-finish setting spray that makeup artists trust for their clients' biggest days! This budge-proof, moisture-controlling formulat wont allow color to transfer for up to 16 hours. It's the preferred finishing spray among bridal artists worldwide. PPI Zero Marble Matte Setting Spray: The newest addition to the Marble Sealer Family! Zero Marble Sealer is the perfect 'go-to' product for most sealing applications. Lighter than both the Green Marble Sealer, and the Blue Marble Sealer, Zero Marble is an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin. It is very gentle and light enough for everyday use. Zero Marble Sealer comes with an ultra-light and fresh scent. It Contains absolutely no tracing color, is lightly matting, and holds all day. Inglot Makeup Fixer: A handy alcohol and paraben free makeup fixer in a form of light mist that will ensure long-lasting makeup. Unscented and alcohol-free formula creates a transparent satin film that protects makeup, leaving it impeccable for many hours. Thanks to the black pearl extract, the skin will remain smooth and vibrant. This setting spray features a satin finish and is suitable for anyone with a slightly glowy finish. Ofra Makeup Fixer Spray: Enriched with Aloe Vera, Chamomilla Flower Extract and Vitamin E, this makeup fixer mist protects skin against external damage of the environment caused by pollution, temperature changes, and other skin irritants. This dewy setting spray is great for all skin types. Best for Oily, Normal, & Combination Skin Our Top 3 Setting Sprays for Oily Skin Include: NYX Makeup Setting Spray FITISH Don't Sweat It Danessa Myricks Beauty Set It Forever Mist NYX Makeup Setting Spray: This budget friendly setting spray includes niacinamide in each of its finishes. Choose from Dewy or Matte. These affordable options are great for oily, combination, and normal skin types. FITISH Don't Sweat It: The name says it all. This setting spray protects your makeup all day, even through a workout. The cooling mist dries in seconds, locking down makeup with refreshing Green Tea and Eucalyptus. This alcohol-based spray is best suited for oily, combination, and normal skin. Danessa Myricks Set It Forever Mist: Meet the anti-shine, matte version of Danessa Myricks' best selling Dewy Forever Mist! Designed with Temperature Control Technology powered by key ingredient Sepimat 5, made up of tiny, sponge like spheres to absorb excess sebum and leave your skin with a smooth, matte finish. This setting spray is infused with Aloe Leaf Extract to help retain moisture and keep skin feeling cool + refreshed. No touch ups necessary! Melanie Mills Ultra Lite Long Lasting Setting Spray: Melanie Mills Ultra Lite Long Lasting Setting Spray may sound familiar because it enjoyed a viral moment on TikTok and Instagram, but it's actually intended for more than just the face! This setting spray is great for those living in areas with extreme heat and humidity, and the aerosol can provides an ultra fine mist to allow you to use minimal product for maximum makeup hold. Pro Favorites & Special Occasion Setting Sprays For Professional Makeup Artists, it's essential for a setting spray to hold up well under a plethora of conditions and to photograph seamlessly. That's why we're pairing these picks together with our top picks for special occasions. While they can be used everyday, they're formulated for maximum performance and can be found in makeup kits of professional makeup artists, on set at photo shoots, and behind the scenes at on-stage performances. Our 3 Top Brands in This Best Setting Spray Category Include: Skindinavia Premier Products Inc. Ben Nye Skindinavia Setting Sprays: Skindinavia offers three types of setting spray to provide artists and makeup lovers the best formula to suit their needs. All are water-based and include Skindinavia's patented Temperature Control Technology that forms a lightweight, breathable web on top of your makeup, holding everything in place for up to 16 hours. The Original Makeup Finishing Spray is great for indoor and outdoor photography, has a natural finish, and is best for normal and dry skin types. For oily skin, try Skindinavia's Makeup Finishing Spray with Oil Control which offers a matte finish. Finally, the most popular Skindinavia setting spray at CRC is the Bridal Makeup Finishing Spray which offers a slightly satin finish that will look the best on combination, normal, and dry skin types. PPI Blue Marble and Green Marble: Premiere Products Inc, otherwise known as PPI, is a professional brand offering products for stage and theatrical makeup, but their setting sprays have wide appeal thanks to their performance. Green Marble Selr Spray is alcohol based, has a matte finish, and is a favorite for SFX artists (we'll dive into that more in a future blog). Blue Marble SeLr Spray is durable enough for street makeup and heavy theatrical RMG looks, yet safe for sensitive skin or as an alternative to alcohol-based sealing sprays! Gentle enough for everyday use and strong enough for special effects just short of underwater work. Ben Nye Final Seal: Fit for all situations, this alcohol-based setting spray is a pro and makeup lover favorite. Final Seal has a minty scent and also has a cooling effect when applied. From SFX artists to makeup lovers, this sealer is a staple item for many and comes in a variety of sizes from a 1 oz spray bottle all the way up to a 16 oz bottle that is ideal for refilling your smaller bottles. Need more help with selecting the perfect setting spray? Ask one of our Beauty Advisors by emailing us at beautyadvisor@crcmakeup.com! We're here to help! Click here to read our next blog where CRC Founder Mary Erickson tells us more about Ben Nye Final Seal and the rich history behind our most popular sealer. 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.

As the world continues to change, our industry continues to evolve. In the next few years, we should all be settled into a new normal, right? WRONG! We are always evolving, changing how we do things and moving forward. Science, medicine, and technology; these are things that will continue to change your life, my life and the lives of everyone that comes after us. Most of our best inventions were born out of necessity. I believe COVID will bring new inventions, new processes and new medications that one day will most likely solve problems that aren’t even COVID-related. So there is never really a “new normal,” just a changing landscape to which we adapt as we move through life. So, what will the next few years look like? The next few years in this industry will be more sanitary. The days when clients look the other way at a dirty brush coming at their face are gone. Big jobs like weddings and movie productions will require a lot of brushes, and quick sanitation methods. Manufacturers are responding quickly to our needs with really good sanitation products. For me, this is exciting because we needed these all along. Investments in Sanitation Are a Tax Write-Off As an Artist you should invest in sanitation. Remember, the tools of your trade are tax-deductible. Make sure you keep all of your receipts and talk to your accountant to get more specifics. Now let’s chat about what you should be investing in. Sterilization One of my favorite new methods for sanitizing makeup and brushes is the SterileLite ILLUMICIDE Surface Disinfecting Case. This is a game changer for artists and hair stylists who need to sanitize thoroughly and quickly. This not only sanitizes your brushes and makeup, but it also dries your brushes! For what more can you ask? It also helps put your clients at ease. Clients watch everything we do, and some watch very closely. When they see your SterileLite, they will know you run a sanitary business; they know you invested in their health and well-being and that makes all the difference to many clients. Sanitation Wipes and Sprays You should be sanitizing your hands constantly right in front of your clients. This will help put them at ease and will help to keep you, your client, and your makeup tools germ free. One of my favorite sanitizers is the JAO Refresher Hand Sanitizer Spray. Rated #1 by “Rank and Style”, JAO is infused with essential oils and has a refreshing scent not normally found in hand sanitizers. The big bonus? It won’t dry out your skin like most sanitizers do. Sold out Sold out Sold out Additional Safety Measures Of course you’re wearing a mask, but I suggest doubling up and using a clear face shield as well. Double protection for you and your client because of course your client will be mask-free. Thermometers Should you carry a forehead thermometer? It can’t hurt, and they are very affordable. So why not just keep one in your kit? This would be your first step in the process. Before anyone sits in your chair you should probably take a temperature reading. I know people can carry the virus without having a fever, but why not check? You don’t want to work on anyone with a fever even if it’s not COVID. A fever indicates they may be sick with something that you don’t want to catch. While this may seem extreme to some people, in the end, you and your client will be more at ease. And yes, even a thermometer for your kit is tax-deductible. Disinfection Let’s not forget disinfecting our workstations and everything around us. I prefer Rejuvenate. This is a hospital-grade, non-irritating, and eco-friendly disinfectant. It comes in wipes and sprays, so you can choose whichever you like best. Some people prefer wipes to sprays and both are great tools.   Sold out Sold out Sold out Adjusting Your Business Practices Market What You Do You may want to advertise your sanitation methods on your website. I believe having a section about your personal precautions on the job is a good idea. Many companies that serve their customers in public are doing this now.  They explain the temperature reading, the mask, and all the sanitation practices they abide by.  Artists that use contracts (and most do)  should also add this to their contracts.  It’s important that people know up front that you will not be able to work on them if they have a fever. Sanitize the Negativity Now that I’ve covered the physical precautions, let’s talk about the mental aspects of working during this pandemic. People are all very different, and some people take this pandemic more seriously than others. People are under a lot of stress right now. Attitudes and outlooks range from “it’s all fake” to “I haven’t left my house in seven months and won’t until there’s a vaccine.” Don’t assume that everyone feels like you do. From a business standpoint, my suggestion is to just listen to what your clients are saying but don’t counter or argue. Clients and customers are not friends and family, they’re paying you to perform a service and be hospitable. Think of clients and customers like your guests, and you are the host or hostess. I suggest that politics, religion, and opinions on health matters should probably be topics that (as a service provider) you should avoid. This is why a lot of people lose clients. Don’t try to talk a client into believing the virus really does or does not exist, as that’s not your job. Just let them know what the laws are in your state and what you legally need to do to stay in business. Cancellations As a service provider you may see a lot of people cancelling at the last minute because they “don’t feel well.” Under normal circumstances, most professionals charge a cancellation fee. Many businesses are changing this practice due to COVID. You may want to allow last minute rescheduling without a fee. Even airlines are allowing changes without a fee now. You really don’t want to see someone who has been exposed to COVID and ordered to stay home for 2 weeks, as you really shouldn’t be working on anyone that doesn’t feel well. My suggestion is to stay flexible for now. Above all, try your best to stay positive because many people are struggling and need help adapting to the changes we all have to go through. Conclusions We all need to adjust our sails to the wind because we can’t change the direction of the wind. This is harder for some people than others. It’s best to recognize this, and be thoughtful and prepared with kindness to counter opposition. Keep positive, because as bad as this all seems in the end it will bring about some better sanitation standards that should stay with us for a very long time. Please stay healthy and sanitary! 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!  

"When I started my career as a makeup artist, Joe Blasco’s cosmetics line was a mainstay in most artists’ kits. Joe was well-known for his prestigious makeup schools, revolutionary formulations, and decades of Hollywood clout," recants Mary Erickson, founder of Camera Ready Cosmetics and professional makeup artist.  "I deemed his Ultrabase Foundation (and still do) to be one of the very best cream foundations on the market." Even today, the biggest names in film and television use this iconic product, including Kim Kardashian and Angelina Jolie. Enjoy our guide on how to apply cream foundation, which will have you applying like a pro. Why I love Joe Blasco’s Ultrabase Foundation This creamy, weatherproof, ultra-lightweight foundation is packed with pigment to effortlessly conceal stubborn hyperpigmentation, blemishes, and uneven skin tones without caking or looking heavy. A little goes a long way and will last throughout the day with just a slight dusting of translucent setting powder. The superior coverage of this product is unparalleled. With over 38 shades to choose from, it’s impossible not to find the perfect shade of makeup cream for your skin tone. How To Apply Cream Foundation The natural, clean, barely-there makeup look is today’s hottest trend. Most people believe you need a liquid foundation to achieve this “no makeup” look. That’s a myth. Cream foundations can provide excellent coverage from light to full. Read on to learn about the best way to apply cream foundations. How to Apply Cream Foundation for Light Coverage (To Even Skin Tone): Generously apply moisturizer. (Your face should be very moist before you apply the cream foundation.) Apply dots of Ultrabase Foundation cream on the face - one on each cheek, the forehead, and chin. Blend the cream foundation with a Kabuki brush in circular motions to achieve a beautiful, sheer glow. For areas needing more coverage, pat cream foundation into the skin with your fingertips. For areas that need less coverage, blend lightly with the Kabuki brush. Set a cream formula foundation with translucent setting powder for a matte look. Not a fan of the matte finish? Skip the powder. Ultrabase Cream Foundation does not have to be powdered because of its pigment-packed formula. How to Put on Foundation for Extra-Sheer Coverage: Put a dime-sized amount of moisturizer in the palm of your hand. Using a stainless steel makeup spatula and palette set, mix half of the moisturizer with a small amount of Ultrabase Cream Foundation. Apply the creamy formula with your fingers, a sponge, or brush.  How to Apply Cream Foundation for Full Coverage (To Conceal Imperfections): Apply moisturizer to your face and allow it to absorb into the skin for several minutes. Once your face is dry, apply Ultrabase Cream Foundation with a sponge or foundation brush. Blend well! __________________________________________________________________________ 3 Best Kabuki Brushes for Blending Cream Foundation   Sigma: 3DHD Kabuki, $25 Bdellium Tools: Slanted Kabuki #954, $20 Bdellium Tools: Precision Kabuki #957GT, $23 __________________________________________________________________________ PRO TIP #1: Blend the foundation onto your neck as far down as possible. Also, lightly apply leftover product from the brush onto your ears to ensure all exposed skin matches your face. Don’t forget the sides of your neck, the collarbone and chest, and the tops of your shoulders if they are visible.  PRO TIP #2: Before applying powder, lightly blot your face with a flat folded tissue to remove any excess sheen. This “blotting” helps to set and stabilize your foundation before applying a setting powder. Blotting also prevents powder from looking blotchy and creates a smooth, flawless complexion. PRO TIP #3: Never apply powder heavily. Only apply enough to produce a beautiful matte finish. If you can see the powder, you have applied too much. Lightly brush it off.  For extra sheer coverage:  Put a dime-sized amount of moisturizer in the palm of your hand. Using a stainless steel makeup spatula and palette set, mix half of the moisturizer with a small amount of Ultrabase Foundation. Apply with your fingers, a sponge or brush. For full coverage (to conceal imperfections): Apply moisturizer on your face, and allow it to absorb into the skin for several minutes. Once your face is dry, apply Ultrabase Foundation with a sponge or foundation brush. Blend well! How To Choose Your Joe Blasco Ultrabase Foundation Shade Find the color category of your skin tone at the top of the chart below. On the color match guide, you’ll see foundation cream color names listed below each color category. Every foundation color shown in the box will work well on your skin tone. When there are 3-4 cream foundation colors to choose from, they are all in the same “value” (lightest to darkest). All of the options listed in that category will work on your skin tone. It’s just a matter of experimentation and preference. If you're unsure, you may purchase samples.   After trying our suggestions for the bests way to apply cream foundation, tag us in your Joe Blasco Ultrabase Foundation looks on Instagram and Facebook. For more questions on how to apply cream foundation or recommended products, comment below or email to connect with a Customer Experience Specialist. 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-grade products without the typical makeup store attitude. Today, our team of beauty industry veterans works 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.

Danessa Myricks Beauty has been a staple in our kits and a must have at many photo shoots for years. This summer, the brand grew in popularity beyond the pro scene and on to the radar of many makeup lovers, as well. We spoke with Professional Makeup Artist and Photographer Calvin Brockington, a long time Danessa Myricks fan whose career path resonates with hers, and explore what it means to go Beyond Beauty. Images Courtesy of Danessa Myricks Beauty/ Alec Kugler for Coveteur Behind the Brand In a world full of competition and labels, Danessa Myricks has paved the way for artists and makeup lovers of all ages, genders, and races to explore colors, textures, and finishes with a wide range of high quality products and education. Her experience as self-taught makeup artist helped Danessa develop unconventional ways to create her iconic looks. This out-of-the box approach set her apart and gained the attention of artists and brands alike. It was only a matter of time before brands like KISS and Benefit Cosmetics worked with Danessa on product development for some of their most successful launches. However, her passion for creating multi-functional products and desire to develop collections that worked in multiple places on all faces continued to grow. Danessa Myricks Beauty was born. The goal? Develop inclusive products that could work for anybody in an exclusive world that left some feeling, well, left out. She wanted to go Beyond Beauty. Today, her innovative formulas and colorful range of products have gained the attention of artists, celebrities, and makeup enthusiasts alike. Her approach of going Beyond Beauty and smashing the barriers in the industry has inspired artists and makeup enthusiasts alike. Danessa continues to make waves in the industry both through listening to her audience and creating the products they'd like to see but also through her wealth of educational courses including in person events right here at CRC! Photos above courtesy of Danessa Myricks Beauty Finding Inspiration From Danessa Myricks CRC: What is it about Danessa Myricks herself that has inspired you? Calvin: So many things. You have to keep in mind she is an African American female in a male dominated arena. So for starters her courage. I also admire that she is completely and utterly self taught. She was never formally trained in makeup or photography. Yet she is world known for both her artistry and images. CRC: Tell us how you discovered Danessa Myricks products and why they stood out to you? There are many great brands, but Danessa's definitely hit home for you.   Calvin: I came across Danessa Myricks about 3 years ago. It was from another makeup artist on Instagram. The reason they stood out to me and just made sense to me, is because of who Danessa is. She is a Mother, Makeup Artist, Makeup Artist Instructor and a Photographer. My background is photography, makeup is my second love.   Finding out that there was someone like me, someone who had actually took their love for photography and makeup and made it an actual career ! Was simply mind blowing. From there I needed to know more about her. So I bought some products and talked about them on my social media. I also sent a few questions to Danessa from my IG. That’s when I began to learn what an amazing educator she is. Soon enough I begin to take classes offered by her. Danessa’s guidance and amazing knowledge of complexion honestly helped me to develop my skill of how approach complexion. Her talent for beauty photography was also very helpful to me. I came from mostly fashion photography. So the tips and tricks that I learned from Danessa, I still use to this very day. Though it’s not about imitating , I do admire her work and style. I find it to be very close to what I like to see in my own work.   Makeup and Photography by Calvin Brockington Getting Started as a Makeup Artist CRC: When you started, what was the most challenging thing about being a self-taught artist, and looking back, what advice do you wish you could have given yourself? Calvin: The challenge was where do I start? As a self-taught person, it’s always that. I taught myself photography with the help of a few professional advisors. So I went into learning makeup with the same attitude. I bought Sam Fine’s book “ Fine Beauty “ and Kevin Aucoin’s book “ Making Faces “ From there I tortured a few friends that would let me and eventually took retail jobs where I learned very fast that you have to know all skin colors, textures and features. If I did it all over again I’d take on the role of assistant. I’d learn from someone who inspired me. CRC: How did you grow your skillset and confidence? What do you think new artists need to keep in mind? Calvin: When I first started learning makeup, I lived across from a Walgreens. At the time, the makeup that they sold included brands like Black Opal, Revlon, and Maybelline. I also bought magazines and tried to emulate the makeup I saw in them using what I learned from the books. I was lucky enough to have friend that would sit still long enough, and I would paint their faces. There were some ugly makeup jobs, and there were some that made me say, "Hey, I learned from that". It's all about trial and error! Photo courtesy of Danessa Myricks Beauty Education and Inspiration CRC: What role does continuing education play in your career? Calvin: Education is paramount! As we know, makeup is ever changing. Trends come and they go. Knowledge is indeed power in an industry that never has only one idea, one skin tone, one eye shape, one hair color or one idea of beauty. To stop learning is to stop being an artist. CRC: Outside of beauty and photography, what creative outlets do you draw inspiration from? Calvin: Painting allows me freedom of expression. It gives me the permission to let go. More and more I’m allowing myself the same freedom with the art of makeup. Painting by Calvin Brockington The Products CRC: What was the first Danessa Myricks Beauty product you added to your kit? and the second?   Calvin: First product was a holiday kit that included 2 ColorFix shades and 2 jars or pigments. Second was the water proof cream palette in essentials. CRC: If you could recommend just ONE product, what would it be and why? Calvin: Of course I'm going to say the ColorFix nudes. With the nudes, you have all you need for shadow, contour, bronzer and cheeks. Perfect for anything from weddings to editorial print. My favorite shade of ColorFix is Primary Red. I use it for lips, eyes and blush. Click to Shop Danessa Myricks ColorFix CRC: You have attended several of her classes. Tell us a bit more about some of the tips and tricks she's taught that you've added to your routine. Calvin: Danessa is huge on the power of 3. Not only does using 3 things give you range it also adds dimension. Painting with light. Most people only know of contouring because of its popularity, Danessa uses light to shape and define her models.   Sold out Sold out Sold out CRC: If someone looks at your work on Instagram, it becomes pretty apparent that you use a LOT of Danessa Myricks Beauty. We LOVE that you include the products you used in so many of your photos! It's no wonder you have developed a following of Danessa Myricks and makeup artist fans. You told us you also receive a lot of questions about the Danessa Myricks Beauty products you showcase. What question do you get asked the most? Calvin: I get asked a lot if they can be used everyday. Most people are very intimidated by DM products. I think because they see how beautiful and amazing she uses them. But the products are made for every skill level and every person.   CRC: Tell us more about the community you have built through your artistry and about the importance of networking. Calvin: I am lucky, blessed. I’ve been in this industry for 20+ years. You meet so many amazing people, but the ones that believe in you are the ones you keep. Having a network around me, in reach is so important. It keeps me driven, motivated and inspired. I learn and grow from my friends. We share and grow one another. Behind the Scenes Enjoy this behind the scenes footage of a look Calvin created earlier this year using Danessa Myricks Beauty. About CALVIN BROCKINGTON Calvin is a Makeup Artist but mostly published as a Photographer and has worked on everything from movie sets to behind the scenes at fashion week. As a self-taught Makeup Artist and Photographer, Calvin earned his stripes in the industry by pursuing knowledge for the last 20+ years. He's worked in retail environments and as a professional artist, so teaching, instructing, and sharing knowledge with other artists comes naturally to him. To follow and connect with Calvin on Instagram, 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!  

Whether you've been a pro for decades or are new to the industry, we are all learning to navigate the world in a more safe and sanitary way. From new application techniques to changing how we communicate with our clients, there are hidden opportunities to build our skillset and grow our businesses. We spoke to Professional Makeup and Hair Artist Angie Di Battista to share some of the ways she has shifted her techniques to work as safely as possible. CRC: Tell us about your approach to sanitary practices. How are you making these decisions?   Angie: I took a step back and looked at other industries and professions similar to ours where people are making close contact with their clients and learned about what infection prevention and control measures have been implemented for safety. From there I adapted these measures to create a system that can be applied to any location to keep myself and my clients safe.   CRC: What changes have you made when it comes to applying products that you'd normally use brushes for?   Angie: I am relearning how to airbrush! I learned to airbrush back in the 90’s/early 00’s and didn’t see myself really maintaining that application style and moved away from it. But when I look at how helpful it is to reduce contact with clients, speed up application time, cut down on the use of disposables, and minimize the potential for cross contamination, it was an easy decision to make it a part of my kit again. I have been really loving the Temptu Air and the AirPod Pros. I have started to work airbrush application into my traditional application. Using a combination of the pre-filled AirPod Pros and the refillable ones, it has been a pretty seamless transition so far in combining the two styles of makeup application.   Want to learn more about Temptu? Sign up here for more information on Temptu including future classes. Sold out Sold out Sold out Sold out CRC: What about palettes? Angie: Considering we are going to be carrying additional items in our kits (cleaning supplies, PPE, etc.) I am really trying to limit the amount of product and palettes I am packing. The goal is to pack high-quality, multi-purpose palettes. I do not want to carry palettes in my kit where I am only using half, or a third of the shades in the palette. A perfect example is the Viseart 12-Color Pro Artist Palette. This palette contains quality matte shadows in shades I make use of frequently. The packaging is nonporous and easy to clean, and I can also easily depot a few of the shades for jobs where I may not need that variety of shadows. I can also use some of the shadows in this palette for brows or eyeliner so there won’t be any wasted space in my kit.  Shop Viseart Eyeshadow Palettes Danessa Myricks ColorFix in Valentine and Plum Wine. CRC: How are you changing how you'd pack your kit for a job? Are you making any changes in the packing process and the tools you're taking? Angie: I am aiming to pack more specifically for each job with a focus on having fewer products that are multi-purpose (Danessa Myricks ColorFix comes to mind). ColorFix is something I can use for eyes, lips, brows, and face. A single tube of Color Fix can potentially replace 2 or 3 products in my kit so these are the things I’m trying to be smart about. Not to mention the long wear and durability of a product like that. I don’t have to worry about touching up every few minutes so I can stay distanced on set. I’m trying to think about packing products that will work for this new normal: hygienic packaging, easy and fast application, long wear, etc. CRC: How do you approach the topic of safe and sanitary practices with clients before you meet with them? Angie: I have just made it a part of my regular booking process. I have created a template about my booking policies and procedures, as well as a services agreement (including a liability waiver), that gets automatically included in my emails when I receive an inquiry about a job from a client, or when returning clients are booking me for a job. Automating it in this way allows me to respond quickly, but also shows my commitment to health and safety. I also let my clients know I am available for a call if they have any questions about anything. I prefer to be very direct and efficient with client communication, and I find this approach lets clients know where I stand so there is no confusion about anything. This has also helped to weed out potential clients that are not prepared for a safe return to work.   CRC: While all of this may seem daunting, tell us how the pro community can turn this into an opportunity to build their skill set and their reputation within the industry. Angie: This is a great opportunity to start with a clean slate (literally). Artists can use this time to get their hygiene standards and every other element of their business up to par. Whether it is hygiene related, revisiting some technical aspects of makeup application you are struggling with, or just taking time to really focus on your booking policies and procedures or contracts, this time can be a push in the right direction. Maintaining the highest hygiene standards should have always been a priority in our industry, but now that more clients will be paying attention: this is a reminder to use this to your advantage. Marketing yourself and being vocal about your infection prevention and control measures is a great way to demonstrate professionalism and commitment to the safety of your clients. Preparing your booking policies and procedures in advance to reflect these standards is another way to demonstrate organization, professionalism, and concern for your clients. When you choose makeup artistry as your career you are also choosing to run your own business. Although big changes in the industry can seem daunting, they can be motivating and push in you in a more positive direction. Attacking these challenges head on will make you a better artist and more successful business owner. To learn more about safety and sanitization tips from Angie, click here, and check out her YouTube Video showing tips on how to safely handle makeup when working with clients. About Angie Di Battista Angie is a Toronto-based makeup artist and hairstylist. With over 20 years experience working as an artist, Angie has experience working with commercial, beauty, and bridal clients. To expand her online presence, Angie started creating and producing inclusive beauty focused content aimed at other working makeup artists. From application videos, to product reviews, and business advice, her content has brought together a community of artists and makeup enthusiasts who are looking for quality content. Recently Angie has authored “Infection Prevention and Control for Makeup Artists” a scientifically accurate online course designed to keep artists and clients/talent safe in any work environment. 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!  

Laura Mercier, pioneer of the “Flawless Face”, is a world-renowned makeup artist and creator of the eponymous cosmetics brand that has won countless awards and become a mainstay in makeup artists’ kits worldwide. Laura is the innovative force behind the beauty industry’s most iconic products, French aesthetic and artistry techniques. Founded in 1996, Laura’s vision was to encourage artists and consumers alike to embrace the beauty of individuality and adopt the four-part technique that made her famous. Prime for an ideal canvas, even out skin tone with foundation, camouflage with concealer, and set for perfection. Easy as 1, 2, 3 … 4! Keep reading for a detailed step-by-step of how Laura’s technique works. Step 1: PRIME Just as an artist primes a canvas, set the stage for smooth makeup application with a skin-nourishing primer. Look for ingredients that lock in moisture, without being overly greasy or oil-inducing. For oily skin types, look for formulations that control oil buildup. Allow the primer to set in place before applying the rest of your makeup look. Remember: this step does not exclude the eyes! Create an even base by applying a soothing eye primer like Laura’s Eye Basics Primer. This unique, versatile cream primes eyelids to provide the perfect canvas for any eye look. Wear under powder eye shadow to create a uniform base, help prevent creasing, extend color wear and enhance the intensity of eye shadow on the lids. Or wear alone to camouflage imperfections for a classic nude eye. Eye Basics Primer6 Shades -- $28 Get a flawless, no-makeup makeup look. Shades for all skin tones. Step 2: COVER Instead of using foundation as a means to cover the skin, train your brain to apply it as a skin enhancer. Even full-coverage formulas should be used only to even out discoloration. Your goal in applying foundation should be a natural finish that feels and looks like a second skin. Flawless Lumière RadiancePerfecting Foundation23 Shades -- $48 Flawless coverage, any way you like it. Shades for all skin tones. Flawless Fusion Ultra Longwear Foundation17 Shades -- $48 Step 3: CONCEAL For Laura, concealer is key. (And when Laura speaks, we listen!) Camouflage darkness, tone down redness, and conceal blemishes or other imperfections with a formula that is packed with powerful, lightweight coverage. The beauty of concealer is that you can easily build coverage as needed without overdoing it. Secret Camouflage8 Shades -- $35 Expertly conceal discoloration, blemishes & more! Secret Concealer11 Shades -- $27 Step 4: SET IN PLACE Once you’ve completed your flawless base, lock everything in place before finishing off the eyes and lips with whatever technique or style you desire! Choose a transparent setting powder that will add dimension and eliminate any flashback. Translucent Loose$39 Invisible Loose$39 Translucent Pressed$39 Bonus Tip If you’re looking for super light coverage, opt for a tinted moisturizer in place of foundation. The multi-tasking blend of skincare and makeup blurs imperfections with just a sheer tint of coverage and delivers a hydrated, no-makeup finish. For oily skin types, choose an oil-free formula or prep the skin with a mattifying primer. Tinted Moisturizer20 Shades -- $47 BEFORE & AFTER Learn More Shop these Laura Mercier flawless face essentials and more online and in-store at Camera Ready Cosmetics. Discounts apply for pro artist members. Which Laura Mercier products are your favorite? Let us know in the comments below! 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. Mallory Hatten Beauty Editor / Camera Ready Cosmetics

As pro artists and wearers of makeup, we’re in daily contact with makeup brushes. The team at Camera Ready is frequently asked to identify the “golden rule” of how often, what method, and with what tools we wash and dry our makeup brushes.  For starters, there doesn’t seem to be one steadfast rule everyone follows. So we’ve narrowed down a simple, 3-step brush cleaning routine that takes minimal time and effort for maximum results – better makeup application, longer lasting brushes, and a more sanitary makeup kit. The Importance of Proper Brush Care Every swipe of a brush across the face leaves product (and possibly bacteria) on top of the skin. The longer you wait to clean your brushes, the more buildup of bacteria you allow, which leads to breakouts, irritation, and – in extreme cases – infection.  The vast array of brush soaps and cleansing tools on the market today leaves little excuse not to practice routine brush maintenance. As a general rule of thumb, every two weeks is the very least you should clean a personal brush collection. Once a week is ideal.  For use on clients, we suggest cleaning makeup brushes after each job, or at least once a week.  Crazy Merman Brush Soap"Guava Fig" Sigma BeautySigMagic Brushampoo Cinema SecretsPro Brush Cleaner Kit How To Wash Makeup Brushes In 3 Easy Steps   Protect your investment in makeup brushes with this simple, super-fast cleansing routine that will prolong the lifespan of your bristles: Step 1: Wet the makeup brush, and apply a sanitizing brush soap. For sensitive skin, choose a natural brush soap with skin-nourishing, organic or vegan ingredients. Step 2: Swirl your brush in circular motions on a cleansing mat until a foamy lather forms. Add more soap, as needed. Keep swirling until the soap is rinsed out completely and water runs clear. Step 3: Gently squeeze the brush with your hands to remove excess water, and hang brushes bristle-side down from a drying tower* for 6-8 hours or until fully dry. *If you don’t have access to a drying tower, use a hair-tie or rubber band to fasten brushes to a rack or bar to dry. Shop our collection of high-quality, pro-artist-approved brush cleaners, cleansing tools, and makeup brushes – online and in-store. Discounts apply for pro artist members. Which brush cleaning products and tools do you love? Comment below!      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.

As makeup artists, we appreciate the beauty, creativity, and artistry behind tattoos, but concealing tattoos? That’s an art all on its own!  Whether you’re covering tattoos for a bride’s big day or transforming a client’s body into a tattoo-less character for film, tv, or modeling – cover up makeup for tattoos takes time, lots of practice, and high-quality makeup.  We surveyed our network of makeup artists to discover the tried-and-true tattoo covering makeup products that get the job done. If you’re in the market for easy, flawless tattoo cover up makeup, these pro-approved products are the best place to start!   Top 9 Brands of Makeup for Covering Up Tattoos: Ben Nye Cinema Secrets Danessa Myricks Beauty European Body Art Joe Blasco Kryolan Professional Make-Up Mehron Reel Creations Skin Illustrator CONCEALING TATTOOS WITH BEN NYE Gary Parson, Kim Dawson Agency - Dallas, TX “[Once I've applied color for tattoo coverage,] I stipple from a Ben Nye Essential HD Matte Foundation Palette to mimic skin tone and texture. I also use a dab of matte powder or cream blush and/or bronzer to replicate the color of the skin in a more realistic way." TATTOO COVERING WITH CINEMA SECRETS Pauline Griffiths-Gough, Former MUA - Chester, United Kingdom “When I was still doing makeup, I only ever used Cinema Secrets Foundation for tattoo coverage. It also doubled as flawless coverage for the face. I had clients come in with bad acne, saying nothing had ever covered their problem areas like that foundation did.” DANESSA MYRICKS BEAUTY MAKES GREAT MAKEUP FOR TATTOOS Mary Erickson, Former MUA & Owner of Camera Ready Cosmetics “The Vision Cream Cover is an all-in-one foundation & concealer that covers everything, including hyperpigmentation, discoloration, and, yes, tattoos. It’s formulated with texture-minimizing properties to create perfect complexion on camera and HD film.” EUROPEAN BODY ART COVER UP MAKEUP Chris Milone, Christopher Milone Makeup - New York City “I use EBA Airbrush for most large tattoo coverage. I barely need to color correct first because it's so opaque. It leaves a matte finish and holds up well on a long day of shooting.” Mandy Danielle Benton, TV and Film Makeup Artist - Dallas, TX “To knock out the tattoo, first use the Coral Adjustor mixed with their skin tone from EBA Endura, then go over it with their skin tone color. Because of the highly pigmented, alcohol-based formula, Endura has just the right amount of skin-like sheen and won’t transfer. Plus, I love EBA's skin tone colors! For darker skin, you often just need to use the skin tone match without mixing an adjustor.” Elizabeth Rist, Elizabeth Rist Makeup Artistry - Dallas, TX “My go-to for skin-like coverage is EBA’s alcohol-based Endura Airbrush line. It offers great coverage and doesn’t fade or transfer.” JOE BLASCO MAKEUP FOR COVERING TATTOOS Mary Erickson, Former MUA & Owner of Camera Ready Cosmetics “The Blue Neutralizer is easy to use and works like magic to cover dark tattoos. The entire Joe Blasco Tattoo Cover collection features a variety of shades, each named after the pigmentation it corrects. They also double as high-pigment, concentrated concealers that hide rosacea, acne, and other skin conditions.” KRYOLAN PROFESSIONAL MAKE-UP FOR CONCEALING TATTOOS Doria Miyata-Murphy, Doria Murphy Makeup - Boston Massachusetts “My go-to in general is Kryolan Professional Make-Up’s Dermacolor Camouflage Creme. It offers enough coverage to completely camouflage a tattoo without compromising the final desired effect -- the appearance of real, healthy skin!” TATTOO COVERING WITH MEHRON Brandy Page, Brandy Page Makeup Artistry - Richmond, VA “I love the Tattoo Covering Wheel because of the array of colors you can mix and match to get the perfect skin tone for your client. The creamy, waterproof formula covers even the darkest tattoos, birthmarks, and skin discolorations. And because it doesn't budge, it's also amazing for weddings!” REEL CREATIONS COVER UP MAKEUP FOR TATTOOS Missy Nyberg, Forbidden Makeup “Over the years, I’ve relied on the Flesh Tone Palette for tattoo coverage. I love that Reel Creations has the best color match of flesh tones compared to any other product. It’s always in my set bag. I set the makeup with RCMA No Color Powder, then spray twice with Reel Creations Blue Aqua Sealer.” CONCEALING TATTOOS WITH SKIN ILLUSTRATOR BY PPI Trevor Thompson, Trevor Thompson Makeup - Louisville, KY “For quick, durable on-set tattoo coverage, I use the Skin Illustrator Flesh Tone Palette with a splatter brush to lay down a nice base color, and then I go in with several different adjuster tones from the Skin Illustrator Complexion Palette to break up the coverage and blend out the edges. These are my tried-and-true go-to’s because they're highly pigmented, last all day on-set, and look phenomenal on camera!” Kat DeJesus, Kat D Makeup - Denver, CO “I love the Skin Illustrator On Set FX Palette. I use it for color correction before applying airbrush on top. I also use it to fleck the skin for a natural finish afterward. Being able to work in sheer layers and not have to worry about it moving all day makes this palette ideal for anything on location or when it needs to be completely waterproof.” Elizabeth Rist, Elizabeth Rist Makeup Artistry - Dallas, TX “The On Set Flesh Tone Palette is one of my top products for tattoo coverage. It makes neutralizing easy while offering great cover. It won’t melt with body heat or transfer. Great for everything from bridal to film!” Shop these tattoo cover up makeup favorites and more online and in-store at Camera Ready Cosmetics. Discounts apply for pro artist members. Which professional-grade makeup products do you rely on for concealing tattoos? Let us know in the comments below! 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-grade products without the typical makeup store attitude. Today, our team of beauty industry veterans works 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.

Flawless bridal makeup begins with a tried-and-true bridal makeup kit. We surveyed over 100 professional makeup artists to narrow down the best products for your client’s big day. From skin prep and foundation to eye looks and setting sprays, these holy grail makeup staples deliver stunning bridal looks every single time. Incorporate a few new products into your routine or undergo a complete makeup kit overhaul. Whatever you decide, you’ll be armed with the necessary toolkit for creating long-lasting makeup and even longer-lasting memories. SKIN PREP Brittney Nelson, B.N. Creative "The Smashbox Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer fits most of my clients’ skin types, from normal/dry to normal/oily. It's lightweight and colorless, so every skin tone benefits. Makeup will look fresh and last for a solid 14 hours when I use it.” Sara Thompson, Sara Thompson Makeup “I love Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer because it instantly hydrates and plumps the skin. It's the perfect base for beautiful makeup.” Ann Demauro-Pineda, New York Makeup Artist “Embryolisse 24-Hour Miracle Cream is my go to moisturizer for bridal clients. I can count on its performance for every skin type. Once absorbed, it allows foundation to do its job, leaving the radiant glow all brides want.” TEMPTU AIRBRUSH FOUNDATION Erin Blair Gobin, Erin Blair Makeup & Hair “I absolutely love the Temptu Airpod Pro for bridal work. Most brides want the airbrushed finish, and this tool gets the job done perfectly, while being compact and lightweight enough to fit inside a small set bag. Plus - WIRELESS! I pair it with Temptu S/B Foundation for a flawless, dewy finish that holds for 12+ hours in the Texas heat and humidity.” Ivory Perkins, Ivory Perkins Beauty “As a Pro Bridal artist I've tried every Pro brand of airbrush foundations, and it’s Temptu Perfect Canvas Foundations that nail it for me every time. It offers my clients a lightweight, skin-like finish that's long-wearing and water-resistant – even in humid temperatures.” DANESSA MYRICKS VISION CREAM Anna Skavronsky, Anna Sky Beauty “Danessa Myricks Vision Cream is a dream to work with! The coverage is flawless and feels weightless. I use it to prime the lids, as a foundation, and as a concealer for all skin types and skin tones. I can mix from the lightest to the darkest with ease.” La'Gia McCloud, Glam Honey “I love Danessa Myricks Vision Cream! It's my all-in-one primer, full coverage foundation and concealer. As a woman of color and a makeup artist, I love how the variety of shades assist with matching and correcting uneven complexions. The Vision Creams really make skin look amazing and flawless on women of any age.” FACE ATELIER ULTRA HD FOUNDATION Jill Sollars, Jill Sollars Beauty “Face Atelier Ultra Pro Foundations are a must have in my bridal kit. They look beautiful on any skin, ranging from young to more mature. I love the satin, skin-like finish and color range.” Sara Thompson, Sara Thompson Makeup “The Ultra HD Face Atelier Foundation gives a lovely, natural coverage and is incredibly easy to work with. Also, the adjusters are amazing and allow me to carry a universal kit at all times.” MAKE UP FOR EVER FAVORITES Nik Woodson, Nik Woodson Beauty “If you’ve ever visited Louisiana, you know the weather gets very hot and humid. The Make Up For Ever Mattifying Primer controls oil and shine while your bride walks down the aisle in extreme temperatures.” Ann Demauro-Pineda, New York Makeup Artist “Make Up For Ever Aqua Seal is the hero of my kit. I mix it with loose pigments or silicone creams to create waterproof eyeliner and kiss-proof lip color. I also mix it with lipstick to create a long-wearing lip stain. At the end of application, I put a few drops in my airbrush gun and spray the entire face and body (wherever I applied makeup). Makeup won’t move all day. It has never failed me.” La'Gia McCloud, Glam Honey “Make Up For Ever's Ultra HD Micro-Finishing Pressed Powder was the best investment for my pro kit. I love the velvet texture it leaves, creating a flawless and photo-ready look. It's perfect for oily skin or grooming men, too. This is a makeup artist must-have for all skin tones and leaves absolutely no flash back.” VISEART EYESHADOW PALETTES Erin Blair Gobin, Erin Blair Makeup & Hair “I will never be without the Viseart Matte Neutrals Eyeshadow Palette. I've replaced that palette at least three times already. If it was the only palette in my kit, I could do anyone's makeup, no matter the skin tone. It can also deliver double duty for brows and contour!” Anna Skavronsky, Anna Sky Beauty “I love the Viseart Grande Pro 1 because I can literally use it for everything! It covers all the staple shades from light to dark, from cool to warm. I have even used it on the brows and hair.” Sara Thompson, Sara Thompson Makeup “I use the Grande Pro 1 Palette on every client. All the shades are extremely wearable, blend remarkably well, and look stunning in photographs.” SENNA BLUSH & BROW PALETTES Lisa Johnson, Lisa Johnson Bridal “Senna's Brow Palette is the perfect book of very natural brow shades. Durable and never dusty looking. The wax pot inside is perfect for strays or Instagram-worthy looks. A pro artist kit staple!” Erin Blair Gobin, Erin Blair Makeup & Hair “The Senna Cheeky Palette has beautiful cream-to-powder blushes in an array of shades. I love to blend these onto the cheek and then do a light mist of airbrush makeup on top for a completely natural-looking flushed effect. It's absolutely gorgeous and doesn't budge!” Jill Sollars, Jill Sollars Beauty “I’m in love with the Senna Brow Book. I prefer to work with powders on the brow, and all of the shades in this are heavenly - I can match anyone!” SKINDINAVIA BRIDAL SETTING SPRAY Jatia Sanchez, Looks By Jatia Amour “Skindinavia Bridal Finishing Spray has been my go-to secret for years. It sets makeup with a beautiful, natural finish. My bridal clients are always amazed their makeup held up from the early hours of the morning until late at night, even through tears, sweat and kisses. I’ve tried other setting sprays, but nothing compares.” Nik Woodson, Nik Woodson Beauty “Skindinavia Bridal Makeup Finish Spray keeps those “oh-so-joyous” tears from ruining my client’s makeup. It’s a MUST-have for my bridal kit!” Atarah Ruth, Atarah Artistry “Skindinavia's Bridal Spray has the staying power that I trust to get my brides through the endless kisses and hugs, dancing, warm camera lights, and hot summer weather! I have yet to see a bride whose makeup hasn’t lasted all day and night with this product. In fact, I use it on every client because it's just that AMAZING!” Shop these bridal makeup favorites and more online and in-store at Camera Ready Cosmetics. Discounts apply for pro artist members. Which bridal makeup products are you loving? Don’t see a particular product available at CRC? Let us know in the comments below! 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 fine line between finishing powder and setting powder is frustratingly blurry. The industry now seems to market these products as one and the same, making the actual uses and benefits of each unclear. If you’re feeling confused and unsure of which powder is right for you, worry no more! We’re breaking down the differences between the two so you can feel more comfortable and educated before making a purchase. We’ve even linked to a few of the best setting and finishing powders that are perfect for any makeup bag or kit. Happy powder shopping, beauties! What is Setting Powder? Designed to “set” or hold foundation in place, setting powders prevent base makeup from rubbing off and reduce shine for a long-lasting, flawless complexion. There are different types of setting powders that you can pick from depending on your needs, as well as options between translucent powder or slightly tinted to match your skin tone. Types of Setting Powders: Loose powder Pressed powder Translucent powder Tinted powder Choosing the best form of setting powder is purely a matter of preference. Pressed powders are semi-solid, easy to use, and great for taking on the go. Loose powders are finer in consistency and don’t transport well – they’re messy! But they do offer great lightweight coverage and work well for those prone to oily skin or who prefer wearing liquid foundations. Setting powder also serves as the perfect weapon against excess oil buildup - hello, mid-day touchups! For those in search of a more sheer look, apply setting powder in place of foundation for lightweight, natural coverage.  5 Best Setting Powders Our makeup artist community has voted, and these are the five best setting powders, according to them: RCMA - No Color Powder Ben Nye - Neutral Set Danessa Myricks Beauty - Evolution Powder Graftobian - Luxe Cashmere HD Setting Powder Mehron - UltraFine Setting Powder     RCMA’s No Color Powder: Loved amongst celebrities and makeup artists, this beauty favorite sets foundation without changing the color. The formula delivers a smooth translucent powder veil without adding unwanted texture or creating a "caked on" look. This setting powder keeps shine at bay and disappears completely for an invisible hold.  Ben Nye’s Neutral Set: This colorless powder formula blends with every skin tone without diminishing the complexion’s natural glow. Ben Nye's only non-translucent powder that contains a bright white pigment is good for very fair shades. This setting powder controls perspiration for high-energy performers. Danessa Myricks Beauty’s Evolution Powder: This setting powder provides a silky smooth, invisible finish. This light-diffusing, weightless, translucent powder can be used over and under foundation. The product mimics perfect skin with professionally tested, vegan, and cruelty free ingredients. It’s also available in four tinted shades to match fair to deep skin tones. Graftobian’s Luxe Cashmere HD Setting Powder: With an ultra-fine ingredient base, this powder brings a soft focus to the complexion while blotting out unnecessary shine. It discreetly evens out redness and pink tinges to deliver a warm, golden glow! It also perfectly sets undereye concealer and foundation for a flawless, camera ready finish. Mehron’s UltraFine Setting Powder: Finish off your look with this finely processed, clump-free setting powder with a built-in antiperspirant. Specially designed to retain the smoothness of your makeup, the product comes in a user-friendly, convenient "shaker" container.   How is Finishing Powder Different from Setting Powder? As the name suggests, finishing powders are designed for use after a makeup look is complete. While this product is not recommended for daily use, it’s a great option when you’ll be in front of bright lights and cameras.  Most commonly sold in loose form, finishing powders blur fine lines, conceal pores, and leave a flawless, camera ready finish. Blend the product well to avoid a dry, cakey appearance and also to eliminate white flashback on camera. 5 Most Popular Finishing Powders These top five finishing powders have been vetted by the pros to help you select the best options for all your makeup needs: Ben Nye – Banana Powder Mehron – Celebre Pro HD Loose Mineral Finishing Powder NYX – Studio Finishing Powder RCMA – Over Powder TEMPTU – Pro Invisible Difference Finishing Powder   Ben Nye’s Banana Powder: This silky-fine, mattifying translucent powder delivers a hint of color without casting a white glare in your photos. Available in four luxurious tints, this finishing powder offers a beautiful shade for every skin tone. Mehron’s Celebré Pro HD Loose Mineral Finishing Powder: This Mehron product is a luxurious matte finishing powder that comes in three versatile shades to perfectly complement every skin tone. Made of transparent French delaminated talc, it keeps your colors bright and true. This ultra-fine powder is made with a multi-mineral complex to promote skin’s vigor and moisturization, keeping skin soft and hydrated. NYX’s Studio Finishing Powder: This 100% pure mineral silica finishing powder is perfect for locking your makeup into place. The luminous white powder goes on translucent and works on all skin tones to leave your skin looking radiant and luminous.  RCMA’s Over Powder: This lightweight finishing powder adds a soft sheen effect. These powders are gorgeous when layered over blush or any of the high points of the face and perfect for achieving an ethereal effect all over the body. Dust it onto collarbones, shoulders, cheekbones, and the cupid's bow for a subtle, light-catching highlight. TEMPTU’s Pro Invisible Difference Finishing Powder: This gorgeous invisible powder delivers a matte look and reduces shine as the final step in your makeup application. This jet-milled powder lives up to its name by virtually disappearing on the skin's surface, leaving only a pore-less, photo-finish complexion. Apply this finishing powder very lightly with a powder brush after makeup is completely dry, and don’t forget to buff it out for the best results.  Now that we’re all squared up with the differences between setting powders and finishing powders, you’re ready to get to work creating flawless makeup looks and setting and finishing them like a pro. Which finishing and setting powders do you think are the best? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to tag us on Instagram in your completed looks.   About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by makeup artist Mary Erickson. An industry veteran for more than 30 years, Mary knows quality and value and understands what an artist needs. Mary is the buyer for Camera Ready Cosmetics and chooses only what she would use on set.  

Rot and decay, bleeding gums, a toothless grin. Transform your mouth into a foul, repulsive creation this Halloween with these go-to products loved by SFX artists everywhere. We surveyed our community of pro makeup artists to discover which FX teeth products they can’t (and won’t) live without. Keep reading to see which five products topped our list, learn how to use them and click the links below to easily add one (or all) to your kit. Photo: Tiffany Kyees / Makeup: Mike Mekash and Eryn Krueger Mekash / Inspired By: Rick Baker PPI Necessary Evil Mouth FX These temporary tooth colors were designed to safely and effectively transform the inside of your mouth. Available in eight colors, Mouth FX contains a sweet vanilla-mint flavor that is made entirely of FDA food grade ingredients that are vegan, gluten-free, peanut-free, sugar-free and cruelty-free. Added bonus: it removes easily by simply brushing your teeth. Don’t use if you plan on eating or drinking immediately after application, as the product will wear off. CRC customer Christina B. rated the product five stars, saying, “This product is easy to use and fantastic!” Photo: Ben Nye Makeup / Makeup: Thomas Surprenant Ben Nye Tooth Color   Create a grotesque, long-lasting smile without staining or damaging your teeth. Apply Ben Nye Tooth Color in Black for instantly chipped teeth, or brush on Nicotine, Decay or Zombie Rot for a repulsive, realistic look. Temporarily brighten your smile with the color White. Apply to dry teeth and allow to dry; lasts for hours! May be reapplied as needed. To remove, simply use a cotton swab soaked in alcohol or brush off with toothpaste. This product is safe to use on denture material. CRC customer Nina A. rated the product five stars, saying, “From complete blackouts to decay, whatever I need to create on set, this stuff is the best.” Photo & Makeup: Kristan Osoria Mehron Tooth FX   Add the finishing touches to your grotesque look with Mehron’s Tooth FX , available in six colors. In just a few minutes, create a smoker's mouth, a gangster's gold tooth, a bloody grin, spinach in your teeth, or a chipped smile. A little bit goes a long way with this product, and each shade comes with instructions for easy application and removal.  CRC customer Pablo D. rated the product five stars, saying, “Amazing product. If you dry your teeth and then apply the product, it lasts a long time. I even ate after applying, LOL!” Photo & Makeup: Craig Lindberg EBA Venom Tooth Palette Available in two color collections (SFX and Decay), create temporary, waterproof mouth creations that are sure to scare. The special bonding agent used in the Venom Tooth Palettes is similar to the resin used in temporary dental adhesives, providing temporary adhesion of color to the teeth that dries instantly. All Venom tooth colors have been stain tested on regular teeth, as well as different veneers and crown materials. Color removes easily with toothpaste and a toothbrush. CRC customer Christophe G. rated the product five stars, saying, “Very satisfied! I own several of the EBA palettes and have been a big fan of them.” Photo & Makeup: Kryolan Professional Makeup Kryolan Tooth Enamel Ideal for theatrical and SFX makeup, Kryolan Tooth Enamel is a go-to when creating rotten teeth, a toothless smile, a zombie-esque grin and many other looks. Available in four colors, each bottle comes with a brush for easy application. Thoroughly dry the tooth before application, and let it dry before closing your mouth. This product is easily removed with toothpaste or alcohol. CRC customer Sandra A. rated the product five stars, saying, “Just what I needed. Easy to apply and lasts a very long time!” Shop The Products All the products mentioned in this article are conveniently linked down below! PPI Mouth FX Ben Nye Tooth Color Mehron Tooth FX European Body Art Venom Tooth Palette Kryolan Tooth Enamel Stock Up On SFX Makeup A curated selection of the best special effects makeup, all in one place? That’s the beauty of shopping with Camera Ready Cosmetics!  Whether you’re new to SFX makeup or an experienced guru, our customer service team is prepared to help stock your kit with the products you want and need. If we don’t have what you’re looking for, we have a fabulous alternative – just ask us! Don’t forget to tag us in your SFX makeup creations on Instagram using the hashtag #CRCsfxmakeup. For more articles like this one, visit our blog . About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by pro makeup artist Mary Erickson. An industry veteran for more than 30 years, Mary knows quality and value and understands what an artist needs. Mary is the buyer for Camera Ready Cosmetics and chooses only what she would use on set.

Makeup artists ask us all the time which foundations we recommend, especially when it comes to choosing a pre-filled palette. Investing hard-earned cash into a product you’ve never tried is scary, and we totally understand. So instead of taking our word for it, we surveyed our trusted community of Pro Makeup Artists to determine which holy grail foundation sets they always have in their kits. We received tons of feedback from artists of all experience levels and backgrounds, but there were five foundation sets that consistently came up again and again. Uncover our customers’ favorites and consider adding one (or all) of these top-rated products to your professional makeup kit! Maqpro 6-Color Fard Creme Palette With color packed to the punch, the Maqpro Fard Creme Palette affords you the luxury of having twice the color for a fraction of the price. The ultimate space-saver for your makeup kit, the compact palette comes in eight shade range variations with six creamy foundation shades in each. The highly-pigmented, long-lasting formula is easy to blend for a perfect color match. Camera Ready customer Aysheh S. says, “I have used this product for about six years. It works great on people of all skin tones, especially those who have oily skin (once you set with powder.) It wears well in all environments.” RCMA VK Palette This professional, highly-pigmented and blendable cream-based formula has no perfumes, mineral oils or lanolin, making it an ideal choice for photography, film and anywhere else HD quality is needed. With a finish that feels light enough for everyday wear, the RCMA VK Palette is a favorite for those who seek a versatile all-in-one foundation set that lasts all day without feeling heavy on the client’s face.  Once you’ve run out of a color, you can purchase Pro Palette Replaceable Godets to customize your palette for life. Considered a top choice by professionals worldwide, the VK Palette is a staple in many artist kits. Camera Ready customer Alexandra B. says, “I absolutely love the RCMA VK Palette. I first bought this for my freelance kit, and now I use it on all my clients (and even myself!) It's my go-to foundation for a natural finish look .” Cinema Secrets 5-IN-1 Pro Palette Available in six universal shade ranges, these industry-coveted, silicone-based foundation palettes provide expert-level customization to match any skin tone with effortless ease. You can also use the 5-IN-1 PRO Palettes to color correct, contour and highlight. The sheer-to-full coverage leaves a natural matte finish, and the water-resistant, long-wearing formula is suitable for even the most sensitive skin.  Camera Ready customer Melanie B. says, “As a pro, I've been using Cinema Secrets from the time I began building my kit. These give great coverage while still looking like skin!”  Graftobian Hi-Def Super Palette The High-Def Glamour Crème Super Palettes are artist-friendly and convenient for travel. Available in three different shade range options, each of these 18-shade palettes include a combination of top-selling Graftobian crème foundations that are easily blendable and perfect for all skin types. Achieve full coverage with a finished look that still appears natural. The gorgeous, creamy foundations are super easy to work with and make the skin look like velvet. It’s a great product for any new makeup artist to add to their collection and continues to be a bestselling option for veteran Pros worldwide. Camera Ready customer Carmen A. says, “I love this palette because it has so many different shades that work for almost every skin tone. The coverage is amazing and it completely hides any skin imperfections so it's definitely worth the price. I use it on myself and my clients. It lasts all day, and a little goes a long way!” Ben Nye HD Matte Palette Bring out the best in any skin tone with Ben Nye's Essential HD Matte Foundation Palette! Twelve shades deliver just the right amount of coverage, packaged neatly in a portable tin casing. At just $60, you’ll get HD quality without the HD price. (Plus, you can purchase refills of each color for just $8!)  Each shade is a versatile blend of high pigmentation and natural-looking color that leaves the skin with a flawless, smooth texture. This palette is ideal for combination to oily skin types.  Camera Ready customer Lats A. says, “I have really oily skin and have tried everything. This makeup palette is a must for MUAs! Your clients will love you.” Shop The Foundation Palettes Try one of these artist-selected foundation palettes for yourself! All products mentioned in this article are linked down below. 1) Maqpro Fard Creme Palette  2) RCMA VK Palette 3) Cinema Secrets Ultimate 5-IN-1 PRO Palette 4) Graftobian HiDef Glamour Creme Super Palette 5) Ben Nye Essential HD Matte Palette Visit our blog for more articles like this one. Interested in contributing content to our website? Email your topic suggestions for consideration. About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by pro makeup artist Mary Erickson. An industry veteran for more than 30 years, Mary knows quality and value and understands what an artist needs. Mary is the buyer for Camera Ready Cosmetics and chooses only what she would use on set. If you don’t find the product you’re looking for on our site, that’s because we have something better. Just ask us!

Any professional artist will tell you: having a sturdy, organized and compact makeup case is just as important as being aware of the latest industry trends. Quality makeup cases protect the investment you’ve made in cosmetics, as well as provide a more streamlined, efficient experience for both yourself and your clients. Because no two makeup artists are the same, different needs equal different case requirements for every person. The CRC team narrowed down our top five best-selling professional makeup cases to help make your decision a bit easier. Keep reading to see which options made our list, and discover why our customers love them so much! Japonesque Pro Makeup Case This professionally-designed case was created to organize and transport makeup brushes, tools and accessories. Crafted by hand, the case features double-sided, accordion-tiered trays with adjustable dividers and a large lower compartment for ample storage. The Japonesque Pro Makeup Case is a must-have for organizing and storing beauty essentials. It also includes a durable nylon shoulder strap for easy transporting. Camera Ready customer Rose says, “I love this makeup case! It’s very well-made, has lots of space and looks so pretty! The lower compartment is very deep, and you can open the other trays without blocking that lower compartment. I also love the sturdiness, which makes it perfect for traveling.” Buy Here Just Case Sunrise 4-Wheel Case (All Black) Professional artists worldwide (especially CRC customers) love the stylish Just Case Sunrise Case for its durability and convenience. It’s perfect for transporting your most precious and expensive tools and uniquely made to secure and protect your products. This sturdy case was made with the demands of makeup artists in mind - enough space for every product, a heat-resistant exterior to keep makeup cool, and secure closures for easy transporting or moving around on set. Just Case offers a variety of colors, patterns and designs, but our customers love the chic appearance of the black case, which has been on our “best-sellers” list for years. Camera Ready customer Agnes says, “This case is great - simple as that. I haven’t found any negatives so far. It’s easy to pack, easy to transport and has various compartments inside to keep my makeup and tools perfectly organized. Plus, it has wheels (which is a necessity when traveling or navigating around on the job.)” Buy Here Zuca Pro Artist This super-sleek, super-organized case is like having the ideal assistant to make life easier. Composed of premium water-resistant nylon, shock-absorbing PVC wheels, and an extendable telescoping handle, you’ll have the flexibility to roll with the punches from one job to next. The contents of your ZUCA stay intact via orderly, accessible zip compartments on every side. The flawless Pro Artist Case is designed for those on the go who value organization, style and perfection. Protect and organize the tools of your trade while traveling in style. Camera Ready customer Farrah says, “This case is SO beautiful! You can tell it’s designed specifically for pro artists because it has every compartment you would ever need. My kit has never been more organized and efficient.” Buy Here Kitmate Cool Kit  For the artist who lives on outdoor sets, this is the ultimate makeup bag. Keep your products at the perfect temperature, no matter what elements Mother Nature throws your way - boiling summer heat or freezing snow. You can finally say goodbye to melted or frozen makeup, thanks Kitmate’s insulation technology. The inside of the Cool Kit is lined with aluminum, making it spill-proof and super easy to clean. The outside features a variety of pockets for extra storage and a comfortable shoulder strap to eliminate any discomfort from carrying tools and products around all day. For the best cooling results, add the Kitmate Star Cooling Packs for just $6.99 each.  Camera Ready customer Lindsay says, “I love that it’s insulated, so my products don’t get too cold or hot. I can work all day, in any sort of environment, without worrying once about how my makeup is holding up. Definitely worth buying!” Buy Here Esum Makeup Kit Bag Need a case for just the essentials without towing along your entire kit? Esum's Pro Makeup Kit Bag is ideal for traveling light! This large, zippered case holds two large and two small clear pouches that conveniently Velcro to the interior of the largest bag, keeping your products safe, intact and organized. Sectioned-off inside are elastic straps to secure a brush roll or even an airbrush compressor. This bag is waterproof and padded on the inside, so you can easily wipe clean when needed. A variety of makeup products fit perfectly inside, including Viseart 12-Color Palettes, KETT Fixx Creme Palettes and the Extra-Large Z Palette! Camera Ready customer Ebonie says, “I LOVE my Esum Bag. It’s sturdy, padded and light-weight (even when filled to the brim). The case comes with four removable Velcro pouches (similar to Zuca-style pouches, but smaller.) I also bought an extra Esum case, so now my kit holds five packs (three large, two small.) Now, my kit is EVERYTHING I never knew I needed.” Buy Here Shop The Makeup Cases Ready to upgrade your professional makeup case? All the products mentioned in this article are linked down below. Ready, set, GO shopping! 1) Japonesque Pro Makeup Case 2) Just Case - Sunrise All Black 4-Wheel Case 3) Zuca Pro Artist 4) Kitmate Cool Kit 5) Esum Makeup Kit Bag Tag us in a picture of your new makeup case on Instagram for a chance to be reposted, and visit our blog for more articles like this one. Interested in contributing content to our website? Email topic suggestions for consideration! About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by pro makeup artist Mary Erickson. An industry veteran for more than 30 years, Mary knows quality and value and understands what an artist needs. Mary is the buyer for Camera Ready Cosmetics and chooses only what she would use on set. If you don’t find the product you’re looking for on our site, that’s because we have something better. Just ask us!

As any professional makeup artist will tell you, building a fully-stocked kit can get EXPENSIVE! Special effects makeup artistry is no different. Creating the detailed characters that haunt and inspire your social media feeds may take 10, 15, 20 (sometimes more!) different products to complete. While the best kits take years of trial and error to pull together, there are staple products you may start with to build a well-equipped SFX makeup kit for under $300. (Yes, it’s possible!) We asked our network of pro-SFX artists which products have earned a permanent spot in their kits. Keep reading for the pro-approved must-haves that made the cut. Ben Nye Thick Blood Price: A 6 oz. container costs you $22, but smaller and larger sizes are available at varying price points. It may look like strawberry jelly, but this corn-syrup based gel will quickly become your go-to for creating dried abrasions, wounds and road rash effects. The easy-to-apply gel has a nice, firm texture that does not drip or dry. Camera Ready customer Erin K. says, “This is my one and only holy grail fake blood product.” While it easily washes off the skin, it’s worth noting this product may not easily remove from all fabrics or surfaces. We suggest a quick spot test before use. Shop Ben Nye Thick Blood Ben Nye Nose and Scar Wax Price: An 8oz. container costs you $18, but smaller and larger sizes are available at varying price points. This handy jar of translucent wax imitates the appearance of real skin to create all sorts of fleshy distortions - a broken nose, a witch’s chin, even bullet holes. Whatever your creative desires, this product has your back. The formula is moldable with a medium firm hold. Camera Ready customer Carolyn K. says, “After trying many other brands of scar wax, nothing compares to Ben Nye.” For maximum durability, set on top of Ben Nye Spirit Gum Adhesive and seal with Ben Nye Liquid Latex (a staple also included on this list). Shop Ben Nye Nose and Scar Wax 3rd Degree Silicone Modeling Compound Price: A 2 oz. container costs you $24, or you can get the 4 oz. size for $40. This extremely versatile product is a triple threat - resurfaces the skin, creates special effects and pours into molds. Use the compound to create realistic wounds, scars and prosthetics, or fill uneven texture to smooth the skin. Camera Ready customer Rachael S. says, “This is the best to work with! I love how smooth the edges blend into the skin. This is easier for me to mold than liquid latex and tissue paper.” Pro MUA hack: Purchase both sizes and refill the smaller jar for transporting in your kit. Shop 3rd Degree Silicone Modeling Compound Ben Nye Final Seal Price: A 1 oz. spray bottle costs you $7.20, and larger sizes are available at varying price points. Lock your SFX makeup creations in place with this magical misting spray. A few spritzes of this matte sealant spray will ensure your final look is smudge-proof and water-resistant through hours of performing, entertaining or braving harsh weather conditions. It even withstands heavy perspiration! Camera Ready customer Jeanita H. says, “My makeup doesn’t move all day. I fell asleep for two hours, woke up, and my makeup was still in place. Cried in church, makeup didn’t streak. Sweated outside, makeup did not move.” Shop Ben Nye Final Seal Ben Nye Liquid Latex Price: An 8 oz. container costs you $20, but smaller and larger sizes are available at varying price points. An absolute must for any special effects kit, this multi-purpose liquid latex - also called “slip rubber” - will get the job done every time. Seal modeling wax, create 3D appliances in a slush mold, or apply directly to the skin for aged, blister and wound effects. Camera Ready customer Carissa C. says, “I recently bought the latex, and I’m in love with it. It’s so good for the price and works great to create some freaky looks!” Bonus use: This liquid adhesive is excellent for molding prosthetic appliances and sealing Ben Nye Nose and Scar Wax. Shop Ben Nye Liquid Latex Kryolan Supracolor Price: Choose from 14 shade options at just $9.80 each. The outstanding coverage qualities of these cream-based makeup has made it an SFX must-have for decades. Choose from a variety of skin tone shades, as well as clear, white or gray, to create bright color effects or to effortlessly shade and highlight. Camera Ready customer Sarah B. Says, “You can’t get better than the Kryolan Supracolor foundation, in terms of finding a perfect color match. It stands up to any conditions (heat, humidity, stage lights) and provides full coverage that lasts all day.” Some artists also use this product as a normal, everyday foundation to conceal skin conditions, discolorations and textured skin. Its versatility will keep you reaching for it, no matter the occasion. Shop Kryolan Supracolor Mehron Pro Color Ring - Bruise Price: $13.95 The affordable, extremely handy compact includes every shade you need to create fresh or healing bruises. A must-have in any SFX kit, the wheel-shaped container includes green, yellow, light brown, dark brown and black shades that easily smudge and blend to create a realistic bruised look. Camera Ready customer Dana G. Says, “It’s perfect! I love Mehron’s cream makeup, and it blends very well.” The long-lasting formula won’t fade or melt away even after hours of wear. Shop Mehron Pro Color Ring Reel Creations Fleshtone Palette Price: $80 This palette is the perfect tool to conceal tattoos, bruises, scars and more. Activate with Reel Developer or 99% Isopropyl Alcohol with just a few drops, and mix with a brush or sponge until you reach the desired effect. Camera Ready customer Luke C. Says, “I love this palette! It lasted all night long, and it was very easy to use. This is a must-have in your SFX kit!” It’s worth noting the product takes a while to activate once you’ve applied the alcohol, but once the product works up, the colors turn opaque. Mix darker pigments with more alcohol to lighten them. Make lighter colors more pigmented by continually mixing your brush or sponge in the activated product until the desired pigment is reached. Shop Reel Creations Fleshtone Palette Skin Illustrator FX Palette Price: $80 Designed for just about any injury or illness, this palettes simulates burns, cuts, scrapes, scabs and bruises. Compatible with the Reel Creations Fleshtone Palette mentioned above, mix and blend colors to create varying degrees of gore and injury. Camera Ready customer Casandra S. says, “I absolutely love it. I use it for everything, whether it’s creating bruises, cuts or painting prosthetics. It’s totally worth it and a must-have for any makeup artist.” These pigments are rich in color content, which makes this palette go farther and last longer than others on the market. Shop Skin Illustrator FX Palette PPI Glazing Gels Price: Choose from 19 color options at $16.50 each. Set apart from other bruising effects makeup, these gels are specially made for extreme closeup film work for bruise and injury effects that appear to be a part of the skin, not on top of it. Sunburn, freckles, shadows, discoloration - whatever your SFX creative needs, these gels will make it look like the real thing. Camera Ready customer Nina A. says, “It looks like it’s in the skin, not on it. I use it on set for quick bruises, sunburn and dark circles. It works great around the eyes for those who are sensitive. I have every color.” These water-based, transparent colors wear exceptionally well for the demands of high definition film and television, and they deliver realistic subtlety that cannot be achieved with heavier cream-based products. Shop PPI Glazing Gels Shop The Products Ready to create your very own, affordable, fully-stocked SFX kit? We conveniently linked all of the products mentioned in this article down below. Click, buy and be fully prepared to venture into the world of SFX makeup artistry! 1) Ben Nye Thick Blood 2) Ben Nye Nose and Scar Wax 3) 3rd Degree Silicone Modeling Compound 4) Ben Nye Final Seal 5) Ben Nye Liquid Latex 6) Kryolan Supracolor 7) Mehron Pro Color Ring - Bruise 8) Reel Creations Fleshtone Palette 9) Skin Illustrator FX Palette 10) PPI Glazing Gels Tag us in your SFX makeup creations on Instagram for a chance to be reposted, and visit our blog for more articles like this one! Interested in contributing content to our website? Email your topic suggestions for consideration! About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by pro makeup artist Mary Erickson. An industry veteran for more than 30 years, Mary knows quality and value and understands what an artist needs. Mary is the buyer for Camera Ready Cosmetics and chooses only what she would use on set. If you don’t find the product you’re looking for on our site, that’s because we have something better. Just ask us!

Let’s pretend you’re on set. You’ve just completed a full-face makeup application on a client, and now she’s ready for lights, camera, action. As she enters the spotlight, you admire the finished look and think to yourself, “nice work, me!” But then you see them - those dreaded dark spots - beaming through underneath the makeup masterpiece you spent an hour perfecting. As professional makeup artists, we’ve all been there. Covering dark spots caused by scars, skin damage, beauty marks, pigmentation or lack of sleep is challenging for even the most experienced artists. Choosing a quality pro concealer can make all the difference. We put the concealers in our store to the test, and narrowed down our top five picks for effortlessly covering dark spots. The products we chose left behind smooth, blemish-free skin and no trace of pesky discolorations. 1) Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer This oil-free, waterproof concealer provides a long-lasting matte finish that blends into the skin for a natural, skin-like appearance. The formula is so full coverage that many artists use this as a go-to tattoo coverup. We love the Full Cover Concealer for its ability to even out skin tones of any color and camouflage even the most stubborn of blemishes. Another bonus? It’s extremely pigmented, yet light and creamy, making it the perfect multi-purpose product for both the face and body. Available in a range of 12 shades, it’s easy to create a perfect skin match. Shop the product here, and add one to your makeup kit to see the exceptional quality for yourself.   2) Danessa Myricks Beauty Vision Cream Cover This one is good, you guys. So good it gives us chills just thinking about it. Every product from Danessa Myricks Beauty is outstanding, and perfect, and smart, and we can’t find a single negative thing to say about this professional cosmetics line. When we first got our hands on the Vision Cream Cover, we were awestruck. The concealer-foundation hybrid is lightweight while providing the silkiest, smoothest, most flawless coverage you’ve ever seen. The formula’s texture-minimizing properties conceal hyper-pigmentation, uneven discolorations, and other skin blemishes, leaving behind a gorgeous, perfect complexion. It even includes low-density, hydrating ingredients to create the appearance of glowing, radiant skin. Did we mention it’s also 100% vegan and cruelty-free? We’ll stop right now before the gushing goes overboard. There are 24 shades to shop right here, and we can’t wait for you to fall in love as hard as we have. 3) RCMA Ultimate Complexion Palette This incredible complexion palette is pricier than the other products on our list, but it packs loads of value and will quickly become the handy essential you reach for time and time again. RCMA designed the palette in partnership with Emmy Award-winning makeup artist and educator, Kevin James Bennett, who is well-known in the industry for creating impeccable complexions across all media formats. The Ultimate Complexion Palette features all of Bennett’s favorite RCMA foundations, five single pigment colors, and one clear mixing medium to correct any skin discolorations and conceal the face with a smooth, texture-free finish. This is the perfect solution for makeup artists who can’t afford to fill their kits with full-sized products, but need a wide range of shades. Shop the palette here. 4) Cinema Secrets 5-IN-1 PRO Palette The creamy, pigment-rich correctors in this multi-purpose palette do more than just conceal skin conditions and blemishes. Use the 5-in-1 power to the Corrector Pro Palette to correct unwanted undertones, highlight, contour and adjust foundation colors. Cancel out purples undertones with the peachy coral shades, and neutralize with the olive green shades to create the flawless skin of your dreams. Available in two palette variations, No. 1 and No. 2 both include light red, medium red, med-deep red, light blue and med-deep blue neutralizers in slightly different color combinations. Add this palette to your shopping cart for a skin correcting experience unlike any other. 5) Kryolan Concealer Circle This concealer compact is small, yet mighty. It’s best used for covering small discolorations of the skin, but it does so with minimal product application and lots of coverage power. Available in seven compacts, each with six shade variations, and one neutralizing compact, the cream-based formulas are highly pigmented and require minimal amounts of product for each use. It’s also important to note that most of these colors aren’t meant to mimic exact skin colors, so being skilled in color mixing is a must. Shop the different shade options here to find the perfect wheel for your kit. Shop The Products All five of the concealers listed above are available at Camera Ready Cosmetics. Stock your kit with these dark-circle-erasing tubes of awesomeness, and transform clients into the flawless beauties that they are. 1) Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer 2) Danessa Myricks Beauty Vision Cream Cover 3) RCMA Kevin James Bennett Complexion Palette 4) Cinema Secrets Ultimate Corrector 5-IN-1 PRO Palette 5) Kryolan Concealer Circle Comment below to let us know which pro concealers you’re loving, and tag us on Instagram for a chance to be reposted. Visit our blog for more articles like this one! Interested in contributing content to our website? Email topic suggestions to marketing@crcmakeup.com for consideration! About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by pro makeup artist Mary Erickson. An industry veteran for more than 30 years, Mary knows quality and value and understands what an artist needs. Mary is the buyer for Camera Ready Cosmetics and chooses only what she would use on set. If you don’t find the product you’re looking for on our site, that’s because we have something better. Just ask us!

Navigating the world of special effects makeup can be intimidating and overwhelming for newbies. If you’re itching to create bloody, bruised characters but don’t know where to start, you’ve come to the right place (or blog, that is) to learn about SFX makeup for beginners. We asked makeup artists to weigh in on the best SFX makeup for beginners and narrowed it down to these five makeup must-have products to get you started on the right foot. Continue reading to learn more about the professional-grade products highly recommended by pros and start building an SFX makeup kit beginners will love. One, two, three, GO-re!   WHAT IS SFX MAKEUP? SFX makeup is makeup used to create characters with special effects, like aging, injuries, deformities, and supernatural features. SFX makeup is perfect for creating characters for cosplay, Halloween, TV, and the stage. Artists use prosthetics, liquid latex, wigs, and more to create anything from ghastly ghouls and glam witches to darling butterflies and creepy clowns. Learn what SFX makeup supplies are considered makeup must-haves when creating a makeup kit SFX beginners will be able to utilize like a pro.   SHOP THE BEST SFX MAKEUP FOR BEGINNERS Ready to begin your journey into the world of SFX makeup? Stock up on these stage makeup basics, and you’ll be well on your way to creating characters like a pro in no time.  1) Mehron CreamBlend Sticks 2) Ben Nye Liquid Latex 3) Ben Nye SFX Blood 4) Mehron Pro Color Ring - Bruise 5) Pros-Aide Adhesive   MEHRON CREAMBLEND STICKS for SFX Looks Available in 58 shade varieties, the Mehron CreamBlend Sticks are a necessary staple in any SFX makeup kit – beginner and pro alike. These performance creams by Mehron are high-quality and full-coverage for the face or body. The formula’s smooth, supple texture is easy to blend and stays put all day with minimal (if any at all) touchups required. Choose from natural skin tone colors or vibrant and bold shades to create whatever character you envision, from a watercolor painting makeup look to a frightening zombie - for just $11.95 per stick. BEN NYE Liquid LATEX is an SFX staple Another recommendation from our trusty makeup artist customers is Ben Nye’s Liquid Latex. This SFX makeup for beginners is considered a holy grail makeup must-have for any SFX makeup kit. This multi-purpose product works well to seal modeling wax or to create aging, blister, and wound effects directly on the skin. Commonly referred to as “slip rubber,” liquid latex is frequently used to mold prosthetic appliances. We have a wide array of latex options perfect for any pro or beginner makeup kit. Beginner’s Best SFX BLOOD by Ben Nye Most SFX makeup beginners can’t wait to try their hand at a bloody, gore look. There are dozens of blood SFX products on the market, which makes narrowing down the options a bit overwhelming. We asked the pros which product they would recommend as the best SFX makeup for beginners, and Ben Nye’s Fresh Scab topped the list. A makeup artist favorite, this jelly-like product is perfect for creating natural-looking scabs, blood clots, and more. The corn syrup-based formula is infused with a peppermint flavor for pleasant use in and around the mouth, and it easily washes from most fabrics and surfaces. As with any blood SFX products, we recommend spot-testing before each use.  Ben Nye offers a variety of other blood-related products you can try as your beginner makeup kit continues to grow.  MEHRON PRO COLOR RING For SFX Bruising The affordable, extremely handy Pro Color Ring Bruise from Mehron is the perfect SFX makeup for beginners because it includes every shade you need to create fresh and healing bruise looks. A must-have in any SFX beginner makeup kit, the wheel-shaped compact includes green, yellow, light brown, dark brown, and black shades that easily smudge and blend to create realistic face bruise makeup. The long-lasting formula won’t fade or melt away even after hours of wear. Try creating your own face bruise looks with this makeup and see for yourself why Camera Ready customers consistently rate it 5-out-of-5 stars. PROS-AIDE ® ADHESIVE FOr all Your SFX Makeup Needs This medical-grade, water-based skin adhesive keeps prosthetic applications and other makeup components intact for long periods of time. An industry standard, “The Original” Pros-Aide ® formula is non-toxic and safe to use on all skin types, including sensitive areas. The product is also highly water-resistant to withstand even the harshest conditions on set. Pros-Aide includes a variety of other makeup supplies that spawn off the original formula, such as a cream-based variety and a “no-tack” option, which creates less residual stick. Use the Pros-Aide ® Remover to safely remove your SFX makeup creations.    Tag @camerareadycosmetics and @camerareadySFX in your special effects makeup creations for a chance to be reposted on our Instagram. What other SFX makeup for beginners would you include on this product list? Let us know in the comments below!   ABOUT CAMERA READY COSMETICS   Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by makeup artist Mary Erickson. An industry veteran for more than 30 years, Mary knows quality and value and understands what an artist needs. Mary is the buyer for Camera Ready Cosmetics and only chooses makeup supplies that she would use on set. If you don’t find the product or makeup supplies you’re looking for on our site, that’s because we have something better. Just ask us!

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

We LOVE makeup palettes. For professional artists and beauty enthusiasts alike - palettes are convenient, easy to tote around, and provide flexibility when creating different makeup looks. But with hundreds, if not thousands, of options on the market, which makeup palettes are worth the splurge? We read through hundreds of customer reviews and crunched the numbers to determine which makeup artist palettes our customers deemed holy grail status for their kits and makeup bags. What did we find? Keep reading for the 10 best professional makeup artist palettes, all of which you can purchase by clicking the links below. Happy palette shopping! RCMA: 5-Part Series Cream Blush Palette Available in two color variations - a pink-coral collection and a mauve-brown collection - the RCMA 5-Part Series Cream Blush Palette is a professional makeup artist go-to. The palette not only saves room in your kit but also includes five gorgeous, high-definition shades that work well with any skin tone. Use the colors individually or blend for a custom look. The versatile palette can even double as lip color. Camera Ready customer Lindsey says, “These are the longest-lasting blushes I’ve ever used, plus a little goes a long way. Love, love love! Blending is super easy and flawless.” NYX: Highlight & Contour Pro Palette For budget-conscious shoppers, the NYX Highlight and Contour Pro Palette comes at a great price point (less than $25!) without sacrificing high-performance. It’s also refillable! You’ll get eight highlighting and contouring shades to work within one, compact case. Flawlessly emphasizing your favorite features for any skin tone has never been easier, or more affordable. Camera Ready customer Felipe says, “Extremely easy to use. Great variety and impressive blending.” Make Up For Ever: 12 Flash Color Neutral Palette The Make Up For Ever 12 Flash Color Neutral Palette offers limitless possibilities for the eyes, lips, face and body. It’s quickly become a staple in professional makeup artist kits worldwide, and it’s no wonder why. Convenient and travel-friendly, this 12-in-one palette includes multi-use cream colors that work just as easily for everyday wear as they do for more dramatic makeup looks. The Neutral Palette includes shades: Grey, Neutral Brown, Purple Grey, Rosewood, Dark Antique Pink, Ivory, Livid, Kaki, Pink Brown, Fresh Pink, Sienna and Rusty Brown Camera Ready customer Maria says, “Super versatile, really easy to work with. Creates very beautiful natural makeup looks on any skin tone.” Violet Voss: Ride or Die Eye Shadow Palette Just as the name suggests, the Violet Voss Ride or Die Eye Shadow Palette is truly a ride-or-die product for makeup artists at every career level. Just like a trusted best friend, you’ll never want this palette to leave your side (or makeup kit, that is). Formulated with the highest quality ingredients, each of the 42 shades blend together smoothly to create a flawless, sexy look for any occasion. The palette is complete with full-sized mattes, metals and satins. Camera Ready customer Amy says, “This palette has it all! I do stage makeup, and this palette is my go-to. It also has soft colors for bridal makeup! Colors are true and rich and build very well.”  Kryolan: 6-Color Creme Palette The Kryolan Dermacolor Camouflage 6-Color Creme Palette comes in five color combinations for a highly pigmented, full-coverage look. The creme-based, long-lasting formulas are designed to correct and conceal skin disfigurements, discolorations and tattoos on the face or neck. Finish your look with a translucent setting spray and Kryolan’s Fixing Spray for a waterproof finish. If set properly, this makeup will stand up to extreme conditions like swimming, heat and physical strain. Camera Ready customer Jessica says, “I am fully enjoying this product for my makeup kit. It is taking my makeup applications to the next level.” Viseart: Eye Shadow Palette in Neutral Matte This top-selling palette includes all of Viseart’s most popular neutral shades in one. The 12-Color Eyeshadow Palette in 01 Matte does everything from brows and eyes to contouring and hair color touchups. Makeup artists love the quality and color density, as well as the easily blendable color shades to create subtle natural looks or even sexy smokey eyes. The palette is not tested on animals and contains no parabens, silicone or mineral oils. Camera Ready customer Bridget says, “I can’t get over how easy these blend and how almost silky they feel. 100% the best eyeshadows I’ve ever owned/bought. Completely in love.” La Femme: Blush Palette Exclusive to Camera Ready Cosmetics, the La Femme Blush Palette is a rose-colored dream. The 12 stunning, richly-pigmented shades is the perfect combination of cool and warm tones, suitable for any skin tone. The palette even doubles as eyeshadows. A makeup artist staple, this palette creates flawless, matte looks that will make heads turn. Camera Ready customer Keshona says, “Absolutely love this palette, the pigment is insane!! It works for all skin tones!! A must-have for a professional artist or a girl who loves blush!!!” Senna: Brow Book Palette No makeup artist kit is complete without the Senna Brow Book Palette. This super skinny, refillable, magnetic palette is the ultimate tool for mastering the perfect brows. The palette includes nine highly-pigmented, natural-looking brow powders for a natural, long-wearing finish. The shades match every brow color and skin tone, as well as two Browlite colors for a softened, yet-defined brow line and a Brow Pomade for texture and fullness. Camera Ready customer Patricia says, “Game changer! This palette is able to pull together any eye look. There’s a shade there for everyone.” Ben Nye: Natural Lip Colour Palette The Natural Lip Colour Palette makes it easier than ever to find the right lipstick shade for not only yourself but clients, too. Plus, it’s refillable! Buy the palette at full-price just once, and stock up on affordable refills as needed. The palette includes six ultra-creamy shades perfect for everyday wear, or you can blend colors to create a custom look. For those on-the-go moments, a compact lip brush is included with purchase to make application easier during crunch time. Camera Ready customer Sarah says, “This lip palette does not disappoint. Beautiful colors and a smooth, long-wearing finish. Highly recommend!” OFRA: On The Glow Palette The On The Glow Palette includes all of OFRA’s best-selling highlighter and bronzing shades in one, making it the ultimate tool for a natural, sun-kissed look. Each of the palette’s shades can also be used as eyeshadows to create a radiant smokey eye. OFRA’s use of high-grade pearls and liquid-to-baked technology provides unparalleled pigment payoff and illuminating sheen you just won’t find anywhere else. Highlighting colors include: Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive and Blissful Bronzing colors include: California Dream, 3D Egyptian Clay and Americano Camera Ready customer Abeer says, “[This] OFRA palette is amazing and fantastic!” Shop The Palettes It’s time to stock your kit with one (or all) of the professional makeup artist palettes listed above. To make it even easier, we’ve linked them down below: 1) RCMA: 5-Part Series Cream Blush Palette 2) NYX: Highlight & Contour Pro Palette 3) Make Up For Ever: 12 Flash Color Palette 4) Violet Voss: Ride or Die Eye Shadow Palette 5) Kryolan: Dermacolor Camouflage 6-Color Creme Palette 6) Viseart: Eye Shadow Palette in Neutral Matte 7) La Femme: Blush Palette 8) Senna: Brow Book Palette 9) Ben Nye: Natural Lip Colour Palette 10) Ofra: On The Glow Palette Tag us on Instagram and Facebook in your creative looks using the palettes above, and use the hashtag #crcmakeup for a chance to get reposted! Comment below with questions or feedback regarding one of the makeup palettes mentioned in this article. About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. Having been in the makeup artist industry for 30+ years, Mary knows quality and value and understands what an artist needs. Mary is the buyer for Camera Ready Cosmetics and chooses only what she would use on set. If you don’t find the product you’re looking for at Camera Ready Cosmetics, that’s because we have something better. Just ask us!

  Here at Camera Ready Cosmetics, we have promoted, sold and loved Joe Blasco cosmetics for years. When clients walk through our doors looking for highly pigmented, high-performance makeup for film, television or the stage, the Joe Blasco collection is one of our first go-to recommendations. Known worldwide for his decades-long career as a leading makeup artist in Hollywood, highly sought-after film and television makeup visionary, first ever creator of government-approved makeup education centers, and the inventor of a 45-year-old+ successful cosmetics line, Joe Blasco has made his mark on the world of makeup artistry and education like no one before him. We had the opportunity to sit down with Mr. Blasco and discuss his start in the industry, his passion for teaching, and his secret to making one of the highest-performing makeup lines for film and television. Not into reading? Watch the full video interview here. Camera Ready Cosmetics: What inspired you to pave the way for makeup education? Joe Blasco: I realized that I wanted to teach, more than anything, when I felt that by teaching I was also learning, and the more I taught others the more I was able to experiment. When I was at ABC Television, they would come to me and say, “How do you do that? Why [do your foundations] look the way they do? How are you highlighting and shading the way you do?” And I realized most of the makeup artists didn’t really have as keen an understanding of highlighting and shading as I was taught by Ben Nye, and Kiva Hoffman, and some of the other artists that I studied under. So I thought, “OK. I’m going to take all of my understanding of corrective makeup and I’m going to create a class.” So I started with small classes, and gradually, more and more people wanted the instruction. I got calls - tons and tons of calls. And suddenly I went from just being this journeyman makeup artist at ABC also to having these big classes at night. So I thought, “Wait a minute. This is really interesting. This is going somewhere.” CRC: What were some of the industry challenges you faced early on? JB: [After my classes started gaining popularity, ABC] came to me and said, “Conflict of interest! You’re teaching, and we can’t allow you to advertise that you’re a makeup artist [while] working for ABC.” So I said, “OK, well, I’m out.” So I left ABC, and I went completely into being an independent makeup artist and to teaching. There were very few women in the industry. There just weren’t any, they weren’t makeup artists. The makeup artists were all men. When I opened my doors to students who wanted to be makeup artists, gradually more and more women came to the forefront. I’m proud to have been able to be a catalyst for allowing women into the profession…and gays…and various races. [They] were not, originally back then - 40 years ago - permitted into [the industry]. It was primarily a white man’s job. Not anymore. CRC: What has been the most rewarding moment as a makeup instructor? JB: My proudest moment as a makeup instructor had to be when I saw Matthew Mungle receive an Academy Award. He was my first graduate to receive an Academy Award. Since then Bill Corso has also received an Academy Award. I’m proud to have been influential in their success. But there have been many, you know. Every time I look at the credits roll by and see someone’s name that I know that I taught, it’s a good feeling - a real feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment. CRC: When did you realize you wanted to create your own makeup line? JB: I loved being involved in monster makeup and horror makeup in the very early portion of my career. What I did was simply to be as creative as I could possibly be, follow the script that I was given, come up with whatever the writer envisioned and the director wanted. After working in the industry for quite a few years, I saw that the products we were using - and they were excellent products, Max Factor, Ben Nye, RCMA - I would do a lot of mixing. And I thought, “Wouldn’t it be nice not to do all that mixing?” So that’s when I came up with our base tone related neutralizers. CRC: How and where did you learn to create makeup? JB: I learned how to make makeup in two different places - one was at the Max Factor company, and the other was the Ben Nye company. I learned more from Ben Nye than from anyone. However, I was always wanted to change things. If you use an oil that will break the makeup down after the body temperature starts to rise then your makeup isn’t really going to serve a professional purpose. It’s going to require more work. It’s going to slow production time down. So I thought, “What can I do to make makeup better?” CRC: What’s the difference between Joe Blasco products and other high-performance brands? JB: The amount of pigment that we put into the product is a puzzlement to other cosmetics companies. They’ll try this, and they’ll say “how do you get all this pigment into the product.” And that’s the secret. The secret is to put the pigment in with the waxes and with the oils in a conventional manner, and then process it - very much like you’d process fine chocolate - so that it removes the excess vehicle, the excess oils and waxes, leaving behind a higher percentage of pigment. And how we do that, I can’t discuss. CRC: What is your favorite product from the Joe Blasco collection? JB: All of the Ultrabases are amazing. You can put it on with a dry sponge. You can put it on with a wet sea sponge. There are no other professional makeups, that are oil-based makeups, that will go on as successfully as mine with a wet sea sponge. Mine goes on because there’s so much pigment, and we’ve all that vehicle. When you put it on, it goes on very evenly and it covers. I think most popular are the neutralizers and then the Dermaceals and Ultamattes™. Oh, here we go we’re just going to name everything, aren’t we? [Laughs] The Ultamattes™ are extremely, highly-pigmented makeups, and I’ll tell you how I came about this. Ben Nye had a product that I helped him make, and it was the beard stipple product. It was a dark, dark black makeup that we put a lot of pigment into. I looked at it and thought “wow, there’s a lot of pigment in this,” unlike any of the other products in the line. And I started using it for eyeliner. Years later when I made my own line, I thought back and remembered that and I thought “let me make a line that has a tremendous amount of pigment.” But not just black. I made them in taupe, and brown, and warm brown, and then lighter colors that would be the same as the neutralizers. The highlighting colors became the Dermaceals, and the darker colors - the browns and the taupes and the blacks - became the Ultamattes™. So that concept split off into two different categories. The Ultamattes™ for eye makeup, and the Dermaceals for corrective makeup and concealing. So it’s all a matter of working with a product that has more pigment. That’s the secret. CRC: What is next for Joe Blasco cosmetics? JB: I just turned 71, and I’m really looking forward to continuing to work and to teach and to inspired other - inspiring young people to go into the profession in a manner that is sophisticated and well represents them as artists and also serves the profession well. CRC: What advice would you give to anyone interested in getting into the industry or following in your footsteps? JB: I don’t know that anyone really needs to follow in anyone’s footsteps. I think that what one needs to do is to create their own footstep template and to keep making that template grow and to do makeup artistry as they envision it - to be creative, to create their own style and to learn as much as they can from as many people as possible, but never try to copy any other people. You can emulate, you can be inspired by, but to copy is not being artistic. Be inspired, and create your own style. Have passion, and by all means, practice, practice, practice, practice. The more you practice, the better you’re going to be, and that’s the secret. Meet Rudy Blasco Following our interview, Joe introduced us to his dearest friend - and Joe Blasco cosmetics mascot - Rudy, an adorable pup that accompanies Joe on his many travels.  Watch the full video interview here, and comment below with your favorite Joe Blasco product. About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. Having been in the makeup artist industry for 30+ years, Mary knows quality and value and understands what an artist needs. Mary is the buyer for Camera Ready Cosmetics and chooses only what she would use on set. If you don’t find the product you’re looking for at Camera Ready Cosmetics, that’s because we have something better. Just ask us!

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

When it comes to your favorite makeup products, here’s a truth that many find hard to accept: makeup doesn’t last forever. Mascaras. Liquid eyeliners. Foundations. Moisturizers and toners. These are a few of the many products that do, unfortunately, have a shelf life. We aren’t writing this because we’re heartless. If we could use our favorite mascara until the bristles fell off, we would. But we’re writing this to protect you from the harmful bacteria that live and grow inside everyday beauty essentials – it’s important to check those makeup expiration dates!  This handy makeup expiration guide will serve well in moments when you wonder, “Is it time to replace?” So, let’s dive into the “when” and “why” of checking the expiration dates on cosmetics and refreshing your beauty favorites. How Long Does Makeup Last? This is the burning question, right? The truth is, it varies by product, and with so many different types of products, figuring out how long your makeup lasts can feel overwhelming. While mascara only lasts for a few months, some products may last you years. We’re here to break it all down and answer those questions, like, “Does eyeshadow expire?” so your products continue serving you flawless looks instead of bacteria and gook. We’ll help you check the expiration dates on the following makeup products and tools: Mascara Foundation Powder Liquid or gel eyeliner Eye and lip pencils Skincare Brushes Makeup Expiration: Mascara Shelf Life: 3-6 months once opened While you may check the expiration date on your makeup and see it’s years away, that only applies to unopened mascara. Once opened, 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. 3 Tell-Tale Signs it’s Time to Replace Your Mascara:  It’s dry and clumpy Bristles have excessive buildup Scent change Shop Mascaras  FOUNDATION Expiration  Shelf Life: 6-12 months 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 a palette or mixing tray before applying with a clean brush or sponge.  How to Tell if Your Foundation is Expired When a foundation is nearing expiration, you may notice dryness or changes in consistency. If the consistency seems normal, but you know you’ve had the foundation for a long time (no judgment), it may be worth checking the expiration date on your cosmetics! Shop Foundations Powder Makeup - Does Eyeshadow Expire? Shelf Life: 3 years Because they don’t require large amounts of water to manufacture, powders, like setting powders and powder eyeshadows, have a longer shelf life than most other cosmetic products. To prevent the early makeup expiration of your powder products, store in cool, dry locations with the lids firmly closed. When to Replace Expired Powder Makeup If you notice powder becoming more difficult to blend or chalky, the makeup is expired, and a replacement is due. Shop Eyeshadows Shop Powders How Long DOes LIQUID OR GEL EYELINER Last? Shelf Life: 3-6 months Like mascara, liquid eyeliners should be at the top of your frequent replacements list once the bottle is opened – despite what the makeup expiration date on the bottle says. Because this product is applied to the eyes, you’re at higher risk of contracting an infection if the makeup is nearing expiration. When to Replace Liquid or Gel Liners The most common sign of expired liquid liner is a dry formula. Most people think adding a little water will prolong the life, but doing so helps bacteria to grow faster. 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 Liquid Eyeliners EYE & LIP PENCILS – Does That Makeup Expire, Too? 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. How Do You Know When to Replace Lip and Eye Pencils? Aside from checking expiration dates on cosmetics, it’s difficult to tell when an eye or lip pencil has gone bad. 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, the makeup is expired, and it's time to throw them away. Discoloration is often a sign of mold growing within the product - yikes. Shop Eye Pencils Shop Lip Pencils Do SKINCARE Products Expire? 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, aside from checking the skincare expiration date, is to replace it if it's been more than a year. How to Prolong the Life of Skincare Products After a year, moisturizers and toners lose 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, check the products’ expiration dates, 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 Moisturizers Shop Toners Can Makeup BRUSHES Expire? Shelf Life: N/A  Thankfully, makeup expiration dates don’t apply to brushes. They 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. Crazy Merman offers a variety of vegan brush cleaners that smell amazing and make your brushes like new again. Will I Ever Have to Replace My Makeup Brushes?  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 Makeup Expiration GUIDELINES Knowing how to properly identify when expired makeup needs to be replaced can help keep any makeup products you purchase from causing an infection. Here are some tried-and-true bonus tips to help you figure out if your makeup is expired and teach you how to check those pesky makeup expiration dates:  1) Write the date of purchase or open date 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 to signal makeup expiration date. 3) Products made from natural ingredients will include a makeup expiration date that applies even if unopened. 4) If you can’t find an expiration date on your makeup or skincare product or a PAO or BBE label, check for the manufacture date. This will help you to know if the product is nearing expiration, as many unused cosmetics lose their quality over time.  To answer specific questions about your makeup products, email our beauty experts. Then shop our site to replace expired makeup with fresh products! About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by makeup artist Mary Erickson. Having been in the makeup artist industry for 30+ years, Mary knows quality and value and understands what an artist needs 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 works 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’ve been following along with our blogs, you’ve learned the best ways to start building your brand and step into the makeup artist industry. Now while all of that is incredibly important, you certainly are not going to get far without the right kit. Having been a makeup artist in the industry for over 30 years, Camera Ready Cosmetics' founder Mary Erickson knows quality and value. She understands what makeup essentials an artist needs.  3 Key Things to Consider When Creating your Makeup Artist Kit: Quality Multifunction Sanitation Quality Matters When It Comes to Makeup Essentials for Your Kit When we say quality, we are talking about professional-grade products made for makeup artists. Now, while YouTube and Instagram will have a ton of suggestions for how to build your starting makeup kit, keep in mind that beauty bloggers and celebrities are often being paid to push certain products, and quality does not always factor into the equation. High-quality makeup essentials are not going to include the eyeshadow palette you got with 20+ shades for $15 on Amazon. When purchasing a product for your makeup artist kit, you should consider the ingredients, what is the color payoff, and is the product going to lay on the skin well.  Packaging is also important. The product needs to be able to withstand wear and tear, or at least be able to be broken down and redistributed into empty palettes for ease of travel.  Multifunction is a Must for Your Makeup Artist Kit Not everything in your starting makeup kit is going to be able to have a variety of functions, but the more items you have that can serve different purposes, the better. This will help streamline your kit, save space, and reduce weight. Examples of this are makeup essentials like brushes that can be used on eyes or lips, shadows that can be used wet or dry, or even lip color that doubles as a blush. It’s really up to you and your imagination as to how you can use items in different ways. For Your Starting Makeup Kit, Remember: Sanitation Is Crucial  Remember that you’re going to use this kit on many different people and not just yourself. You must keep not only your brushes and tools clean but also your makeup.  It’s important to not just choose disinfecting sprays and easily cleanable packaged products but also disposable items. Never double dip into your tubes of mascara or lip color. How you build a starting makeup kit can vary based on your primary area of focus within makeup. Whether you’re looking to work in bridal, fashion, or movies, this makeup artist kit will fulfill your essential makeup needs. Now, let’s start shopping.   Essential Makeup Shopping List for Building Your Starting Makeup Kit  Skin are and prep products Foundation Powder Bronzer and blush Eye makeup Lip products Tools and brushes Setting spray Makeup cases    Top Skincare & Prep Products for Your Starting Makeup Kit As a makeup artist, you will be working on many different skin types. The better prepped the skin, the better your makeup application and longevity of wear. Remember the mantra: Cleanse, Tone, and Moisturize. These steps will help you to better understand the skin you are about to work on and prepare your canvas. Our product recommendations for this crucial step include:  Alcone Company’s Make-Off Makeup Remover Cloths Inglot’s Muti-Action Toner Combination to Oily Skin Embryolisse’s Lait-Crème Concentre Bioderma’s Atoderm Lip Stick Mehron’s Skin Prep Pro Camera Ready Cosmetics’ Oil Free Makeup Remover Foundation Must-Haves for Your Makeup Artist Kit As a makeup artist, you must be prepared to accommodate a wide range of skin tones. Cream palettes are the perfect makeup essentials for your starting makeup kit because they offer a diverse selection of colors, and they work well with most skin types. Not to mention they are compact, so they take up less space than 10 liquid foundation bottles. While Camera Ready has many high-quality foundation options, we have narrowed our favorite makeup artist kit selection down to the RCMA VK Foundation Palettes. What is great about this product is its versatility. Use the product as concealers, blend them down for foundation, or mix with skin prep to create a sheer/tinted moisturizer. The sky’s the limit with this foundation set! Powder Makeup Essentials for Your Kit Set it and forget it! If you have not been living under a rock for the last two years, then you have certainly heard of RCMA No-Color Powder. While, again, we carry many comparable high-quality setting powders, RCMA has been a staple in makeup artist kits for many years. Along with an all-over setting powder, you will want to have some tinted options for contour and highlight. We recommend a space-saving palette with a range of shades. The Mehron Celebre Pro-HD Pressed Palette Highlight & Contour is a multifunctional makeup essential that includes all the brand’s most popular shades.   No Makeup Artist Kit is Complete Without Blush & Bronzer Let us not forget the importance of color! In keeping with the theme, we have another great palette that offers some of the best color payout on the market. La Femme has so many shade options you could probably find a use for each, but for your starting makeup kit, we suggest the Exclusive Le Femme Blush Palette. The best part of this is that you can easily switch and swap with the brand’s huge selection of refills. Not every face needs shimmer and shine, which is why we recommend matte blush or bronzers. However, to keep your makeup artist kit versatile, always have some shimmer on standby. For this, we included Ofra’s Beverly Hills Highlighter. Just add over the top of your matte colors to create glow and radiance.   Eye Makeup Essentials Every Kit Needs When it comes to eyeshadow, a pro knows less is more. You DO NOT need every shade of shadow in your starting makeup kit. There will be times that a job calls for unique color options, but if you are working with professionals, you will be informed in advance. So, keep your kit streamlined and stick with the makeup essentials. One of our most adaptable palettes, Ben Nye Glam Shadow Palette includes 12 versatile shades. Enhance eyebrows, highlight brow bones, create the perfect smokey eye, or dip into Inglot Duraline to transform it into a cake liner. One-stop shopping! For a long-lasting smudge-proof liner in classic black, we’ve included the cult favorite Inglot AMC Eyeliner Gel. Finish off the eyes with Inglot Volume & Waterproof Mascara. Remember to use your disposable wands! Save space by stocking up on the straight wands and just bend as needed. Add extra “oomph” with some falsies. Ardell Lashes’ Demi-Wispies are another makeup artist kit favorite.   Makeup Artist Kit Lips Essentials Create the perfect pout with the combination of liners and a great lip palette. Graftobian Super Palette Lip Colors offers 16 long-lasting shades. Mix them together to up your color game. Use your RCMA No-Color Powder for binding, and top it off with shine using Graftobian SuperSeal Intense Shine Lip Gloss.   No Makeup Artist Kit is Complete Without Brushes & Tools Brushes are a hard one to narrow down, and every artist has their favorites. For the purpose of simplicity, we have chosen the Bdellium Tools Maestro Series Complete 12pc Brush Set. This synthetic brush set has a little something for everything and even includes a roll-up pouch.  Keep in mind, just because a brush is meant to be used for one purpose does not mean it cannot be used for many more. Find what works for you. Plus, the fewer brushes in your makeup artist kit, the less you have to clean after the job is done.  With that being said, do not forget some of the most important tools of all, your brush cleaners. If you are new to Camera Ready Cosmetics, then you may have not yet heard of Crazy Merman Brush Soap. With a few easy steps, it can pretty much clean anything out of your brushes (even that stubborn Inglot 77). We recommend unscented because you never know if a client is sensitive to smell. When it comes to the brushes that are doing double or even triple duty with no time to dry, make sure you have Cinema Secrets’ Brush Cleaner on hand for quick a switch.  Finally, to round out your starting makeup kit, don’t forget a mixing palette and spatula. This is the greatest way to stay sterile and also mix shades for more variety. Esum was nice enough to create a palette set that also includes a double-ended spatula. Thank you, Esum!   Setting Spray: The Final Touch to Your Makeup Artist Kit  Just like this blog, we are going to finish off the look with a great setting spray. Makeup artists differ between their favorites when it comes to setting sprays. For this kit, we are going to include Skindinavia Bridal Makeup Finish Spray. The award-winning formula perfectly balances skin for controlling excess moisture and leveling out temperatures, so your hard work stays fresh and flawless for up to 16 hours.   The Perfect Case for Your Kit Now, let’s put it all away. Bigger isn’t better. Remember that we kept this starting makeup kit streamlined. No need to dig for what you need with theLarge Zuca Stylist Case. It’s easy to keep everything in order with customizable cushion foam dividers, which act as a buffer to protect your kit. Cleaning is super easy.  Total Makeup Artist Kit Cost $922.81* Depending on where you are in your makeup artist career, $1,000 can seem like a lot of money, but just remember you are investing in your future. Now, go forward into your career with your head high because with this starting makeup kit, you shopped like a pro!