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.