EDUCATION AT CAMERA READY

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!