EDUCATION AT CAMERA READY

The fine line between finishing powder and setting powder is frustratingly blurry. The industry now seems to market these products as one and the same, making the actual uses and benefits of each unclear. If you’re feeling confused and unsure of which powder is right for you, worry no more! We’re breaking down the differences between the two so you can feel more comfortable and educated before making a purchase. We’ve even linked to a few of the best setting and finishing powders that are perfect for any makeup bag or kit. Happy powder shopping, beauties!   What is Setting Powder? Designed to “set” or hold foundation in place, setting powders prevent base makeup from rubbing off and reduce shine for a long-lasting, flawless complexion. There are different types of setting powders that you can pick from depending on your needs, as well as options between translucent powder or slightly tinted to match your skin tone. Types of Setting Powders: Loose powder Pressed powder Translucent powder Tinted powder Choosing the best form of setting powder is purely a matter of preference. Pressed powders are semi-solid, easy to use, and great for taking on the go. Loose powders are finer in consistency and don’t transport well – they’re messy! But they do offer great lightweight coverage and work well for those prone to oily skin or who prefer wearing liquid foundations. Setting powder also serves as the perfect weapon against excess oil buildup - hello, mid-day touchups! For those in search of a more sheer look, apply setting powder in place of foundation for lightweight, natural coverage.  5 Best Setting Powders Our makeup artist community has voted, and these are the five best setting powders, according to them: RCMA - No Color Powder Ben Nye - Neutral Set Danessa Myricks Beauty - Evolution Powder Laura Mercier - Translucent Loose Setting Powder Mehron - UltraFine Setting Powder   RCMA’s No Color Powder: Loved amongst celebrities and makeup artists, this beauty favorite sets foundation without changing the color. The formula delivers a smooth translucent powder veil without adding unwanted texture or creating a "caked on" look. This setting powder keeps shine at bay and disappears completely for an invisible hold.  Ben Nye’s Neutral Set: This colorless powder formula blends with every skin tone without diminishing the complexion’s natural glow. Ben Nye's only non-translucent powder that contains a bright white pigment is good for very fair shades. This setting powder controls perspiration for high-energy performers. Danessa Myricks Beauty’s Evolution Powder: This setting powder provides a silky smooth, invisible finish. This light-diffusing, weightless, translucent powder can be used over and under foundation. The product mimics perfect skin with professionally tested, vegan, and cruelty free ingredients. It’s also available in four tinted shades to match fair to deep skin tones. Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder: This cult classic blends seamlessly, setting makeup in place for long lasting results.  It’s also incredibly lightweight and offers a flawless, 16 hour mattifying finish you can count on. Mehron’s UltraFine Setting Powder: Finish off your look with this finely processed, clump-free setting powder with a built-in antiperspirant. Specially designed to retain the smoothness of your makeup, the product comes in a user-friendly, convenient "shaker" container.   How is Finishing Powder Different from Setting Powder? As the name suggests, finishing powders are designed for use after a makeup look is complete. While this product is not recommended for daily use, it’s a great option when you’ll be in front of bright lights and cameras.  Most commonly sold in loose form, finishing powders blur fine lines, conceal pores, and leave a flawless, camera ready finish. Blend the product well to avoid a dry, cakey appearance and also to eliminate white flashback on camera. 3 Most Popular Finishing Powders These top three finishing powders have been vetted by the pros to help you select the best options for all your makeup needs: Ben Nye – Banana Powder Mehron – Celebre Pro HD Loose Mineral Finishing Powder RCMA – Over Powder   Ben Nye’s Banana Powder: This silky-fine, mattifying translucent powder delivers a hint of color without casting a white glare in your photos. Available in four luxurious tints, this finishing powder offers a beautiful shade for every skin tone. Mehron’s Celebré Pro HD Loose Mineral Finishing Powder: This Mehron product is a luxurious matte finishing powder that comes in three versatile shades to perfectly complement every skin tone. Made of transparent French delaminated talc, it keeps your colors bright and true. This ultra-fine powder is made with a multi-mineral complex to promote skin’s vigor and moisturization, keeping skin soft and hydrated. RCMA’s Over Powder: This lightweight finishing powder adds a soft sheen effect. These powders are gorgeous when layered over blush or any of the high points of the face and perfect for achieving an ethereal effect all over the body. Dust it onto collarbones, shoulders, cheekbones, and the cupid's bow for a subtle, light-catching highlight.  Now that we’re all squared up with the differences between setting powders and finishing powders, you’re ready to get to work creating flawless makeup looks and setting and finishing them like a pro. Which finishing and setting powders do you think are the best? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to tag us on Instagram in your completed looks.   About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by a professional makeup artist. With over 20 years serving the pro community, Camera Ready Cosmetics prioritizes quality and value with the artist in mind.  Our team of experts understands what makeup essentials an artist needs.  

"When I started my career as a makeup artist, Joe Blasco’s cosmetics line was a mainstay in most artists’ kits. Joe was well-known for his prestigious makeup schools, revolutionary formulations, and decades of Hollywood clout," recants Mary Erickson, founder of Camera Ready Cosmetics and professional makeup artist.  "I deemed his Ultrabase Foundation (and still do) to be one of the very best cream foundations on the market." Even today, the biggest names in film and television use this iconic product, including Kim Kardashian and Angelina Jolie. Enjoy our guide on how to apply cream foundation, which will have you applying like a pro. Why I love Joe Blasco’s Ultrabase Foundation This creamy, weatherproof, ultra-lightweight foundation is packed with pigment to effortlessly conceal stubborn hyperpigmentation, blemishes, and uneven skin tones without caking or looking heavy. A little goes a long way and will last throughout the day with just a slight dusting of translucent setting powder. The superior coverage of this product is unparalleled. With over 38 shades to choose from, it’s impossible not to find the perfect shade of makeup cream for your skin tone. How To Apply Cream Foundation The natural, clean, barely-there makeup look is today’s hottest trend. Most people believe you need a liquid foundation to achieve this “no makeup” look. That’s a myth. Cream foundations can provide excellent coverage from light to full. Read on to learn about the best way to apply cream foundations. How to Apply Cream Foundation for Light Coverage (To Even Skin Tone): Generously apply moisturizer. (Your face should be very moist before you apply the cream foundation.) Apply dots of Ultrabase Foundation cream on the face - one on each cheek, the forehead, and chin. Blend the cream foundation with a Kabuki brush in circular motions to achieve a beautiful, sheer glow. For areas needing more coverage, pat cream foundation into the skin with your fingertips. For areas that need less coverage, blend lightly with the Kabuki brush. Set a cream formula foundation with translucent setting powder for a matte look. Not a fan of the matte finish? Skip the powder. Ultrabase Cream Foundation does not have to be powdered because of its pigment-packed formula. How to Put on Foundation for Extra-Sheer Coverage: Put a dime-sized amount of moisturizer in the palm of your hand. Using a stainless steel makeup spatula and palette set, mix half of the moisturizer with a small amount of Ultrabase Cream Foundation. Apply the creamy formula with your fingers, a sponge, or brush.  How to Apply Cream Foundation for Full Coverage (To Conceal Imperfections): Apply moisturizer to your face and allow it to absorb into the skin for several minutes. Once your face is dry, apply Ultrabase Cream Foundation with a sponge or foundation brush. Blend well! __________________________________________________________________________ 3 Best Kabuki Brushes for Blending Cream Foundation   Sigma: 3DHD Kabuki, $25 Bdellium Tools: Slanted Kabuki #954, $20 Bdellium Tools: Precision Kabuki #957GT, $23 __________________________________________________________________________ PRO TIP #1: Blend the foundation onto your neck as far down as possible. Also, lightly apply leftover product from the brush onto your ears to ensure all exposed skin matches your face. Don’t forget the sides of your neck, the collarbone and chest, and the tops of your shoulders if they are visible.  PRO TIP #2: Before applying powder, lightly blot your face with a flat folded tissue to remove any excess sheen. This “blotting” helps to set and stabilize your foundation before applying a setting powder. Blotting also prevents powder from looking blotchy and creates a smooth, flawless complexion. PRO TIP #3: Never apply powder heavily. Only apply enough to produce a beautiful matte finish. If you can see the powder, you have applied too much. Lightly brush it off.  For extra sheer coverage:  Put a dime-sized amount of moisturizer in the palm of your hand. Using a stainless steel makeup spatula and palette set, mix half of the moisturizer with a small amount of Ultrabase Foundation. Apply with your fingers, a sponge or brush. For full coverage (to conceal imperfections): Apply moisturizer on your face, and allow it to absorb into the skin for several minutes. Once your face is dry, apply Ultrabase Foundation with a sponge or foundation brush. Blend well! How To Choose Your Joe Blasco Ultrabase Foundation Shade Find the color category of your skin tone at the top of the chart below. On the color match guide, you’ll see foundation cream color names listed below each color category. Every foundation color shown in the box will work well on your skin tone. When there are 3-4 cream foundation colors to choose from, they are all in the same “value” (lightest to darkest). All of the options listed in that category will work on your skin tone. It’s just a matter of experimentation and preference. If you're unsure, you may purchase samples.   After trying our suggestions for the bests way to apply cream foundation, tag us in your Joe Blasco Ultrabase Foundation looks on Instagram and Facebook. For more questions on how to apply cream foundation or recommended products, comment below or email to connect with a Customer Experience Specialist. About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. She dreamed of having a pro makeup showroom where artists could play with professional-grade products without the typical makeup store attitude. Today, our team of beauty industry veterans works together to curate the best quality products on the market. We partner with brands who respect the industry and formulate products for true working artists. You won’t find CRC in high-end malls, and we don't wear matching brush belts. If you want to play with products for a few hours and buy nothing, that's okay...come in and play! Our store is your playground.

Major cities are shutting down. Weddings and large events are cancelled. Businesses and corporations are adopting work-from-home policies. The worldwide outbreak of the Coronavirus has a majority of our population “self-quarantined,” meaning people are voluntarily avoiding crowds and staying home. But as a self-employed makeup artist, there is no such thing as working from home. And if you are still working, it’s impossible to distance yourself from a client. The job of a pro makeup artist requires you to stand in very close proximity to clients for long periods of time. Should you be doing this kind of work right now? Unfortunately, these circumstances are out of your control. Clients will inevitably choose to cancel events, weddings and productions. As an independent contractor, how do you offset the reality of cancelled engagements and no income? How The Coronavirus Outbreak Affects You Camera Ready Cosmetics founder and professional makeup artist, Mary Erickson, believes there are precautions and formalities all makeup artists should be following during these unprecedented times. “If a bride postpones her wedding because of the Coronavirus, I would allow a date change without penalty,” Mary said. “If I couldn’t accommodate the client’s new wedding date, I would refund her in full.” In these extreme circumstances, every makeup artist will have to make their own decisions about what is “the right thing to do.” In the wedding example, it’s important to remember the couple is also losing a lot of money. In most cases, they will need to order updated invitations, make changes (if possible) with every vendor - the wedding venue, bakery, florist, clergy, etc. “My suggestion is to exercise compassion and be flexible,” Mary said. What about the commercial client who has shut down a campaign shoot? This is temporary. Don’t panic. In 90 days, most shoots will be back on. “Almost everyone is losing money right now, and we’re all stressed over the uncertainty of where this situation is headed,” Mary said. “In reality these are postponements, not cancellations.” It’s also important to note this will not last forever, but your business reputation will. Remember to be flexible, accommodating and kind to each of your clients. They’ll remember the way you handled yourself professionally during these uncertain times. What to do with all this time spent at home? Prepare yourself to be very busy a month from now. Everything that has been canceled or postponed in the last few weeks will be back on. Mary suggests using this time for updating and creating new marketing materials and to spruce up your professional website. You can also use this time to organize your home office and/or continue your makeup artistry education by watching tutorials to master a new technique. But most importantly, use this time to sanitize your makeup kit. In general, sanitation practices should not be something you’re just starting now; you should always follow the basic rules of sanitization with every client. Keep in mind that with many viruses, people are contagious before they show symptoms. The only safe way to work, now and always, is to assume everyone has a contagious virus. A Few Top Sanitation Practices NEVER put lashes on a client if they have been worn by another person. You cannot sanitize eyelashes. Never double dip. Always use disposable sponges and mascara wands. Sanitize everything with 70% Isopropyl Alcohol. If you have EVER double dipped into a product, throw it away now to play it safe. Use disposable brushes if you can’t properly sanitize between clients. Carry hand sanitizer in your kit. Wash your hands with soap and water between clients. This is more effective than using hand sanitizer only. Never use lipstick from the tube on clients. Scrape a bit with your spatula onto a palette and use a brush or disposable lip brushes. For more in-depth cleaning tips, give these articles a read: Basic Rules of Sanitation for Every Makeup Artist Makeup Artist Sanitation Parian Spirit A powerful brush cleaner that doubles as a hand sanitizer. Mix with citrus oil for scent! Buy Now - $7 Cinema Secrets A makeup sanitizing spray that kills germs and bacteria on powders and creams. Buy Now - $9 Rebels & Outlaws A quick-dry, spray-on brush sanitizer for cleaning brushes between clients. Buy Now - $15 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. Mary Erickson Founder of Camera Ready Cosmetics & Professional Makeup Artist

Laura Mercier, pioneer of the “Flawless Face”, is a world-renowned makeup artist and creator of the eponymous cosmetics brand that has won countless awards and become a mainstay in makeup artists’ kits worldwide. Laura is the innovative force behind the beauty industry’s most iconic products, French aesthetic and artistry techniques. Founded in 1996, Laura’s vision was to encourage artists and consumers alike to embrace the beauty of individuality and adopt the four-part technique that made her famous. Prime for an ideal canvas, even out skin tone with foundation, camouflage with concealer, and set for perfection. Easy as 1, 2, 3 … 4! Keep reading for a detailed step-by-step of how Laura’s technique works. Step 1: PRIME Just as an artist primes a canvas, set the stage for smooth makeup application with a skin-nourishing primer. Look for ingredients that lock in moisture, without being overly greasy or oil-inducing. For oily skin types, look for formulations that control oil buildup. Allow the primer to set in place before applying the rest of your makeup look. Remember: this step does not exclude the eyes! Create an even base by applying a soothing eye primer like Laura’s Eye Basics Primer. This unique, versatile cream primes eyelids to provide the perfect canvas for any eye look. Wear under powder eye shadow to create a uniform base, help prevent creasing, extend color wear and enhance the intensity of eye shadow on the lids. Or wear alone to camouflage imperfections for a classic nude eye. Eye Basics Primer6 Shades -- $28 Get a flawless, no-makeup makeup look. Shades for all skin tones. Step 2: COVER Instead of using foundation as a means to cover the skin, train your brain to apply it as a skin enhancer. Even full-coverage formulas should be used only to even out discoloration. Your goal in applying foundation should be a natural finish that feels and looks like a second skin. Flawless Lumière RadiancePerfecting Foundation23 Shades -- $48 Flawless coverage, any way you like it. Shades for all skin tones. Flawless Fusion Ultra Longwear Foundation17 Shades -- $48 Step 3: CONCEAL For Laura, concealer is key. (And when Laura speaks, we listen!) Camouflage darkness, tone down redness, and conceal blemishes or other imperfections with a formula that is packed with powerful, lightweight coverage. The beauty of concealer is that you can easily build coverage as needed without overdoing it. Secret Camouflage8 Shades -- $35 Expertly conceal discoloration, blemishes & more! Secret Concealer11 Shades -- $27 Step 4: SET IN PLACE Once you’ve completed your flawless base, lock everything in place before finishing off the eyes and lips with whatever technique or style you desire! Choose a transparent setting powder that will add dimension and eliminate any flashback. Translucent Loose$39 Invisible Loose$39 Translucent Pressed$39 Bonus Tip If you’re looking for super light coverage, opt for a tinted moisturizer in place of foundation. The multi-tasking blend of skincare and makeup blurs imperfections with just a sheer tint of coverage and delivers a hydrated, no-makeup finish. For oily skin types, choose an oil-free formula or prep the skin with a mattifying primer. Tinted Moisturizer20 Shades -- $47 BEFORE & AFTER Learn More Shop these Laura Mercier flawless face essentials and more online and in-store at Camera Ready Cosmetics. Discounts apply for pro artist members. Which Laura Mercier products are your favorite? Let us know in the comments below! About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. She dreamed of having a pro makeup showroom where artists could play with professional products without the typical makeup store attitude. Today, our team of beauty industry veterans work together to curate the best quality products on the market. We partner with brands who respect the industry and formulate products for true working artists. You won’t find CRC in high-end malls, and we don't wear matching brush belts. If you want to play with products for a few hours and buy nothing, that's okay...come in and play! Our store is your playground. Mallory Hatten Beauty Editor / Camera Ready Cosmetics

This Halloween season, we’re teaming up with talented special effects makeup artists to bring you a series of exclusive SFX makeup tutorials. In our sixth release of the series, PRO artist Angie Lum creates a vibrant, luminescent butterfly face painting look featuring a collection of cult-favorite SFX makeup products from Camera Ready Cosmetics. Follow along as Angie walks you through the step-by-step butterfly face paint tutorial for this popular Halloween butterfly makeup look! Shop The Look Make Up For Ever12 Flash Color Palette$99 Cozzette BeautyInfinite Matte Shadow$12   Cozzette BeautyStylist Creme Liner$18 These are the products she used:  Ben Nye Final Seal Matte Sealer – Starting at $10 Ben Nye Lip Colour Pencil – Nude (LP127), $12 Ben Nye Lipstick – Cotton Candy (LS41), $16 Cozzette Stylist Creme Eyeliner – Jet Black, $18 Cozzette Infinite Matte Eyeshadow – In shades Gratitude, Jack, and Jet, $13 each Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentrate – Starting at $16 Eye Kandy Glitter Sprinkles – Marshmallow, $7.50  Kryolan Professional Make-Up Hydro Spirit Gum – Starting at $6.90 Make Up For Ever 12 Flash Color Case Palette – Flash (MO5210), $99 NYX Epic Ink Liner – Black, $9 Mehron Pencil Liner – Dark Brown, $3.95 Lashes in a Box – N°23, $8 NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil – Milk, $4.50 Total Cost: $249.85 Get the makeup butterfly look for less! Use a moisturizer, setting spray, nude lipstick, lipliner, and black eyeliner that you already have on hand for your butterfly face painting. Or opt for individual cream paints instead of the full Make Up For Ever Palette: La Femme Eye Shadow Pans Refills – In shades Icy Blue, Navy Blue, and Black, $4.50 each   Eye Kandy Glitter Sprinkles – Marshmallow, $7.50 Kryolan Professional Make-Up Hydro Spirit Gum – Starting at $6.90 Lashes in a Box – N°23, $8 NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil – Milk, $4.50 Mehron Paradise Cake Makeup AQ, Singles – In shades Sky, Dark Blue, and White, $5.95 each Total Cost: $58.25   Butterfly Tutorial: How to Create Your Makeup Butterfly Face Paint Design in 10 Easy Steps Step 1: Prep Step 2: Map out and fill in Step 3: Shade wings Step 4: Set and define Step 5: Outline and set Step 6: Line the eyes Step 7: Add detail to the wings Step 8: Outline in white Step 9: Get out the glitter Step 10: Lashes and lips   Step 1: Prep skin for butterfly face painting and cover up your brows. Angie preps her skin with the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrate and follows up with a full-coverage foundation base. Then she applies water-based the Kryolan Professional Make-Up Hydro Spirit Gum over her eyebrows to hold them down before applying white creme makeup to conceal them. Step 2: Map out and fill in your butterfly makeup design. Using a dark brown artist pencil, outline the shape of butterfly wings on both sides of the face. Create faint lines so you can easily cover up your tracing in the following steps. Fill in your outline with a light blue creme makeup. Step 3: Apply shading to the tops and bottoms of your butterfly face paint wing outline. Using a dark blue creme makeup, apply shading to the tops and bottoms of the makeup butterfly wings. Slowly fade the color in towards the inner parts of the face, almost like an ombre effect. Step 4: Set creme makeup in place with matte eyeshadows. Define shading. Lock the creme makeup in place using matte eyeshadows of the same color for easy butterfly eye makeup. You’ll be using two different shades to cover the different blue colors. As you’re setting the butterfly makeup, accentuate the shading inside the wing design by applying more of the eyeshadow color to the tops and bottoms. Step 5: Outline your butterfly makeup design & set in place. Apply a black creme or gel eyeliner to the outer border of the butterfly face paint design, creating thicker lines towards the top and bottom rounded edges of the wings. Once you’ve outlined the full design, go back over the outline with a matte black eyeshadow to set the lines in place. Step 6: Line your eyes! Using a black liquid eyeliner, line the upper and lower lash lines of your eyes. Create a winged outer corner for a dramatic butterfly makeup effect. Step 7: Create delicate detailing inside the makeup butterfly wings. Dip back into the creme eyeliner from the previous steps and create thin, delicate lines inside the wings. These are the veins of the butterfly wings. There is no right or wrong way to draw these lines but follows Angie’s butterfly face painting tutorial video above to see how she completed this step. Step 8: Outline the butterfly wings again, this time in white. Using a white creme pencil, outline the wings again for more definition. Do not go over the black outline; simply trace the outside edges of the black. Step 9: Apply glitter inside the butterfly wings. Time to get that iridescent, ethereal sparkle! Angie uses Eye Kandy Glitter Sprinkles in shade Marshmallow to create this effect. Apply all over the inside of the butterfly wings. Step 10: Complete the butterfly makeup look with false lashes and a nude lip! Finish your butterfly face painting with voluminous false lashes and a pretty, nude lip. Angie uses Ben Nye lip liner and lipstick for her classic lip look shown below. Her lashes of choice were Lashes in a Box style #23. Visit our YouTube channel for more step-by-step SFX tutorials. A special thank you to artist Angie Lum (@angielum) and Lei V Artist Agency for bringing this Butterfly Face Painting vision to life.   For More Like Our Butterfly Face Painting Guide, Check Out Our Other SFX Tutorials: Comic Book Pop Art by Kelly Tull CATS with a Twist by Andie Piazza The Nun by Janet Cake Glam-Gore Scary Witch by Rachel Quattlebaum Glam Halloween Clown Makeup by Kelly Tull Need something specific to create your SFX Halloween looks? Shop Camera Ready’s extensive collection of top special effects brands. Also, check out these Top 10 SFX products loved by PROs. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Contact our Customer Experience Team for a comparable alternative or to see if we can order the exact product you need.

As pro artists and wearers of makeup, we’re in daily contact with makeup brushes. The team at Camera Ready is frequently asked to identify the “golden rule” of how often, what method, and with what tools we wash and dry our makeup brushes.  For starters, there doesn’t seem to be one steadfast rule everyone follows. So we’ve narrowed down a simple, 3-step brush cleaning routine that takes minimal time and effort for maximum results – better makeup application, longer lasting brushes, and a more sanitary makeup kit. The Importance of Proper Brush Care Every swipe of a brush across the face leaves product (and possibly bacteria) on top of the skin. The longer you wait to clean your brushes, the more buildup of bacteria you allow, which leads to breakouts, irritation, and – in extreme cases – infection.  The vast array of brush soaps and cleansing tools on the market today leaves little excuse not to practice routine brush maintenance. As a general rule of thumb, every two weeks is the very least you should clean a personal brush collection. Once a week is ideal.  For use on clients, we suggest cleaning makeup brushes after each job, or at least once a week.  Crazy Merman Brush Soap"Guava Fig" Sigma BeautySigMagic Brushampoo Cinema SecretsPro Brush Cleaner Kit How To Wash Makeup Brushes In 3 Easy Steps   Protect your investment in makeup brushes with this simple, super-fast cleansing routine that will prolong the lifespan of your bristles: Step 1: Wet the makeup brush, and apply a sanitizing brush soap. For sensitive skin, choose a natural brush soap with skin-nourishing, organic or vegan ingredients. Step 2: Swirl your brush in circular motions on a cleansing mat until a foamy lather forms. Add more soap, as needed. Keep swirling until the soap is rinsed out completely and water runs clear. Step 3: Gently squeeze the brush with your hands to remove excess water, and hang brushes bristle-side down from a drying tower* for 6-8 hours or until fully dry. *If you don’t have access to a drying tower, use a hair-tie or rubber band to fasten brushes to a rack or bar to dry. Shop our collection of high-quality, pro-artist-approved brush cleaners, cleansing tools, and makeup brushes – online and in-store. Discounts apply for pro artist members. Which brush cleaning products and tools do you love? Comment below!      About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. She dreamed of having a pro makeup showroom where artists could play with professional products without the typical makeup store attitude. Today, our team of beauty industry veterans work together to curate the best quality products on the market. We partner with brands who respect the industry and formulate products for true working artists.  You won’t find CRC in high-end malls, and we don't wear matching brush belts. If you want to play with products for a few hours and buy nothing, that's okay ... come in and play! Our store is your playground.

As professional makeup artists, we know there are countless, often unpublicized, non-makeup products that support our work. Without these holy grail kit staples we couldn’t do our jobs. Well, we probably could…but it would be an added, unnecessary level of challenge. Since no two kits are alike, we asked YOU which non-makeup beauty essentials you relied on for flawless, effortless makeup application. From breath mints and phone chargers to fragrance sprays and can't-live-without tools, discover the non-makeup beauty essentials found inside every pro artist kit. BECCA Backlight Priming Filter Image: BECCA Cosmetics Scott Barnes Body Bling Image: Scott Barnes Embryolisse Miracle Cream  Image: Embryolisse SKIN PREP & SET Erica Ages, Georgia Makeup Artist “The BECCA Backlight Priming Filter is a staple in my kit because I can use it with a wide range of skin tones. It is great on skin by itself, but you can also use it under, mixed with, or on top of foundation to give a soft skin-like glow.” Gia McCloud, Dallas Makeup Artist “I have been using Ben Nye Final Seal for years on my clients, especially in the hot and humid summer weather. A few sprays will leave my applications locked in all day. This matte finishing spray also provides an awesome waterproof coat on eyeshadow looks, too!” Doris Torres-Collins, Florida Makeup Artist “Scott Barnes has been a staple in my pro kit for years, with his original launch years ago. Body Bling is my go-to when I work with models and fashion shows. Scott Barnes has been a friend, a mentor, and an inspiration, so it's great to have products I can use that are professional grade and red carpet ready!” Ana Sanchez-Burdette, Dallas Makeup Artist “Aside from actually training with Maurice Stein (the creator of Cinema Secrets), I love how smooth Cinema Secrets Primer makes foundation and/or correctors glide on. My applications are seamless and blend well. No “pooling” into the pores. It’s great for HD work.” Ruth M., Canadian Makeup Artist “I keep Danessa Myricks Beauty Oil in my kit because it makes everyone look like they have a flawless, glowing complexion, regardless of age or skin type. It absorbs and hydrates skin without an oily feel. It also mixes with foundation and moisturizer perfectly, particularly the Vision Cream Cover. The glow is natural, never overdone.” Samantha Navarro, Maryland Makeup Artist “Embryolisse Lait Crème is an absolute kit essential! Absorbs quickly, but provides a glowing, moisturized finish to the skin. Great for nearly all skin types and textures!” Kristen Bell & Dax Shepard wearing Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Eye Gels Image: Skyn Iceland Mehron Barrier Spray Image: Mehron Cosmetics Patchology Sheet Masks Image: Patchology Katelynn Stuckey, Southern California Makeup Artist “Mehron Barrier Spray never leaves my kit because it not only creates a water proof/sweat proof barrier, but also is such a versatile product. I sometimes will mix with pigment to create a budge proof look. Weather it’s bridal makeup or special effects, it’s a must have!” Laura Cotterill, United Kingdom Makeup Artist “Sheet masks are my go-to product for hydration in my makeup kit. I love using masks that contain vitamin C for the ultimate skin drink to boost energy and hydration. Masks help hydrate before makeup application, and teamed with eye sheets, everything just looks flawless!” Keisha Kerr, Canadian Makeup Artist “Skyn Iceland’s cooling eye patches [are a must-have], and they double as shadow shields.” Heather Hawkins, North Carolina Makeup Artist “Sunscreen is ALWAYS a staple in my kit. It not only gives protection to keep all the bad UVs away, but it also can act as a primer, a moisturizer and give a youthful glow - depending on the sunscreen. I love multi-purpose products! Saves space & weight when carrying a mobile salon!” Conture Hair Remover Image: Conture Paw Palette In Action Image: Dani Rivera MUA Temptu Air PRO Image: Temptu TOOLS TO INVEST IN Candice Ennis, Virginia Makeup Artist “Color theory is a necessary fundamental for any make-up artist. It’s an essential technique when understood, but can be a challenge to master. I always keep a color wheel in my kit for custom undertone foundation mixing and creative body art color designs.” Gayla Gastler, Chicago Makeup Artist “[I always have] a small battery-operated facial trimmer to remove facial fuzz.” Naomi Blakeslee, California Makeup Artist "I use BeautyBlenders for a few reasons: 1) A damp beauty blender gives me a flawless dewy finish. 2) They make it easier to reach awkward areas that many brushes can’t reach, like around the nose and around the eyes. 3) Many people believe BeautyBlenders are for application only, however, they work just as good for removing makeup!" Kirsty Smit-Wingfield, Virginia Makeup Artist “I love the Paw Palettes! They are so unique, keep my kit looking neat and my products clean.” Amber Preston, Ohio Makeup Artist “I’m OBSESSED with the Temptu Airbrush Compressor for so many reasons: 1) It’s lightweight & compact, saving room in my kit. 2) It’s cordless! You won’t always have an outlet in the space you’re working. 3) Long battery life! It’s quiet, but mighty spraying capabilities include three different speed settings. It truly is the best compressor I’ve ever tried, and I’ve gone through many in my career.” Julie Fischer, Philadelphia Makeup Artist “Vueset has become invaluable in my kit. They help condense my products, and I can easily see what I have with their space-saving, transparent design. Since starting to use Vueset cases, I feel I work more quickly and efficiently on the job. I use them for necessities such as lipsticks, false eyelashes, prep products, disposables and more!” The Smithfolio Brush Case Image: Smith Cosmetics The Makeup Light In Action Image: Hanna Claire Linder MUA Tuscany Pro Makeup Chair Image: Tuscany Pro Chairs EQUIPMENT ESSENTIALS Estrella Lopez, Miami Makeup Artist “[I prefer using a] brushfolio to keep my brushes organized and easily accessible.” Glynnis Garcia, Nashville Makeup Artist “The Makeup Light is the only light anyone needs for makeup. I weigh 95 lbs. Do you really seeing me lugging a hair kit, a makeup kit, AND a ring light?! Heck no. I can attach it on a mirror, curtains, the tripod, on a chair, anywhere! TML all the way.” Dana Hall, New York Makeup Artist “Many times I would go on location, and there wasn’t a chair high enough. I would have to bend over, squat, or put myself in very awkward positions to work on a client's face. Now, no matter where I go for a makeup job, my Tuscany Pro Makeup Chair comes with me. The attached strap allows me to carry it on my shoulder, and off I go!” Jessi Pagel, Texas Makeup Artist “The Zuca Sport Artist Rolling Kit is my absolute favorite for multiple reasons:  1) I can alternate from each job to have exactly what I need when I need it.  2) The organizational options are endless! 3) It travels with ease and is so portable! For celebrity makeup/hair jobs, I like the Zuca Artist Backpack. It has the ability to serve as a hair kit alone.  An additional bonus is that it fits right on top of the rolling Zuca or you can wear it as a backpack.” Jilladair Carlson, Missouri Makeup Artist “Everybody is going through something. Getting your makeup done whether for a film, commercial or wedding can be stressful for clients, which can make my job more difficult. When someone sits in my chair, they get a "Soul" package to soothe their soul.  My Soul Kits include: 1) Hershey Kisses (Who doesn't need a kiss?) 2) Lifesaver Mints (We all feel better with fresh breath.) 3) A tea bag  4) An instant latte packet 5) A protein bar 6) An empty paper cup (They can drop all of their woes.) It never fails to put a smile on my client’s face, which helps them relax so we can both enjoy the ride.” Crazy Merman Brush Soap  Image: Crazy Merman Sigma Beauty Eye Primers  Image: Sigma Beauty Inglot Duraline Image: Inglot Cosmetics MISCELLANEOUS MUST-HAVES Pam Jean, Kentucky Makeup Artist Aromatherapy: “As a makeup artist I began using essential oils to help me when working. They provide a sense of calm and focus that is crucial to provide my clients with an energetic, balanced, yet calm experience. Take your bride from frazzled to dazzled with a travel diffuser, roller baller, neck wrap for the therapeutic benefits to elevate their bridal beauty experience.” Camera Ready Cosmetics Brush Cleaner: Crazy Merman's handmade brush soaps begin with a cruelty-free, vegan base of natural ingredients and essential oils. Their fusion of coconut and olive oil removes makeup from natural and synthetic brushes, leaving them luxuriously soft, clean and conditioned. Because of their lack of harsh chemicals, Crazy Merman soaps are also perfect for cleaning beauty sponges and other tools. Eloise Reed, United Kingdom Makeup Artist A Diary: “[Helps me] know exactly when and where my next client will be, and I can easily see where I have free time to book new clients.” Cameron Carson, Virginia Makeup Artist Duraline by Inglot: “A must-have for mixing into eyeshadows! Duraline helps with smudging liner on clients with hooded lids who have trouble with excessive creasing. Delivers no-crease, all-day wear!” Glynn Renee Bryant, New York Makeup Artist Phone Charger: “I’ve been on jobs where no one has a phone charger, so I carry an industrial size USB charging box for up to six phones at a time. I also carry an all-natural bug repellent. Some makeup trailers I’ve worked in have mosquitos. Basically, I try to be a walking CVS.” Camera Ready Cosmetics Eyeshadow Primer: The Smashbox Photo Finish 24-hr Shadow Primer keeps shadow in place, not all over your face for 24 hours. It’s a fade-proof, sheer, colorless formula that intensifies color and finish to ensure your eye looks survive workouts, nights out and big days. Felicia Yvette, Maryland Makeup Artist Magnifying Glass: “Sam Fine or Lottie Tomlinson (one of them!) taught me to keep a magnifying glass [in my kit] so I can always see those tiny little details, especially for beauty work.” Tracy Saunders, Seattle Makeup Artist Nail Polish: “Always carry nail polish. I’m surprised at how many clients’ nails look terrible!” Janet Richardson, International Makeup Artist Spatulas: “I must have my Graftobian Spatula! I use it for so many things, especially to scrape foundation to prevent cross contamination.” Philip B. Jet Set Hairspray Image: Philip B. Botanicals Winky Lux Matcha Blotting PaperImage: Sigma Beauty Bioderma Micellar Water Image: Bioderma USA ADDITIONAL KIT FAVORITES See more of the most mentioned kit essentials every artist uses: 99% Rubbing Alcohol Baby Wipes Bandaids Basic Hair Styling Tools Battery-powered Fan Blotting Paper Bobby Pins Body Lotion Brow Blade Business Cards Cotton Pads Cough Drops Deodorant Disposable Tools Double-sided Tape Dr. PAWPAW Balm Dry Shampoo Empty Palettes Exfoliating Serum Eye Depuffer Eye Drops Extension Cord Facial Hair Trimmer Facial Roller First Aid Kit Gum or Mints Hair Clips Hairspray Hand Sanitizer Hand Towels Handheld Mirror Heated Eyelash Curler Individual Lashes Lash Glue Lash Scissors Lint Roller Lip Applicators Lip Balm Makeup Remover Wipes Makeup Sanitizer Mascara Disposables Micellar Water Nail File Palette Knives Palette Paper Paper Towels Protein Power Bars Q-tips Razor Rose Water Safety Pins Sewing Kit Sharpeners (small & large) Sponges Straws Sugar Lip Scrub Tampons Tissues Tylenol Tweezers BONUS PRO TIP Francia Cohen, Special Effects Makeup Artist “Always have a clean kit!! Clean brushes. Clean makeup. Clean tools. Clean hands. Clean everything!” Which non-makeup beauty favorites do you keep stocked in your kit? Comment below!  About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. She dreamed of having a pro makeup showroom where artists could play with professional products without the typical makeup store attitude. Today, our team of beauty industry veterans work together to curate the best quality products on the market. We partner with brands who respect the industry and formulate products for true working artists. You won’t find CRC in high-end malls, and we don't wear matching brush belts. If you want to play with products for a few hours and buy nothing, that's okay...come in and play! Our store is your playground.

As makeup artists, we appreciate the beauty, creativity, and artistry behind tattoos, but concealing tattoos? That’s an art all on its own!  Whether you’re covering tattoos for a bride’s big day or transforming a client’s body into a tattoo-less character for film, tv, or modeling – cover up makeup for tattoos takes time, lots of practice, and high-quality makeup.  We surveyed our network of makeup artists to discover the tried-and-true tattoo covering makeup products that get the job done. If you’re in the market for easy, flawless tattoo cover up makeup, these pro-approved products are the best place to start!   Top 9 Brands of Makeup for Covering Up Tattoos: Ben Nye Cinema Secrets Danessa Myricks Beauty European Body Art Joe Blasco Kryolan Professional Make-Up Mehron Reel Creations Skin Illustrator CONCEALING TATTOOS WITH BEN NYE Gary Parson, Kim Dawson Agency - Dallas, TX “[Once I've applied color for tattoo coverage,] I stipple from a Ben Nye Essential HD Matte Foundation Palette to mimic skin tone and texture. I also use a dab of matte powder or cream blush and/or bronzer to replicate the color of the skin in a more realistic way." TATTOO COVERING WITH CINEMA SECRETS Pauline Griffiths-Gough, Former MUA - Chester, United Kingdom “When I was still doing makeup, I only ever used Cinema Secrets Foundation for tattoo coverage. It also doubled as flawless coverage for the face. I had clients come in with bad acne, saying nothing had ever covered their problem areas like that foundation did.” DANESSA MYRICKS BEAUTY MAKES GREAT MAKEUP FOR TATTOOS Mary Erickson, Former MUA & Owner of Camera Ready Cosmetics “The Vision Cream Cover is an all-in-one foundation & concealer that covers everything, including hyperpigmentation, discoloration, and, yes, tattoos. It’s formulated with texture-minimizing properties to create perfect complexion on camera and HD film.” EUROPEAN BODY ART COVER UP MAKEUP Chris Milone, Christopher Milone Makeup - New York City “I use EBA Airbrush for most large tattoo coverage. I barely need to color correct first because it's so opaque. It leaves a matte finish and holds up well on a long day of shooting.” Mandy Danielle Benton, TV and Film Makeup Artist - Dallas, TX “To knock out the tattoo, first use the Coral Adjustor mixed with their skin tone from EBA Endura, then go over it with their skin tone color. Because of the highly pigmented, alcohol-based formula, Endura has just the right amount of skin-like sheen and won’t transfer. Plus, I love EBA's skin tone colors! For darker skin, you often just need to use the skin tone match without mixing an adjustor.” Elizabeth Rist, Elizabeth Rist Makeup Artistry - Dallas, TX “My go-to for skin-like coverage is EBA’s alcohol-based Endura Airbrush line. It offers great coverage and doesn’t fade or transfer.” JOE BLASCO MAKEUP FOR COVERING TATTOOS Mary Erickson, Former MUA & Owner of Camera Ready Cosmetics “The Blue Neutralizer is easy to use and works like magic to cover dark tattoos. The entire Joe Blasco Tattoo Cover collection features a variety of shades, each named after the pigmentation it corrects. They also double as high-pigment, concentrated concealers that hide rosacea, acne, and other skin conditions.” KRYOLAN PROFESSIONAL MAKE-UP FOR CONCEALING TATTOOS Doria Miyata-Murphy, Doria Murphy Makeup - Boston Massachusetts “My go-to in general is Kryolan Professional Make-Up’s Dermacolor Camouflage Creme. It offers enough coverage to completely camouflage a tattoo without compromising the final desired effect -- the appearance of real, healthy skin!” TATTOO COVERING WITH MEHRON Brandy Page, Brandy Page Makeup Artistry - Richmond, VA “I love the Tattoo Covering Wheel because of the array of colors you can mix and match to get the perfect skin tone for your client. The creamy, waterproof formula covers even the darkest tattoos, birthmarks, and skin discolorations. And because it doesn't budge, it's also amazing for weddings!” REEL CREATIONS COVER UP MAKEUP FOR TATTOOS Missy Nyberg, Forbidden Makeup “Over the years, I’ve relied on the Flesh Tone Palette for tattoo coverage. I love that Reel Creations has the best color match of flesh tones compared to any other product. It’s always in my set bag. I set the makeup with RCMA No Color Powder, then spray twice with Reel Creations Blue Aqua Sealer.” CONCEALING TATTOOS WITH SKIN ILLUSTRATOR BY PPI Trevor Thompson, Trevor Thompson Makeup - Louisville, KY “For quick, durable on-set tattoo coverage, I use the Skin Illustrator Flesh Tone Palette with a splatter brush to lay down a nice base color, and then I go in with several different adjuster tones from the Skin Illustrator Complexion Palette to break up the coverage and blend out the edges. These are my tried-and-true go-to’s because they're highly pigmented, last all day on-set, and look phenomenal on camera!” Kat DeJesus, Kat D Makeup - Denver, CO “I love the Skin Illustrator On Set FX Palette. I use it for color correction before applying airbrush on top. I also use it to fleck the skin for a natural finish afterward. Being able to work in sheer layers and not have to worry about it moving all day makes this palette ideal for anything on location or when it needs to be completely waterproof.” Elizabeth Rist, Elizabeth Rist Makeup Artistry - Dallas, TX “The On Set Flesh Tone Palette is one of my top products for tattoo coverage. It makes neutralizing easy while offering great cover. It won’t melt with body heat or transfer. Great for everything from bridal to film!” Shop these tattoo cover up makeup favorites and more online and in-store at Camera Ready Cosmetics. Discounts apply for pro artist members. Which professional-grade makeup products do you rely on for concealing tattoos? Let us know in the comments below! About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by makeup artist Mary Erickson. She dreamed of having a pro makeup showroom where artists could play with professional-grade products without the typical makeup store attitude. Today, our team of beauty industry veterans works together to curate the best quality products on the market. We partner with brands who respect the industry and formulate products for true working artists. You won’t find CRC in high-end malls, and we don't wear matching brush belts. If you want to play with products for a few hours and buy nothing, that's okay ... come in and play! Our store is your playground.

If you’ve fallen victim to procrastination and have no idea what character you’ll be for Halloween, Camera Ready is here to save the day with some great Halloween SFX makeup ideas! We’ve compiled 10 of the easiest, most affordable (all below $25) Halloween makeup looks you can pull off in a pinch. Shop these Halloween makeup looks below, and be sure to place orders before the shipping deadlines for guaranteed delivery. Happy Halloween! Top 10 Easy and Affordable Makeup Looks for Halloween: “Walking Dead” Zombie  Wicked Witch of the West Glam Skeleton Pop Art Character Cruella De Vil Wednesday Addams Creepy Doll Old Lady Bloody Tears Queen Maleficent   Makeup & Photo: @hellojuliagraf 1) “WALKING DEAD” ZOMBIE HALLOWEEN MAKEUP Look Cost: $23.49 You only need two products to create this popular zombie Halloween makeup look – a cream makeup color wheel and fake blood. We suggest the Narrative Cosmetics 6 Color Bruise Wheel and Ben Nye Dark Blood. The only other items you’ll need to complete this women’s or men’s Halloween makeup look are eyeliner and mascara, which you probably already have in your makeup bag. Using a makeup sponge, Beautyblender, or your fingers, follow this zombie Halloween makeup look video tutorial for detailed instructions on creating a convincing zombie.   Makeup & Photo: @namglam 2) EASY WICKED WITCH OF THE WEST MAKEUP LOOK FOR HALLOWEEN Cost: $24 Three products, plus a few staples already in your makeup bag, are all you need to create this iconic movie villain.  Start with Ben Nye Creme Color in Green and apply all over the face and neck. Use the same product in White to highlight the under eyes, forehead, and cheekbones, and use Black to contour and define the cheekbones. To finish the look, pull out your favorite smoky eye palette, eyeliner and mascara to define your eyes. Use eyeliner to create small black dots all over the face, and a highlight to accentuate the cheekbones if desired.    Makeup & Photo: @briannafoxmakeup 3) GLAM SKELETON HALLOWEEN MAKEUP LOOK Cost: $23.90 Skeletons are a go-to Halloween costume every year, but what about turning up the glam with this Halloween makeup look? Transform this classic, haunting look with voluminous hair and sultry smoky eye makeup for Halloween. With just three products for under $25 total, this easy makeup for Halloween will help you turn the expected into a head-turning creation. As a bonus, this SFX makeup idea is great as both a women’s or men’s Halloween makeup look. To start, you’ll need Ben Nye's Creme Colors in Black and White as well as La Femme Blush Rouge in shade Magenta. The first step in this look is to apply the base of your Halloween makeup as you normally would – moisturizer, concealer, foundation. Use the Ben Nye Creme Color in Black to draw your toothy grin and to outline sunken cheekbones. Mix with some of the Ben Nye Creme Color in White to fill and shade the sunken cheeks and to fill in the teeth you’ve outlined. Apply La Femme Magenta around the outer lines of the teeth and use a shadow brush to smudge and blend the color. Once you’ve completed those steps, use an eyeshadow palette you already own to create an overly dramatic smoky eye makeup for Halloween and finish with heavy black eyeliner and mascara (which you are sure to already own!). Get inspired with this step-by-step video tutorial, and create a Halloween makeup look that’s all your own.   Makeup & Photo: @trulymakeup_23 4) POP ART CHARACTER HALLOWEEN MAKEUP LOOK Cost: $23.50 As one of the most Googled Halloween makeup tutorials, this is the perfect last-minute, easy face makeup for Halloween that requires very minimal products.  Use a black Halloween eyeliner you already have to line the lips, cupid’s bow, bridge of the nose, and cheekbones. You can even draw tears or other design elements that you’ll later fill in. Apply the Ben Nye Creme Color in Yellow across the eyelid before emphasizing the lash lines with your favorite black liner – a go-to eye makeup for Halloween. Go across the lower lash line with the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk for a more dramatic eye makeup Halloween look, and then apply several coats of any black mascara. Use the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk to apply small dots all over the face. Finish this amazing makeup for Halloween with a bright red lipstick, like Ben Nye's Classic Lip Color in True Red. Pop art Halloween makeup is all about creativity, so ditch the tutorial this time around and express yourself however you choose!   Makeup & Photo: @nicoleguerriero 5) CRUELLA DE VIL MAKEUP LOOK FOR HALLOWEEN Cost: $25 She’s over the top. She’s evil. She’s Cruella De Vil – the woman all Disney fans love to hate. The beauty of this Halloween makeup look is that you only need a few additional products than you already have to create this character: Ben Nye Sparklers Loose Glitter in Opal Ice and Ben Nye Character Wheel in Red White & Black.  We love this Halloween makeup for Cruella De Vil tutorial because it shows two different options: glam Cruella and zombie Cruella. Take away a few SFX makeup ideas and pointers and put your own twist on this iconic Disney villain. Note: You can rock this makeup for Cruella De Vil without a costume, but you’ll probably want a wig to finish off the final Halloween makeup look. You can find one at most Halloween costume stores.   Makeup & Photo: @makeupbymaritsa   6) WEDNESDAY ADDAMS MAKEUP LOOK FOR HALLOWEEN Cost: $23.85 “The Addams Family” captivated TV audiences in the 1960s before making its feature film debut in 1991. And even after all this time, the family’s fan base hasn’t wavered. Known for her signature pigtail braids and ghostly pale face, Wednesday Addams is a popular Halloween costume every year. All you really need to recreate this Halloween makeup look is a contour palette, a great pinky-nude lip color, like NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in shade Stockholm, and, for a perfect Wednesday Addams Halloween eyeshadow look, La Femme Pressed Eyeshadow in White. You’ll also want black hair paint if you don’t already have dark hair. We recommend Mehron Liquid Makeup for Face, Body, and Hair. There are tons of online Wednesday Addams Halloween makeup look tutorials you can watch, but the goal here is to create a very pale face with defined cheekbones and intense smoky eye makeup for Halloween. The black braided pigtails really make the look, so don’t forget that key element!   Makeup & Photo: @madokeki 7) CREEPY DOLL HALLOWEEN MAKEUP LOOK Cost: $22.76 Nothing is more terrifying than the haunting face of a possessed doll in a horror film. Turn yourself into the object of nightmares in just a few quick steps with this easy face makeup for Halloween idea. For this creepy doll Halloween makeup look, apply your base makeup as you normally would, then use an eyeshadow palette of your choice to create an overly exaggerated, smoky eye makeup for Halloween. Apply NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk along the lower lash line, making sure to draw the Halloween eyeliner out below the lash line to make the eyes appear larger. Use any black eyeliner to draw a fake lash line below the white you just applied. Finish the Halloween eye makeup with falsies - we love Ardell Studio Effects Wispies. Draw vertical Halloween eyeliner lines in black from the corners of the mouth to the bottom of the chin, and then apply fake freckles around the nose and inner cheek area. Finish the lips with Jason Wu Beauty Honey Fluff Lip Cream in Perfect Bloom or another hot pink lip color. The final step in this creepy doll Halloween makeup look is to create the appearance of really rosy, circular cheeks. Jason Wu Beauty's Honey Fluff Lip Cream is perfect because double as blush for the perfect doll look. And there you go! Creepy doll makeup for Halloween that’s sure to spook. You could even use this SFX makeup idea to create your own matching men’s Halloween makeup look for a creepy couple costume.  Makeup & Photo: @elojodelasgrayas 8) OLD LADY MAKEUP LOOK FOR HALLOWEEN Cost: $22 With this easy makeup look for Halloween, you can create the older version of yourself with just three products: Ben Nye Liquid Latex, Ben Nye Liquid Hair Color in Silver Grey, and Ben Nye Creme Character Base in Old Character. To get started on this Halloween makeup, apply your foundation and concealer normally. Use a light brown eyeshadow to line the lower lash line and inner corner of the eye. Then apply liquid latex in places where you want the skin to have a wrinkly, sagging texture. You may have to use a popsicle stick or SFX spatula to move the latex around as it dries to create the exact old lady Halloween makeup look you want. Create age spots around the face with Ben Nye's Character Base in Old Character. Then finish the makeup with a bright red lipstick. To complete your Halloween makeup look, apply Ben Nye Liquid Hair Color in Silver Grey. Create a funny couples costume when you apply these SFX makeup ideas to your partner for a geriatric men’s Halloween makeup style he’ll be dying to try.   Makeup & Photo: @hailiebarber 9) BLOODY TEARS HALLOWEEN EYE MAKEUP Cost: $26.50  This is probably the easiest Halloween makeup look to create. You only need one product: Kryolan Professional Make-Up Eye Blood in Red. Apply a full face of makeup however you desire. For a killer Halloween eyeshadow look, we love a sultry smoky eye. Complement the eyes with a dark lip color to turn up the drama. Finish the Halloween eye makeup with the Kryolan Eye Blood. You’ll want to apply it around the lower lash line and allow it to drip down your face while drying. For a men’s Halloween makeup look with bloody tears, you can turn up the glam or skip the full face and opt for just the Eye Blood. This easy makeup look for Halloween is so simple that no tutorials are needed! Makeup & Photo: @promisetamang 10) QUEEN MALEFICENT HALLOWEEN MAKEUP LOOK Cost: $18.50 This infamous Disney villain is one of the most Googled Halloween makeup tutorial. We did a step-by-step makeup tutorial for this simple Halloween makeup look. Check it out! We used more than $25 worth of products for that specific tutorial, but you can achieve similar makeup for Halloween with just a great red lipstick like Ben Nye's Classic Lip Color in True Red and a sultry green eyeshadow like Ben Nye Eyeshadow Refill in Shamrock.   Don’t forget to tag us in your Halloween makeup creations on Instagram using the hashtag #CRCsfxmakeup. For more Halloween makeup looks or SFX makeup ideas like these, visit our blog! About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by pro makeup artist Mary Erickson. An industry veteran for more than 30 years, Mary knows quality and value and understands what an artist needs. 

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

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

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!

White-sand beaches. Salty sea air. Frozen cocktails. Hello, Summer! It’s time to strut your inner goddess along the stretches of a tropical oasis. But before jet-setting off to paradise, be sure to pack your bags with all of the essentials for a natural beach makeup look. The key to a low-maintenance, long-lasting look is to keep it light, keep it bright and embrace the bronze. Follow our tips below for a simple, fuss-free makeup routine that’s perfect for a sunny beach getaway. Always Start With Sunscreen Regardless of skin color or tanning ability, you risk a plethora of negative consequences for failing to protect your skin from the sun. Before applying even one drop of makeup, coat your body (face and neck, too) in a high-SPF sunscreen. Allow a minimum of 20 minutes for the product to soak in before makeup application. Powder sunscreens are ideal for reapplication later in the day, as they won’t mess up your final makeup look. You may also consider a sunscreen-based primer to prep the skin, like the By Terry SPF50 Invisible Primer. This cream-gel formula is perfect for daily protection, leaves behind a velvet finish and provides long-lasting makeup hold. Avoid Cream Foundations It should go without saying that thick, cream-based foundations won’t stand a chance against heat and humidity. Powder foundations tend to perform better in these scenarios, but likely won’t last if you’re planning to enter the water. Stick to light, sheer, waterproof products that absorb into the skin. Our favorite is the Make Up For Ever Water Blend Foundation. Going foundation-free is the best option, but if you’re worried about lack of full coverage, mix a small amount of foundation into your sunscreen before applying. For blemishes or dark spots, a small dab of concealer, topped with a pressed-powder, should do the trick. Opt For Waterproof Eye Products Well, duh! You can’t go to the beach without waterproof eyeliner or mascara. We’re obsessed with Stila’s Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner, which seriously will not budge no matter how much water-based fun you endure. As for mascara, look for flake-free options, like Inglot’s Volume & Waterproof Mascara. The clump-free, smudge-proof formula adds volume and lasts all day, even after getting wet and re-drying. We prefer to skip eyeshadow altogether - because, well, it’s more natural - but if you’d like a little something on your lids, apply a touch of illuminating powder to the inner corners of the eye and under the brow bone. Ofra’s Glazed Donut Highlighter is a great option. Illuminate and Bronze Speaking of illumination… Amp up your glow early in the day with an illuminating cream above the cheekbones, across the forehead, on the chin and along the bridge of your nose. Don’t worry about waterproof formulas. The sun will give you a natural, sun-kissed glow as the day goes on. While bronzers aren’t necessary for a natural beach makeup look (reference previous sentence), choosing a matte bronzer is best for those beach babes who can’t live without it. Choose a sheer, multi-dimensional color like the ones in BECCA’s Gradient Sunlit collection. Shop The Look Now that you’re equipped with all the beach-makeup-expertise you’ll need, it’s time to stock up on the essentials mentioned above. 1) By Terry SPF50 Invisible Sunscreen Primer 2) Make Up For Ever Water Blend Foundation 3) Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner 4) Inglot Volume & Waterproof Mascara 5) Ofra Glazed Donut Highlighter 6) BECCA Gradient Sunlit Bronzer Tag us on Instagram and Facebook showcasing your natural beach makeup looks, and use the hashtag #crcmakeup for a chance to get reposted! 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!

Choosing the perfect bridesmaid makeup look for a bridal party is tough. Countless factors determine the final look: the wedding theme, the venue, the dress, the time of day … the list goes on. Follow these classic, go-to tips to make your wedding day seamless and stress-free. (And to ensure you and your bridesmaids make it down the aisle on time and looking fabulous!) 3 Main Focus Areas for Bridesmaid Makeup Looks: Face Eyes Lips Bridesmaid Makeup FOR THE FACE Prime, prime, prime! Before you apply any makeup to the face, be sure to use a mattifying primer to reduce shine and ensure the foundation stays put through hour-long photo sessions (and the ceremony, of course!) There are countless primers to choose from, but one of our favorites is the Bioderma Sebium Control for those with an oily complexion.This quick absorbing, moisturizing lotion smoothes, mattifies and provides instant, deep down results for naturally beautiful skin that stays matte all day and night. For those with a more mature complexion, Mehron Skin Prep Pro prolongs weartime while providing lasting hydration to plump up the skin for a hydrated and fresh appearance. Once you’re primed and ready to continue the bridesmaid makeup look, choose a lightweight, full-coverage foundation that will translate well on camera. We recommend TEMPTU’s Perfect Canvas Hydra Lock Airbrush Foundation, which comes in 20+ shades, does not transfer, and lasts all day. The semi-matte finish leaves a natural-looking appearance.  If you don’t have the airbrush applicator, we recommend TEMPTU Air, which weighs less than one pound and is easy to pack in your kit. BRIDESMAID EYE MAKEUP A classic smokey eye is the most common wedding bridesmaid makeup look because it’s easy to achieve and customizable depending on the colors you want to incorporate. To start this bridesmaid makeup look, you’ll want to apply a light silver or gold eyeshadow across the lid.. Choose an option with a little shimmer to enhance the bridesmaid eye makeup. We love using Viseart Sultry Muse because it offers a wide range of tones perfect for a wide range of complexions and eye colors. Next, you’ll want to apply a dark or jewel tone matte shade to the crease of your eyelid. Concentrate on the outer corner of the eye and blend upward toward the brow bone. Depending on the color you’re after, La Femme offers a variety of affordable shades perfect for a smokey eye. Finish the bridesmaid eye makeup with a light neutral color across the brow bone, like Kitten by Stila. If you’re looking for an eye palette that has all the colors you need in one for the best bridesmaid eye makeup looks, the Viseart Grande PRO 1X Palette offers all the shades you need to create looks ranging from soft glam and natural to deep and smokey.  BRIDESMAID MAKEUP FOR THE LIPS A neutral lip is a perfect way to balance out a smokey bridesmaid eye makeup. Choose a lip creme for added shine without the messy look that gloss can create. We’re loving lip palettes like Ben Nye’s All for One  or Danessa Myricks Beauty Luxe Cream Palettes in Nudist and The Feminist. Each palette boasts a wealth of shades that can be mixed and matched to create the perfect lip shade.  If you’re going for a bolder look, the Besame Red Lipstick is a true classic. Modeled after the iconic red lip made famous in the 1920s, this bright and vibrant lipstick leaves a full-coverage, semi-matte finish with just one coat. 30-MINUTE BRIDESMAID MAKEUP WORKSHOP This event has passed, but be sure to sign up for our text messages and emails to be notified of future classes, events, and sales! With bridal parties getting bigger and bigger, the key for any bridal makeup artist is maximizing efficiency to save time. Camera Ready Live has teamed up with pro makeup artist Erin Blair to showcase tips and tricks that will elevate your bridal makeup career. Learn how to simplify your makeup kit and speed up your process to execute a beautiful bridesmaid makeup look in just 30 minutes or less. After the demo, you'll get a chance to test out the new tricks you've learned during the hands-on segment of this workshop. Be sure to bring your kit so you can practice with the tools you're most familiar with! ABOUT PRO MAKEUP ARTIST ERIN BLAIR Erin Blair Gobin has been one of Dallas-Fort Worth’s leading bridal makeup artists for almost 15 years. She is the owner of Erin Blair Makeup & Hair Design, which handles approximately 150 weddings each year. Erin Blair is a member of the Knot: Best of Weddings Hall of Fame and a five-time nominee of the AACWP Vendi Award for best wedding hair and makeup in Dallas-Fort Worth. 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!

  Once you've identified the Drag character you want to be, it's time to make sure she lives and breathes in the world outside. That means you’re going to have to piece her together.When it comes to Drag, there are a lot of "pieces." To start off, find a pair of good heels that you can walk in. Nude, open-toe, strappy shoes are best for those of you with big feet. They extend the length of the leg with no discerning finish to the foot. A closed-toe high heel with tons of rhinestones only says, “look at my gigantic feet!” Walking in your new shoes can be a whole other story. I happened to discover I was born to be on a runway, but I’ve seen some Queens who look like newborn colts. That's never a good look. I recommend shoes that do not have too large of a platform, as it can be quite a balancing act. Just find a pair at least 4-inches off the ground. (And make sure they match your purse!) Speaking of purses, you will need a sizable bag that can fit all of your makeup. Remember this rule: It is better to don a beautiful handbag with no label than to try passing off a fake designer bag in front of a room full of homosexual experts. Your Coco Chanel bag may as well be a set of handcuffs if it’s not the real thing. However, if you are a Comedy queen, then flaunt whatever knockoff bag you choose! Regardless of the handbag you buy, the important thing to remember is to find a bag large enough to fit all of your last-minute accouterments. (I can’t count how many times I’ve left the house absolutely flawless, only to discover once I was at a show that one of my eyelashes had lifted or my lipstick was smudged.) In any case, be prepared! In your handbag be sure to bring lash glue, a touch-up lipstick or gloss, foundation powder, eyeliner, and black eyeshadow. Why black eyeshadow? Because you'll need to enhance your smokey eye even more once you realize there’s a man with a lot of money in the room ready to pay for drinks. Forgive me, I  digress... Next on the list: your outfit! Drag queens, just like women, come in all shapes and sizes, but it is rare for a boy to be built for women's clothing. If you are buying from a store, go one or two sizes up and have it taken in for the perfect fit. Otherwise, find a seamstress, and pay to tailor-fit your fashion. The biggest rule of Drag fashion is to never look like you are stuffed into an outfit. Too many Queens make this mistake and end up looking like a Christmas ham that is strung and ready for the oven. Your Drag clothes should accentuate your figure effortlessly and beautifully. If you're a bigger Queen, you can still wear fashion fabulously. Look at Whitney Paige, for example. She was a plus-sized entertainer and Drag performer who always looked svelte in everything she wore! Regardless of your size, unless you weigh 90 pounds, you probably need a girdle. And a strong one at that! Remember undergarments are supposed to be worn UNDER your clothing. Choose a flowy outfit with a bold print, sparkle or bright colors to camouflage your undergarments well.  To pull your look together, you'll also need a wig. Choose a high-quality synthetic wig that can withstand heat for styling. That’s right, you'll need to learn how to style your wig! Don't just pull the wig out of a box and slap it on your head. You'll end up looking like a member of the witness protection program. Caring for and styling a wig probably requires a blog article of its own. But the key rule to wig styling is this: let your hair frame the face. It's best to style a wig while it's on your head and with your makeup already applied so you can see what suits you best.  This brings me to my final part of your Drag shopping list: makeup! You will definitely need a lot of that! Of course, I highly recommend shopping at Camera Ready Cosmetics for all your cross-dressing necessities. Not only will you be camera-ready, but you'll be stage-ready as well! For foundation, choose a full coverage formula like Kryolan, which is the standard in Drag makeup. Kryolan foundations eliminate texture and discoloration, leaving your skin with a smooth and silky finish that is sure to deceive anyone into thinking you're a fierce female. (Which you are!) For a finishing powder, I always use Cody powder from the drugstore. Set your foundation with this powder, and you'll notice how soft and flawless your skin can look. You will need a good set of eyeshadows, as well. Ben Nye or La Femme are high-quality, affordable options. Then accentuate your smokey eye with a black eyeliner. Inglot 77 is blacker than Satan‘s heart, and it has stolen mine for being the best eyeliner in the business. Finish your eye look with dramatic false lashes, like the ones from Lash Pop. When it comes to lipstick, find one that you don’t mind wasting around the glass rim of a cocktail. Expensive isn’t always best. That same statement applies to brushes. You'll need makeup brushes to apply a variety of different products, and BH Cosmetics makes affordable brush sets that can’t be beaten. Now that you have an idea of how to get started, it's time to create a look that's all your own. Remember, darlings, once you've completed your look for the first time, it's always worth asking for a second or third opinion from people who have good fashion and makeup taste. That means NOT to ask your best friend. It's her job to be nice to you. Ask a successful Drag Queen who you admire. (Afterall, she just may become your Drag Mother. Don't know what I'm talking about? Read Part 1 of my blog series here.) Or, you can always ask me: Dallas Sheraton. I may not be your mama, but I’ll always tell you the truth. 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!

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.    

We don’t know about you, but Ru Paul’s Drag Race has us feeling inspired lately. The false lashes. The vibrant colors. The flawless foundations. (And let’s not forget the glitter!) It’s almost too glam to handle. But for those of us who prefer our makeup a little less extravagant, there are ways to create drag-inspired looks that work for date night, dinner with the girls or events requiring a little flair. We headed to our warehouse to search for (and test) the best dramatic makeup products, in hopes of putting together a perfectly curated list of go-to products when the mood for glam strikes. We’re happy to report that we did just that! Keep reading for a detailed breakdown of the 7 must-have products for achieving a dramatic makeup look. 1) Ardell Lashes Whether you’re looking for added volume or extra length, Ardell has a lash to meet your needs. But since we’re talking drama here, we’ll focus on two of the brand’s bestsellers - the Double Up line and their magnetic lashes. The Double Up line includes eight different lash variations, each with twice the amount of lashes than a normal falsie for a fuller, thicker look. Each lash is knotted and feathered by hand to ensure long-lasting wear and premium quality.   Ardell’s Double Wispie magnetic lash line is perfect for those trying to avoid messy self-adhesives. These reusable lashes are pre-curved and easy to apply for quick volume, length and definition. And just like the Double Up line, they include double the amount of lashes for added drama. Shop Ardell Double Up 201 Lashes Double Up 202 Lashes Double Wispie Magnetic Lashes 2) Lash Pop Lashes This up-and-coming lash brand has taken over social media and quickly become a favorite amongst Instagram influencers and beauty lovers. The vegan, cruelty-free brand creates ultra-glam falsies that will make your inner diva come alive. We can’t get enough of their three bestselling styles: Pink Fire (three-dimensional volume), Send Nudes (long, thick, spiky and winged) and Red Rari (silky, long and wispy). Lash Pop carries a variety of other styles, including more natural options for everyday wear, and each pair of lashes is delivered in an adorable lollipop-esque case. Shop Lash Pop Pink Fire Lashes Send Nudes Lashes Red Rari Lashes 3) Lemonhead Spacepaste What’s a dramatic face without a little glitter? Lemonhead’s Spacepaste is a full coverage, mess-free glitter paste designed for use on the face and body. The unique formula is easily manipulated to achieve the level of shine desired, and when you’re ready to de-glitter simply wipe away with water. The Spacepaste dries quickly and stays in place all day. Not to mention, it smells fabulous. Each jar is infused with essential oils. Use as a highlighter, eyeshadow or allover body glow. Shop Lemonhead Spacepaste 4) Perfect Poutz Silky Lip Creme Glamourous. Bold. Richly pigmented. These silky, liquid-matte lip cremes are stunning and made to turn heads. The metallic shine to each of the five shades is eye-catching, yet subtle. Colors range from burgundy to bright red to nude. The formula is long-wearing, does not feather, and offers a liquid-wet to dry-matte finish without depleting moisture. For best results, allow 15 seconds for the product to settle after application. Shop Perfect Poutz Metallic Matte Silky Lip Creme 5) Ben Nye Lumiere Grand Eyeshadow The highly-pigmented shades in the Lumiere Grand line are shimmery, vibrant and perfect for a dramatic look. With 22 available color options, these bold eyeshadows provide a shimmery, pearlescent finish to intensify your eyes. Apply them wet or dry to enhance the opacity. The formula is smudge-proof and water-resistant when sealed with the Ben Nye Final Seal Matte Sealer. Shadows are sold individually to fit any of Ben Nye’s Metal Palette Boxes, or you can purchase a Lumiere Grande Palette with 12 pre-selected shades. Shop Ben Nye Lumiere Grand Color 6) Ben Nye Precision Eye Liner New from Ben Nye, the Precision Eye Liner gives you full control of your look with an easy-to-use felt tip. Available in five shades, the formula is pigmented and smooth for a look as dramatic as you make it. An added bonus, this liner is water-resistant and features a contoured handle for easier gripping. Shop Ben Nye Precision Eye Liner 7) Joe Blasco Ultrabase Foundation Loved by pro makeup artists and touted by Kim Kardashian as a must-have “old-school” foundation, the Joe Blasco Ultrabase is a staple in makeup bags worldwide. This creamy, weatherproof and ultra-lightweight foundation is packed with color to conceal stubborn blemishes and uneven skin tones. With this product, a little bit goes a long way for maximum coverage. Choose from 38 shades to find your perfect match. Shop Joe Blasco Ultrabase Foundation Are you ready to get GLAM?! Shop our site and build your own collection of go-to products for a dramatic makeup look About Camera Ready Cosmetic 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!

Written by: Mary Erickson, CRC Founder and Professional MUA   Mary Erickson is NOT a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Please contact a CPA before making any tax decisions or for detailed questions regarding filing taxes. The information below is not intended as a guide for filing your taxes. ___________________________________________________ When it comes to filing taxes as a makeup artist, I hear the following statements from my freelance friends all the time: “I’ve never been audited. I don't make enough money to be noticed.”  “I’m a small fry. The IRS doesn’t care about me.” And, most common: “I keep all of my receipts so I’m good.” All three of those statements are false. If you've never been audited, congratulations. You managed to get lucky. Did you know working as a freelancer or making lower income is one reason you may be audited? The IRS doesn’t exclusively audit the wealthy. With the COVID-19 pandemic taking a toll on our economy and personal finances, the federal government has extended the tax filing deadline to July 15 without putting you at risk of interest or penalties. The typical tax deadline is April 15, so take a moment to celebrate and breathe a sigh of relief.  If you owe money to the IRS, this extension gives you until the July 15 deadline to make a payment. So even if you file today, you won't say goodbye to that money until whichever scheduled date you choose up to July 15. This extension automatically applies to all taxpayers; there is nothing special you need to do. File as you normally would. ___________________________________________________ NOTE: This extension only applies to federal income taxes. State income tax varies by state. While most states have matched the federal government's tax deadline of July 15, others have created their own guidelines. Visit your state or local government website to learn more about alternative state tax filing guidelines that may apply to you. ___________________________________________________ How To File Taxes As A Freelance Makeup Artist Maybe you've never filed taxes as a freelance makeup artist, or maybe you have but never seem to quite understand what you're doing. Follow my list of DO's and DON'TS to protect yourself from an IRS audit and ensure you're getting the maximum return or minimum amount owed.  DON’T lie to the IRS! This is the #1 most important thing you’ll read all day. Real cases go like this: You’re a freelance makeup artist, but you only dabble in it while living with your friend/roommate. You claim $20,000 in income for the year from various freelance jobs because that’s what appears on your 1099 forms. You claim $15,000 in expenses with gas, office supplies, phone, etc. So you will owe taxes on only $5,000 in income for the year. Now enter the IRS. Your rent is $600 per month. Your car payment is $200 a month. Your expenses (not including food, utilities, etc.) are $800 a month. Are you ready for this question from the IRS:  “How did you pay rent and car payments on $5,000 for the year?” This is not the time to make up falsehoods about loans family gave you or money you found in the garage. That won’t work. The IRS employs intelligent people who have seen and heard everything. When it comes to tax dodging, you are not smarter than the IRS. Maybe you can tell them you made it babysitting? That would mean you failed to report income to the IRS, which would be a crime in the USA. If you like your own bed, and steel bars don’t appeal to you, do not lie to the IRS.   DO keep a mileage log and gas receipts. (The real receipts, not just a bank statement.) In the event of an audit, this will make your case a much stronger one. Mileage is something they almost always look at in an audit, so don’t fudge this. It’s not worth the few dollars you may save. Document every address you go to, if claiming it as travel. There are numerous free apps for this that can help you. DON’T say to yourself “I’ll worry about an audit if/when the time comes.” That time will probably come one day, and you need to be prepared. Self-employed individuals are a target and for good reason. It’s easier to lie about pay and expenses when you’re self-employed.  DO hire a CPA to handle your taxes. I know this is expensive, but the few hundred dollars you will spend every year can save you thousands of dollars in an audit and a lot of valuable time. The fines for an error, even a small one, will pay the CPA fees for years. You can use Quicken and TurboTax or other tax software, which is cheaper, but research every expense you’re taking. Don't assume anything. DON'T take cash from anyone and assume there isn’t a paper trail. An audit of your client who paid in cash for your services can lead to you as the source of his/her expenses. Also, a bank deposit of cash can lead to questions as to where you got the cash. I know it’s none of their business, but sometimes they make it their business.  DO claim dinner out with clients as an expense. Put the name of the client on the receipt. If you are wining and dining for business, you should get the write-off. If you’re questioned about it, you may be asked for that client’s information. DON'T write-off makeup you buy for your personal use. Keep receipts so you can show the IRS that you do buy makeup for yourself, and you don’t write it off. DO write-off every penny of makeup that you purchase for your kit. It’s all a tax write-off. Makeup for your kit is a legitimate business expense for an artist. DON'T try to write-off clothing, jewelry, hair stylists, plastic surgery or Botox. I know you must look good as a makeup artist, but the IRS won’t buy these expenses. I know, it sucks.  DO write-off your home office, but only if there is NOTHING else that you do in that room. There are two options for filing home office deductions. 1) Simplified Option This option allows a standard deduction of $5 per square foot of home used exclusively for business. If using this formula, you may not calculate more than 300 square feet of space, and the maximum deduction is capped at $1,500. To learn more, read the IRS rules here. 2) Regular Method This option requires you to calculate the actual expenses of your home office. These expenses may include mortgage interest, insurance, utilities, repairs and depreciation. Deductions for a home office are based on the percentage of your home devoted to business use. So, if you use a whole room or part of a room for conducting business, you need to figure out the percentage of your home devoted to your business activities. Your room can’t double as a guest room and an office. Take the measurements of the room, and calculate its percentage of your home's total square footage. This will be necessary to write-off utilities and rent for that space. Example: If your 10x10 office is 100 sq. ft. and your home is 1000 sq. ft., you can write-off 10% of your rent and utilities. DON'T use your personal account for business. Your business should be a separate bank account. All expenses should go through that account, and all income should be placed into that account. DO start doing this now if you have not been doing this in the past. The sooner you start doing the appropriate things the better off you will be when you are audited. DON'T decide not to file taxes. This is a huge mistake! If you don’t file, the IRS will calculate what you owe. In my best Liam Neeson voice: “They will find you, and you will pay.” The first time you get a job that requires your social security number, they will send a notice to your employer demanding a wage garnishment for past due taxes. I have seen this happen with 3 of my past makeup assistants who failed to claim the income I paid them. They will hunt you down forever, and the amount you owe will grow with fines. Think about 5 or 10 years down the line when you go to buy a house. They pull up your SSN only to find a tax lien for past due taxes. A few thousand in past due taxes can turn into $20,000 with penalties and fines very quickly. Please make sure to pass along these tips to a makeup artist you know. 

Makeup & text by Jamie Fawn Whether you’re creating a makeup zombie face for a Halloween costume, SFX character look, or just for fun, this helpful guide is sure to come in handy as you work on all the details. From bruise makeup and knife wounds to fake blood and more, your realistic zombie makeup look is sure to spook! Read on to learn the five steps for how to do your own makeup for zombie look like a pro.   5 Steps for Creating a Zombie Face with Makeup: Step 1: Clean, prep, and prime Step 2: Apply base color, bruises, and sunken eyes Step 3: Add wounds and blood Step 4: Contour and add details Step 5: Create dry, cracked lips   STEP 1 Makeup For Zombie Step 1: Clean, Prep, and Prime the Face A fresh, clean, primed face is essential to creating a long-lasting zombie face makeup look. For cleansing, we like to use Bioderma Sensibio H2O, especially on set. Since it's rinse free, there's no need for water. This will clean and remove any makeup from the face and eyes. Simply soak a cotton round and wipe away makeup.   Next, apply a thin layer of Embryolisse Emulsion Hydra-Mat moisturizer and give it a few minutes to soak in completely. Then, using the Bdellium Tools’ Maestro 947 Small Foundation Brush, apply Mehron Skin Prep Pro to the face. Skin Prep Pro will help your zombie face last longer as it protects your work from heat and moisture, like sweat and humidity. Wait 5 minutes for this to dry before you apply your makeup for zombie.   Makeup for Zombie Step 2: Apply Base Color and Add Bruise Makeup and Sunken Eyes Effect   Some bruise makeup and sunken eyes on a pale base are just what you need to create that gruesome zombie face. For foundation, use RCMA KJB Complexion Palette and mix a small amount of white with the lighter colors to make your zombie face look very pale. Apply it with the Bdellium Tools 948 Foundation Brush. Add bruise makeup to the neck, collarbone, and eye areas to simulate the effects of having been attacked. To complete the look, add bruise makeup to the parts of the skin that are peeking out of the T-shirt. To create this bruise effect, use the Mehron Pro Color Ring - Bruise, focusing on the colors: Maize Yellow, Spanish Olive, Burnt Maroon, and Bloody Rose. You’ll also want to include the brightest purple from the Ben Nye FX Color Wheel.     Apply the bruise makeup with a Graftobian Stipple Sponge for a more natural look, and blend out the edges with the Sigma E28 Detail Buffer Brush. When making makeup bruises, you'll want to determine the stage of injury your character is in and match the age of the bruise to it. In this makeup for zombie look, you will see the stages of bruise makeup coloring, beginning with a bright red fresh bruise to an older bruise with a more faded yellow. To create the sunken eyes, use the Ben Nye Professional FX Wheel in Death Pro Effects, specifically using the grey, brown, muted yellow, and green colors. Add the brown into the crease of the eye for a sunken look. Then, add greys for an aged, dehydrated look. Add greys, greens, and yellows underneath the eyes in a random pattern. Apply with the MYKITCO Shade and Shadow Brush. Makeup for Zombie Step 3: Add Knife Wounds and Blood Fake knife wounds and fake blood really up the terror ante and drive the SFX zombie makeup look home. To create knife wounds for your zombie face look, use 3rd Degree Silicone Modeling Compound in Light flesh tone.   It is extremely important not to cross-contaminate any modeling compound from jar A with jar B. This will cause the product to set and be unusable. Mix products on a separate surface. Try using the Graftobian metal palette and metal spatula. Mix the two components with a 1:1 ratio creating enough product to make a small slash wound. You will have about 10 minutes to play with the product. After mixing, transfer the product directly onto the skin and create the desired shape of your fake cut for your zombie face. Use a cotton swab dipped into TEMPTU Pro Alcohol 99 to smooth out the edges so that it is seamless.     Once the product has set, use Skin Illustrator’s Zombie Palette and PPI’s Skin Illustrator Slow Activator. In the deepest parts of the fake wound, you will apply the Black from the Zombie Palette to add depth. Because this makeup for zombie look is slightly aged, we added the color Aged Blood along the rest of the inside of the wound and then around the edges with the Ben Nye FDB-6 Petite Filbert Brush.     Next, add Mehron Coagulated Blood Gel with a brush to the fake slash, allowing it to drip down for an oozing effect. We also used the Coagulated Blood Gel to smear on our zombie's shirt. To give the larger or deeper wounds a more agitated look, add Ben Nye Thick Blood into the deepest areas of the neck, chest, and cheek wounds using a metal spatula to scoop out and place in wounds.   Makeup for Zombie Step 4: Add Details Around Knife Wounds and Add Contouring Add contouring to the zombie face to give a more sunken appearance. To achieve this, use the grey and taupe-toned eye shadows from the Ben Nye Glam Palette at the hollow of the cheeks, the temples, the bridge of the nose, sockets of the eyes, and jaw line. Use the Bdellium Tools’ 556GT Slanted Precision Kabuki brush and 940GT Face Blending brush to contour the large and small areas of the face.     Add some purple under the eye from the Ben Nye Professional FX Wheel to create more makeup bruises. Next, add details around the fake wounds to give the effects of infection, puss, or bruising using the same color wheels to make the bruising. Apply the details using the Mehron Color Wheel with the Ben Nye Petite Filbert brush.       Makeup for Zombie Step 5: Add Drying Cracked Effects to the Lips To finish the zombie face, add Ben Nye’s Grime FX Powder in Ash to the lips for a dehydrated cracked look, using the Cozzette Infinite Power Blending Brush. Complete your makeup for zombie look by applying a fake scab to the lips with a small piece of the Ben Nye Thick Blood paste using a metal spatula.   With these simple steps, you can apply your makeup for zombie look like a pro. When you’ve finished your SFX makeup work, don’t forget to tag us on Instagram to show off your frightening character creation!   The Products We Used to Create This Makeup for Zombie Look:   Bioderma Sensibio H2O Embryolisse Emulsion Hydra-Mat Bdellium Tools’ Maestro 947 Small Foundation Brush Mehron Skin Prep Pro RCMA KJB Complexion Palette Bdellium Tools 948 Foundation Brush Mehron Pro Color Ring - Bruise

When starting a career in makeup, one of the first opportunities to take advantage of is an assisting position. Whether you live in a small area or a large metroplex, reaching out to a respected artist and inquiring about assisting is a great way to get noticed in the makeup community. Here are five best practices to keep in mind when assisting a makeup artist. 1. Become your key’s best hand. An assistant ’s job is to do whatever it takes to make the key makeup artist look good. Help with whatever he or she needs, watch to see if your key has everything in line. Forecast what the artist could need before he or she even asks. 2. Never show up late to a job. As a rule of thumb show up 20 minutes early to every job. This way, if there is trouble on the way, you will still be on time. This is the least you can do to show that you are invested in the job and is a sign of respect towards your hiring makeup artist and to the production team you’ll be working with. 3. Don’t overstep your boundaries. Never hand out your card, or make buddies with the art director or production staff. Doing so will undoubtedly ensure that you will not work with the artist who hired you again. It’s understandable to look for future work, however, it would serve you well to make sure to network on your own time. it’s best not to try and take an opportunity from someone who was nice enough to get work for you. 4. Ensure you are being productive There is always something that needs to be done. If you’re not directed to do anything, it is your job to busy yourself and find something to do. If you are sitting relaxing while the key makeup artist is working there is a problem. Unless the key artist asked you to take a break you should be working as hard as he or she is, if not harder. 5. Invest in a kit Have all the supplies you need to work on your own. If you are lacking supplies you will always be an assist; no one will want to refer you for a job if you do not have the supplies. A photographer would never show up without her camera. Ensure you’re taken seriously if you have not invested in your career at least this much.   For more advice on business practices and finding work, portfolio development, products, and techniques, check out themakeupartist.com. Join Facebook Group Makeup Artist Chat: Hosted by Pro Makeup Artists. Learn, grow, share and network.