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May Staff Top Picks

May Staff Top Picks

At Camera Ready, we take pride in offering the best products in the industry and have incredibly high standards for the makeup, tools, skincare, and hair care we have within our own collections. That's why we are sharing our top picks to get Camera Ready! Enjoy learning more about our May Top Picks! Chelsie's Top Picks I've always had a chronically dry scalp, which only seems to get worse during the summer (especially since a past bleaching fail). I've struggled to find a clarifying shampoo that doesn't completely dry out my hair or irritate my scalp. I decided to try Philip B Peppermint Avocado Shampoo based on a recommendation, and immediately I was in love! The Peppermint Oil allows for a cooling, yet soothing sensation, and the 16 plant extracts (the more, the better) and Avocado Oil help to hydrate and nourish my scalp and hair! Plus, the minty scent is a great way to feel energized for the day! As someone who constantly keeps a multitude of different lip balms within arm's reach, I've finally found the one that I'm going to stick to using regularly. The Dose of Colors Lip Reveal Lip Balm is very rich in moisture, however, not sticky at all, and gives you a great all-day shine! It is as emollient as a lip mask, but packed into a convenient tube! I take this with me everywhere and even have one dedicated to my nightstand. The "Peach" color is also amazing for daily wear as it is a nice subtle tint of color! Maria's Top Picks I have very porous, color-treated hair, so I have a hard time finding a good scrub that can remove buildup without stripping the color. The FEKKAI Apple Cider Detox Scrub is exactly what I've been looking for. It has Rice Exfoliant Extract that helps to gently remove the extra oil and buildup that weighs down my hair and leaves it feeling clean and hydrated. My hair always seems more voluminous and shinier after using it, and I find I can even go longer without washing my hair when I use it. I lived in Florida for five years, and while I did use sunscreen, I did also enjoy a bit of that golden glow during the warmer months thanks to beach picnics, paddleboarding, and all of those other fun #saltlife activities. I'm paying for it now (my skincare routine has changed completely - more vitamin C, retinol, higher SPF), but I do miss being tan. That's why I rely on St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse. I stock up on the biggest bottle possible and use it once a week to maintain the level of tan I want. It develops very quickly, and when I use my Applicator Mitt, it's almost foolproof because it has enough of a tint to tell where you've applied it (in other words, goodbye obvious self-tanning streaks!). It's such a gorgeous true-to-life tan shade on my lighter complexion! I've caught my husband eyeing the bottle before because he is even shocked at how well this product works. I've tried at least 10 different brands before (including super expensive ones), and I always come back to this one! Holly's Top Picks As summer approaches, I love using the Loving Tan Deluxe Bronzing Mousse to give myself a glow! I have tried many self tanners and I always find myself going back to this one. It gives an even finish and does not come off patchy like most tanners I have tried. I started using Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser almost two months ago and have seen a difference in my skin. It does not leave it feeling tight and stripped of its natural oils. I am excited to continue using this cleanser during the summer months! Calvin's Top Picks If we aren't here to solve problems? Then who can you turn to when you're looking for a new eyeliner? I have two reasons why you should check out the all-new, Aqua Resist Color Ink. 1. Summer is coming and who has time for eye shadow? But we still have to slay poolside right! Simply grab your aqua resist ink in any one of the fantastic colors and give your lashline a pop. It will look like a shadow without the effort and 2. It's waterproof!!! Throw on waterproof mascara and you have a slay-all-day, summer glam. ( No brushes needed ) Want that stunning brightening under trend, but bright pink just isn't your thing? I love the Rose Petal Luxury Powder from Ben Nye. It definitely brightens, sets under the eyes, and diffuses discoloration. It's a lot more realistic and wearable due to its skin-like, tone shade of pink. Go ahead and blend out the concealer until it has relaxed to the skin. Take your favorite foundation/press powder with a puff and seal in the concealer. ( Press-N-Roll the puff ) Then take a large, fluffy, shadow, blender brush with the Rose Petal powder and place it in the inner and outer corners of the undereye. ( Don't be shy with the amount ) Let it sit for 3-5 minutes, then dust away with the same brush. Hello Bright Eyes!!!!PRO TIP: Place your brightening concealer in the inner and outer corners of your under eyes. ( Also any areas where puffiness seems to cause a shadow or dip ) Liz's Top Picks I have very fine color-treated hair that gets weighed down really easily, so I look for products that are lightweight and provide multiple benefits in one easy step so I keep my hair feeling as light and bouncy as possible. As soon as I read all the benefits of the Clean Styler Priming Mist, I had to give it a shot. It's gluten free, which is a must for me, and it's a clean formula that protects, repairs, and detangles. Plus, it smells incredible! I started with the travel size to test it out but need to upgrade to the full bottle asap. True + Luscious Sheer Halo Velvet Matte Oil Control Pressed Powder has been my secret for touching up my makeup. The talc-free formula is ideal for evening out skin tone and is a must for any artist's kit. My makeup stays locked in, and this powder doesn't pick up any of the texture on my skin. Morgan's Top Picks When I first heard about Superfruit Facial Cream, it sounded so good that I had to try it, and let me tell you, it's magical. This moisturizer is so creamy that it makes me want to take a bath in it. It absorbs well but doesn't disappear throughout the day. It leaves my skin feeling soft but not oily. The Hyaluronic Acid hydrates my skin while AHAs gently tone. It's definitely worth a try! The warmer weather and outside activities are here (sort of). I can't wait to challenge myself this Summer with bold and fun eye makeup! The SUVA Beauty UV Taffies Hydra Liner FX Palette is perfect for just that. The water-activated liners make it easy to apply the long-wearing, vibrant colors. Jessica's Top Picks As a self-proclaimed vampire living in sunny South Florida, I mix the Luxe Tan Tonic Drops in with my moisturizer to give the illusion that my skin does see the light of day. (It works, everyone thinks I spend my days at the beach instead of cooped up indoors!) Your tan is fully customizable; the more drops you apply the deeper your glow will be, making them perfect year round. Skin cancer runs on both sides of my family, so I take no chances yet remain a bronzed beauty. Stage Proof Matte Setting Spray is a MUST HAVE if you too were blessed with being born a "Natural Sweaty Betty". My makeup would be down to my knees in about 4.2 seconds after stepping out my front door on those humid days if it wasn’t for the Stage Proof Matte Setting Spray! Morgan's Top Picks My spring is filled with weddings, I went to three in April alone! The days of makeup sliding down my face while sitting in the sun are long in the past with Danessa Myricks Beauty Dewy Forever Mist. From outdoor ceremonies, to getting hot and sweaty on the dance floor my makeup does not move from the moment I set my face. Danessa Myricks uses key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and cucumber extract to hydrate and soothes skin. I've been loving this setting spray and don't see it leaving my rotation any time soon. My makeup doesn't look its best without FACE atelier Ultra Foundation PRO. From the moment I tried it, this foundation has become my only foundation. I love how skinlike the finish is, and it is so lightweight on my skin that I forget it's there. I have very dry skin and adding powder can leave me looking cakey. The FACE atelier Ultra Foundation PRO sets without a powder so my skin can breathe and the dewy finish leaves me glowing all night! Feeling Inspired? Ready to experience the products we can't get enough of? Click here to start exploring or top picks or click below to discover more great products. To learn more about our top picks from 2021, click here. Want to create your perfect makeup, hair care, or skincare routine? Our team of Beauty Advisors are here to help! Click here to send them a message! EXPLORE HAIR CARE EXPLORE SKINCARE EXPLORE SKINCARE TOOLS 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. 
Staff Top Picks
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PRO Tips: Make Every Day A Good Hair Day with Fekkai

PRO Tips: Make Every Day A Good Hair Day with Fekkai

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

Introducing Fekkai: Top 5 Reasons to Try Fekkai & Top 5 Picks for PROs

It's no secret all of us here at Camera Ready Cosmetics are thrilled to offer you clean, sustainable, and salon-performance hair care products from Fekkai, but we wanted to take it one step further to educate you as to why we love the products and share more about the brand! We sat down with Frederic Fekkai himself to explain more about the brand, the carefully chosen ingredients that provide high-performance for pros and beauty lovers alike, and to share his top five picks for professionals to add to their routine. About the Brand CRC: Tell us more about your journey - from being a professional hairstylist to deciding to create your own brand! FREDERIC FEKKAI: As a professional hairstylist, I know first-hand the importance of having the right products that consistently deliver high performance. I formulated my first product, Technician Color Care Shampoo, after being behind the bowl and watching hair color being washed down the drain. I thought, this is crazy that there is nothing that can remove the dye without stripping the color. This is how I entered the laboratory as a formulator. Other collections then followed, Brilliant Gloss and Full Blown Volume, to provide solutions to hair concerns and enhance the natural beauty of each woman’s hair. The FEKKAI brand created the luxury hair category and was sold to P&G in 2008. In 2018, I purchased my brand back and started over, now as a clean haircare entrepreneur. Today, each product has been formulated to make the stylists life easier and showcase their craft while incorporating clean ingredients and cutting edge science. Technician Color Care today, provides even more color fade protection and vibrancy boost while creating a rich, foaming lather with a sulfate free formula powered by Keraguard™ and Mirabelle Plum Seed oil. Clean Stylers Straight Balm is a revolutionary blowout balm that also bonds, seals split ends and reduces dry time by 30% with Phytenso™, a botanical relaxer. Plus, it has 450 degree heat protection and 24-hr frizz control. I formulate with the concerns of all hair types and styling needs in mind. All of the new products in development are what I call a triple threat- they deliver superior performance in 3 different categories. About the Ingredients CRC: Now, more than ever, clients are paying attention to the ingredients in their products. Tell us more about the ingredients you choose to formulate with and their benefits. FREDERIC FEKKAI: All of our formulas exceed the clean beauty standards today and as far as 2024. Many of the key ingredients in our plant powered formulas have long histories in ayurvedic and natural science for their extraordinary reparative and/or nourishing benefits. We also use Eco certified and sustainably harvested natural ingredients whenever possible. Our French cold pressed Olive Oil is rich in squalene, Vitamin E, and antioxidants. Shea Butter and Apple Cider Vinegar are ingredients that I experienced growing up in France and integrated into my formulations due to their high levels of efficacy, nourishment, and visible benefits. Camargue Rice Proteins and Edelweiss Extracts are infused into all our formulas to defend against damage, pollution and oxidative stress. Once we identify the key botanical extracts, we then look to cutting edge clean science to take the formulations to the next level of performance. Instead of sulfates, we use a plant based coconut surfactant called Iselux that produces a rich thick lather without any stripping. Instead of heavy silicones (cyclic) that dull and build up on hair, we elect to use vegan silicone alternatives such as olive oil esters and jojoba or PEG-12 dimethicone. Phytenso™, is an excellent natural alternative to chemical relaxers, Keraguard™ is powered by Sunflower Extract and is a potent shield to keep color vibrant and prevent fading. Zeolite TM comes from volcanic ash and not only absorbs excess sebum but also neutralizes odor. Defenscalp TM is a plant based active that regulates the ecosystem of the scalp and controls sebum production. Phytessence™ is a plant based complex that defends hair follicles from oxidative stress, premature aging and slowdown in growth. These are just a few examples in our existing lineup- much more to come!   Top 5 Fekkai Products for Pros From superior ingredients to formulas created by award-winning Fekkai himself, it's easy to see why we're excited to offer his products to you! However, we wanted to give you a quick and easy way to see why we know you'll love his clean, sustainable, and scientifically-based lineup. Fekkai's Top 5 Product Picks for Professionals Full Blown Volume Texturizer Spray- Instantly refreshes the hair with oil and odor absorbing Zeolite, while building volume and adding texture. Spray through the layers of the hair, from roots to end, to build invisible cushions of texture. Great as final touch to bouncy blowout, as a curl helper as the copolymers in it help fine hair retain styling or as an up-do helper to add more texture and grip to the hair. Root Lift- contrary to what many people believe, hair actually grows flat, laying down. Root Lift is a must have to boost the hair at the roots. What makes Root Lift so different from other root lifting products is that it is non-sticky, invisible, humidity resistant and doubles the volume at the root while also being non-irritating and having an active in it called Defenscalp™ that controls sebum production and preserves the ecosystem of the scalp. As more and more women and men are experiencing thinning hair, Root Lift will visibly change their look in 1 use while also repairing thin/ fine strands with vegan bonding proteins. Heat protection up to 450 degrees. Straight Balm- The cleanest and most versatile blowout balm on the market. Cuts down dry time by 30% and easily creates Liquid Hair look with high shine and 24-hour Frizz-Control. 450 degree heat protection, bonds with vegan proteins, straightens with Phytenso™ ( a natural relaxer) and seals split ends with Glycerin. Panthenol (Vit B5) & Biotin strengthen and moisturize the hair. Apply to damp hair pre-blowout, pressing hair through the palms to ensure even application. Stylists can use a small dab to instantly smooth and eliminate fly aways/static. In a pinch, can be scrunched into curls to banish frizz and add healthy shine. Shea Butter Oil- quench dry hair, revive color and soften unruly hair. Instantly eliminates static and adds shine. Also can be used to hydrate dry skin. Ultra clean formula plays well with others and can be used as a moisture booster. 10% pure Shea Butter, sustainably sourced from Africa, blended with Monoi Flower Oil for rich hydration and nourishment. Brilliant Gloss Multi-tasker- weightless finishing crème adds 4x shine and gloss. Can be used to define curls, banish frizz, as a blowout or finishing balm. Perfect for piecing and defining bangs. Add a pea size amount, starting at the ends and work upwards. Perfect addition to high ponytails or braids for weightless control and smoothing.   Top 5 Reasons to Try Fekkai From superior scientifically-based ingredients to formulas created by award-winning Fekkai himself, it's easy to see why we're excited to offer his products to you! However, we wanted to give you a quick and easy way to see why we know you'll love his clean, sustainable, and scientifically-based lineup. Our Top 5 Reasons You Will Love Fekkai Hair Care Products High Performance Salon Grade- Made by a Professional Stylist for Stylists   Clean, Vegan, and Sustainable Formulas Hybrid Products with multiple benefits Stress Tested by Professionals Cutting Edge, real science-based solutions for hair concerns Feeling Inspired? We hope you've enjoyed learning more about Fekkai products straight from the master hairstylist himself, and if you need more help or a personalized recommendation, we are here to help. Click here to contact a Beauty Advisor! About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. She dreamed of having a pro makeup showroom where artists could play with professional products without the typical makeup store attitude. Today, our team of beauty industry veterans work together to curate the best quality products on the market. We partner with brands who respect the industry and formulate products for true working artists. You won’t find CRC in high-end malls, and we don't wear matching brush belts. If you want to play with products for a few hours and buy nothing, that's okay ... come in and play! Our store is your playground. 
Hair Care, PRO Tips, Trending
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PRO Tips: Terri Tomlinson Explains Why Pink Powder Has Been Trending on TikTok

PRO Tips: Terri Tomlinson Explains Why Pink Powder Has Been Trending on TikTok

If you're a beauty lover and have spent time watching makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts on TikTok, you likely saw plenty of demonstrations showing people using pink-toned powders to brighten their faces. In particular, Ben Nye Pretty Pink Powder received a few features thanks to the great value from the price to the larger amount of powder you receive compared to other trending brands. If you watched the videos, you know exactly what we're talking about, and the results are incredible, right? This technique is one that professional makeup artists have been using for years, so we asked professional makeup artist and educator Terri Tomlison to break down why this pastel-hued powder works! How Does Ben Nye Pretty Pink Powder "Brighten" the Complexion Makeup artists know that every product in their kit has to serve a purpose. In fact, if it's not high-performance, they won't have it in their beauty arsenal because it can be a workout carrying around their kits to different venues for events, photoshoots, and on set. Using tones like this pale pink are based on color theory. A tool many makeup artists use is the Terri Tomlinson Flesh Tone Color Wheel, and when you look at it, you can see that the shade pink is opposite the yellow/green section of the wheel. This means it can neutralize greenish or yellow tones in the skin, and the white base (since pink is a white mixed with red) means it will lighten and brighten. Yellow, olive, and greenish-toned skin can look flat on camera. However, the pale pink makes the complexion look livelier and brighter! Ben Nye Pretty Pink Powder is a pro favorite because it's lightweight, finely milled, and it creates a natural to a slightly satin finish that smooths over fine lines and imperfections. Where Should You Apply a Pink Powder to Brighten Your Complexion, and Which Skin Tones Will It Work Best For? Using a pink powder can create a rosy glow, and it can be absolutely beautiful depending on the look you are going for! For more mature skin or those with a lighter complexion, applying it as a finishing powder can create a healthy rosy glow and make their complexions appear healthier. This technique can work for almost all skin tones, but pink powder works best to neutralize and soften features for those with a warmer undertone. The pink will slightly counteract the warmer tones (since it's not completely opposite on the color wheel, it won't neutralize it altogether), and this creates a healthy soft effect. However, since it has a lighter, paler base, and is quite sheer, the pale pink powder can still create a brightening effect across different complexions. The Best Places to Apply a Pink Powder In a C-shape around the orbital bone to brighten and create a lifting effect to enhance the eyes Around the perimeter of the face and down across the jawline to make the face appear fuller Adding a very light dusting as a finishing powder to add a slight rosy glow What Powder Should You Use to Bake and Set the Under Eye Area? Applying the principles of color theory, you can start to see why the pink powder won't necessarily help hide dark circles under the eyes. For many people, dark circles include blue and purple tones. Since pink is a shade of red, it would actually mix with the blue or purple tones to create another shade of purple. Since the pale pink is lighter, it can create a highlighting effect, but to truly conceal a dark circle, you want to find a color that will counteract the blue and purple. To neutralize them, look at the colors opposite blue and purple on the Terri Tomlinson Flesh Tone Color Wheel. It isn't pink. In fact, you will see orange across from blue, and yellow is across from purple. That means those tones are best for neutralizing dark circles! Now you can see why makeup artists often carry a palette that has primary tones like blue, yellow, and red adjusters so they can custom mix a shade that works best for their clients.   If you want a powder to brighten the under eye area, it's best to find a shade that is similar to your skin tone but lighter. For those with a warmer skin tone, that shade is a light yellow. A popular powder for this is Ben Nye Banana Powder (odds are you've heard about this one before, too)! This pale yellow powder has the same finely milled, lightweight qualities of Pretty Pink, so it's a pro favorite to create the brightened under eye effect. If the Banana Powder is not giving you enough brightness, there is even a paler shade, Banana Light, intended to suit lighter complexions bettter or to work for those wanting an extra brightening effect! Feeling Inspired? A special thanks to PRO Makeup Artist Terri Tomlinson for helping to explain Pink Powders are such a powerful tool for makeup artists and makeup lovers. Are you ready to experience the brightening effects of pink powder? Click here to explore and view other products that have been popular on social media, or explore other professional makeup artist favorites. About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. She dreamed of having a pro makeup showroom where artists could play with professional products without the typical makeup store attitude. Today, our team of beauty industry veterans work together to curate the best quality products on the market. We partner with brands who respect the industry and formulate products for true working artists. You won’t find CRC in high-end malls, and we don't wear matching brush belts. If you want to play with products for a few hours and buy nothing, that's okay ... come in and play! Our store is your playground. 
PRO Tips
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Our Favorite Tips for Using RCMA Cream Foundation

Our Favorite Tips for Using RCMA Cream Foundation

Considered one of the top choices of professionals everywhere, RCMA VK Foundation (also known as RCMA Cream Foundation) is a staple in many artists' kit. A professional, highly pigmented, blendable cream base that is formulated without perfume, mineral oil, or lanolin, RCMA VK Foundation is ideal for photography, film, and anywhere else that a high-definition quality is needed with a finish that feels light enough for everyday wear. With over 70 shades to choose from, it has a perfect color match for nearly everyone with plenty of adjusters to custom create any shade you may need. However, the RCMA Cream Foundation comes with a bit of a learning curve for new users, especially when it comes to adapting the formula for different coverages and finishes. Professional makeup artists have loved RCMA for decades because of the capability to manipulate the foundation’s formula to fit their client's needs. Let's talk about how to use this foundation to its full potential. Prep the Skin Of course, the key to any makeup look is a well-prepped canvas. Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre - 24-Hour Miracle Cream works for all skin types and is our number one recommendation to prep the skin when using RCMA foundation. There are no special techniques needed for prep; simply apply a pea-sized amount of moisturizer or other hydrating base product to the skin before applying foundation. If your client has texture or suffers from acne, using peel pads such as the Peter Thomas Roth Peptide 21 Amino Acid Exfoliating Peel Pads or Indie Lee Gentle Daily Peel will help remove dead skin without irritating sensitive skin. Both are formulated for all skin types and will give you a more even base, help prevent pilling, and clinging to dry patches. If the skin is dehydrated, sheet masks like Patchology FlashMasque Hydrate are great to incorporate into the skin prep routine as well. They work in just five minutes and use lactic acid, moisturizing coconut, and soy milk to speedily dissolve dead cells and infuse extra hydration for smooth, bright skin. Sold out Sold out Sold out Sold out How to Mix Products and Control Coverage Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre and the new formula for sensitive skin Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre Sensitive aren't just great for before applying foundation, they can also be mixed with the foundation itself during application in order to achieve a natural, medium coverage skin-like finish. In terms of what not to do, we recommend that you avoid silicone primers that have too much of a slip. The foundation can tend to slip, slide, and not melt into the skin properly when using a silicone primer versus a moisturizing or illuminating primer. Not all foundations are created equal. The RCMA VK Foundation is quite different from most cream foundations because it's a solid cream in the container or palette. Because of this, you never want to dip your brush directly into the container before applying. Instead, use a spatula to scrape out a small portion of product onto a steel palette or use a hand palette like the Danessa Myricks Hand Single Use Hand Palette. With the single use hand palette, your body heat will gently warm up and emulsify the foundation making it easier to apply. Sold out Sold out Sold out Sold out Using RCMA Foundation on Different Skin Types For fuller coverage, you can apply the foundation directly to freshly prepped skin with fingertips or a dense, flat brush. We recommend bouncing a wet Beautyblender or sponge after application for seamless coverage. Set where needed with one of RCMA's powders, as they are formulated to work better together. If your client has dry skin, mature skin, or prefers light coverage, mix in one drop of the RCMA Thinner with the foundation to transform the consistency into a sheer liquid. After mixing on a stainless steel palette, take a buffing brush or stippling brush to apply the foundation to prepped skin. This will result in a beautiful luminous satin finish. If some areas need more coverage, tap foundation onto those areas with your finger for greater pigment deposit. Sold out Sold out Sold out Sold out See it in Action Watch our tutorial featuring Beauty Advisor and Professional Makeup Artist Calvin Brockington using RCMA VK Foundation and some of the tips we shared above Sold out Sold out Sold out Sold out Ready to try RCMA Cream Foundation? If you’re a working artist looking for the most efficient way to carry around a wide range of shades, the RCMA VK Cream Foundation Palette is a great choice. It offers 18 shades of the RCMA foundation in one convenient palette, allowing you to contour and conceal clients of all skin tones. For a more compact palette, try one of the 5 Part Series Foundations. Want to customize the perfect palette? Try our Palette Builder and select individual shades! If you have any questions, our Beauty Advisors are here to help. Drop them a line at [email protected], or come visit us in our Dallas showroom! About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. She dreamed of having a pro makeup showroom where artists could play with professional products without the typical makeup store attitude. Today, our team of beauty industry veterans work together to curate the best quality products on the market. We partner with brands who respect the industry and formulate products for true working artists. You won’t find CRC in high-end malls, and we don't wear matching brush belts. If you want to play with products for a few hours and buy nothing, that's okay ... come in and play! Our store is your playground. 
Beauty Tutorial, Makeup, PRO Tips, Trending
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PRO TIPS: Five Tips for Filing Your Taxes As A Professional MUA

PRO TIPS: Five Tips for Filing Your Taxes As A Professional MUA

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

April Staff Top Picks

At Camera Ready, we take pride in offering the best products in the industry and have incredibly high standards for the makeup, tools, skincare, and hair care we have within our own collections. That's why we are sharing our top picks to get Camera Ready! Enjoy learning more about our April Top Picks! Holly's Top Picks I have been on the hunt for a good dry shampoo for a while now, and others I tried can sometimes leave my scalp looking very powdery. The Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo refreshes my hair and style without leaving a chalky finish or a white color. I highly recommend it to anyone but especially to those with darker hair! Another product I can't stop using is the Indie Lee Banish Stick. It is very easy to apply, as it has a wand applicator with a stiffer doe foot to allow you to spot treat easily, and the serum is clear. I use the blemish stick under makeup on the days I like to get dolled up, and it doesn't disturb the makeup application whatsoever. It has helped my problem areas tremendously. It's also the perfect size to throw in your purse, gym bag, or makeup bag. Chelsie's Top Picks After watching the latest season of Euphoria, I have been on the search for the perfect brown lip liner. Brown tones for lips usually run too red or too warm on my complexion, and it is nearly impossible to find a shade that felt right to me. Once the Euphoria make-up artist Alexandra French revealed that she used the Make Up For Ever Artist Pencils, my mind was blown. The shade Total Taupe is the perfect neutral, almost leaning toward cool-toned brown lip liner, and it is great for recreating Maddy's iconic looks! The shade Dimensional Dark Brown is an amazing option for richer skin tones. The formula is very creamy but still sturdy enough to control the pencil for a precise line. I can count on it staying on for long periods of time. One of my favorite things about these pencils is that I can use them for eyes, lips, brows, or pretty much anything I want! As the weather warms up, I know many of us rely on powder to keep shine at bay. Talk about silky smooth, the Kett Powders have quickly become my favorite in my kit and for personal use. It sits so naturally on the skin, even on dry skin types, thanks to skin-loving ingredients and the finely milled texture! With the various shades, I can easily build dimension to a complexion look by brightening underneath the eye or building a gradient before applying contour. Calvin's Top Picks Who doesn't love easy glam? Multichromatic shades are all the rage because they give you extra dimension without having to use multiple products! Sydney Grace Multi-Chrome Cream Eyeshadow gives you the easiness of a cream shadow and the drama of multichrome delicousness! Apply alone or over a smoky eye. Take simple looks to the next level. You will look like a pro artist without having to use four eye shadows and six brushes. Just like with the original Cream Shadow formula, these are long-lasting, flake-free, and they're comfortable for all day wear. Warmer weather is here, and nothing beats a beautiful, bronze glow ! We're here to make it easy, effortless, and beautiful. Kevyn Aucoin Glass Glow Face in Spectrum Bronze covers two things in one product. Yes to glass-glow, dewy skin, and hooray to sunless bronzed radiance! Glass Glow can be used as a radiant primer under foundation or mixed directly into your foundation for a heavenly lit-from-within glow. PRO Tip: Grab your favorite beauty oil or moisturizer, mix in glass glow, and bronze up that body baby! Liz's Top Picks Lately, my skin has been reflecting the stress from everyday life. With the weather changing and my skin needing a refresh, I started using Avene's A-OXitive Antioxidant Water-Cream. Within a few days, I started to see a difference in hydration, texture, and radiance. This has been a game-changer and is great under makeup or alone. I love how lightweight yet hydrating it is, and I have to admit my skin hasn't felt this smooth in a while. My next pick, while it is a newer release, quickly shot to the top of my skincare favorites because it takes a lot to impress me. The Saint Jane Sacred Sleep Overnight Repair Cream with retinol and elderberry intrigued me as soon as I saw the packaging and the ingredients. In addition to CBD and elderberry, it has lavender, violet, orchid, and evening primrose to help brighten, calm, and nourish your skin. The first time I tried it, my skin felt so smooth I had to run my fingers across it twice because I was in disbelief at how effective it was. As if that wasn't enough, the packaging is the icing on the cake! It's luxurious, weighty, and feels like a true treat to use. Maria's Top Picks I have talked about this before, and I will always talk about it because I know I have fellow monolidded beauties out there, and when it comes to shimmery shadows, the struggle can be real! My mobile lid folds underneath the hooded part of my eyelid, so shimmery shades go through extra wear and tear throughout the day. I used to have a harder time wearing anything finer than a true shimmer (in other words, microglitter was a big no-no for me), but the Karla Cosmetics Fix Potion primer changed all of that. It's a clear hydrating primer that is not tacky, yet it somehow grabs pigment and shimmer (and yes, microglitter, too!) and locks it in place. I can finally wear those beautiful shimmery shades without the fear of fallout! Being a true beauty lover, I am the type that dives deeply into a brand or product once I find a great formula. We recently added Jason Wu Beauty to our family of brands, and I purchased one of the blush trios (in the shade Sexed), and it was love at first swipe. They have great pigmentation that applies evenly, have sleek packaging (with a mirror!) that is easy to pack away into your kit or vanity, and here's the best part. They're less than $20 per trio! Naturally, I bought all of the shades available and cannot wait to see what else the team at Jason Wu Beauty comes out with! If you have a skin tone similar to mine, I highly recommend Sexed (has a peachy coral shimmer, rosy flushed pink, and a bronzed rose) and Babe From St. Tropez (fleshy peach nude, dusty rose, and vibrant punchy orange coral) for the perfect summer trio. Morgan's Top Picks After washing my face, I like to follow up with cleansing water or micellar water to remove any excess makeup and dirt for the day. Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water is super light, gentle, and feels amazing. It doesn't leave a film nor leave my skin irritated, and although it's gentle, it is mighty. It's formulated with antioxidants to protect your skin, and it also has White Birch Sap that helps reduce inflammation and provides extra hydration. That's important to me because I have skin that gets dry quickly throughout the day. To get the full effect of being in a spa, their pure cotton pads are the perfect pairing. Speaking of my dry skin, I find it hard to retain and feel moisturized as the day goes on, so I'm always trying different moisturizers to help problem areas. Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Balm is also gentle on the skin and leaves me feeling smooth. I also have two younger children, and I am very careful of the products I put on them. This moisturizer is formulated to be safe for all skin types and ages, and it's formulated without any harmful ingredients, so I use it on them, too! I found this is a good option for their nightly routine. Jessica's Top Picks I am a minimalist when It comes to my daily makeup routine, so I kind of cheated and had to name a previous favorite again (trust me, it's THAT good)! My beauty routine lately has consisted of just three products: Jason Wu Free Da Brow, a CC Cream, and a lip balm. Free Da Brow helps tame my eyebrow hairs while giving slight definition with a hint of color. The formula is water-resistant, so I never have to worry about my eyebrows smudging or melting off. For the last 3 years, I have refused to try any other tinted moisturizer because of how much I loved another popular CC Cream. After being convinced I needed to try this out, I figured it couldn't hurt to switch it up but assumed it would be a waste because of my undying love for that CC cream. Turns out, I was wrong (and I'm never wrong)! The Smashbox Halo Tinted Moisturizer far exceeded my expectations, and provides medium coverage with a PERFECT summer glow 🤩. With SPF 25 in the formula, I can nourish, protect, AND look flawless with this one product. Feeling Inspired? Ready to experience the products we can't get enough of? Click here to start exploring or top picks or click below to discover more great products. To learn more about our top picks from 2021, click here. Want to create your perfect makeup, hair care, or skincare routine? Our team of Beauty Advisors are here to help! Click here to send them a message! EXPLORE HAIR CARE EXPLORE SKINCARE EXPLORE SKINCARE TOOLS 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. 
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PRO Tips: Five Tips to Refresh Your Skincare Routine for Spring and Summer

PRO Tips: Five Tips to Refresh Your Skincare Routine for Spring and Summer

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

PRO Tips: Five Tips to Care for Your Hair During the Warmer Months

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

Camera Ready LIVE Recap: How to get a 'Fit Kit'

Packing your kit for a new season is like second nature for long-time professional makeup artists, but our team often gets questions from new artists wondering how to downside, restock, or refresh their kits. That’s why we created our “Hot to Get A Fit Kit” series of Camera Ready LIVES on Instagram, and we saved them here so you can watch them anytime! This blog is packed full of amazing tips and tricks on how to downsize your makeup artist kit, so feel free to bookmark it so you may refer to it later and share it with others. Why Makeup Artists Downsize Their Kits From carrying your makeup kits, makeup chair, and makeup lighting, you may feel like they’ve completed a workout before you’ve even started on your first client. For professional makeup artists, carrying a heavy kit on a regular basis can have a long-term effect on their health and back. Downsizing your kit will not only lighten your load but will also allow you to work more efficiently and save time packing up.Our Beauty Advisor and host of the How to Get a Fit Kit Series Calvin Brockington has decades of experience working as a professional makeup artist. In this first LIVE of our series, he shared his suggestions on how to slim down your kit. Professional Makeup Artist Favorites A makeup artist backpack will help you carry all the items you need. Packing your backpack the way that you work allows you to organize your kit to find exactly what you need more efficiently. This means organizing the products in the order you will use them so you can access them easily as you go through the various steps during your makeup application.   Multipurpose products like the Cozzette Brush Vessels will allow you to maximize your space. You can easily use one side of the canister to hold dirty brushes when you are done using them. The other half can be used as a mini trash can to keep your workspace tidy. See-through pouches like the Zuca Utility Pouches are perfect to organize skin prep/skincare, eyeshadow palettes, and complexion products. Once you are done using the products, put them back into the appropriate pouch. Best Selling Palettes for Makeup Artists We have plenty of blush, foundation, and eyeshadow palettes that incorporate shades that you’ll use regularly on your clients. While it may be tempting to opt for something trendy and new, these tried and true palettes have been created with events like weddings, photoshoots, and even film and television in mind. These kit-friendly palettes are often in sturdy packaging to protect the product inside because they are designed with the busy makeup artist lifestyle in mind. They are often in slim cases that stack and pack easily. Best Selling Palettes for Makeup Artists Viseart Grande Pro Palette Make Up For Ever Flash Palette Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Palette Danessa Myricks Vision Cover Creme Palette Cozzette Infinite Padded Palettes Universal Contour Senna Brow Book Danessa Myricks Beauty Luxe Cream Palette - The Feminist or Nudist Depotting and Customizing Your Own Makeup Palettes Customizing your own palettes allows you to keep your go-to shades in one convenient place. Z Palette and Cozzette make great empty palette options. The Z Palette has a clear window so you can see exactly what is in that palette. Cozzette Palettes are padded which is created for giving your makeup an extra layer of protection. Both palette options are great for creating and customizing your own palette with your favorite single pans or products after depotting. Vueset empty palettes are the industry’s go-to for depotting your cream lipstick, blushes, and foundations. These airtight containers allow you to minimize your cream products into one convenient palette. There are a variety of different sizes and options to choose from to reach your kit goals. You can even use thse trusty containers to organize your disposables, false lashes, and gems. For the products that are glued into a case or compact, using the Z Potter is a safe and simple way to depot your favorite products without damaging them. Z Potter uses induction technology which only responds to metal pans not your paper or plastic packaging. This device is also great for melting down your favorite lipsticks or concealers into smaller pans or containers. Why Fixy is a Must-Have In this second LIVE of our series, we spoke with FIXY Makeup Founder, Jill Rossini. She shared her story on how she came up with her innovative Makeup Creation and Repair Kit after breaking her favorite MAC eyeshadow. Her goal when creating this kit was to bring back broken makeup to the same great quality as it was before it broke. The Fixing Binding Spray does not destroy the makeup as alcohol can sometimes do. The unique Fixy Binding Spray formula will also sanitize the makeup.The Fixy press allows you to repair your broken powder eyeshadows, blushes, highlighters, and foundations. This unique tool’s capabilities do not end there; you have the creative freedom to create your very own custom colors. Whether you want to create your own shades by mixing colors together or use this tool to recycle your makeup. For the products you hit pan on, you can easily repress or use the product to create new products. How to Use Makeup Creation and Repair Kit Getting Started- Remove the top section of the press. Break & Dump- Using the pointy side of the spatula included in the kit to cleanly break the powder. Scape and dump everything last bit of product from the container into the grinder Grind- With the grinding tool press the powder into the screen using circular motions. Choose your pan- The kit comes with 3 sizes of pans: small, medium, and large. Choose your desired size and place the pan into the corresponding size hole from the top of the press. Pour- Use the corner of the container to pour the product into the pan. There are fill lines to help determine how much product will fit in the pan. Spray- Shake the Fixy Binder and spray about 5 inches away from the pan. It is recommended about 2-3 sprays for small pans, 3-4 sprays for medium pans, and 4-5 sprays for large pans. Press- Take the top of the press and align the pegs with appropriate size holes. Press down firmly for about 10 seconds. Shake- Lightly tap excess powder off and voilà you are done. Add your new pan to your magnetic palette. FIXY Cosmetic Glitter Binder If you are tired of the messiness of loose glitter getting all over your bathroom and makeup kit the Fixy Cosmetic Glitter Binder may be the answer you’ve been looking for. The Fixy Glitter binder allows you to press any biodegradable loose cosmetic glitter into a pressed glitter. This means you will not have to worry about the dreaded fallout when applying glitter to your eyes. You do not have to have a Fixy Makeup Creation and Repair Kit to use the Glitter Binder. You will need the Glitter Binder, metal pans, and biodegradable glitter to create your pressed glitter shadow. How to use Fixy Glitter Binder Fill the bottom of the metal pan with the Glitter Binder. Use the small spoon that comes with the Fixy Glitter Binder to fill the base of the pan with the glitter. Level out the pan. Slowly add glitter until the pan it is full and you have cream-like consistency. Using the pressing cloth that comes with the Fixy Glitter Binder to gently press down for about 5 seconds. Remove the cloth, then smooth out uneven areas with the pressing cloth. Glitter is ready to use. The Inspiration behind the BossBeauty Backpack In the last LIVE of our “Fit Kit” series, we spoke with Brianna Meshack, founder of StunnerBee Beauty, professional makeup artist, and makeup educator, and creator of th e behind Beauty Boss Backpack. As a working MUA, she would see these other artists come to set with huge suitcases as their makeup kits. After seeing a void in the industry for professional bags that were functional for the working MUAs, Brianna felt the need to create something efficient, that allowed her to work better as an artist, and that looked stylish. As an artist, you can spend so much time looking for products to use in your kit that it can cut down on your time working on your client. When working on a set, being timely is important. Having the working MUAs all over the U.S. in mind was important when designing the Boss Beauty Backpack. Taking into consideration an artist in NY taking the subway, the artist in LA in and out of Ubers, she wanted to create something for her community that was stylish, practical, and easy to carry. The Features of the BossBeauty Backpack 5 pockets on the exterior of the bag that open extra-wide Durable nylon stitching to withstand the weight of a heavy kit Convenient crossbody strap option Ergonomic top handle Stylish gold-tone hardware Luggage feet so the bottom so the backpack never hits the floor Padded Ipad or laptop compartment 3 PVC and Crocodile Embossed Faux Leather Carryall bags Tips for Packing your Makeup Artist Kit Working out of your backpack allows you to compartmentalize your kit. This will allow you to pack only what you need. Use the exterior pockets of the backpack for your grab-and-go items. These may include your makeup palettes, disposables, touch-up products. Use the carryall bags to separate your products according to the way you work. For example, have separate bags for skin prep, complexion, and powders. This will allow you to work more efficiently. Using this method to organize your kit, will you to know exactly where your products are, and it will ensure you have a quick breakdown at the end of your day. Feeling Inspired? Are you ready to explore the our PRO Picks? Click here to discover what professional makeup artists are loving! 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.
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