EDUCATION AT CAMERA READY

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 March Top Picks! Stacy's Top Picks I am obsessed with eyebrow products. I found my newest obsession with the Jason Wu Beauty Wu-Brow Everlasting Love. This product looks so natural on the brow and wears all day. It has a gel-like texture in a tube with a brush applicator. I love using this when I create a fluffy eyebrow look. I comb my eyebrow hairs up and set them with an eyebrow gel that has a stronger hold. I then take a small amount of the gel with a thin eyeliner brush to paint eyebrow hairs in the sparse areas. This is one of the only products I tried that doesn't move the product underneath nor looks crusty after applying. The Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Serum Foundation gives the most delicious-looking finish and coverage. I have a normal skin type that is prone to an occasional shine in my t-zone. The glow this leaves never looks greasy. The foundation is light in texture but packs a shocking amount of pigment. The coverage and finish leave my skin looking like yummy, healthy skin. Chelsie's Top Picks As much as I am a fan of graphic liner looks, my shaky hands always make it a very lengthy process to perfect the lines. I found using the Gavissi GV04 Liner Brush has helped make this process so much easier. The length and fineness of this brush allow for more fluid movements and precision when creating the lines. One swipe and I've got the perfect shape created! I can use Danessa Myricks Beauty ColorFix 24HR Cream Color Nudes as an eyeshadow base, concealer, and to create faux bleached brows. I was happily surprised to find no creasing ever occurred when I used it for an eye base and concealer. I don't necessarily need to set this with powder, but when I do, it still feels extremely weightless. Calvin's Top Picks I love the look of dewy skin look but hate the sticky feeling that sometimes comes along with it. The Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Glow Serum is a beautiful luminous formula packed with niacinamide and vitamin C. Your skin will not only look healthy, but it will also feel healthy. I love that you can use this product as a primer or on top of makeup as a liquid highlighter. However you use it, your skin will love it. The Make Up For Ever HD Skin foundation looks like skin, feels like skin, and breathes like skin. The new formulation gives you flawless coverage without hiding your skin. It's waterproof, sweat-resistant, and vegan. This cleaner foundation formula contains a micro-skin technology that syncs with your skin for a true-to-life undetectable look. Expect medium to full coverage, semi-matte, weightless dry down. Liz's Top Picks The Skyn Iceland Nordic Skin Peel is so gentle yet effective. I can easily work this peel into my skincare routine at night 2-3 times per week. My skin responds really well to the lactic acid and fruit enzymes. I can honestly see a difference in my skin’s texture and tone after using it. The By Terry Brightening CC Palette in Beach Bomb is the perfect palette to have to go into spring and summer. It is so convenient to have my bronzer, blush, and highlighter in one beautiful palette. The By Terry powders never look dry on my skin since they contain skincare ingredients that leave my skin with a naturally radiant finish. Maria's Top Picks Of all of the setting sprays I've used, the Skindinavia Bridal Makeup Finishing Spray provides the prettiest natural to a slightly satin finish and keeps my makeup looking fresh all day. It's gentle enough for daily use, and it has such a fine refreshing sprayer that gives the lightest mist that applies evenly! Ever since I tried Viseart's eyeshadow formula, it quickly became my eyeshadow brand of choice. I replaced a majority of my other palettes with theirs, and while I loved the slim pro palette format, I didn't always need that large of the palette. As a true beauty enthusiast, I love smaller palettes and the ability to custom create palettes for travel, personal use, and just the overall creativity the magnetic pans allow for. That's why I'm loving the new Petites Mattes eyeshadow collection! My favorites are Petites Matte Neutral and Petites Mattes Milieu for everyday palettes and Petites Mattes Dark for a richer assortment of earthy and jewel tones that you cannot find from any other brand. Morgan's Top Picks After using the Senna Moisture Mist, I immediately fell in love with it! My skin is extremely dry, and I love that I can rehydrate my face throughout the day without having to worry about my makeup melting off from a spray. My skin immediately looks and feels refreshed and hydrated after I use it. It is a great product to have for a little pick-me-up since there is a slight cooling sensation after applying it. The Philip B Peppermint Avocado Scalp Scrub leaves my scalp and hair feeling amazing The sea salt chunks are exfoliating but gentle. The scrub lathers nicely and leaves my hair feeling soft. My scalp never felt so clean, plus it smells great. Jessica's Top Picks I am a minimalist when it comes to my daily makeup routine. My beauty routine consists of 3 products Jason Wu Free Da Brow, a CC Cream, and a lip balm. This helps tame my eyebrow hairs while giving a 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. I use Jason Wu Beauty Good Night Mr. Wu Lip Mask every single day. The Shea Butter, Vitamin E, Jojoba Seed Oil instantly nourish my lips. My lips are so soft in the morning. I also use it on occasion during the day because it is that good. 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. 

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

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

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

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

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

Camera Ready Cosmetics is Excited to Welcome Jason Wu Beauty The secret is out: Jason Wu Beauty is now available at Camera Ready Cosmetics! In early 2021, Jason Wu expanded his brand into the world of beauty by partnering with Bespoke Beauty Brands and launching a makeup line that appeals instantly to the elegant minimalist who loves a classic, neutral moment, with an elevated touch. The line was described by Wu himself as one that reflects “impeccably refined femininity” with multipurpose products, and we could not agree more. We are thrilled to now carry Jason Wu Beauty online and in our Dallas Showroom. Why We Love Jason Wu The Taiwanese-Canadian designer is already well-known for his luxury fashion and fragrance designs and has dressed the likes of Former First Lady Michelle Obama, Julianne Moore, Kate Bosworth, and more since his debut in 2007. Wu’s use of perfectly paired colors, elegant fabrics, and feminine lines transitions effortlessly from the runway to the real world. He describes his childhood in the ‘80s as a time when makeup was très popular, and this focus on beauty captured his attention from a very young age. His beauty brand, in particular, gives way for ease and accessibility with a mid-level price point (all individual products retail for under $35). His makeup line features a nude color spectrum that offers quintessential shades for every skin tone. Wu hopes for his products to invoke a sense of strength, confidence, and beauty when applied and for his designs to make us feel like our best selves. In addition, Wu’s clean beauty products are 100% cruelty-free and formulated without parabens, phthalates, and sulfates. Jason Wu Beauty Products We’re Excited About:   Jason Wu Beauty offers a full range of products to excite your inner icon and help you create and complete your look. The Bush: This vegan formula clear brow soap is a kit must-have for taming thick or unruly brows and creating the perfect laminated brow look. Activate the product with a spray of Mist-er Soap Star directly onto the soap and then run a spoolie over the surface to pick up just enough product to comb upward through the brow. Upon application, this non-sticky formula adds a healthy shine and smooths the texture of the brow. Whether using this duo alone or pairing with other brow tinting and defining products, we know your brows will look better than ever. Eyeshadows: Both his perfectly curated eyeshadow palettes which include mattes and shimmers, and his cream-based eyeshadow Jewel Sticks, are available in a beautiful range of tones to work on a wide spectrum of skin tones and skin textures. Thanks to the convenient twist-up packaging and easy glide-on texture of the Jewel Sticks, they are quick to become a staple product in the everyday makeup bag or the pro artist’s kit. Whether the occasion calls for a sultry, earth tone shimmer eye or a vibrant blue or purple eye, the Jewel Sticks deliver glamour with just a twist and can be used on their own or as a pop of color on top of a powder shadow base. And because the perfect nude eyeshadow palette is something we’re always skimming the shelves for, we are so excited to now have Wu’s amazing palettes to specifically include soft and natural nude tones with great pay-off and minimal fall-out. For the Face: Skin is always in, and with Jason Wu’s unique and innovative face formulas, you can achieve both matte and natural looks that are light, easy, and effortless. Magic Matte Oil: Wu’s Magic Matte Oil is a vegan formula that can be used as a primer or as a way to refresh and mattify the face. With just a few drops applied to the fingertips and then pressed into the face either in targeted areas or all over, skin becomes the perfect velvety soft matte texture. Wu-Prime It’s So Soft: For those days when bare skin needs a little pick-me-up, but you still want something lighter than foundation, the Wu-Prime It’s So Soft vegan formula is the perfect balance of coverage and breathability. Upon application, the appearance of pores and fine lines is minimized, and the skin is left with a flawless finish. Available in either Light/Medium or Medium/Deep, this tinted primer is a product that can be worn alone or as a primer underneath your favorite foundation to prep the skin for an all-day even complexion. Feeling Inspired? Are you ready to explore the innovative formulas and colorful world of Jason Wu Beauty? Click here to discover more! About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. She dreamed of having a pro makeup showroom where artists could play with professional products without the typical makeup store attitude. Today, our team of beauty industry veterans work together to curate the best quality products on the market. We partner with brands who respect the industry and formulate products for true working artists. You won’t find CRC in high-end malls, and we don't wear matching brush belts. If you want to play with products for a few hours and buy nothing, that's okay ... come in and play! Our store is your playground. 

Make Up For Ever is starting the year with a foundation launch that incorporates new technology and a cleaner formula: HD Skin Foundation. This new foundation is the newly formulated version of Ultra HD Foundation that has been improved with technology to enhance performance and undetectability. In other words, the skin will look like real skin under any light. We worked with Make Up For Ever North America Senior Manager for Pro Education & Artist Eddie Duyos to share a few of the new and exciting things about HD Skin Foundation. From the new shade naming system, undertones, how to apply it, and tips for professional makeup artists, we're breaking down all the details below! About Make Up Forever HD Skin Foundation The new HD Skin Foundation boasts a medium to full coverage that is comfortable, easy to apply, and that flexes as the skin moves to prevent caking and settling into lines. The formula is also vegan, non-comedogenic, waterproof, sweat-proof, and comes in more sustainable packaging. The bottle is recyclable and is made from 40% recycled glass. It comes housed in an FSC carton and has a bio-sourced cap. Additionally, the formula instantly blurs the skin, has a true-to-skin finish and tone, a natural matte finish, and an impressive 24-hour wear-time.   Why Professional Makeup Artists Will Love HD Skin Foundation CRC: It can always be a little daunting to try a new foundation formula. Tell us why pros will love it! Eddie Duyos: Pros will love the new HD SKIN foundation because of its versatility in coverage and because it’s waterproof. There are fewer touch-ups needed. It also has all the coverage without the visibility! HD Skin is the TRUE TO SKIN foundation out of all the Make Up For Ever foundations and gives you a medium buildable coverage that blurs away all the imperfections. The New Shade System for HD Skin Foundation The new HD Skin Foundation has a different shade system than previous collections from Make Up For Ever. First, the shades are broken down into four color families: The Shade Naming System for the new Make Up For Ever HD Skin Foundation Light Medium Tan Deep The Three Undertone Families for the new Make Up For Ever HD Skin Foundation R = Red Y = Yellow N = Neutral The easiest way to determine your undertone is to look on your forearm and to look at your veins.  If your veins are green, you would fit in the Y (yellow) tone.  If your veins are a mix of blue and violet, you would select R (red).  Finally, if your veins are between blue and green, your best shade match would be N (neutral). Finally, they assigned a number to each shade to denote the depth of the shade with 00 being the lightest shade and 78 being the deepest shade in each color family. How to Shade Match HD Skin Foundation If you’re having a difficult time shade matching and have the ability to swatch the product in-store, apply one foundation in each undertone to your face starting toward the middle of your cheek and working toward your jawline.  By covering a larger surface area, you’ll be able to pick up the subtle tone changes across your face.  Let the foundation sit for a few moments, and select the swatch that appears to “disappear” into your complexion the best.  This will determine your undertone. If you or your client have problematic skin with active breakouts or discoloration, select an area of the face that has the most discoloration to swatch across.  This will allow you to find the shade that best matches your entire face and that can neutralize any discoloration. Must Have Tips for Pros Pro Kit Must Have Shades for Make Up For Ever HD Skin Foundation The PRO Team at Make Up For Ever curated a guide to help pros stock their kits with the new HD Skin Foundation. While the exact shades and undertones should be tweaked to match your clientele, this list serves as a guide for the Make Up For Ever global client base. From fairest to richest, Make Up For Ever’s Pro Kit Must-Have Shades of HD Skin Foundation are: 1N00 (lightest neutral shade), 1R12 (light warm shade), 1N14 (light neutral yellow shade), 2Y20 (medium yellow shade), 2N226 (medium neutral yellow shade), 2R38 (medium warm shade), 3N42 (tan neutral warm shade), 3R50 (tan warm shade), 3Y56 (tan-deep warm yellow shade), 4N62 (deep neutral warm shade), 4R76 (deepest warm shade), 4N78 (deepest neutral shade) Mixology for HD Skin Foundation The ability to mix shades, beauty oils, or adjusters is essential for any pro, and HD Skin Foundation mixes beautifully with any non-water-based products.  As with any waterproof formula, water-based products do not mix well with the foundation, so if you want to sheer out the formula for lighter coverage, the Make Up For Ever team recommends using a beauty oil, an oil-based lotion, or their Hydra Booster Primer. When it comes to skin prep, the Make Up For Ever team recommends oil-based skin prep products to maximize this foundation’s wear-time and overall appearance. Fragrance & Pigmentation Level for HD Skin Foundation Of course, many pros and makeup lovers will wonder how the new formula compares to previous formulations, and while the pigmentation load percentage has not been released, the Make Up For Ever team let us know it’s more pigmented than its predecessor.  Additionally, the new formula has a slight fragrance that is naturally derived from Japanese Sencha Tea, and it makes up less than 0.15% of the formula, so it is safe for use on sensitive clients. How to Apply HD Skin Foundation Whether you're a professional makeup artist or want to add it to your personal routine, you can use a range of tools to apply it to achieve a beautiful finish. A brush is recommended, but you can build up more coverage with a sponge. Work swiftly and in small areas, as the foundation sets fairly quickly. For true medium coverage, you should use approximately one pump per each side of your face. How to Apply HD Skin Foundation with a Brush: Using a brush, start at the center of the face and sweep outwards to the temple, then in a "C"-like motion, sweep downward and along the jawline to the chin. Repeat this process until you have achieved the desired coverage on the lower half of the face is achieved.   Next, start between the eyebrows and brush around the perimeter of the face and all the way down to the chin. Blend the remaining foundation onto the nose. How to Apply Foundation & Build Coverage with a Sponge: Using a sponge, start at the center of the face where your cheek meets your nose. Move outward, just like with the brush application method, and continue to blend down the jawline and toward the chin. Blend across the nose and then between the brows and upward and outward on the forehead and around the perimeter of the face. To build coverage on problem areas or to achieve full coverage, build coverage with a sponge in tapping motions. How to Set HD Skin Foundation: The beauty of HD Skin is that it doesn't have to be set. However, if you do want to set it, it pairs perfectly with Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Matte Setting Powder. If you prefer a translucent powder, opt for Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Loose Translucent Powder. Powder lightly and only in the areas where needed.   Feeling Inspired? We hope this blog has taught you more about the new Make Up For Ever HD Skin Foundation, or explore all Make Up For Ever has to offer.   About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. She dreamed of having a pro makeup showroom where artists could play with professional products without the typical makeup store attitude. Today, our team of beauty industry veterans work together to curate the best quality products on the market. We partner with brands who respect the industry and formulate products for true working artists. You won’t find CRC in high-end malls, and we don't wear matching brush belts. If you want to play with products for a few hours and buy nothing, that's okay ... come in and play! Our store is your playground. 

We spent the week focusing on our Staff Top Picks for Self Care, best selling skincare tools, and makeup recommendations to express whatever mood you're in, but the most important part of creating a good self care routine is finding products that suit your preferences and beauty style. We know it can be hard to figure out which product is best for you, so our in-house licensed esthetician Chelsie joined us for this blog to break down the benefits of our best selling products to tell you the benefits and perks of each! The Benefits of Skincare from Professional Makeup Brands It’s a well-known fact that the most important factor in achieving a beautiful makeup look is the prep that takes place before makeup application.  Brands like Senna Cosmetics and Graftobian have led the makeup industry for television, film, stage, and other performances, so it’s no surprise they have also created some of our best-performing skincare products.  The pros that formulated them knew their products had to perform under any conditions and on any skin type, no matter what the actors, models, or clients used on a regular basis for their skincare routine. Additionally, professional brands focus on creating skincare products that play well with makeup.  From mixing them with makeup to create different finishes and textures to the prep products like toners, moisturizers, and primers, they are created to maximize the beauty of the makeup placed on top. To help explain this even further, Eugenia Weston of Senna Cosmetics joined Chelsie for an episode of Camera Ready LIVE on Instagram to explain the benefits of professional makeup brand skincare products. Top Three Skincare Products Best Selling Skincare Look in any makeup artist's kit, and you’re bound to find at least one of our top three best selling skincare items inside. Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre Bioderma Sensibio H2O FITISH Don’t Sweat It Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentrate is a medium-weight cream and a multitasker! It acts as a great base for makeup application and leaves the skin soft and supple.  It can also be used as a moisturizer or a hydrating mask. For makeup artists, it can be used as a quick five-minute mask to alleviate dry and flaky skin.  Simply apply a generous layer to the skin, leave on for approximately five minutes, and massage in excess. Make a makeup mistake? Lait Creme Concentre can help with that, too! Apply a small amount to a cotton swab and lightly swipe where you want to correct the makeup. From sharpening a winged liner or gently wiping away a hint of mascara from the lower lash line, Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre has you covered. Even if you’re not a pro, you can use this ultra-rich product to help balance the hydration levels in your skin to reduce excess oiliness or dryness.  You can also use it to replace your favorite hand and body cream for those days you’re in need of extra moisture! Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre PRO Tip:  Use this emollient product as a mixing medium to create your own custom products. Depending on the amount, you’re able to make wax or cream-based foundations more emollient and can sheer them down to a coverage similar to a tinted moisturizer.  You can even scrape off some of the pigment from your favorite highlighter to create a radiant creamy highlighter that looks extra healthy and glowy. Bioderma Sensibio H2O Bioderma Sensibio H2O has been a favorite for makeup artists and enthusiasts alike because it is available in varying sizes and contains non-irritating ingredients.  Sensibio H2O is gentle to be used around the eyes but effective enough to prep and cleanse the skin.  This comes in handy for makeup artists wanting to quickly switch looks or clean up imperfections.  You can even remove the most pigmented lipstick without leaving the skin feeling raw or irritated. For makeup lovers that are curious about this popular product, consider its many uses.  In addition to serving as an effective makeup remover, it can also be used to cleanse and refresh the skin post-workout or doing a hot summer day.  Unlike many drugstore micellar waters, Bioderma Sensibio H2O is created without irritants or chemicals that can leave the skin sensitive. Additionally, Sensibio H2O contains Cucumber Extract which hydrates and soothes, so it’s the perfect product to cleanse, tone, and calm the skin all-in-one!  This great ingredient can also alleviate redness and itchiness. FITISH Don’t Sweat It If you haven’t heard about FITISH Beauty, it’s a skincare and lifestyle brand that focuses on wellness through calming ingredients and self care.  The key ingredient used in FITISH products is CBD, and the benefits for the skin include reducing inflammation and redness.  Don’t Sweat It is a CBD-infused setting spray that has been known to even keep on a full face of makeup even after an intense workout. Additional ingredients including aloe, green tea, and allantoin help add extra hydration, soothing moisture, and protect your skin with each wear. Top Three Hair Care Products Best Selling Hair Care We proudly serve both the professional makeup artist world as well as makeup and beauty lovers, so it's no surprise our best selling hair care products are styling products that help refresh a style and lock it in place all day (or night) long! Oribe Gold Lust Dry Texturizing Spray Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo Oribe has created several iconic product lines including the best selling Gold Lust and Beautiful Color collections, and we're proud to offer kit and travel-friendly sizes of most of their products. Similarly, Living Proof has their cult-favorite Perfect Hair Day line that works well on a wide range of hair types making it a perfect choice for pros to work on a variety of clients. Top Three Body Care Products Our best selling body care products will come as no surprise because they feature brands included in our top three skincare products list! Embryolisse Lait Creme Fluide Hydratant Bioderma Atoderm Cream FITISH Tone Down Body Cream Embryolisse Lait Creme Fluide Hydratant If you feel like the name of our best selling body care product sounds familiar, you're correct! Lait Creme Fluide Hydratant is the full body version of best selling Lait Creme Concentre. Embryolisse Lait Creme Fluide Hydratant contains all the same hydrating ingredients found in the best selling version for your face but is intended for your full body to seal in moisture. This light, velvety smooth lotion replenishes the moisture your skin craves, leaving it soft and supple. Bioderma Atoderm Cream As service providers, professional makeup artists are constantly disinfecting and taking extra steps to keep things as clean and sanitary as possible. That not only includes disinfecting their kit, tools, and products but also their hands. With increased hand washing and sanitizing, a professional-grade moisturizer is a must-have. Just like with many other professionals, a makeup artist's hands are the most essential tool to their work, so Bioderma Atoderm Cream deeply hydrates without being heavy, so they're still able to work while being freshly moisturized. It's also great to apply to talent if they will be shooting images showing with their hands, legs, or chest in the frame. FITISH Tone Down Body Cream This CBD-infused body cream is the richer and denser version of their Tone Down spray. It's the ultimate self care treat for those with congested or sensitive skin because it provides an instant cooling effect and contains ingredients that help reduce inflammation, acne, eczema, and psoriasis. It's great for brides and clients that tend to have redness or sensitive skin, and it's the perfect post-workout treatment or post-summer sun body care product. Feeling Inspired? Are you feeling inspired? Explore our best selling pro-approved skincare, hair care, and body care. If you have any additional questions, our Beauty Advisors are here to help, so click here to send them an email! About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. She dreamed of having a pro makeup showroom where artists could play with professional products without the typical makeup store attitude. Today, our team of beauty industry veterans work together to curate the best quality products on the market. We partner with brands who respect the industry and formulate products for true working artists. You won’t find CRC in high-end malls, and we don't wear matching brush belts. If you want to play with products for a few hours and buy nothing, that's okay ... come in and play! Our store is your playground.

Let's be honest, sometimes it's the little things that make us the happiest like a bubble bath, enjoying a sheet mask while reading a book, or even just lighting a candle to uplift our mood. However, life gets busy, and it's not always easy to remember to set aside time to unwind and recharge. That's why we're spending an entire week focusing on the things we can do to enjoy a little "me"-time, even if it's as simple as simplifying our skincare routine. To learn more about our Self Care Gifts with Purchase, click here. Self Care Week Schedule of Events Day 1: Makeup as Self Care Monday, February 14, 2022 Whether you're a makeup minimalist or like to go all out, we know makeup can be a fun way to unwind and express your individual style. Learn More Day 2: Skincare Tools + IG Live with James Vincent Tuesday, February 15, 2022 Join us at 2 pm CST on Camera Ready LIVE on Instagram to learn what self care means to makeup artist James Vincent. PLUS Learn how to step your skincare game with tools designed to target different skincare woes. From a skincare tool inspired by ancient Greek tradition to FDA-approved high tech tools, we'll explain the benefits of each. Learn More Day 3: Staff Top Picks Self Care Edition + IG Live with Senna Wednesday, February 16, 2022 We're going live on Instagram for another edition of Camera Ready LIVE with Eugenia Weston, makeup artist and owner of Senna Cosmetics. PLUS, this month, we're featuring our favorite Self Care items for our Staff Top Picks! Learn More Day 4: Self Care Flash Sale Thursday, February 17, 2022 Enjoy up to 60% off Select Self Care items including 30% off FOREO*. Sale ends at 11:59PM PST on Friday, February 18. Available while supplies last. SHOP NOW Day 5: Best Selling Skincare, Hair Care, & Body Care Friday, February 18, 2022 We've told you all about OUR favorite ways to practice self care, so now it's time to talk about the self care product you've been loving. Our in-house licensed esthetician Chelsie breaks down benefits of each to help you decide if they're right for your routine. Learn More Every Day: Create Your Own Self Care Routine We hope you're feeling refreshed, inspired, and ready to spend a little more time focusing on caring for yourself. If you have questions, contact our Beauty Advisors by clicking here. We're here to help create the perfect self care routine for your lifestyle. Ready to learn more about our great selection of hair care, skincare, and skincare tools? Click the pictures below to get started on your self care journey! 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.