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. This month, we're featuring our top self care picks as part of Self Care Week, and we're proud to include different types of beauty products including skincare, hair care, and even makeup. The most important part of finding a self care routine is finding what soothes your soul, helps you unwind and relax, or what gives you that extra pep in your step! That's why we are sharing our top self care picks to get Camera Ready! Stacy's Top Picks I suffer from seasonal allergies, so my eyes are always slightly puffy even after 8 hours of sleep. The Patchology FlashPatch Rejuvenating Eye Gels are a lifesaver for instantly reducing my under-eye bags. I love these patches because they never fall apart, and they stay in place after I apply them. The cooling effect instantly perks up my undereye area and the gel is so soothing. These are great to apply before applying makeup or anytime you want to unwind. There is something about a classic bold red lip that instantly boosts confidence. I love the Senna Lip Fetish Matte Liquid Lipstick in the shade “ heartthrob.” This is such a beautiful classic red. The formula is so comfortable on the lips. It never makes my lips look or feel dry. Patchology FlashPatch Rejuvenating Eye Gels LEARN MORE Senna Matte Fixation Lipstick LEARN MORE Chelsie's Top Picks As an esthetician, I've had a very long history of constantly sanitizing and cleaning my hands between services. Safe to say, that amount has increased and the cold weather has been no friend to my very dry skin. I constantly find my hands extremely irritated, dry, and raw feeling, which is definitely not fun. I've been applying Bioderma Atoderm Cream multiple times throughout the day, and instantly my hands feel soothed and smooth again! It doesn’t feel heavy nor greasy, so I am still able to work throughout the day comfortably. Since this cream is actually an occlusive moisturizer, I've found that it's actually helped restore my protective barrier and the strength of my skin! Pastel colors make me happy, so I felt immediately drawn to the Gavissi UV Pastel Rainbow 6 Color Split Liner! It has six fun colors packed into a slim container, so this size is perfect for my kit. Not to mention they are extremely opaque, which can be hard to find with pastel shades. I can mix shades to create a new one, use them as liners, and as face/body paints. They are also UV reactive and glow under black light. I have so much fun with these! Bioderma Atoderm Cream LEARN MORE Gavissi UV Pastel Rainbow 6 Color Split Liner LEARN MORE Calvin's Top Picks Koh Gen Do Cleansing Water Cloths are unlike any other facial wipes. These are made of pure, unprocessed cotton, and will not strip or dry out the skin. I use these on models before their makeup application, and the soothing effect of the cloth and the pleasant aroma really helps elevate the overall experience. These wipes are also a great first step when double-cleansing to remove makeup. Koh Gen Do Herbal Spa Mist is my go-to for getting a model's skin quickly hydrated. I also use this to set finished makeup for a more skin-like appearance. The thermal water, botanicals, and nutrients instantly balance the skin’s moisture. As a pro tip, I spray the mist on a cotton swab or wedge sponge and use it to clean up liquid liner or remove mascara smudges. Koh Gen Do Cleansing Water Cloth 10 pack LEARN MORE Koh Gen Do Herbal Spa Mist LEARN MORE Liz's Top Picks When Indie Lee launched their Nourishing Lip Tint, I knew I had to try it. So many lip tints dry out my lips or do not offer flattering colors. I decided to try the color “Play” as it is more of a neutral pink, and the minute I put this on, I was impressed. As I continue to wear it, my lips maintain their hydration without becoming dry and the color is beautiful. I also love that it’s not as shiny as some balmy tints. It has become my go-to everyday lip, and I even recently purchased the color “Evoke” for days I want a little more depth. I usually struggle with finding a moisturizer that is truly hydrating without being too heavy in the winter, and I have fallen in love with the Avène A-OXitive Antioxidant Water-Cream. It's a perfect balance of hydration and contains powerful antioxidants that help fight stressed skin while giving my skin a healthy glow. As a mom and boss that is always on the go, it's everything I need in a bottle. Plus, it works perfectly under my foundation for a flawless finish. Who could ask for more? Indie Lee Nourishing Lip Tint LEARN MORE Avène A-OXitive Antioxidant Water-Cream LEARN MORE Maria's Top Picks I recently entered my late 30s, and I've noticed my heavily hooded monolids have changed in shape as I've gotten older. My NuFACE journey began two years ago when I first started seeing my eyelids looking "heavier", and I can see a difference. I like using the device with the ELE attachment to help lift my eyelid area, and the regular attachment helps sculpt my cheekbones. If I'm in a hurry, I opt for the NuFACE FIX for a temporary lift, but the Trinity has been the go-to treatment that I perform at least three times a week. I, like many others, experienced hair-loss related to stress the first year of the pandemic, and I actually developed a small balding patch toward the front of my hairline. After talking with our pros, I learned that inflammation of the hair follicles can cause the hair loss that I was experiencing. I started using the Fitish Plumping Hair Serum once a day, and I started seeing results in just one month. Now, that hair has completely grown back, and it has improved the overall health of my hair. I now have a backup bottle of this, at all times, because I never want to be without it again. It has a pleasant fresh scent, is weightless, has no discernable texture, so you won't be left with any residue. It actually gives your hair volume, too!   Face NuFACE Trinity Pro Facial Toning Kit + ELE Blush LEARN MORE Fitish Beauty Hair Plumping Serum LEARN MORE Morgan's Top Picks The winter is always tough on my skin. Between the cold and the heat to keep warm, my skin can't retain enough moisture. I've been focusing on finding time for myself as a new mom, and my skin routine is my time to relax. I have recently started using the Avène Thermal Spring Water after washing my face to calm any problem areas and help retain moisture. I even use it after I apply my makeup to set it and add extra hydration. I definitely like convenience, so when I find a product that can eliminate multiple steps I usually take that option. I've found that the Stila One Step Correct helps reduce my redness, brightens my skin, and gives a slight blurring effect. I love that I can use it as a primer when I wear foundation or even wear it alone on my no makeup days. Avène Thermal Spring Water LEARN MORE Stila One Step Correct LEARN MORE Jessica's Top Picks I LOVE using St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Vitamins Face Serum during the colder months when my skin looks and feels like it needs a boost of vitamins and some sun! I was hesitant at first as my skin is super sensitive, but this formula didn't cause any breakouts nor irritation. It gave me a natural color and a beautiful glow! I give this product a 10 out of 10. Being a working mom with a toddler (SOS), I, like most parents, don't get as much sleep as I would like. To combat the gorgeous “designer” bags that come with parenthood, the Fraîcheur Paris Ice Globes not only FEEL amazing but really do the trick to calm down my tired eyes! I always have these on standby in the freezer. St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Vitamins Face Serum LEARN MORE Fraîcheur Paris Ice Globes Blue LEARN MORE 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, of skincare routine? Or 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. 

From texture to loss of elasticity and everything in between, it seems like there's a long list of skincare concerns many of us deal with on a regular basis. However, thanks to some high-tech devices and basic skincare tools, caring for our skin and enjoying a spa-like moment at home has never been easier. In this blog, we're sharing our top skincare tool picks to treat different skincare concerns and explaining the benefits of each! Remove dirt, debris, and dead skin cells with the Esker Beauty Body Plane (left) or the Milk + Honey Body Brush (right). Both provide additional benefits like aiding in boosting circulation and aiding in lymphatic draining. Skincare Tools for Exfoliation Pesky dry patches, keratosis pilaris, and general skin dullness impact more than half of Americans, so it's no surprise beauty brands have taken notice and have created safe and effective skincare tools to help. The Esker Beauty Body Plane is a hand-held device that takes inspiration from the ancient Greek strigil, a tool that uses a dulled blade to scrape away debris, dirt, and dead skin cells. You can click here to learn more about that in our blog about how to use the Body Plane, but to summarize this updated version of the strigil, it can help reduce KP bumps and gently sweep away impurities when used correctly. For best results, pair with one of Esker's body oils. Another option is to treat yourself to a body brushing session once a week. Unlike the Body Plane, a body brush is best used before showering. The Milk + Honey Body Brush is crafted from Chinese cherrywood and boar bristles to gently and thoroughly exfoliate the skin, promote healthy circulation and detoxification, and to reveal smooth, happy skin. Regardless of the method you choose, work in long, slow sweeping motions starting at your extremities and move toward your heart to aid in lymphatic draining and to improve circulation. Avoid over-exfoliating, as this can have the opposite effect and cause additional skin irritation. Give your body the royal treatment and target stubborn dimples with the NuBODY, and target fine lines with the Trinity with the ELE Attachment. Skincare Tools for Anti-Aging High-quality facial care has come a long way, and you can achieve professional results at home! NuFACE offers FDA-approved microcurrent devices that are the leading choice for estheticians and makeup artists wanting to give their clients an uplifting treatment. The NuFACE FIX line smoothing device paired with the NuFACE FIX serum provides a quick fix skin-plumping session with microcurrent technology! You can see instant results in just 3 minutes, and there's a whole range of techniques to smooth lines around the lips and eyes. We made it easy to pick which one is best for you — simply read our article here. For a longer microcurrent session with long-term results, the NuFACE Trinity device can sculpt, depuff, tone muscles, and more. Just think of it as a workout for your face! Pair the Trinity with the Effective Lip & Eye attachment to treat extra delicate skin, or attach the Wrinkle Reducer Red Light Therapy attachment to target fine lines. If you want the same results microcurrent can offer for your body, the NuFACE NuBODY Toning and Firming Kit is our top pick for you. This larger device utilizes microcurrent to smooth dimples and to tone the skin. This is the first FDA-approved product of its kind and is designed with four treatment spheres that focus on targeting the microcurrent to specific parts of the body to help smooth away the appearance of uneven or dimpled skin. End your skincare self care routine with a soothing facial that improves circulation, depuffs, and reinvigorates your skin. The Fraicheur Paris Facial Ice Globes are used by estheticians worldwide, and MUA Jillian Dempsey created the Gold Sculptin Bar to give her clients the red carpet treatment in just a few minutes! Skincare Tools for Soothing Stressed Skin Now that you've learned more about our favorite skincare tools to exfoliate and for anti-aging, it's time to talk about tools that can soothe the skin. The Fraicheur Paris Facial Ice Globes are among our best-selling skincare tools and offer an oversized sphere that allows you to cover a larger surface area in a shorter time frame. They utilize cryotherapy to temporarily decrease the size of blood vessels in the skin, so they're great to help hide dark circles under the eyes while soothing facial muscles. Simply pop the globes into the fridge for at least an hour to get them nice and cold, and enjoy! To read step-by-step instructions on how to perform a few Facial Ice Globe facials, click here. For a quicker treatment that's not quite as cold, the FITISH Ice Globes are cooled in the fridge (versus the freezer), so those that are sensitive to the colder temps may prefer these globes for their cryotherapy session. If you have tense facial muscles and a bit of puffiness you're trying to treat, the Jillian Dempsey Gold Sculpting Bar is the perfect device. Ideal for men and women, the 24k gold plated Gold Bar’s vibrations mimic the effects of a massage, instantly relaxing facial muscles to release tension. Makeup Artist Jillian Dempsey created this device to give her models a professional-level facial in just a few minutes before makeup application. Feeling Inspired? Are you feeling inspired to explore our wide range of skincare tools and get your self care journey started? Click here to start exploring. If you have any additional questions or need advice to select the perfect tool for your skincare concerns, 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.

There's just something fun about playing and creating with colorful beauty products and exploring different tones, finishes, and textures. Whether you're a makeup minimalist or love going all out with your beauty routine, we're sharing some of our top picks for a little color therapy. Express yourself with soothing earth tone hues from Jillian Dempsey or luxurious lip glosses from Saint Jane. Saint Jane Luxury Lip Shine shades featured (L-R): Nectar, Elixir, Alchemy, and Bliss Top Picks for Makeup Minimalists If you’re more of a minimalist with a calm, neutral vibe, here are our top picks for a quick routine with minimal products. The Smashbox Always On Cream Eyeshadows have the perfect on-the-go creamy eyeshadow formula because they can be applied with your finger and are easy to blend. These completely smudge-proof shadows come in a variety of neutral shades for a quick no-makeup makeup look. Feeling creative? You can mix the shades for a custom color of your own! When it comes to a "less is more" beauty routine, a hydrating, go-to gloss is an easy quick pick-me-up. For a subtle wash of color, we love the vegan, cruelty-free and CBD-infused Saint Jane Luxury Lip Shine. The shades Cloud and Tonic are the best-selling sheer, non-shimmer formulas, and Mystic is perfect for a deeper plum shade. Finally, check out Jillian Dempsey for the ultimate no-fuss beauty routine. The Cheek Tints and Lid Tints provide a dewy wash of color for an effortless look, and they contain skin loving ingredients and antioxidants to help improve your skin with each wear. Explore beautiful colors from Danessa Myricks and Lethal Cosmetics. Palettes featured include the Danessa Myricks Beauty Dew it Flirty Dewy Lip & Cheek Palete and a custom Lethal Cosmetics palette. Top Picks for Colorful & Multi-Tasking Makeup Lovers We couldn't create a blog about makeup without including some of our favorite Danessa Myricks products! Her Allure Best of Beauty award-winning, multi-purpose ColorFix is a pro favorite because it can be used on the eyes, lips, cheeks, and body, and can be mixed to create new shades. For a dewy option, try her new Dewy Cheek & Lip Palettes for a highly-pigmented pop of color. These palettes are blendable with a balm-like texture that provides a dewy, healthy glow. If you're into cream-based products but want a formula that sets down to a more powdery finish, check out the Jouer Blush and Bloom Cheek & Lip Duos. Each one has two perfectly paired shades and is infused with skin-loving ingredients for comfortable wear. If you love expressing your creativity through eyeshadows, Sydney Grace has you covered with budget-friendly singles in a wide range of colors, long-wearing Cream Shadows, and a range of palettes perfectly curated for lighter and deeper skin tones. If lips are your love language, Dose of Colors has you covered with plenty of options including limited edition Lip Sets featuring extra savings and their hydrating Stay Glossy Lip Gloss. If you love bolder and unique colors, Lethal Cosmetics has a range of palettes of all sizes, hard to find blush colors including a dandelion yellow and violet-based pink, gel liners that are UV-reactive, and more! Go all out with bold and vibrant colors. The full-face looks were created by Danessa Myricks using Infinite Chrome Pencils and Infinite Chrome Flakes. The abstract coloful look was created by makeup artist and foundation of Karla Cosmetics, Karla Powell. Top Picks for Trend Followers If you are the type of person who loves keeping up with the trends, trying new formulas, or are always looking online or to Hollywood for inspiration, then these are the products for you! If you’re a fan of holographic glitter and are not afraid of looking like a cast member from “Euphoria,” then check out the glowing, multichromatic Danessa Myricks Infinite Chrome Flakes. These beautiful gel-based long-wearing glitter flakes went viral several times on social media, and it's easy to see why. You can easily go from everyday to glam with a single swipe, and each shifts to a different color as the light hits it from different angles. If you're after the same effect but shy away from glitter, Karla Cosmetics Pressed Eyeshadows and Lethal Cosmetics Multichrome Magnetic Pressed Eyeshadows can give you a similar look. These fun, colorful eyeshadows both come in unique color options for bold babes and several subdued shades for those craving a subtle yet eyecatching shift.   Finally, for those wanting to explore the colorful multichrome world in smaller doses, the Danessa Myricks Infinite Chrome Pencils are a perfect addition to your makeup collection. Simply add to the waterline for an eyecatching look or create a full-blown multichromatic graphic liner look with these easy-to-use pencils. Feeling Inspired? Are you feeling inspired to play with some beautiful makeup products? Click here to explore our newest arrivals. 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.

If you’re not getting the finish, coverage, or wear-time that you want from your foundations, it may not be the foundation… it might be how you’re applying it! Sometimes we aren’t using the right tool for the outcome we want, so in this blog, we will explain the different types of tools we recommend and the benefits of each! Sponges Sponges are great for applying foundation and blending out foundation after it has been applied with a brush. There are two types of sponges that you will commonly find in any makeup artist’s kit, wedge sponges and beauty sponges. Wedge Sponges Wedge sponges are great as an inexpensive and hygienic way to apply foundation. These sponges typically come in a block of 8 and each side can be used to apply your foundation. This type of sponge works great with cream foundations. You may find when using this type of sponge with liquid foundations you are using up more foundation since some of the product is absorbed into the sponge. PRO Tip: Use a wedge sponge to “bake” or apply loose powder in targeted areas of the face. Sweep away any visible powder away with a fluffy brush. Beauty Sponges:Beauty sponges like the Beautyblender and Camera Ready PRO Multiblender can be used wet or dry. They can also be used with your liquid or cream foundations. The most popular way to use a beauty sponge is to use it damp while using a bouncing technique to press the foundation onto your skin. This will allow you to build up the foundation for your desired coverage. After finishing your makeup, use the damp beauty sponge to seamlessly blend out any lines of demarcation. PRO Tip: To remove bacteria and extend the life of your beauty sponge, clean your sponge on a regular basis with a soap like Crazy Merman. Camera Ready Makeup Sponge LEARN MORE Camera Ready PRO Multiblender LEARN MORE Beautyblender® SINGLE Original PINK LEARN MORE Duo Fiber Brush Duo fiber brushes are sometimes referred to as stipple brushes. Stippling is a technique used to create a flawless airbrush-like finish. You will notice with a brush like Scott Barnes Foundation Brush #68 the white bristles are longer and will pick up and apply the foundation to the skin. The shorter black bristles will blend the foundation when using the brush. You can use this brush for liquid or cream products. For the best results, it is recommended to use it with lightweight liquids. Be careful with using it with heavy foundations or too much foundation, as this type of brush may cause streaking. PRO Tip: Apply the foundation to the back of your hand or on a steel palette. Lightly press the duo fiber brush into the foundation to coat only the longer bristles. Using an up and down motion begin pressing the product into your skin until you reach your desired coverage. Scott Barnes Foundation Brush #68 LEARN MORE Illamasqua Foundation Brush     LEARN MORE Bdellium Tools Maestro Series #955 LEARN MORE Flat Foundation Brush The flat foundation brush is considered to be a classic. A brush like Bdellium Tools Maestro Series #948 is a go-to for any foundation formula, regardless of the coverage or finish. It’s recommended to start in the center of the face and work your way outward with flicking motions. Use short quick strokes to apply the foundation. PRO Tip: Use this brush at an angle to apply and blend your cream contour products. Bdellium Tools Maestro Series #948 LEARN MORE Cozzette Rounded Foundation Brush P340 LEARN MORE Ben Nye Makeup Foundation Brush FCB-20 LEARN MORE Tapered Blending Brush The Tapered Blending brush marries several tools in one. A brush like MYKITCO My Flawless Face Brush Medium 0.22 is not as dense as a full coverage brush, yet not as sheer as a stipple brush. This brush can be used with your liquids, creams, and powders. The shape of the brush allows you to apply the product to the smaller areas of the face. Using a buffing technique you can evenly apply the product to build up the coverage from light to full.  PRO Tip: Use this brush to apply a setting powder by pressing and rolling the powder into the skin. MYKITCO My Flawless Face Brush Medium 0.22 LEARN MORE Sigma Brush for Face F86 LEARN MORE Smith Cosmetics 154 Quill Face Brush LEARN MORE Buffing Brush You will notice that with a Smith Cosmetics 115 Foundation Brush, the bristles are short, dense, and tightly packed together. With a buffing brush, there is less movement in the bristles meaning the product will lay closer together when applied. This will allow you to create a fuller coverage faster. This tool is great for creams and liquids. PRO Tip: Stripe lines of foundation on the larger areas of your face. Hold the brush handle about mid-way up. Then in a circular, using buffing type motion blend out the foundation until even. For harder to cover areas, tap the brush to build coverage. Smith Cosmetics 115 Foundation Brush LEARN MORE Senna Face Blur 47 Brush LEARN MORE Real Techniques Expert Face Brush LEARN MORE Feeling Inspired? Our goal is to continue to seek out the best brands that we know you'll love, so stay tuned for more exciting news and brands as we head into the new year! Are you ready to start exploring all the great products we have to offer? Click the pictures below to start shopping! BEST SELLERS LEARN MORE SKINCARE LEARN MORE HAIR CARE LEARN MORE MAKEUP LEARN 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. 

If you experience dryness, flakiness, or general skin discomfort during the winter, you're not alone. Every year, our Beauty Advisors receive questions from makeup artists and beauty lovers about how to combat these common winter woes and how to create a beautiful canvas for makeup application. While there's no shame in going makeup-free to let your natural beauty shine through, winter weddings and special events may call for an elevated yet natural makeup look, and we're here to help! In this blog, we'll share our top tips for creating a natural makeup look on dull, dry skin, but these steps can be used to achieve a full glam look, too! Let's get started. Skin Prep for Dull, Dry Skin Dropping humidity levels strip your skin of moisture and can lead to dryness and itchiness, and skin that is prone to breakouts can become even more sensitive and harder to treat. That's why selecting the proper cleanser and moisturizer is essential. Cleansers: If your skin is irritated, avoid the urge to use a physical exfoliator to slough away dry dull skin cells and opt for a cleanser with salicylic acid. This popular skincare ingredient is safe for most skin types to use daily in a cleanser because it is often less concentrated than it is in moisturizers and serums, but start off using it a few times a week to determine your skin's tolerance. Use lukewarm water to cleanse, pat dry, and follow immediately with moisturizer. PRO Tip: If extra exfoliation is needed and the skin isn't too sensitive, try a gentle peel like Peter Thomas Roth FirmX Peeling Gel or Senna Exfoliating Cleanser. Both formulas use fruit enzymes to slough away debris and dull skin to reveal a brighter complexion. Focus on problem areas, and use a few drops of Bioderma Hydrabio H2O on a cotton pad to lightly sweep away any stubborn patches and to add extra moisture. Moisturizers: When it comes to moisturizers, layering a face mist, moisturizer, and oil can work wonders to soothe and protect dull and dry skin. We recommend starting with a light spritz of Avene Thermal Water or Koh Gen Do Herbal Spa Mist to provide a quick boost of antioxidants to nourish and to calm irritated skin. The neutral pH helps balance the skin and works well with other skincare products. Next, opt for a richer moisturizer that provides lasting hydration. Pro favorites include Embryolisse Filaderme Emulsion for a formula with shea butter to heal the skin, Avene Hydrance Aqua Gel for a hyaluronic rich gel that absorbs quickly, and REN Clean Skincare Replenishing Gel Cream for clients that are prone to breakouts. Follow up with a facial oil to lock in hydration, and allow the products to sink into the skin.   If extra hydration is needed, use a sheet mask immediately after cleansing and before moisturizing.   For Makeup Artists: Since most makeup artists rely on toners and rinse-free options to cleanse the skin, we recommend keeping Bioderma Hydrabio H2O in your kit along with best selling NuFACE Prep N Glow Cleanse Exfoliation Cloths.  Hydrabio removes dirt and debris with ease, while the Prep N Glow Cloths will give you extra exfoliating power thanks to the gentle exfoliating surface on one side of the cloth. Both have skin-loving ingredients to prevent irritation and to soothe dry skin. Apply an extra layer of hydration with Mehron Hydro Prep Pro and follow with moisturizer. Create a Glowy Complexion with Foundation Of course, with the right prep, you can make any foundation look beautiful, but these pro picks will make it easier to achieve a natural, healthy glow. For a luminous and perfected look, try Kevyn Aucoin The Etherealist Skin Illuminating Foundation. This lightweight formula has hyaluronic acid for added hydration and ultra-fine pearl pigments to diffuse light and give the skin a smoother appearance. Face Atelier Ultra Foundation is also at the top of our list because of the unique silicone-based formula that allows it to glide easily over textured skin for a smoother appearance. The lightweight formula flexes and moves with ease and can even be worn without setting. Finally, we recommend Koh Gen Do's Maifanshi Moisture Foundation and Aqua Foundation for those that want formulas packed with skin-loving ingredients and a skin-like finish. Both foundations are top picks for makeup artists working behind the scenes for television and film because they provide sheer to medium buildable coverage that still looks like real skin, but better. PRO Tip: The key to applying foundation to dry and dull skin is to work in thin, lightweight layers. This will help you control the coverage and allow each layer to adhere better to the skin. Remember, for a naturally glowy look, less is more. Spot conceal where necessary to keep the overall makeup look light and natural. Select a Hydrating Powder, and Apply Lightly Selecting and applying the perfect powder for a healthy winter glow is almost as important as skin prep because it can make or break your makeup look. Powders formulated with hyaluronic acid are a great choice because they'll keep your complexion looking smoother longer. By Terry offers a range of pressed, loose, tinted, and translucent powders, while Jouer's Soft Focus + Hydrate Powder adds allantoin and Vitamin E in addition to hyaluronic acid to smooth the skin. If you're setting the entire face, use a fluffy brush to apply a light dusting of powder, and use a powder puff for more precise application to areas that are prone to wearing away the fastest. Complete the rest of the makeup look with blush, eyeshadow, and any other products you desire, and finally, apply a light mist of setting spray, and that's it! You're Camera Ready! PRO Tip: When using a powder puff, first press your puff into the powder, and massage the powder into the puff to ensure it's evenly distributed into the fibers. Roll the powder onto areas that need to be set, and lightly tap onto any areas that need extra hold. Feeling Inspired? Are you ready to give our tips and tricks a try? Click here to explore skincare options, or click here to explore our newest makeup. 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.

Images and information courtesy of Saint Jane In honor of Saint Jane's third birthday, we're breaking down the ultimate guide to layering Saint Jane products. From brightening and soothing the skin to enhancing and nourishing lips with CBD and botanical-rich products, we're providing a step-by-step routine that's perfect to elevate your services for your clients or a luxurious self-pampering session. About the Saint Jane Facial Routine Saint Jane is a nourishing, reparative skincare line designed for use towards the end of facial treatments. Depending on the goal of the treatment and your client’s skin type, cleanse and prep the skin per the specific facial treatment protocol, prior to applying potent Saint Jane serums. Cleanse, extract, exfoliate, mask, then on to Saint Jane. Enhancement for Facial Treatment: Luxury Body Serum (optional) If a neck and shoulder massage is part of your facial offering, Luxury Body Serum is an indulgent, rich formula that helps clients relax and destress while making their skin more radiant. While their face mask is drying, a neck and shoulder massage is the perfect addition to the ultimate Saint Jane experience. How to use: use 4-6 pumps of Luxury Body Serum for a relaxing massage experience. Step 1: The C Drops As a general layering rule of thumb, you should start with the thinnest in product texture and work your way up to the heaviest. For Saint Jane, that means The C Drops serum is the first layer of the routine. Packed with a 20% glycerin-encapsulated Vitamin C blend, this powerful serum is formulated to penetrate the deepest layers of skin for maximum effectiveness while citrus AHAs resurface and brighten. Starting with The C-Drops enables you to up your client’s skin glow factor for their most radiant complexion. Though Vitamin C is a potent ingredient that can sometimes cause irritation and redness as an unfortunate side effect, our formulation includes skin-soothing botanicals, such as CBD, for a gentle yet effective first step. As always with active Vitamin C products, do not use after heavy exfoliation, and use only if your client’s skin can tolerate it. HOW TO USE: apply one pipette if The C Drops onto clean, dry skin. Gently press and pat into skin until absorbed. STEP 2: Hydrating Petal Cream (optional) With the ultra-hydrating power of 1% pure Hyaluronic Acid combined with the smoothing capabilities of Hibiscus Peptides, Hydrating Petal Cream delivers silky smooth, hydrated skin that lasts all day. Its featherweight texture absorbs quickly and is specifically designed to never pill, making it the perfect lightweight moisturizer to layer on top of The C Drops. As an option, Hydrating Petal Cream can be used under Luxury Beauty Serum (the next step) as a bonus hydrator. It also works as a great skin-prepper for a dewy effect before applying makeup in the spa or salon. HOW TO USE: Smooth 1-3 pumps over client’s face and neck using upward motion. Let absorb. STEP 3: Luxury Beauty Serum It has been called “the face oil to end all face oils” for a reason. Saint Jane's award-winning Luxury Beauty Serum is a powerful treatment packed with hundreds of nutrients designed to reverse signs of aging and calm skin. This omega-rich serum not only delivers a huge dose of soothing botanicals to skin, it also packs a punch with actives such as Sea Buckthorn and Calendula, which gently resurface and detoxify pores. Luxury Beauty Serum is our holy grail, skin-transforming powerhouse and is the ultimate final layer to seal in all of the nutrients from the previous steps. The 500mg of CBD will soothe and destress after treatment, leaving a beautiful glow. HOW TO USE: apply 1 pipette of Luxury Beauty Serum on to the skin for deep nourishment and hydration, using upward motions. As an option, before the Luxury Beauty Serum is fully absorbed, use a gua sha to massage the skin using sweeping upward motions from the center to the outer edges of the face. This will help the serum to absorb deeper, enhance contours, and visibly reduce puffiness. STEP 4: Bright Repair Eye Cream (optional) Bright Repair Eye Cream is specifically designed to target dark circles and fine lines while protecting the integrity of our delicate eye skin. 10% Vitamin C visibly brightens while Green Tea and Grapeseed work to de-puff and knock out the intensity of dark circles for a calm, well-rested look. HOW TO USE: gently tap a pea-sized amount of Bright Repair Eye Cream around the eye to brighten and de-puff your client’s under eye area. STEP 5: Luxury Lip Shine or Cream Luxury Lip Shine is a beautifully protective, hydrating lip oil with a wash of color that also doubles as a lip treatment. Eight impeccably clean ingredients nourish and protect the delicate lip area. Give your clients the ultimate dewy glow as they leave your treatment room with a swipe of lip protection in nude or lightly-colored shades. For a richer, more saturated color, opt for the Luxury Lip Cream lipsticks, available in seven shades. HOW TO USE: Swipe on lips for the perfect finishing touch and all-over glow. Explore Saint Jane That's it! Your client's skin is hydrated, protected, and nourished, and if you're anything like us, you'll want to experience this routine for yourself, too! Click here to learn more about the products and get started on the path to calmer, happier, and brighter skin! 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.

NOTE: This blog was originally published in 2021 and has been updated. We recommend working with a CPA if you have questions. 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 2022 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. Keep Your Receipts Organized Managing a pile of receipts and expenses can be tricky, especially if you have to grab a single product for a last minute job (and make sure you're tracking the extra mileage, too). However, with a little discipline, you can build some good habits and a routine to keep this important step in check! There are tools to like phone apps, receipt scanners, and more, to create digital versions of your receipts for your records. Popular bookkeeping software like QuickBooks offers a mobile receipt uploading option. If you have receipts emailed to you, you can submit them via email, and it will be uploaded to your QuickBooks account for safe keeping. Genius Scan is another popular choice because it allows you to quickly scan a document, give it a filename that will help you find it later, and email it to yourself later in PDF form. Have a separate bank account that you use solely for your artistry? Some credit card providers and even some banks allow you to sign up for notifications (email or text) every time that card is used. If you use that card solely for business purchases, you'll have an easy way to track your spending! 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. 

If you're looking for fun and flirty Valentine's Day makeup, look no further! Danessa Myricks has you covered. This long-wearing look features some of her most popular products, so keep reading for a step-by-step breakdown on how to achieve the look! Create a Glowy Complexion Danessa prepped her model's skin with Beauty Oil for long-lasting hydration and gave her model an extra boost of glow with Prism FX Hydrating Lotion. Next, she created a perfected base with Vision Cream Cover and sculpted with Balm Contour in the shade Light 2. To set everything in place, she used a thin layer of Evolution Powder in shade 1. PRO Tip: Prism FX is a pro favorite illuminating moisturizer that contains squalene and Vitamin E to improve your skin with each wear while prismatic pigments reflect the light to give the look of smoother skin and to lightly blur imperfections. It is available in three shades to suit every complexion; the Original shade has slight pink tones, while Peach and Gold offer subtle color-correcting benefits. Use it in place of your usual moisturizer and primer for a lit from within glow, or mix it into your foundation for an even glowier look. Create an Exaggerated Cat Eye with Plum Wine First, Danessa applied Plum Wine ColorFix to a mixing palette, dipped a flat medium-sized domed eyeshadow brush into it, and applied a layer to the lid before diffusing the edges with a Cozzette S175 Eye Contour Brush. Using light circular and windshield-wiper motions to blend the product, she lightly buffed Plum Wine almost all the way up to the brow bone. Next, she used a pencil brush to smudge plum wine along the lower lash line and dragged out the product into an exaggerated cat-eye shape. Apply Blush & Highlight Danessa used the "Blush Draping" technique to add a pop of color and definition to the face. Using the MYKITCO Pro My Perfect Powder Brush 0.11 brush, she applied a mixture of Plum Wine ColorFix and Bread N Butter Vision Flush to the apples of the cheeks and blended upward to the temple and just above the brow. For highlighter, she used the same brush with Tiara Vision Flush for a pearly glow. PRO Tip: To apply an ultra-pigmented cream product like Danessa's Vision Flush, use a smaller yet fluffy brush like MYKITCO's Pro My Perfect Powder Brush 0.11  for precise yet diffused application. First, apply a small amount of product to a mixing tray and lightly swipe and tap the brush across the tray to evenly distribute the product. Then, use light tapping motions from the apples of the cheeks to the temple and above the brow bone. It's Twin Flames Time! To finish the look, Danessa used her multidimensional Twin Flames in the shade Star Ruby from the Love Potion Inifinite Gemstone Kit for an irresistible sparkle. She applied a small amount of Star Ruby directly to a fluffy eyeshadow brush and brushed it onto the eyelid on top of Plum Wine. Using a pencil brush, she added Star Ruby to the middle part of the lower lash line. Finally, she took a Cozzette S185 Mini Eye Blender Brush and added a golden highlight the inner corner. To lock in the look, she set the makeup with a light spritzing of Danessa Myricks' Dewy Forever Mist setting spray, and that's it! Her model is Camera Ready! PRO Tip: Use light tapping motions or light swiping when layering Twin Flames on top of other products for even shimmer distribution. Feeling Inspired? Are you ready to try this look out for yourself or on your clients? Click here to explore all of Danessa Myricks Beauty including an expanded selection of pro favorites you won't find elsewhere! 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. 

The Winter 2022 beauty trends keep rolling in, and it looks like it's going to be a beautiful season ahead. In this blog, we're breaking down each trend and are sharing our top pro picks to achieve each look! Glass Hair You've heard about glass skin, but the latest "glass" trend is for your locks. "Glass Hair" is the phrase beauty editors have coined to describe hair that looks healthy, shiny, smooth, and clean. While this style doesn't require a daily washing, styling products like dry shampoo, a hydrating hair oil or shine spray, and leave in conditioner will help you achieve the look. For those with extra dry or color treated hair, a deeply moisturizing mask is also an important step to achieve maximum shine. To combat a bit of frizz and get ultra-smooth hair, first start with a leave in conditioner and seal with a hair oil. Extra Sparkly & Frosted Eyes This winter, frosty and over-the-top sparkly eyeshadow has made a shimmery comeback. When used in moderation, these glistening shadows add a professional yet striking pop to any traditional makeup look. We recommend testing out a few different products to find the texture and hue best suited for you. To create an enchanting frosty eyeshadow look, start by applying a base layer of a light matte shadow for even color application. If you want the shimmer to be the star of the show, start with a dark base color for maximum impact. Next, apply your favorite metallic shadow or glitter evenly all over the lid. If it tends to be grittier in texture, use your finger or a dense brush to pack on the shimmer. For an even more dramatic look, use a mixing medium like Cozzette Matrix Mixing Liquid for an ultra-foiled effect. If you're looking for a fun new palette, Lethal Cosmetics' Magnetic Pressed Powder Palette in Berlin 89 includes a wide range of finishes including a multichrome to create the perfect frosty glam. Their crease-proof shadow formula is long-lasting and vibrant to keep your looks feeling fresh all day. If you’re interested in buying a single chromatic shade rather than a full palette, their new single multichrome shadows will have you turning heads all season long. If you're after a beautiful shimmery sheen that will add the perfect level of sparkle in a long-lasting cream-based formula, the Cozzette Crystal Cream Eye Shadows are right for you. These dazzling shades come in a variety of colors ranging from jewel-tones to everyday earthy shades making them excellent for any holiday makeup look. If you want a quick way to add sparkle to any shadow look, try out the Lethal Cosmetics Glitch Liquid Shadow Berlin 89 Collection. Their enchanting liquid formula gives you a glittery and chromatic shine without any fallout, making it excellent for beginners and experts alike and offers a glimmering gold or a prismatic silver. Extra Long Natural Lashes While eyelashes have always been in style, natural lashes are making a comeback this winter than ever. This is great news for those that don't love wearing false lashes. If longevity is your main priority, there’s no better product to turn to than the Smashbox Mascara + Mini Lash Primer Duo. This handy kit comes with everything you need to make sure your mascara doesn’t run and stays clump-free all day. The kit includes one full-sized tube of their Super Fan Mascara and a deluxe-sized lash primer. If you're a fan of waterproof mascara, the new Scott Barnes MaXXX Out Mascara may be the perfect choice. This innovative formula contains a special mix of oils and other natural ingredients to nourish and protect your lashes while still delivering the long-wearing volume you want. For the mascara junkies that love testing new products, we know you'll fall in love with Meloway Your Way Mascara and Ready Set Primer. They feature a pivoting applicator that can be tilted to any angle you desire to ensure you reach each and every lash. Simply press the tip of the wand against the side of the bottle to reach the desired bend and apply with ease. Berry Lips Deep wine-stained lips have been a winter trend that has withstood the test of time, and this season is no different. There’s something about the dipping temperatures that seem to make these rich and sultry lip colors soar in popularity. While there are tons of lipsticks and glosses out there to give you a sultry look, you’ll want to make sure sure you prep your lips to ensure they last as long as possible! To make sure your lip color last all day, start by gently exfoliating your lips. If your beauty routine allows you a few extra moments to get ready, we recommend doing this before your skincare routine and applying a hydrating oil like Jouer's Essential Hydrating Lip Oil to smooth lip lines and moisturize your lips for even lip color application. Once your lips are fully prepped, a lip liner is a must to keep your prevent you lipstick from feathering and fading unevenly. For a versatile liner that can be used on the lips and eyes, we recommend Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil in Endless Plum for a cool toned lip or Free Burgundy for a warmer tone. If you're after a brown-toned berry shade, line with the budget friendly KimChi Chic Beauty Y.U.M. Lip Liner in Root Beer. Finally, for a true berry liner that won't budget, we recommend Jouer Long-Wear Creme Lip Liner in Aubergine. Now that we're prepped and lined, we're ready to move on to the star of the show, the berry lipsticks! Melt Cosmetics Ultra Matte Lipstick in Catsuit is as rich as they come with a lovely matte finish, and Ben Nye Boysenbery Lipstick is the perfect deep berry shade if you're feeling extra bold. If you prefer a cooler toned lip color, try Senna Cosmetics Black Rose Lipstick, and for a berry that leans toward merlot, try Besame Noir Red. Regardless of the lip color you choose, you can achieve a more subtle, blushed berry tone by using your finger to apply the lipstick over a light balm to create a stained berry tint on your lips. If you prefer a liquid lipstick, try Dose of Colors Liquid Lipstick in Mood for a warmer berry or Berry Me for a vibrant raspberry shade. Icy Highlighter While many makeup artists are opting for a subtle highlight rather than a full-face beat this year, an icy highlighter across the cheekbones and nose can make you look like you just stepped out of a winter wonderland. Products like the Lethal Cosmetics Wavelength Press Highlighter in Scatter or Illamasqua Beyond Powder Highlighter are perfect options to give you an effortless, icy or warm glow from the inside out. If you aren't afraid of unique highlighter colors and want a value-packed palette, check out the KimChi Chic Beauty Drama Queen Highlighter Palette for many beautiful highlighter options. Plus, it’s cruelty-free and vegan! For a highlighter with a slight opalescent shift, try Jouer Powder Highlighter in Celestial. This finely milled powder will give your cheeks a light pink glow with a lilac shift! For the perfect frosty glow, apply powder highlighters with a light hand and a highlighter brush like MYKITCO's PRO My Blush and Polisher 0.24 Brush for maximum glow. A little bit of highlighter goes a long way, so be sure to blend well for a lit from within look. Feeling Inspired? Whether you want to test drive the trends or opt for your own makeup style this winter, we offer plenty of high-quality products to help achieve beautiful results from head to toe. Click here to start exploring! 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. 

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 January Top Picks! Stacy's Top Picks I recently picked up one of Danessa Myricks' Inifinte Gemstone Kits from her holiday collection, and I am loving the new Infinite Chrome Pencils! In particular, I've been loving the shades Opal and Jade. The formula is great and doesn't tug at your skin, and it's easy and fun fun to put in the waterline to open up my eye with a subtle multichrome iridescence. They have such a precise tip, and the formula is waterproof. If you've been wanting to dip your toe into the multichrome trend, this is hands down the way to go. My other top pick for the month will probably make you laugh. I bought the L.A. Girl PRO Color Foundation Mixing Pigment in the shade white because I wanted an easy-to-use product to turn my husband's eyebrows and beard white for a quick change Santa Claus during the holidays. It worked out perfectly. I then started using a small amount with my foundation since it is a tad bit dark this time of year, and it worked liek a charm. The formula is incredibly pigmented but easy to blend. It works perfectly with both my liquid and cream foundations to create a perfect match. This product is great to have in your personal makeup collection or in your artist kit. Plus, it's super affordable. If you've struggled like many others to find your perfect winter shade, add a tiny bit of this to your favorite summer foundations for a custom match! Danessa Myricks Infinite Chrome Pencils LEARN MORE L.A. Girl Color Mixing Pigment LEARN MORE Chelsie's Top Picks When it comes to complexion products, I always strive to achieve a natural, skin-like finish, and Danessa Myricks Beauty Balm Contour makes it so easy! It is formulated with some of my favorite skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E, so the formula is ultra-creamy and blendable. It essentially does my job for me! I have a history of acne-prone and extremely dry skin, so in the past, it had been very difficult to find a contour product that doesn't look muddy or emphasize my dryness. That's why Beauty Balm Contour is a game-changer. It performs well on different skin types. This looks undetectable on the skin while still providing a gorgeous warmth and dimension to your look! In terms of my kit, there is such a wide variety of shades and undertones, so I know I can rely on this product and will never run into a moment where I can't find a shade for someone. As a licensed esthetician and makeup professional, I look for double-duty products and am ALL about hydration! Senna's Moisture Mist is the perfect toner because it balances the skin's pH, provides soothing hydration, and contains plenty of antioxidants to enrich your skin and protect it against environmental stressors. It also helps your serums and moisturizers to penetrate deeper into your skin and is great over makeup as a refresher or to blend out any powders. With Aloe, Hyaluronic Acid, and Lavender Oil, it really is the perfect combination of ingredients packed into a mist! Danessa Myricks Beauty Balm Contour LEARN MORE Senna Moisture Mist LEARN MORE Calvin's Top Picks Have you ever heard the saying, " it's not your makeup it's your tools"? It's a phrase that I live by. I recently added the MYKITCO My Flawless Face Brush 0.22 to apply foundation to my clients, and it makes me wonder what took me so long to try it! It glides across the skin and allows you to buff product faster for a smoother finish regardless of the coverage. You can kiss patches and streaks goodbye, and your blending time will be cut in half! PRO Tip: Dot your liquid foundation onto the main points of your face like the cheeks, forehead, and chin. Grab the Flawless Face Brush and your favorite setting spray. Give the brush a light spritz and blend out your foundation. You've now given your complexion a long-wear, flawless finish. For my other top pick this month, I have to give a shout out to a powder that may seem like a splurge but is well worth it. The By Terry Colorless Hydra-Care Powder is a makeup artist's dream because it works with pretty much any foundation formula and is so finely milled that it's essentially weightless. It won't look nor feel like you're wearing powder, but it sets the makeup beautifully and increases the wear time for everyday use or for the biggest events. You won't have flashback, and it's one of those products that look better as the day goes on. For a convenient on-the-go option, they also offer a pressed powder compact. MYKITCO My Flawless Face Brush 0.22 LEARN MORE By Terry Colorless Hydra-Care Powder LEARN MORE Liz's Top Picks This past summer, I experienced an insane allergic reaction. I spent months working to heal the damage done to my face and upper body. During my reaction, nothing would calm my skin or create the soothing effects I was looking for. Right before this happened, I had started trying out Saint Jane Beauty. After trying countless recommendations from my General Practitioner, Allergist, and Dermatologist, I decided to put my Saint Jane products to the test, and I wasn't disappointed. My skin started to calm down and heal. It was a relief, and as I have healed, I continue to use Saint Jane's Luxury Beauty Serum and Body Serum daily. It gives my skin the most beautiful, healthy glow, and it even helps my skin look flawless when I put on makeup. Some days, I go makeup-free and get compliments on my skin. I can't think of any other products that have made such a positive impact on my skin. For hair care, I've been really enjoying Sachajuan's Leave In Conditioner. I have fine color-treated hair that needs a lot of moisturizing products to feel soft and look bouncy. It's incredibly lightweight, and that's important for my fine but thick color-treated hair. It also helps control frizz and flyaways, adds shine, and refreshes my style if I give my hair a quick mist throughout the day. Saint Jane Luxury Beauty Serum LEARN MORE Sachajuan Leave In Conditioner LEARN MORE Lauren's Top Picks As a makeup artist, I have tried a lot of different blush formulas, and pigmentation and long-wear are essential. The Lethal Cosmetics MAGNETIC Face Powder Blushes have been an amazing addition to my kit because they check all the boxes for what I need in a blush and offer unique colors that work on a variety of skin tones! From rich wine shades to face brightening coral, orange, and even a yellow-toned blush, you'll be able to create a unique flush that will brighten up any look. A kit staple and personal favorite for my own routine during the winter season is Embryolisse Creme Exfoliante. It's no secret that Embryolisse makes a lot of makeup artist staples! This creamy cleanser is ideal for all skin types because it has microspheres that provide gentle physical exfoliation along with hyaluronic acid, vitamins A, E, and F, and other nourishing ingredients. It's the perfect way to revitalize your skin and give you a healthy glow no matter how dull, dreary, or cold the weather may be outside! Lethal Cosmetics MAGNETIC Face Powder Blush LEARN MORE Embryolisse Creme Exfoliante LEARN MORE Morgan's Top Picks The True + Luscious Lucky Glow Palette is extremely pigmented, and when I say the highlighters glow, I mean they GLOW. The texture is smooth and lightweight, and it doesn't emphasize my skin's natural texture. When it comes to mascara, I'm always trying new formulas. On me, mascaras usually smudge, flake, or are messy to apply. However, when I tried the Smashbox Super Fan Mascara, I was impressed both from the very first time I tried it and have made it my go-to mascara for several months now! I've been using this mascara for a few months now, and my lashes still look like the first application. It's one of those great formulas that isn't too wet or too dry, helps keep my lashes separated, doesn't flake nor smudge, and gives me everything I want when it comes to my lashes! I know I'll be repurchasing this again and again! True + Luscious Lucky Glow Palette LEARN MORE Smashbox Super Fan Mascara LEARN MORE Jessica's Top Picks As a licensed cosmetologist who did hair for over a decade, it's safe to say I am picky when it comes to my hair care products! I have a sensitive scalp that can get very dry yet also oily from the South Florida humidity, and I think I've tested just about every brand for hair care there is! When my scalp is feeling a bit on the more oily side, I must say I LOVE using the Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo. It truly gives you that "squeaky clean" feeling and really helps with any product build-up! As I don't wash my hair daily, I rely on Oribe's Gold Lust Dry Shampoo. It smells amazing, and it doesn't leave that white residue most dry shampoos leave. I have dark brown hair, and it's hard to find a dry shampoo that is undetectable! With this product, I am able to go longer between washes without looking like I really need a wash... don't judge me, if you know you KNOW. Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo LEARN MORE Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo LEARN MORE Maria's Top Picks When it comes to complexion products, I tend to stick to my tried and true. I am in my late 30s and have normal skin that's slightly dry leaning in the winter, and I prefer foundations that are perfecting and that give me natural-looking coverage without feeling heavy. If the formula has added skincare benefits, that's the icing on the cake, and Jouer's Essential High Coverage Creme Foundation checks all of those boxes! I don't know how they did it, but this liquid foundation is more pigmented than any other foundation I've ever tried while still feeling like you're not wearing makeup. A half pump can cover my entire face, and once it sets, it's there all day. It's one of those formulas that actually gets more natural-looking and beautiful as the day goes on, and I have found that I don't even have to set it! For reference, my other favorites include Joe Blasco Ultrabase, RCMA Liquid Foundation, and Chanel Ultra Le Teint. The other product I haven't been able to stop using this month goes hand in hand with my other pick! When it comes to foundation, I'm that person that prefers to blend it out with fingertips or the Dose of Colors Penpoint Beauty Sponge. However, I have added the PRO Multiblender to my complexion routine because it gives my creamier foundations like Joe Blasco Ultrabase & RCMA Liquid Foundation the prettiest natural finish and blends them out better than any other tool I've ever used. Additionally, it gives me extra play-time for foundations that set faster than others (like the Jouer Essential High Coverage Creme Foundation). The texture of this sponge is unlike anything I've ever used! It's so bouncy and almost squishy feeling, so it's incredibly comfortable and fun to use. I have also found that I prefer to use it dry because it gives me a smooth finish that you'd expect from other beauty sponges that have been wet, so it's the ultimate tool in any situation (in my gym bag, for quick application, travel, etc.)! Jouer Essential High Coverage Creme Foundation LEARN MORE Camera Ready PRO Multiblender LEARN MORE 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, of skincare routine? Or 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.