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PRO TIPS: A Self-Taught Makeup Artist's Journey - Finding Inspiration from Danessa Myricks Beauty

PRO TIPS: A Self-Taught Makeup Artist's Journey - Finding Inspiration from Danessa Myricks Beauty

Danessa Myricks Beauty has been a staple in our kits and a must have at many photo shoots for years. This summer, the brand grew in popularity beyond the pro scene and on to the radar of many makeup lovers, as well. We spoke with Professional Makeup Artist and Photographer Calvin Brockington, a long time Danessa Myricks fan whose career path resonates with hers, and explore what it means to go Beyond Beauty. Images Courtesy of Danessa Myricks Beauty/ Alec Kugler for Coveteur Behind the Brand In a world full of competition and labels, Danessa Myricks has paved the way for artists and makeup lovers of all ages, genders, and races to explore colors, textures, and finishes with a wide range of high quality products and education. Her experience as self-taught makeup artist helped Danessa develop unconventional ways to create her iconic looks. This out-of-the box approach set her apart and gained the attention of artists and brands alike. It was only a matter of time before brands like KISS and Benefit Cosmetics worked with Danessa on product development for some of their most successful launches. However, her passion for creating multi-functional products and desire to develop collections that worked in multiple places on all faces continued to grow. Danessa Myricks Beauty was born. The goal? Develop inclusive products that could work for anybody in an exclusive world that left some feeling, well, left out. She wanted to go Beyond Beauty. Today, her innovative formulas and colorful range of products have gained the attention of artists, celebrities, and makeup enthusiasts alike. Her approach of going Beyond Beauty and smashing the barriers in the industry has inspired artists and makeup enthusiasts alike. Danessa continues to make waves in the industry both through listening to her audience and creating the products they'd like to see but also through her wealth of educational courses including in person events right here at CRC! Photos above courtesy of Danessa Myricks Beauty Finding Inspiration From Danessa Myricks CRC: What is it about Danessa Myricks herself that has inspired you? Calvin: So many things. You have to keep in mind she is an African American female in a male dominated arena. So for starters her courage. I also admire that she is completely and utterly self taught. She was never formally trained in makeup or photography. Yet she is world known for both her artistry and images. CRC: Tell us how you discovered Danessa Myricks products and why they stood out to you? There are many great brands, but Danessa's definitely hit home for you.   Calvin: I came across Danessa Myricks about 3 years ago. It was from another makeup artist on Instagram. The reason they stood out to me and just made sense to me, is because of who Danessa is. She is a Mother, Makeup Artist, Makeup Artist Instructor and a Photographer. My background is photography, makeup is my second love.   Finding out that there was someone like me, someone who had actually took their love for photography and makeup and made it an actual career ! Was simply mind blowing. From there I needed to know more about her. So I bought some products and talked about them on my social media. I also sent a few questions to Danessa from my IG. That’s when I began to learn what an amazing educator she is. Soon enough I begin to take classes offered by her. Danessa’s guidance and amazing knowledge of complexion honestly helped me to develop my skill of how approach complexion. Her talent for beauty photography was also very helpful to me. I came from mostly fashion photography. So the tips and tricks that I learned from Danessa, I still use to this very day. Though it’s not about imitating , I do admire her work and style. I find it to be very close to what I like to see in my own work.   Makeup and Photography by Calvin Brockington Getting Started as a Makeup Artist CRC: When you started, what was the most challenging thing about being a self-taught artist, and looking back, what advice do you wish you could have given yourself? Calvin: The challenge was where do I start? As a self-taught person, it’s always that. I taught myself photography with the help of a few professional advisors. So I went into learning makeup with the same attitude. I bought Sam Fine’s book “ Fine Beauty “ and Kevin Aucoin’s book “ Making Faces “ From there I tortured a few friends that would let me and eventually took retail jobs where I learned very fast that you have to know all skin colors, textures and features. If I did it all over again I’d take on the role of assistant. I’d learn from someone who inspired me. CRC: How did you grow your skillset and confidence? What do you think new artists need to keep in mind? Calvin: When I first started learning makeup, I lived across from a Walgreens. At the time, the makeup that they sold included brands like Black Opal, Revlon, and Maybelline. I also bought magazines and tried to emulate the makeup I saw in them using what I learned from the books. I was lucky enough to have friend that would sit still long enough, and I would paint their faces. There were some ugly makeup jobs, and there were some that made me say, "Hey, I learned from that". It's all about trial and error! Photo courtesy of Danessa Myricks Beauty Education and Inspiration CRC: What role does continuing education play in your career? Calvin: Education is paramount! As we know, makeup is ever changing. Trends come and they go. Knowledge is indeed power in an industry that never has only one idea, one skin tone, one eye shape, one hair color or one idea of beauty. To stop learning is to stop being an artist. CRC: Outside of beauty and photography, what creative outlets do you draw inspiration from? Calvin: Painting allows me freedom of expression. It gives me the permission to let go. More and more I’m allowing myself the same freedom with the art of makeup. Painting by Calvin Brockington The Products CRC: What was the first Danessa Myricks Beauty product you added to your kit? and the second?   Calvin: First product was a holiday kit that included 2 ColorFix shades and 2 jars or pigments. Second was the water proof cream palette in essentials. CRC: If you could recommend just ONE product, what would it be and why? Calvin: Of course I'm going to say the ColorFix nudes. With the nudes, you have all you need for shadow, contour, bronzer and cheeks. Perfect for anything from weddings to editorial print. My favorite shade of ColorFix is Primary Red. I use it for lips, eyes and blush. Click to Shop Danessa Myricks ColorFix CRC: You have attended several of her classes. Tell us a bit more about some of the tips and tricks she's taught that you've added to your routine. Calvin: Danessa is huge on the power of 3. Not only does using 3 things give you range it also adds dimension. Painting with light. Most people only know of contouring because of its popularity, Danessa uses light to shape and define her models.   Sold out Sold out Sold out CRC: If someone looks at your work on Instagram, it becomes pretty apparent that you use a LOT of Danessa Myricks Beauty. We LOVE that you include the products you used in so many of your photos! It's no wonder you have developed a following of Danessa Myricks and makeup artist fans. You told us you also receive a lot of questions about the Danessa Myricks Beauty products you showcase. What question do you get asked the most? Calvin: I get asked a lot if they can be used everyday. Most people are very intimidated by DM products. I think because they see how beautiful and amazing she uses them. But the products are made for every skill level and every person.   CRC: Tell us more about the community you have built through your artistry and about the importance of networking. Calvin: I am lucky, blessed. I’ve been in this industry for 20+ years. You meet so many amazing people, but the ones that believe in you are the ones you keep. Having a network around me, in reach is so important. It keeps me driven, motivated and inspired. I learn and grow from my friends. We share and grow one another. Behind the Scenes Enjoy this behind the scenes footage of a look Calvin created earlier this year using Danessa Myricks Beauty. About CALVIN BROCKINGTON Calvin is a Makeup Artist but mostly published as a Photographer and has worked on everything from movie sets to behind the scenes at fashion week. As a self-taught Makeup Artist and Photographer, Calvin earned his stripes in the industry by pursuing knowledge for the last 20+ years. He's worked in retail environments and as a professional artist, so teaching, instructing, and sharing knowledge with other artists comes naturally to him. To follow and connect with Calvin on Instagram, click here. 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. To learn more about how you can be a contributing writer to our PRO Tips Blog Series or to request a topic for us to cover, click HERE!  
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Camera Ready Cosmetics PRO tips with Angie Di Battista pro makeup artists returning to work safely during the covid19 pandemic.

PRO TIPS: Back on Set & on Returning to Work

Whether you've been a pro for decades or are new to the industry, we are all learning to navigate the world in a more safe and sanitary way. From new application techniques to changing how we communicate with our clients, there are hidden opportunities to build our skillset and grow our businesses. We spoke to Professional Makeup and Hair Artist Angie Di Battista to share some of the ways she has shifted her techniques to work as safely as possible. CRC: Tell us about your approach to sanitary practices. How are you making these decisions?   Angie: I took a step back and looked at other industries and professions similar to ours where people are making close contact with their clients and learned about what infection prevention and control measures have been implemented for safety. From there I adapted these measures to create a system that can be applied to any location to keep myself and my clients safe.   CRC: What changes have you made when it comes to applying products that you'd normally use brushes for?   Angie: I am relearning how to airbrush! I learned to airbrush back in the 90’s/early 00’s and didn’t see myself really maintaining that application style and moved away from it. But when I look at how helpful it is to reduce contact with clients, speed up application time, cut down on the use of disposables, and minimize the potential for cross contamination, it was an easy decision to make it a part of my kit again. I have been really loving the Temptu Air and the AirPod Pros. I have started to work airbrush application into my traditional application. Using a combination of the pre-filled AirPod Pros and the refillable ones, it has been a pretty seamless transition so far in combining the two styles of makeup application.   Want to learn more about Temptu? Sign up here for more information on Temptu including future classes. Sold out Sold out Sold out Sold out CRC: What about palettes? Angie: Considering we are going to be carrying additional items in our kits (cleaning supplies, PPE, etc.) I am really trying to limit the amount of product and palettes I am packing. The goal is to pack high-quality, multi-purpose palettes. I do not want to carry palettes in my kit where I am only using half, or a third of the shades in the palette. A perfect example is the Viseart 12-Color Pro Artist Palette. This palette contains quality matte shadows in shades I make use of frequently. The packaging is nonporous and easy to clean, and I can also easily depot a few of the shades for jobs where I may not need that variety of shadows. I can also use some of the shadows in this palette for brows or eyeliner so there won’t be any wasted space in my kit.  Shop Viseart Eyeshadow Palettes Danessa Myricks ColorFix in Valentine and Plum Wine. CRC: How are you changing how you'd pack your kit for a job? Are you making any changes in the packing process and the tools you're taking? Angie: I am aiming to pack more specifically for each job with a focus on having fewer products that are multi-purpose (Danessa Myricks ColorFix comes to mind). ColorFix is something I can use for eyes, lips, brows, and face. A single tube of Color Fix can potentially replace 2 or 3 products in my kit so these are the things I’m trying to be smart about. Not to mention the long wear and durability of a product like that. I don’t have to worry about touching up every few minutes so I can stay distanced on set. I’m trying to think about packing products that will work for this new normal: hygienic packaging, easy and fast application, long wear, etc. CRC: How do you approach the topic of safe and sanitary practices with clients before you meet with them? Angie: I have just made it a part of my regular booking process. I have created a template about my booking policies and procedures, as well as a services agreement (including a liability waiver), that gets automatically included in my emails when I receive an inquiry about a job from a client, or when returning clients are booking me for a job. Automating it in this way allows me to respond quickly, but also shows my commitment to health and safety. I also let my clients know I am available for a call if they have any questions about anything. I prefer to be very direct and efficient with client communication, and I find this approach lets clients know where I stand so there is no confusion about anything. This has also helped to weed out potential clients that are not prepared for a safe return to work.   CRC: While all of this may seem daunting, tell us how the pro community can turn this into an opportunity to build their skill set and their reputation within the industry. Angie: This is a great opportunity to start with a clean slate (literally). Artists can use this time to get their hygiene standards and every other element of their business up to par. Whether it is hygiene related, revisiting some technical aspects of makeup application you are struggling with, or just taking time to really focus on your booking policies and procedures or contracts, this time can be a push in the right direction. Maintaining the highest hygiene standards should have always been a priority in our industry, but now that more clients will be paying attention: this is a reminder to use this to your advantage. Marketing yourself and being vocal about your infection prevention and control measures is a great way to demonstrate professionalism and commitment to the safety of your clients. Preparing your booking policies and procedures in advance to reflect these standards is another way to demonstrate organization, professionalism, and concern for your clients. When you choose makeup artistry as your career you are also choosing to run your own business. Although big changes in the industry can seem daunting, they can be motivating and push in you in a more positive direction. Attacking these challenges head on will make you a better artist and more successful business owner. To learn more about safety and sanitization tips from Angie, click here, and check out her YouTube Video showing tips on how to safely handle makeup when working with clients. About Angie Di Battista Angie is a Toronto-based makeup artist and hairstylist. With over 20 years experience working as an artist, Angie has experience working with commercial, beauty, and bridal clients. To expand her online presence, Angie started creating and producing inclusive beauty focused content aimed at other working makeup artists. From application videos, to product reviews, and business advice, her content has brought together a community of artists and makeup enthusiasts who are looking for quality content. Recently Angie has authored “Infection Prevention and Control for Makeup Artists” a scientifically accurate online course designed to keep artists and clients/talent safe in any work environment. 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. To learn more about how you can be a contributing writer to our PRO Tips Blog Series or to request a topic for us to cover, click HERE!  
Makeup Artist Career Tips, PRO Tips
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How The Coronavirus Is Affecting Pro Makeup Artists and What You Should Do

How The Coronavirus Is Affecting Pro Makeup Artists and What You Should Do

Major cities are shutting down. Weddings and large events are cancelled. Businesses and corporations are adopting work-from-home policies. The worldwide outbreak of the Coronavirus has a majority of our population “self-quarantined,” meaning people are voluntarily avoiding crowds and staying home. But as a self-employed makeup artist, there is no such thing as working from home. And if you are still working, it’s impossible to distance yourself from a client. The job of a pro makeup artist requires you to stand in very close proximity to clients for long periods of time. Should you be doing this kind of work right now? Unfortunately, these circumstances are out of your control. Clients will inevitably choose to cancel events, weddings and productions. As an independent contractor, how do you offset the reality of cancelled engagements and no income? How The Coronavirus Outbreak Affects You Camera Ready Cosmetics founder and professional makeup artist, Mary Erickson, believes there are precautions and formalities all makeup artists should be following during these unprecedented times. “If a bride postpones her wedding because of the Coronavirus, I would allow a date change without penalty,” Mary said. “If I couldn’t accommodate the client’s new wedding date, I would refund her in full.” In these extreme circumstances, every makeup artist will have to make their own decisions about what is “the right thing to do.” In the wedding example, it’s important to remember the couple is also losing a lot of money. In most cases, they will need to order updated invitations, make changes (if possible) with every vendor - the wedding venue, bakery, florist, clergy, etc. “My suggestion is to exercise compassion and be flexible,” Mary said. What about the commercial client who has shut down a campaign shoot? This is temporary. Don’t panic. In 90 days, most shoots will be back on. “Almost everyone is losing money right now, and we’re all stressed over the uncertainty of where this situation is headed,” Mary said. “In reality these are postponements, not cancellations.” It’s also important to note this will not last forever, but your business reputation will. Remember to be flexible, accommodating and kind to each of your clients. They’ll remember the way you handled yourself professionally during these uncertain times. What to do with all this time spent at home? Prepare yourself to be very busy a month from now. Everything that has been canceled or postponed in the last few weeks will be back on. Mary suggests using this time for updating and creating new marketing materials and to spruce up your professional website. You can also use this time to organize your home office and/or continue your makeup artistry education by watching tutorials to master a new technique. But most importantly, use this time to sanitize your makeup kit. In general, sanitation practices should not be something you’re just starting now; you should always follow the basic rules of sanitization with every client. Keep in mind that with many viruses, people are contagious before they show symptoms. The only safe way to work, now and always, is to assume everyone has a contagious virus. A Few Top Sanitation Practices NEVER put lashes on a client if they have been worn by another person. You cannot sanitize eyelashes. Never double dip. Always use disposable sponges and mascara wands. Sanitize everything with 70% Isopropyl Alcohol. If you have EVER double dipped into a product, throw it away now to play it safe. Use disposable brushes if you can’t properly sanitize between clients. Carry hand sanitizer in your kit. Wash your hands with soap and water between clients. This is more effective than using hand sanitizer only. Never use lipstick from the tube on clients. Scrape a bit with your spatula onto a palette and use a brush or disposable lip brushes. For more in-depth cleaning tips, give these articles a read: Basic Rules of Sanitation for Every Makeup Artist Makeup Artist Sanitation Parian Spirit A powerful brush cleaner that doubles as a hand sanitizer. Mix with citrus oil for scent! Buy Now - $7 Cinema Secrets A makeup sanitizing spray that kills germs and bacteria on powders and creams. Buy Now - $9 Rebels & Outlaws A quick-dry, spray-on brush sanitizer for cleaning brushes between clients. Buy Now - $15 About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. She dreamed of having a pro makeup showroom where artists could play with professional products without the typical makeup store attitude. Today, our team of beauty industry veterans work together to curate the best quality products on the market. We partner with brands who respect the industry and formulate products for true working artists. You won’t find CRC in high-end malls, and we don't wear matching brush belts. If you want to play with products for a few hours and buy nothing, that's okay...come in and play! Our store is your playground. Mary Erickson Founder of Camera Ready Cosmetics & Professional Makeup Artist
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Try The Easy 4-Step Makeup Routine That Made Laura Mercier Famous

Try The Easy 4-Step Makeup Routine That Made Laura Mercier Famous

Laura Mercier, pioneer of the “Flawless Face”, is a world-renowned makeup artist and creator of the eponymous cosmetics brand that has won countless awards and become a mainstay in makeup artists’ kits worldwide. Laura is the innovative force behind the beauty industry’s most iconic products, French aesthetic and artistry techniques. Founded in 1996, Laura’s vision was to encourage artists and consumers alike to embrace the beauty of individuality and adopt the four-part technique that made her famous. Prime for an ideal canvas, even out skin tone with foundation, camouflage with concealer, and set for perfection. Easy as 1, 2, 3 … 4! Keep reading for a detailed step-by-step of how Laura’s technique works. Step 1: PRIME Just as an artist primes a canvas, set the stage for smooth makeup application with a skin-nourishing primer. Look for ingredients that lock in moisture, without being overly greasy or oil-inducing. For oily skin types, look for formulations that control oil buildup. Allow the primer to set in place before applying the rest of your makeup look. Remember: this step does not exclude the eyes! Create an even base by applying a soothing eye primer like Laura’s Eye Basics Primer. This unique, versatile cream primes eyelids to provide the perfect canvas for any eye look. Wear under powder eye shadow to create a uniform base, help prevent creasing, extend color wear and enhance the intensity of eye shadow on the lids. Or wear alone to camouflage imperfections for a classic nude eye. Eye Basics Primer6 Shades -- $28 Get a flawless, no-makeup makeup look. Shades for all skin tones. Step 2: COVER Instead of using foundation as a means to cover the skin, train your brain to apply it as a skin enhancer. Even full-coverage formulas should be used only to even out discoloration. Your goal in applying foundation should be a natural finish that feels and looks like a second skin. Flawless Lumière RadiancePerfecting Foundation23 Shades -- $48 Flawless coverage, any way you like it. Shades for all skin tones. Flawless Fusion Ultra Longwear Foundation17 Shades -- $48 Step 3: CONCEAL For Laura, concealer is key. (And when Laura speaks, we listen!) Camouflage darkness, tone down redness, and conceal blemishes or other imperfections with a formula that is packed with powerful, lightweight coverage. The beauty of concealer is that you can easily build coverage as needed without overdoing it. Secret Camouflage8 Shades -- $35 Expertly conceal discoloration, blemishes & more! Secret Concealer11 Shades -- $27 Step 4: SET IN PLACE Once you’ve completed your flawless base, lock everything in place before finishing off the eyes and lips with whatever technique or style you desire! Choose a transparent setting powder that will add dimension and eliminate any flashback. Translucent Loose$39 Invisible Loose$39 Translucent Pressed$39 Bonus Tip If you’re looking for super light coverage, opt for a tinted moisturizer in place of foundation. The multi-tasking blend of skincare and makeup blurs imperfections with just a sheer tint of coverage and delivers a hydrated, no-makeup finish. For oily skin types, choose an oil-free formula or prep the skin with a mattifying primer. Tinted Moisturizer20 Shades -- $47 BEFORE & AFTER Learn More Shop these Laura Mercier flawless face essentials and more online and in-store at Camera Ready Cosmetics. Discounts apply for pro artist members. Which Laura Mercier products are your favorite? Let us know in the comments below! About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. She dreamed of having a pro makeup showroom where artists could play with professional products without the typical makeup store attitude. Today, our team of beauty industry veterans work together to curate the best quality products on the market. We partner with brands who respect the industry and formulate products for true working artists. You won’t find CRC in high-end malls, and we don't wear matching brush belts. If you want to play with products for a few hours and buy nothing, that's okay...come in and play! Our store is your playground. Mallory Hatten Beauty Editor / Camera Ready Cosmetics
Makeup, PRO Tips
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Halloween Queen: SFX Tutorial Series, Part 7

Halloween Queen: SFX Tutorial Series, Part 7

This Halloween season, we’re teaming up with talented makeup artists to bring you a series of exclusive SFX makeup tutorials every week through Halloween. In our seventh and final release of the series, PRO artist Samantha Jaymes creates a Glam Gore Halloween Queen makeup look featuring a collection of Ben Nye products from Camera Ready Cosmetics. Follow along as Samantha walks you through each step of creating this look! Shop The Look Ben NyeEssential Eye Palette$58 Ben NyeCake Eye Liner$12   Ben NyeStage BloodStarting at $3.50 These are the products she used: Ben Nye Olive-Brown Matte HD Foundation Palette – $64 Ben Nye 8-Color Essential Eye Shadow Palette – $58 Ben Nye Cake Eye Liner in Black EL1 – $12 Ben Nye Stage Blood, 1oz – $5 Total Cost: $139 Get the look for less! Opt for smaller palette options or individual shades, and use a black gel or cake eyeliner that you already have on hand: RCMA Makeup 4-Color Foundation Palette – $27 Make-Up Atelier 5 Color Eyeshadow Palette in T20 Smoke Variation – $36 Ben Nye Stage Blood, 1oz – $3.50 Total Cost: $66.50 Step 1: Highlight your brows. Using the lightest shade from the Ben Nye Matte HD Foundation Palette, highlight above and below your brow and blend out. Step 2: Create a dark lid and smokey eye. Using the darkest shade from the Ben Nye Matte HD Foundation Palette, create a dark eyelid base and smudge out with a shadow blending brush. Next, dip into the eyeshadow palette and create a deep, chocolate brown smokey eye. Use the excess shadow from your brush to extend the smokey effect across the lower lash line.  Finish your eye look with the Ben Nye Cake Liner and a thin liner brush. Create a thin line along the upper lash line, extending out beyond the corners of each eye. For an even more dramatic effect, draw a thick triangular outline from each corner of the eye and fill in with the black liner.  Apply long, voluminous false lashes for extra glam. Step 3: Contour and shape your face. Using a bronze shade from the Ben Nye 8-Color Essential Eye Shadow Palette, or any other eye palette with bronzy and gold shades, start creating depth around the face. Contour below the cheekbones, around the temples, across the forehead and along the jawline and neck.  Step 4: Create "stitched-up" details lines across the face. Using a light foundation shade, trace the outline of your face stitches. Samantha starts in the top middle of her forehead, traces down the bridge of her nose, and starts from the middle bridge of her nose across the tops of her cheeks and down to the her jawline and neck. Once you've finished the outline, dip into a slightly darker foundation shade to trace an outline around your faintly traced lines. Dip back into the Ben Nye Cake Liner or another black eyeliner you have on hand, and create thin lines down the middle of your traced lines. Then create "stitches" across all of the lines, as well as on the ends of your brow. Step 5: Create a glossy nude lip. Using a nude lipliner, trace the outline of your lips. Fill in with a matte lipstick in a similar nude shade, and top with a nude or clear lip gloss for a bold, glam lip look. Step 6: Create the look of dripping blood from some of your stitches. Add a small amount of Ben Nye Stage Blood to the end of a thin makeup brush and apply thin, dripping strokes from various places on the face - from stitches, the top of the forehead, and the corners of your mouth. Anywhere you think needs a touch of Halloween gore! Visit our YouTube channel for more step-by-step SFX tutorials. A special thank you to artist Samantha Jaymes (@samanthajaymes_) for bringing this Glam Gore Halloween Queen to life. Check out CRC's other SFX Tutorials: Comic Book Pop Art by Kelly Tull CATS with a Twist by Andie Piazza The Nun by Janet Cake Glam-Gore Witch by Rachel Quattlebaum Halloween Clown by Kelly Tull Butterfly Face Paint by Angie Lum Need something specific to create your SFX looks? Shop Camera Ready’s extensive collection of top special effects brands here. Also, explore our limited edition, exclusive collaboration with SFX artist Freakmo, a.k.a. Kiana Jones. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Contact our Customer Experience Team for a comparable alternative, or to see if we can order the exact product you need. Mallory Hatten Beauty Editor / Camera Ready Cosmetics
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Camera Ready Presents: Our 2019 Allure Best of Beauty Winners

Camera Ready Presents: Our 2019 Allure Best of Beauty Winners

The Camera Ready team is flooded year round with requests to try new products, up-and-coming brands, and "miracle-working" cult favorites. While we have a blast testing each and every product, the challenge of juggling the hundreds of products that enter our doors can become a little overwhelming.  That's why we have an extra spring in our step come Fall, once Allure releases their Best of Beauty awards. Over a period of several months, the Allure team distributes thousands of beauty products to five-person testing teams around the world and tracks their results. They even take it a step further by  consulting shade-swatching panels, contacting cosmetic chemists, estheticians, makeup artists, beauty professionals and more to discover the products they can't live without. Once their research is complete, Allure announces the winners of their coveted red stamp of approval. And this year, Camera Ready has a record-breaking 12 products featured on the list across all categories - from hair and skincare to makeup and beauty tools. We're excited, honored and rushing to the Camera Ready showroom to add all of these star products to our personal beauty collections! Keep reading for a list of the game-changing, Allure-approved products you need, right now! Best of ... HAIR, BODY and SKINCARE Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil, $38 This luxuriously light oil absorbs instantly to restore hair to its prime. Infused with a rich blend of jasmine, edelweiss flower, lychee, sandalwood, cassis, bergamot, and argan extracts, each protective drop penetrates the hair to deeply condition, strengthen and smooth — imparting intense nourishment and incredible shine. Works wonders on dry, damaged and color-treated hair.  St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist, $30 Achieve a natural-looking golden tan that lasts for days, with just one application. This tropically scented formula is infused with 100% natural tanning agents to deliver an ultra-lightweight, vegan clear mist that doesn't need to be rinsed off. Apply regularly under or over make-up. OribeGold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil$38 St. TropezSelf Tan Purity Face Mist$30 St. Tropez Self Tan Dark Bronzing Mousse, $44 For your deepest, darkest tan yet, this lightweight mousse tailors to your individual skin tone and gives a longest-lasting tan with just one application.  The streak-free formula is easy to apply with a beautiful, mood-boosting fragrance. And the best part? It dries quickly with no transfer. For best results, apply using the St. Tropez Applicator Mitt. In long sweeping motions, start at the ankles and work your way up. For your back, turn the mitt back to front and apply in the same way. Ensure all areas are covered before lightly gliding any excess tan from the mitt over your hands and feet.  Kiehl's Since 1851 Creme de Corps Nourishing Dry Body Oil, $34 Indulge your skin with the most luxurious, nourishing moisture treatment you've ever experienced. With a delicate aroma of vanilla and almond, this lightweight dry oil leaves skin velvety smooth to the touch with a soft, supple texture. We're obsessed! St. TropezSelf Tan Dark Bronzing Mousse$44 Kiehl'sCreme de Corps Nourishing Body Oil$34 Best of .... MAKEUP Kevyn Aucoin Glass Glow Face, $32 Meet the bridge between highlighting and skincare. This universal, lightweight formula creates youthful-looking, well-hydrated skin with a glassy finish. The multi-purpose gel can be used on the face and body and leaves skin clearer, more radiant and seemingly transparent. Use alone for a fresh look, or add it to your existing routine for an added glass effect. Make Up For Ever Artist Color Eyeshadows, $17 These cult favorite PRO makeup eyeshadows deliver immediate, long-lasting color payoff that lasts up to 12 hours. Designed with unique fabrication technology, the texture offers high blendability and a truly custom shade range. Express yourself with 5 different finishes, including: Matte, Metallic, Diamond, Satin and Iridescent. Kevyn AucoinGlass Glow Face$32 Make Up For EverArtist Color Eye Shadows$17 BECCA Ultimate Love Lipstick in shade Maroon, $24 While the entire Ultimate Lipstick Love collection is critically acclaimed for its ultra-creamy, silky satin, 8-hour-long wear, the shade Maroon is a clear standout and receives the Allure stamp of approval. This cool deep plum shade is the perfect color to carry you through the chilly Fall and Winter seasons. Plus, it's infused with hyaluronic acid, avocado oil and olive oil to hydrate and smooth the appearance of lips.  Stila Heaven's Hue Highlighter, $32 Bouncy to the touch, these radiance-enhancing highlighters melt into skin for a barely-there feel. Ultra-fine, light diffusing particles deliver a soft, natural-looking glow. Blend onto the cheeks, eyes and body with a sponge, synthetic brush or fingers. Best on bare skin or over foundation. Available in three stunning shades: Kitten: Stila's iconic shimmering, nude-pink brightens and illuminates. Transcendence: an opalescent pink for a bolder, ethereal glow. Bronze: creates a radiant, sun-kissed glow. BECCAUltimate Love Lipstick in Maroon$24 StilaHeaven's Hue Highlighter$32 Best of ... BEAUTY TOOLS Sigma Beauty F64 Soft Blend Concealer Brush, $22 Specially designed with Sigma's exclusive Sigmax synthetic filament, this brush applies cream, powder and liquid concealers with a smooth, streak-free finish and doesn't absorb product into the bristles. Created in height, shape and density to meet every shape of the face. Beautyblender The Original Makeup Sponge, $20 Access hard-to-reach areas with stunning ease. The suede texture is sensual to the touch and features unique curves that fit the contours of your face, leaving make up dazzling and undetectable. Ideal for applying foundation, powder, BB + CC cream, cream blush, and powder. For best results, wet the sponge before applying makeup. SigmaF64 Soft Blend Concealer Brush$22 BeautyblenderThe Original Makeup Sponge$20 Real Techniques Setting Brush, $8 This 100% cruelty-free micro setting brush is the key to completing any look, allowing a perfectly controlled dusting of product. Ideal for setting powders or highlighting powders/creams. Plus, it's a steal at only $8. Tweezerman Classic Slant Tweezer, $23 Famous for its precision, the Slant Tweezer is consistently acclaimed as setting the standard for excellence and quality. With perfectly aligned, hand-finished tips that grab the hair every time, these stainless steel tweezers have been the choice of make-up artists, celebrities and beauty professionals for over 30 years. Real TechniquesSetting Brush$8 TweezermanClassic Slant Tweezer$23 About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. She dreamed of having a pro makeup showroom where artists could play with professional products without the typical makeup store attitude. Today, our team of beauty industry veterans work together to curate the best quality products on the market. We partner with brands who respect the industry and formulate products for true working artists. You won’t find CRC in high-end malls, and we don't wear matching brush belts. If you want to play with products for a few hours and buy nothing, that's okay ... come in and play! Our store is your playground.  Mallory Hatten  Beauty Editor / Camera Ready Cosmetics
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makeup BUTTERFLY FACE PAINTing: SFX TUTORIAL SERIES, PART 6

makeup BUTTERFLY FACE PAINTing: SFX TUTORIAL SERIES, PART 6

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

Halloween Clown Makeup: SFX Tutorial Series, Part 5

This Halloween season, we’re teaming up with talented makeup artists to bring you a series of exclusive SFX makeup tutorials every week through Halloween. In our fifth release of the series, PRO artist Kelly Tull re-creates a Creepy Glam Halloween Clown featuring a collection of products from Camera Ready Cosmetics that makes for the perfect clown makeup look for girls (or guys!). Follow along as Kelly walks you through each step of creating this clown makeup look with her makeup painting tutorial! SFX Clown Makeup Look Must-Haves Mehron30-Well Paradise Palette$129.95 RCMA MakeupNo Color Powder$14 These are the special effects makeup products she used to create her clown makeup look: Mehron Paradise Palette – $129.95 Ben Nye Studio Color Eye & Cheek Rainbow Palette – $58 RCMA No Color Powder – $14 NYX Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator– $7.50 Dose of Colors Liquid Matte Lipstick – Berry Me, $19 NYX Slim Lipliner Pencil – Currant, $5 Total Cost: $233.45 You can also get this clown makeup look for less! Use individual refill shades versus the full size palettes and choose a lip color you already have on hand: Camera Ready Gel Eye Liner - Black Out, $10.99 La Femme Blush Rouge REFILL - Flamingo Pink, $7.90 Mehron Paradise Cake Makeup REFILLS - Various Colors, $7.95 NYX Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator - Various Colors, $7.50 Total Cost: $34+ How to Apply This Clown Makeup Look in 8 Easy Steps - A Clown Makeup Tutorial Our eight-step glam-scary clown makeup tutorial will walk you through this perfect clown makeup look for girls or guys from foundation to the final shimmer so you can learn how to apply scary clown makeup for Halloween like a pro. Get ready; get set; SCARE! (But make it glam.)   Step 1: Foundation Step 2: Eyes and brows Step 3: Lips Step 4: Cheeks Step 5: Mouth Step 6: Finishing eye touches Step 7: Neck ruffle Step 8: Glow, baby!   Step 1: Set foundation in place. Kelly uses the RCMA No Color Powder to lock her foundation in place. This sets a flawless, full-coverage base for the rest of your clown makeup for Halloween application. Step 2: Create exaggerated brows and detailing around the eyes. Using a fine detail brush, dip into a black gel liner or aqua-paint to fill in your eyebrows. For the inward portion of your brows (facing the nose) extend lines outward and up towards the forehead. Using the same black makeup, create clown-like detailing above the brows and around the eye area. Follow the video above to watch how Kelly accomplishes this, or follow your own style to create your perfect clown makeup look for Halloween! While you're waiting for this clown makeup to dry, continue with steps 3 thru 5. Step 3: Line and fill-in your lips. Choose a dark purple or mauve color to line the full perimeter of your lips. When lining the lips, extend the corners of your mouth slightly outward for a wider, more exaggerated clown makeup lip effect. Find a similar liquid lipstick color in a matte finish to fill in your clown lips since clown makeup often features overdrawn lips. Step 4: Create bright pink clown cheeks. Choose a rosy or light pink powder blush color and apply in a circular motion to the apples of your cheeks. You'll be left with round, cartoonish, clown-like cheeks - which is essential for any great clown makeup look. Go back over the blush with a bright pink aqua-paint to really make your cheeks pop. Step 5: Create a cartoon clown makeup mouth. Dip into a brown face paint to draw a large, cartoonish outline of a mouth around your lips. Start just between the bottom of your nose and upper lip, drawing the line out towards the bottom of your cheeks and down towards your chin. Follow the video above to watch how Kelly completes this portion of her clown makeup look. Once you have your outline, fill-in the lines with a white face paint. Do not paint over your lipstick from the previous step. Step 6: Complete your clown makeup eye design. Now that your eyes have had time to dry, fill in the shapes you created earlier with the same black gel liner and finish off the look by gluing sequins or gems in certain parts of the eye design for a dramatic, glam effect. Go ahead and be creative! No two clown makeup looks are alike, so express yourself with unique shapes! Step 7: Paint a colorful neck ruffle to bring your clown makeup look to life. The iconic clown ruffle is a must to complete this clown makeup look! But no worries, you don't need to go buy one; just paint one! Choosing bright, vibrant cake makeup colors, created thing blocks of color from the top of the neck to the top of your chest, finishing them off in a pointed fashion. Alternate colors as you go until the full neck is filled in. Add white circles to the end of each pointed color line, and then outline everything in black (the circles and the individual color strips). You now have a bright collar that’s an excellent addition to your clown makeup for Halloween without any extra accessories. Step 8: Add some serious glow! Apply a shimmering body illuminator, like NYX Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator, to the shoulders and chest (just below your painted neck ruffle). Also, add it to the forehead and T-zone. This adds an extra element of glam! If you want to transform this clown makeup look into a scary clown makeup look, simply add some special effects blood. Visit our YouTube channel for more step-by-step SFX tutorials. A special thank you to artist Kelly Tull (@kellytull_) for bringing this Creepy-Glam Halloween Clown to life. Check out CRC's other SFX Tutorials: Comic Book Pop Art by Kelly Tull CATS with a Twist by Andie Piazza The Nun by Janet Cake Glam-Gore Witch by Rachel Quattlebaum We’re accepting your videos as part of our SFX tutorial series! Send submissions to [email protected] for consideration. Need something specific to create your SFX Halloween looks or want to find other unique makeup products to embellish your clown makeup look? Shop Camera Ready’s extensive collection of top special effects brands here. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Contact our Customer Experience Team for a comparable alternative, or to see if we can order the exact product you need to create your perfect clown makeup for Halloween.
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Halloween SFX Makeup: Top 10 Products Loved By PROs

Halloween SFX Makeup: Top 10 Products Loved By PROs

Special effects makeup isn’t reserved only for the Halloween lovers. Although, it’s this time of year that really gets us excited about the creative, endless possibilities in the world of SFX makeup. Whether you’re curious to know what the professionals are using, building your own SFX makeup kit, or simply have no idea what any of the special effects talk is all about, take a peek at our best SFX makeup products for Halloween.   10 Best SFX Makeup Products for Halloween: These bestsellers consistently make the list year after year, and for good reason – they’re best in class for their respective product categories. Add a few (or all) to your SFX makeup kit or at-home makeup collection, and be sure to tag us in your Halloween makeup creations on Instagram and Facebook!  Skin Illustrator On Set FX Palette Graftobian Stipple Sponge Ben Nye Magicake Aqua Paint Pros-Aide “Original” Adhesive Mehron Rigid Collodion Kryolan Professional Make-Up Eye Blood Ben Nye Clown White Ben Nye Fresh Scab Bdellium Tools SFX Brushes 1. Read all the way through to see our #1 bestselling SFX Halloween makeup product! 10: Skin Illustrator On Set FX Palette, $60.50 This compact, pocket-sized palette contains 10 of the most popular Halloween SFX makeup colors from Skin Illustrator’s line of pigments. Designed to mimic just about any injury or illness imaginable, this palette simulates burns, cuts, scrapes, scabs, bruises, and more. Each color must be activated with 99% alcohol or activator. Spray or dab the solvent onto the desired color, swirl for 30 seconds, and apply with a brush, sponge, or mascara wand.  Purchase Skin Illustrator On Set FX Palette 9: Graftobian Stipple Sponge, starting at $1 Meet one of the best SFX makeup tools there ever was! Graftobian’s classic stipple sponge is used for a variety of SFX makeup looks, like the five o’clock shadow and broken blood vessels. The charcoal-colored web matrix sponge allows for uneven, splotchy makeup application that’s so common in Halloween makeup creations, like demons, old-age, monsters, and more. Also available in a pack of 12 for cost savings. Purchase Graftobian Stipple Sponge 8: Ben Nye Magicake Aqua Paint, $8 These water-activated pigments by Ben Nye are smudge-proof and transfer-resistant once dry. Incredible for face or body art of any kind, especially Halloween SFX makeup looks, Magicake delivers intense color that will not fade. The opaque formula is not waterproof, so you must use a water-resistant setting spray to ensure long-lasting wear in conditions near water, humidity, or moisture. Purchase Ben Nye Magicake 7: Pros-Aide "Original" Adhesive, $18.20 If you’re looking for a non-irritating, heavy-duty adhesive for prosthetic application or other Halloween makeup needs, Pros-Aide stands out as one of our best SFX makeup staples. This water-based formula is often used for medical prosthetic applications, as well as by makeup artists for adhering appliances and other makeup components to the skin. It is safe to use on sensitive areas and boasts water-resistant, non-toxic properties. Purchase Pros-Aide “Original” Adhesive 6: Mehron Rigid Collodion (Scarring Liquid), $7.95 Develop realistic scar makeup effects with ease. Mehron’s clear solution wrinkles the skin as it dries to quickly develop a scarred look. Build dimension and deepen scars by building thin layers until you’ve reached the desired scar makeup effect. Because this product is so easy to use, it’s recommended for both seasoned artists and those new to SFX makeup. To remove the scar makeup, simply peel off. Purchase Mehron Rigid Collodion Shop SFX Makeup Bestsellers Pros-Aide"Original" Adhesive$18.20 MehronRigid Collodion$7.95 KryolanEye Blood$26.50 Shop All SFX Makeup 5: Kryolan Eye Blood, $26.50 Cry tears of *fake* blood! This gel-like formula delivers life-like bloody eyes and tears without impairing vision or irritating the eye. This Halloween SFX makeup is safe for use on sensitive eyes and for those who wear contact lenses. Discard product one month after first opening. Purchase Kryolan Professional Make-Up Eye Blood 4: Ben Nye Clown White, starting at $6 The preferred choice by artists worldwide, Clown White boasts an ultra-creamy texture and brilliant white finish for any drag, cosplay, or Halloween SFX makeup needs. The formula goes on smooth and opaque, so you don’t need a ton of product to achieve the desired look. For best results, apply a setting powder on top of the product to eliminate transfer and lock makeup in place. Purchase Ben Nye Clown White Makeup 3: Ben Nye Fresh Scab, starting at $10 Create natural-looking scabbed over wounds with ease! Fresh Scab by Ben Nye maintains a jelly-like consistency for realistic blood clotting effects. The naturally tinted, corn-syrup-based formula is peppermint flavored and safe to use in and around the mouth. This fake blood easily washes out of most fabrics and surfaces. Purchase Ben Nye Fresh Scab 2: Bdellium Tools SFX Brushes, starting at $10 These high-quality, eco-friendly SFX makeup brushes by Bdellium Tools were specifically manufactured to withstand strong dyes, solvents, and brush-cleaning solutions. Each brush is fabricated with sustainable bamboo handles and vegan synthetic bristles shaped in a variety of styles for flawless, reality-defying Halloween makeup looks. Purchase Bdellium Tools SFX Brushes 1: Ben Nye Nose & Scar Wax, starting at $7 Coming in at #1, our best SFX makeup can help you manipulate the appearance of real skin distortions – broken nose, witch’s chin, bullet holes, and more. The moldable yet firm scar makeup wax comes in three flesh-tone shades with a translucent finish. For best SFX makeup results, apply on top of a thin film of spirit gum adhesive and seal in place with a durable liquid latex. Purchase Ben Nye Nose & Scar Wax Which of these best SFX makeup products are you loving for Halloween makeup looks? Comment below with your favorites.  Need something specific to create your Halloween makeup looks? Shop Camera Ready’s extensive collection of the best SFX makeup brands. Don’t see the SFX makeup you’re looking for? Contact our Customer Experience Team for a comparable alternative or to see if we can order the exact product you need. About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. She dreamed of having a pro makeup showroom where artists could play with professional-grade products without the typical makeup store attitude. Today, our team of beauty industry veterans works together to curate the best quality products on the market. We partner with brands who respect the industry and formulate products for true working artists. You won’t find CRC in high-end malls, and we don't wear matching brush belts. If you want to play with products for a few hours and buy nothing, that's okay ... come in and play! Our store is your playground. 
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Glam vs Gore Scary Witch: SFX Tutorial, Part 4

Glam vs Gore Scary Witch: SFX Tutorial, Part 4

This Halloween season, we’re teaming up with talented makeup artists across the United States to bring you a series of exclusive SFX makeup tutorials. In our fourth release of the series, PRO artist Rachel Quattlebaum re-creates a Glam vs Gore Scary Witch featuring a collection of products from Camera Ready Cosmetics. Follow along as Rachel walks you through each step of creating the look! Shop The Look MehronStage Blood$7.95 InglotAMC Eyeliner Gel #77$16 Mehron3-D Gel Effects$8.95 These are the products she used: Dose of Colors Blushing Berries Eyeshadow Palette – $34 Eye Kandy Glitter Sprinkles – Jawbreaker, $8.50 Inglot AMC Eyeliner Gel #77 – $24 Ardell Double Up Demi Wispies – $6.50 Mehron Paradise Makeup AQ – Amazon Green, $11.95 Mehron Paradise Makeup AQ – Dark Green, $11.95 Mehron Paradise Makeup AQ – White, $11.95 Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick – Beso, $24 Mehron 3-D Gelatin Effects – 2oz Clear, $8.95 Mehron Stage Blood – 1oz Bright Arterial, $5.95 Total Cost: $147.75 Get the look for less! Use eye palettes, liners and a red lipstick you already have on hand, and purchase individual refill shades versus the full sizes: Mehron Paradise Glitter – Silver, $5.95 Ardell Double Up Demi Wispies – $6.50 Mehron Paradise Makeup REFILL – Amazon Green, $7.95 Mehron Paradise Makeup REFILL – Dark Green, $7.95 Mehron Paradise Makeup REFILL – White, $7.95 Mehron 3-D Gelatin Effects – 2oz Clear, $8.95 Mehron Stage Blood – 0.5oz Bright Arterial, $4.95 Total Cost: $50.20 Step 1: Start with an extravagant, shimmering smokey eye. Rachel creates a deep purple smokey eye using the Dose of Colors Blushing Berries palette. If you’re not a fan of purple, get creative with any palette you have on hand. Choose a bold color theme that will complement the green paint you’ll apply all over the face in future steps. Apply a silver eye glitter like, Jawbreaker from Eye Kandy, across the lid for an extra element of glam. Step 2: Add dramatic eyeliner and voluminous false lashes. Using a thin eyeliner brush, apply a thick black line of gel liner across the upper and lower lash lines. Wing it out past the corner of the eye. Finish your eye look with long faux lashes from any brand. You can use Ardell's Double Up Demi Wispies. Step 3: Begin creating the base of your green witch face. Before you apply green makeup all over your face, start creating a highlighted base. Using a Beautyblender or makeup sponge, apply Mehron Paradise White Makeup under the eyes, across the upper cheeks, down the sides of the nose, and on the chin. Step 4: Apply green makeup all over the face and neck. Starting with the Mehron Paradise Makeup in shade Amazon Green, use a brush to apply the green face paint over the areas under the eye painted in white. Cover the rest of your face in the same green shade using a wet makeup sponge. Extend the color down your neck. Step 5: Highlight and contour. For Highlighting: Go back over the undereye areas with white face paint and blend into the green. Do the same just above your lip (cupids bow) and on top of the chin. Your goal is to create highlighted areas to soften the harshness of the all-over green. For Contouring: Dip into the Mehron Dark Green shade and apply just under the cheekbones to create shaded definition. Step 6: Add bold color to your lips. Nothing says glam quite like a bold, red lip. Rachel uses Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in shade Beso to fill in her lips. Step 7: Begin the gorey detailing. Now the fun starts! Using a black gel liner and detail brush, create a curvy, jagged line down your face. Start at the top of your forehead and draw a line down your nose, off to the side and down along the bottom side of your face. This forms the foundation of your bloody gash. Once you’ve finished the outline, take a flat shadow brush and smudge the lines along the bottom of your face, as if you’re almost filling them in. Step 8: Create the appearance of dripping blood down your face. Using Mehron 3-D Gel, start at the top of the face and apply the gel formula along the outline you previously created. It’s okay if this is messy and not perfect; that’s the point. Add thicker chunks of gel in some spots, allowing the product to coagulate and clump together. Use your finger to move the gel around if it starts to run off your face. Before the product dries, but while it’s still wet and tacky, apply Mehron Stage Blood with a brush to the bottom part of your face where you smudged out the outline. Start by filling in the outlines and creating a dark red base. Take a small shadow brush and apply a liberal amount of Stage Blood (enough to wear it drips) and start applying on top of the red base you’ve just created. Allow the blood to drip and run down the face in parts. Continue this process everywhere you applied the 3-D Gel until the bloody gash is completed. Step 9: Add detail to your hair. For hair that’s parted towards the side of your face without the gash, make sure it’s curled and voluminous (the glam side) Apply baby powder or some other white loose powder and rub it in to create a gray, witch-like cast. For the other side of your hair (the gory side of your face), spritz water into your hair to create a wet, greasy look. Visit our YouTube channel for more step-by-step SFX tutorials. A special thank you to artist Rachel Quattlebaum (@rachel_suzanne_) for bringing this Glam Gore Witch vision to life. Check out CRC's other SFX Tutorials: Comic Book Pop Art by Kelly Tull CATS with a Twist by Andie Piazza The Nun by Janet Cake We’re accepting your videos as part of our SFX tutorial series! Send submissions to [email protected] for consideration. Need something specific to create your SFX Halloween looks? Shop Camera Ready’s extensive collection of top special effects brands here. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Contact our Customer Experience Team for a comparable alternative, or to see if we can order the exact product you need. Mallory Hatten Beauty Editor / Camera Ready Cosmetics
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