Article: The Difference Between CC creams, BB creams, and Tinted Moisturizers

It might seem like you’re splitting hairs, but there are often subtle distinctions between these three un-foundations. Tinted moisturizers, BB creams, and CC creams will all typically have less coverage than a regular foundation. Foundations often have medium to heavy coverage, while these alphabet lotions will offer sheer to light coverage—with a few rare exceptions.

Article: Creams + Powders: A Perfect Pair

One of the biggest differences between a professional makeup application and a personal makeup application is the number of layers. A professional makeup artist might go through a five-step process before even starting to apply foundation. On the other hand, the average makeup user might swipe on a tinted moisturizer, a little mascara, and dash out the door. Makeup artists follow a more lengthy process for several reasons, including longevity. One of my favorite tricks for making products last is using a pairing of creams and powders.

Why Creams and Powders?
Creams glide on easily and often allow for a brighter application than dry powders. They blend easily with other creams and liquids (before powders are applied). However, their major weakness is that they are often absorbed more quickly than powders if not set properly. They also tend to have a "dewy" finish, which is not always desired and can sometimes look shiny on camera.

Powders, on the other hand, are widely available and come in many matte shades. Matte shades are great for photography, particularly if they are highly-pigmented. However, powders alone can crease, disappear, and have other undesirable effects, especially if a primer isn't used. They also can be harder to blend, particularly if too much is applied at once.

How to Apply
In order to maximize both the strengths and weaknesses of each product, apply creams (and liquids) as desired and then set with powder to finish. For example, use a liquid foundation, apply a cream blush, and then set with a finishing powder and a layer of powder blush. If you're using a cream or liquid concealer, it should be applied before the finishing powder.

Another excellent example of this is in the application of a cream eyeliner (for regular use or a special look such as a cat eye). Apply the cream eyeliner (with an angled eyeliner brush), and then trace over the cream with a matte black powder (using a separate angled eyeliner brush) to set.

Recommended Products

• Cream Blush - Gabriel offers a vegan Multi Pot in several shades, which works as a cream blush, eye color, or lip color. The All Natural Face offers a more affordable option. Alternatively, a matte lipstick such as Gourmet Body Treats' Hydrating Vegan Lipstick will also work. Set with a powder such as the affordable E.L.F. mineral pressed blush (also vegan).
• Cream Eyeliner - The E.L.F. Studio cream eyeliner is an affordable vegan option. The All Natural Face offers a gel eyeliner that is a gentler option.
• Cream Eye Shadow - E.L.F. recently released a waterproof shadow liner that works as a cream eye shadow. For something on the higher end, consider Au Naturale or this option from Tarte.
• Cream Foundation - The All Natural Face offers an affordable vegan cream foundation in dozens of shades.

Disclosure notice: This post contains affiliate links. Products mentioned in this article may have been sent to me free of charge by the manufacturer for review. No additional compensation was accepted and the opinions are my own. Please verify any claims with the manufacturer, especially if you have any allergies or concerns.

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Article: How to Find Your Perfect Foundation Color

One of the most common questions I hear as a makeup artist is, "Which foundation shade is right for me?" Selecting the proper foundation shade is often a process of trial and error. Once you settle on a shade, you might have to consider a new one for the upcoming season - whether summer or winter. If you're at all confused about warm and cool tones, or olive and golden, you've come to the right place.

Ask Kaylin: Vegan Makeup Overhaul

So you want to switch over to vegan beauty products? Yay! But where do you start? Few department stores carry vegan products, and all-vegan lines such as Gabriel might be a little out of your price range. Read on to find out how to revamp your beauty bag, vegan-style.

Hailey:
I'm a new vegan and want to switch over my makeup as well. Any recommendations?

Ask Kaylin: How to Dispose of Old Makeup

Fresh products tend to have shorter
shelf lives.

You might know it's time to dump that dried-out mascara, but is the trash the best option? Whether your makeup is the wrong shade, expired, or simply not to your taste, there are plenty of ways to dispose of it mindfully. Read on to find out how.

Cindy:
I have a bunch of makeup I need to get rid of. Do I just toss it in the trash?

Ask Kaylin: Makeup Expiration Dates

You know that blue eye shadow you've had in the back of your drawer since high school? Or that special lip color you bought for your wedding day? They are probably long expired. Cosmetics may seem to last forever, but they do have a life span for safe use. Read on to find out how long to keep each of your products.

Meg:
How long can I use my makeup? If it still looks okay, can I keep using it past its "expiration date"?

Article: Splurge vs. Save on Natural Beauty Products

Image: TaxCredits.net via Flickr & Creative Commons License 2.0

When it comes to natural beauty products, you can find everything from $1 bars of soap to moisturizers priced over $100. So which products are worth the splurge? Where can you save a little cash? Read on to find out.

Article: Makeup Brushes vs. Sponges

I'm crazy about brushes. My obsession began shortly after I became a makeup artist. I developed unreasonable attachments to some of my brushes, especially those I depended on during tough jobs. I admit I'm a bit of a snob when it comes to brushes. So when a client recently asked me when to use a sponge applicator, my first instinct was to say, "never!"

However, that is not entirely true. Sponges are excellent tools that are an important part of my makeup kit. Read on to find out more about these handy items, and when you should opt for one over a brush.

Mercenary Makeup Artist Resources

The Book

Stylish. Efficient. Professional. These are the hallmarks of a distinguished mercenary — and if your mission is to make money as a makeup artist, then your success will be judged by the same criteria. Seasoned pro Kaylin Johnson equips you with the tools you need to complete your mission, covering everything from basic training to establishing your business repertoire. Think you've got what it takes?

Now available on Kindle and in paperback.

The Resources

This list of resources is a companion to The Mercenary Makeup Artist. Links are arranged roughly in the order in which they are mentioned in the book.

Note: This page contains affiliate links. To use this page without using the affiliate links, please search for the resources in your browser. For those who use affiliate links, thank you for your support!

Downloadable Resources

Click the links below to download each document.

Contracts
DISCLAIMER: The following contracts were not created by a lawyer. Downloading them does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a lawyer before using.

• Sample Bridal Contract
• Sample Trade for CD (TFCD) Contract and Release Form
• Sample Photo Release for Models

Checklists

• Sample Makeup Artist Application Checklist
• Sample Makeup Artist Kit Checklist

Worksheet

• Sample Makeup Artist Kit Budget Worksheet

The Store

Check out the Mercenary Makeup Artist's Exclusive Loot Shop. Kaylin has hand-picked dozens of items from Amazon just for you!

Training

Books

• Face Forward, by Kevyn Aucoin
• Making Faces, by Kevyn Aucoin
• Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual, by Bobbi Brown
• Makeup Makeovers, by Robert Jones
• About Face, by Scott Barnes
• The 4-Hour Workweek, by Timothy Ferriss
• The $100 Startup, by Chris Guillebeau (Click here for a review)
• The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing, by Al Ries and Jack Trout
• NOLO’s Small Business Start-Up Kit, by Peri Pakroo
• How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie

Beauty School Resources

• NACCAS
• Habia
• Aveda Institute
• Baldwin Beauty School
• Paul Mitchell – The School
• Beauty Schools Directory

Business Links

• SCORE
• U.S. Small Business Administration

Helpful Articles

• How to Find Your Perfect Foundation Color
• When to Curl Eyelashes
• How to build a professional makeup brush set for less than $60
• Makeup Brushes vs. Sponges
• More Articles for Pros

Kit Resources

Makeup Brand Resources

• PETA
• Leaping Bunny
• My Beauty Bunny's list of cruelty-free brands
• Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database

Makeup Brands and Top Products

Check out Kaylin's top brands in the
Mercenary Makeup Artist Loot Shop!

Note: “MUA Discount” refers to brands which offer a makeup artist discount. For tips on where to splurge and save, check out this post.

• 100% Pure - Lipstick, blush, and bronzer
• Afterglow Cosmetics (MUA Discount) - White finishing powder
• Alima Pure - Powder foundations in a wide color range
• Beauty Without Cruelty - Waterproof mascara, moisturizers, and makeup remover
• Cinema Secrets - Foundation for tattoo coverage
• Crazy Rumors - Lip balms and tinted lip balms
• DeVita - Cream foundations and pressed powder eye shadows
• Ecco Bella - Liquid foundation, eye shadow (refills), powder eyeliner, and bronzer
• Eyes Lips Face (E.L.F.) - Mattifying papers, eye shadow primer, cheap false eyelashes, and other budget cosmetics
• Gabriel Cosmetics and Zuzu Luxe (MUA Discount) - Liquid foundations, pressed powders, pressed eye shadows, eyeliner, pressed powder blush, lipstick, and lip liner 
• Glo Minerals - Concealers
• Haut Minerals (MUA Discount) - Waterproof foundation
• Jane Iredale (MUA Discount) - Eyeliner, lip liner, eye shadows, pressed powders, and brush cleaner
• Josie Maran - Moisturizers and eye shadow
• Korres (MUA Discount via email) - Foundation primer, eye shadow primer, lip butter, and lip gloss
• Kryolan (MUA Discount) - Special effects and bruise palettes
• Manic Panic - Unusual lipstick colors (including black)
• Mehron - Special effects, spirit gum, face paints, and Halloween makeup
• NVEY Eco - Pressed  powder eye shadow and pressed powder eyeliner
• NYX (MUA Discount) - Eyeliner, lip liner, and eye shadows
• Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics (MUA Discount) - Eyeliner, lip tars, glitters, and color creams
• Pacifica - Lip gloss
• Physician's Formula (Organic Wear line) - Mascara and bargain cosmetics (liquid foundations, pressed powders, pressed powder blush, pressed powder bronzer, etc.)
• Tarte Cosmetics (MUA Discount) - Mascara, water-resistant cosmetics, cream eyeliner and pencil eyeliner
• Undone Beauty - Lip to Cheek palette, bronzer
• Urban Decay (MUA Discount) - Eye shadow primer, false lashes and setting spray

Makeup Reviews and Recommendations

• Kaylin’s Kit

Brushes

• Alima Pure
• Bdellium Tools (MUA Discount)
• Crown Brush
• Eco Tools (also have budget false lashes)
• E.L.F. (for cheap items such as lash and brow groomers and budget lashes)

Nails

• Acquarella
• No Miss
• Rainbow  Honey

Other Items

• Beauty So Clean
• The Brush Guard
• Brush Dryer
• Dinair Airbrushes
• Face Charts
• Heated Eyelash Curler
• Personal Groomer (for shaving eyebrows)
• Pink Pens
• Sharpies
• U.V. Sanitizing Wand
• Z Palette
• Zuca Pro Bag (MUA Discount via email)

Makeup Specialty Stores

• Alcone (MUA Discount)
• Camera Ready Cosmetics (MUA Discount)
• Naimie's Beauty Center (MUA Discount)
• Sally Beauty Supply (mascara wands, etc.)

Recycling Makeup

• Origins Recycling Program

Snacks on Set

• GoPicnic
• KIND bars
• Real Food Barre
• Vega Protein Smoothie
• Blender bottle for smoothie powders
• Vacuum-sealed water bottle

Marketing and Networking

Portfolio Building

• Instagram - Highly recommended instead of Model Mayhem, as of 2018
• Model Mayhem
• Also check for Influencer connection websites, such as The Hub.

Websites

• Squarespace
• Wix.com
• Blogger
• Wordpress
• Elance

Social Media

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Networking

• Meetup
• Wedding Wire
• Yelp
• Google Places
• Punchbowl (digital greeting cards)

Business Cards

• Moo.com
• Taste of Ink

Other Resources

Payments

• PayPal
• Square

Workshops

• Dinair
• IMATS
• Last Looks
• MAC Pro Stores

Makeup Masters

• YouTube stars such as Kandee Johnson, Lisa Eldridge, etc.
• Kevyn Aucoin
• Scott Barnes
• Topolino
• IMDb

Makeup Agencies

• Cloutier
• Jedroot

Ask Kaylin: Tips for Grooming Eyebrows

Image: Peter Stevens via Flickr and Creative Commons license

I had heard many horror stories of eyebrow grooming, so I was scared to touch my brows as a teenager. I got my first brow wax at the age of 18 (just before senior prom), and waxed for several years. It wasn't until I was a makeup artist that I discovered there was a gentler, cheaper, and much less painful way to accomplish the same effect. Read on to learn what it is, and how to do it.

Disclaimer: I'm not a licensed esthetician. Please see a licensed specialist if you are considering brow treatments.

Eyebrow grooming options:

• Tweezing - A popular method, particularly for its precision and affordability. When I'd go in for an eyebrow wax, my esthetician would clean up any strays with a tweezer. I don't recommend this, particularly on clients, as it causes redness. Also, if you don't know what you're doing, you can over-tweeze and it can be hard to coax hair to regrow if it's been pulled out for years.
• Waxing/threading/etc. - Your brows frame your face, so it can be very helpful to have a seasoned vet do your first (or first professional) shaping. If you tend to keep your brows thin, wait to make an appointment until you have some growth (so there is something to work with). You can use tweezing or trimming to maintain your results at home after an initial wax. Cons include the expense, pain, and redness. If you're looking for a pro, try review sites such as Yelp and go to a licensed esthetician at a nice facility. Expect to pay around $20+ for this. I don't recommend going to a beauty school to save money on this, particularly if you plan only to go once.
• Trimming - This is my #1 recommended method for clients. Use a small battery-operated groomer (such as this personal trimmer or this less feminine option) and be sure to carry extra batteries if your kit if you're a pro. Trimming means the hair will grow back, and it won't leave skin red and irritated before a shoot. This is also excellent for taming unibrows.

How to Groom:

• Generally, you need a long, thin makeup brush or pencil. Then, use a tutorial such as this one to determine where your brows should start and end, as well as where the arch should be.
• If you prefer a video, check out one such as this eyebrow tutorial from Kandee Johnson.
• If you're really lost, you could also try a stencil.

Pro tip: I'm not a licensed esthetician, and makeup clients are typically not paying you to groom their eyebrows. I once worked with a young girl who was new to brow grooming and wanted to be a model, so I talked to her mom about it (gently) and recommended a local esthetician. I don't recommend giving clients their first brow trim, as it can be a delicate issue - especially since it's not what they signed up for. However, if you have a client with a few strays who is obviously grooming, you can ask if they want you to trim. I also hesitate to fill out brows made thin on purpose by the model or client, unless the needs of the shoot call for it specifically. If you're an eyebrow enthusiast or expert, you may want to take a different approach.

Disclosure notice: This review includes affiliate links. No additional compensation was accepted and the opinions are my own.

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Ask Kaylin: How to Perform a Patch Test

Use gentle products, especially around the eyes, to
reduce potential allergies.

You may have heard of a patch test, but few actually bother to do them. If you have any tendency towards allergies, this simple test can be a key to finding the right products for you.

Anonymous:
What is a patch test? How do I do it? Do I need to do this with every product?

Disclaimer: I am not a licensed medical professional or licensed esthetician. Please consult your dermatologist or allergist before following any advice in this post.

Kaylin:
I'm glad you asked! I often recommend patch tests to clients in my consulting work, as they are an invaluable tool, particularly for sensitive skin. A patch test is essentially where you apply a small amount of a new product to a discreet area to determine if you have a reaction.

How to conduct a patch test:

1. Take a small amount of the product and apply to a small patch of skin, such as the crook of your elbow or the inside of your wrist.
2. Let the product sit on the area for 24-48 hours (unwashed) and check periodically to see if there is an allergic reaction, such as redness, itchiness, or acne-like bumps.
3. If no reaction occurs, you may be safe to use the product. As always, discontinue use immediately if any reaction occurs, even after conduction a patch test.

Just as carpet cleaners recommend testing for color fastness, many cosmetic companies encourage customers to follow a similar process. If you don't tend to react to products, you can try applying them directly to your face. I tend to do this with gentle products, such as those with a rating of 3 or lower on the EWG Skin Deep database. I list EWG ratings in each of my reviews. However, if you have sensitive skin or are using a product with potentially irritating ingredients (such as lip plumpers or products with "cooling" effects), I recommend a patch test with each new product. For more information on allergies, consult your dermatologist, allergist, or another licensed professional.

Note for professionals: Be sure to check with clients ahead of time to see if they have sensitive skin. I try to stock my kit with the gentlest products possible that can withstand professional demands. It's impractical to do patch tests during a one-time application, so I recommend creating your own waiver form for clients to sign before you start, in case any allergic reaction occurs. For clients with sensitive skin, you can also ask them to bring their own makeup if they have a brand they know works with their skin.

Disclosure notice: This product was sent to me free of charge by the manufacturer for review. No additional compensation was accepted and the opinions are my own. Please verify any claims with the manufacturer, especially if you have any allergies or concerns.

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Article: Best Vegan Red Lipsticks

Zuzu Luxe lipstick in Starlet and Gabriel lip liner in Red

As a vegan, there are two ingredients that make finding natural lip products tricky: beeswax and carmine. Carmine comes from the crushed cochineal insect, and is common in a variety of natural products, from eye shadows and foundations to lipsticks. Carmine is a deep red color, and few companies make deep, true reds without it, unless they consciously cater to vegans. So which options are vegan-friendly? And which offer the best performance?

Favorites:

• Zuzu Luxe offers a few great shades in a creamy, traditional formula. My personal favorite is Starlet, a candy apple red in a cool tone. They also offer Vino de Amor, a bright red wine shade (also cool). They also have a gloss in Caliente (cool blue undertone), which can be layered over a lipstick or worn separately.
• Sister line Gabriel also offers cooler shades such as Pomegranate (deep red), Currant (red wine), and Matte Rose (red chili pepper) as well as warmer shades such as Tea Rose (orange red) and Santa Fe (red-orange). Both of these lines are gluten-free and have wide retail availability, so you can often test in person to find the best match.
• With red shades, the colors are bold enough to need a well-defined line to really set off the look. I love Gabriel's lip liner in Red, but Zuzu has one in Cherry as well. If you're in a pinch and can't find a red liner, try to pick one close to your natural lip color and apply the lipstick itself with a brush for precision.
  

Beauty Without Cruelty's lipstick has
a texture similar to conventional
products.

Other Options:

• Beauty Without Cruelty offers another line of vegan lipsticks with multiple red shades, such as Cerise and Day Lily. The formula is creamy and it comes with fun packaging. I haven't seen these shades in person, but the brand has good retail availability in certain areas.
• Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tars - This intense, gloss-like color comes in a variety of red shades, including Psycho (true blood red), Harlot (neon red), Stalker (blue red), and NSFW (true, balanced red). The application takes a few tries to get right; you have to use a lot less than you think you need.
• Gourmet Body Treats has a more limited selection of reds, but does offer a lipstick, lip gloss, and lip liner in the shade Vixen. They also are expanding to offer a red lipstick.

Budget options:

• Eyes Lips Face (E.L.F.) offers two affordable options: their mineral lipstick (in Cheerful Cherry and Royal Red) and essential lipstick (in Fearless). The ingredients are much better in the mineral lipstick, but if you need something quick, the essential lipstick might be available locally.
• Manic Panic also offers a couple of affordable red options, but they aren't as natural (or gentle).

How to pick the best red:
If you are unsure about wearing reds, check out these handy articles for choosing the best shade for you:

• WikiHow: Find the Perfect Red Lipstick
• Makeup Geek: Top 5 Red Lipsticks

Disclosure notice: Some products mentioned in this article were sent to me free of charge by the manufacturer for review. Others were purchased by the reviewer. No additional compensation was accepted and the opinions are my own. Please verify any claims with the manufacturer, especially if you have any allergies or concerns.

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Article: Proper Makeup Brush Care

When people have allergies to makeup, one of the first questions I ask is if they clean their brushes regularly. While allergies can arise from sources such as animal hair on brushes, they are often due to using the same brush for months on end, without regular cleaning. You might think you can get away without cleaning your brushes if you aren't experiencing allergies, but your makeup applications could be suffering. Using the same brush for multiple colors of eyeshadow, day after day, can lead to muddy looking colors. For precise applications and a healthy face, follow these tips to clean and care for your brushes.

How to clean makeup brushes:
Methods vary on how best to clean brushes, but I highly recommend watching this video for a full tutorial. Instructions for my (very similar) method are below.

1. Pour out dish soap and olive oil on a plate or other shallow dish (I use clean plastic peanut butter lid). Use a ratio of about 1 tbsp dish soap to 1 tsp olive oil.
2. Swirl brush in soap/oil mixture, making sure to mix in both liquids.
3. Wipe the brush back and forth in your clean palm.
4. Rinse brush in warm (not hot) water until water runs ckear.  If pigments still remain, repeat steps 2-3.
5. Do not dry your brushes standing up (bristles up, ferrule down) or the moisture will loosen the glue over time. Instead, you may use one of the two methods below.
6. Method 1: Ideal Method - Slip a brush guard over the brush, slightly past the bristles. Place ferrule-down in a clean cup, allowing the brush guard to support the brush (not the bristles). This is the best way to keep moisture out of your brushes and maintain their ideal shape, but the brush guards can be a bit of an investment.
7. Method 2: Quick and Easy Method - Place a long, 1/2" tall object (shaped similar to a box of spaghetti) under one end of a microfiber cloth. Dab the bristles on the lower end of the microfiber cloth to remove excess moisture. Then prop the brush up to dry by placing the ferrule on top on the "step" and the bristles resting against the lower end of the microfiber cloth. This allows the moisture to seep downwards, but I rotate brushes regularly using this method so they don't become misshapen.

Keep an extra set handy in case you need
clean brushes in a hurry.

Tips:

• Buy only vegan brushes to ensure no animals were harmed.
• Always wash brushes used for creams and liquids after every use, even if only with water. When on the job, I clean slick brushes by soaking them in a gentle makeup remover, rinsing with water, and drying with a clean tissue.
• Keep an extra set or sets of your favorite brushes on hand if you don't have time to wash brushes as often as you'd like. For budget picks, check out brands such as Eco Tools and E.L.F..
• If you don't have spare brushes on hand, a brush cleaner can help with quick changes of color or in a pinch. However, brushes filled with powders (for example, a foundation powder brush you've been using all week) will likely need a full wash if you want to use it for a clean application of another color.
• For more tips on sanitation and for brush cleaner recommendations, check out my post on sanitizing cosmetics.

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Article: A Day in the Life of a Bridal Makeup Artist: From Trial Run to Wedding Day

Image: Mary Sledd Photography

While I would love to share stories and images from many of my makeup jobs, client confidentiality is an important part of being a professional. However, when my sister got engaged, I hoped that I would get to do her makeup on her wedding day. She kindly obliged, and she also generously let me share the details with you. So just what it is like to do a bride's makeup? Read on and find out.

One week before the trial run (three weeks to the wedding):

• Discuss the bridal look with the client via phone or email. For example, my sister sent me some images of Kristen Bell and Emma Stone with red carpet makeup, which gave me an idea of the look she wanted. Choosing a celebrity with similar coloring can help a great deal in making a selection for a wedding day look.

The Trial Run (two weeks to the wedding):

Image: Mary Sledd Photography

• Run through the entire look with the client. Review images with client again (I recommend having printouts handy). Choose a "target look" (ours was this image) and do your best re-creation the client's face. Look for any large differences between the celebrity and be sure to bring up anything that may turn out differently than your client expects before applying makeup. For example, if a client only gives you images of a warm-toned celebrity and they have a cool skin tone, let them know you will choose similar but different shades to better suit their complexion. Also, mention if you think false lashes are being used and see if this is something your client is interested in doing.
• Be prepared to re-do the look. I usually re-do the look with most of my bridal clients, especially around the eyes. Most brides actually want something very similar, but the trial run is the time to indulge your client if they really want to try that "peacock" look or retro style before the wedding.
• Take notes and photos. Once you have settled on a look, take reference images (including one each with eyes open and eyes closed). Also, take notes regarding which products you used. I use Alcone's face charts.

The Night Before:

• Set aside the bride's makeup, using your notes for reference. This ensures that you will at least have all her makeup ready ahead of time, and won't have to dig through your kit to find any missing item.

Wedding Day, 7:30 am (2.5 hours to wedding):

• Leave for bridal venue. Load up makeup kit and head to the venue (or, in some cases, a hotel or residence). Some wedding venues can be quite far from the city, so plan accordingly and aim to arrive early. As the artist, you want to make sure you are either wearing no makeup or have makeup perfectly applied.

Image: Mary Sledd Photography

Wedding Day, 8 am (2 hours to wedding):

• Arrive at the venue and set up. Create a space to apply your makeup. Ideally, this should be somewhere peaceful where the bride and other members of the bridal party can relax. Natural light is important as well.

Wedding Day, 8:10 am (just under 2 hours to wedding):

• Apply the bride's makeup. This should be done before anyone else in the bridal party. Although her makeup should already be ready to go, be sure to pay the most attention to  the bride. You may also need to do apply makeup simultaneously with her hair stylist, if applicable.

Wedding Day, 8:45 am (just over 1 hour to the wedding):

• Apply makeup for other members of the bridal party. This includes the mother of the bride, bridesmaid(s), etc. I only had the mother of the bride left, but it usually takes about 20-30 minutes per person unless you are taking shortcuts (only doing eyes, for example) or are doing something very complicated. I try to never book more than two hours of time on my own; if you need longer than this, you should really be working with a partner. At this point, you want the bride is free to dress, get her hair styled, or just relax.

Final touch-ups. Image: Mary Sledd Photography

Wedding Day, 9:15 am (45 minutes to the wedding):

• Final bride touch-ups. Do one last check, especially for powder and lip gloss. Make sure she has everything she needs.

Wedding Day, 9:30 am (half an hour to the wedding):

• Clean up and get out of the way. You want to be completely finished well before the bride even thinks about walking down the aisle. Don't be the person holding up the wedding. Aim to finish 15 minutes before you think you want to be ready, in case the clients are running behind or there are other unforeseen circumstances.

All three finished faces. Image: Mary Sledd Photography

After finishing at one wedding, some artists even schedule a second wedding in the same day. If you do, consider working with a partner and having a second set of brushes. Cleaning brushes between clients can take some time, and you'll need to be careful that you don't wet down a brush that you'll need dry later. It's a fun business, but be sure to plan ahead to keep the bride feeling calm and pampered like a princess on her special day.

Thinking about going pro? Check out my book, The Mercenary Makeup Artist: Breaking into the Business with Style.

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Article: Splurge vs. Save on Natural Cosmetics

Image: Tax Credits via Flickr

On more than one occassion, I've heard oohs and ahhs when I open my makeup kit. The sight of all those colors, packaged in lovely palettes and bottles, reminds many clients of a makeup counter. "You have everything!" some exclaim. While I am prepared for almost any situation, my makeup kit has a very carefully-selected assortment of items.

Most of my cosmetics have a shelf life of 6 months to 2 years, so I have to be smart about which I splurge on and which I save on. Whether you're a pro or just looking to do your own makeup, read on for some of my recommended splurge vs. save tips, which I learned from careful budgeting as an eco-friendly makeup artist.

Book Review: $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau

Books on entrepreneurship are extremely common. Many business owners try to sell a book that basically shares their story for success. However, their methods may not apply to your interests or skill sets. So what if you're looking for the elements that make each business successful? There are many similarities between startups built on a shoestring that not only survive but also thrive. You can read these secrets to success and apply them yourself using Chris Guillebeau's $100 Startup.

Pros:

• Friendly, conversational voice
• Fun images and formatting
• Utilizes case studies from over 1,000 startups
• Removes funding as an excuse
• Very motivational
• Offers realistic, practical advice

Coming Soon: $100 Startup Review

There comes a time in many of our lives where we wonder, "What's next?" Perhaps you're tired of sitting in a cubicle, working for the man, or are just unwilling to putting off your dreams any longer. I know I certainly felt that way when I decided to pursue becoming a make-up artist.

Author Chris Guillebeau, one of my favorite inspirations and famous for The Art of Non-Conformity, offers a great selection of ideas to get you started. He takes away the excuses (no money, no time) to help show you that your dreams are a lot closer than you think.

Hit the jump for a video. The full review will be posted early next week.

How to Sanitize Your Cosmetics

(Photo: PressReleaseFinder)

Cosmetic sanitization is incredible important for professionals, but it is also benefical in your own home.  Cosmetics can carry bacteria, grow mold, or change composition if left unsanitized.  Here are some tips for sanitizing cosmetics:

• NEVER use shared tester cosmetics on your face. Test new products on the back of your hand, and buy from stores that have a return policy that will accept opened cosmetics.

Best Eco-Friendly and Vegan Makeup Brushes

As an eco-friendly makeup artist, I have searched far and wide for the best eco-friendly brushes.  Many of them have received rave reviews from my clients, especially my EcoTools brushes.

EcoTools

EcoTools brushes are my personal favorite.  They are inexpensive ($4-$16) and available at many local drugstores and superstores.  EcoTools brushes are environmentally-friendly and vegan, made of cruelty-free taklon (synthetic) hairs, bamboo, and recycled aluminum.

How to build a professional makeup brush set for less than $60

They say an artist is only as good as her tools.  This may or may not be true, but it's nearly impossible to be a make-up artist without having a dedicated set of brushes for clients.  I've put together a list of my favorite brushes and tell you how to build this set from using high-quality vegan brushes.