it’s never too late to learn how to hair punch into foam latex

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In This Episode We Cover:

• the unique properties of foam latex
• what makes foam latex relevant in a silicon world
• the concept that the right solution beats fashion every time

Episode 92: Show notes

I want to tackle a subject that, well, in my heart, feel doesn’t get nearly enough love these days, and that’s good old-fashioned foam latex.

Yep, that classic material that so many of today’s younger makeup artists and newbies fresh out of school, I sound like such an old lady, but it’s true. A material that the young folks or young kids in shops might dismiss as antiquated.

But here’s the truth, foam latex is still an absolute powerhouse when it comes to special effects makeup. And if you’re a hair technician or a hair puncher, it’s one of the best materials you could ever learn to punch into. 

I get it. Silicon is everywhere. It photographs beautifully, it’s flexible, it’s translucent, it looks amazing in high-definition, digital and IMAX, all of the big things that you just see everything, and it’s marketed as the ultimate special effects makeup solution.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I love silicon too, but here’s the mistake. Thinking that silicon is the only solution, because that mindset shuts doors before you’ve even had the chance to walk through them. Foam latex has been around for decades for a reason.

I mean, almost going close to a century, actually, and honestly, it’s never too late to learn how to work with it. In fact, adding foam latex skills to your arsenal of knowledge might just make you the person that your future boss calls when no one else has the answer or the experience. So why does foam latex still matter in 2025?

First of all, weight.

Foam latex is incredibly light. If you’re working on full suits, creature builds or prosthetics that cover large parts of the body, for instance, a full cowl, back of head, chest, neck, suit, sleeves, and a full body suit.

Silicon can so quickly become incredibly heavy and impractical. Foam latex, for me, solves all the problems that silicon creates. Second, and let’s talk about this, I’m going to say movement.

Foam latex is, like I said, it’s a lightweight, it’s porous, it’s made up of little air bubbles. So because of that, it has a springy bounce that can still look lifelike and when painted well and hair punched well, can work and have the perfect flexibility for certain types of creature work and animatronic skins. And I saw this firsthand when I worked on Star Wars Episode 3 Revenge of the Sith, our makeup effects designer and boss, Dave Elsey and the entire crew, we all worked very hard embracing foam latex and improving on techniques that had been done in the previous movies with silicon.

So it was really gratifying to bring to life these same creatures using foam latex that had just been painted well and thought out with the end result in mind and the person underneath it in mind as well.

Now I want to talk about hair punching specifically because for me, this is where foam latex really can shine.

Hair punching into foam latex has a different feel compared to silicon because the material has tiny little air bubbles in it. It can grip the hair really beautifully.

There’s still a tactile sort of grabbiness to the foam latex and for me, that means that once the hair is punched in, it stays in and because it’s lighter, the final effect has natural movements that sometimes you just don’t get with silicon.

Sometimes silicon, depending on whereabouts on the body it is and how thick it is, can buckle weirdly. So there are definitely pros and cons to silicon as well.

It’s even got the word con in the name! (joking)

Think of all the classic characters that you love from the golden era of creature effects and you know the 70s and into the 80s when makeup effects I think was at its peak at its height.

But foam latex with hand-punched hair was honestly the unsung hero behind so many of these iconic characters and I’m not saying this to be nostalgic either.

It’s just about effectiveness and being aware of people’s physicality and the performers inside all of these things. So why do so many newer artists shy away from foam latex?

It comes down to perception.

Silicon is seen as modern.

It’s seen as high-tech and it’s seen as the ultimate solution and improvement on the opaque options of yesteryear.

Foam latex can be seen as old-school and outdated.

But here’s the thing. Professional makeup artistry isn’t about what’s trendy or fashionable.

It’s about what works, plain and simple.

And if foam latex is the right solution for the job, then dismissing it just because it’s not the hot material of the moment is rather short-sighted.

Now, if you’ve never punched into foam latex before, you might be thinking, well, is it even worth learning now? And my answer is absolutely yes.

Learning how to hair punch into foam latex gives you an edge. It gives you knowledge and it makes you adaptable. It means that when you walk on to a set or into a workshop, you’re not limited by your materials.

That you can look at a challenge and say, yep, I got it. And that confidence is what will keep you working. Now, let’s be honest, this industry is so unpredictable.

We’ve seen it through strikes, we’ve seen it through shutdowns, through new waves of technology that are currently happening. The people who thrive are the ones who are versatile, the ones who know more than one way to skin the cat, so to speak.

So don’t buy into the myth that foam latex is a thing of the past.

It’s still a brilliant, practical, and very much alive material in the world of special effects makeup. And if you’re a hair technician, or you want to become one, it is never too late to learn how to hair punch into it. And I’ve got just the thing for you.

If you DM me the word HAIRPUNCH on Instagram, I can send you my very favorite hair punching checklist to get you started. So just DM me. I promise you’ll get an answer.

I’m always floating about in the ether on Instagram.

So just simply DM me the word “hairpunch”, all one word, and I’ll send you out my free checklist.

In fact, your future self might thank you when that next job calls for something that everyone else has forgotten or never taken the time to learn how to do.

And that’s the kind of skill that makes you invaluable and it helps you stand out. Okay, that’s it for this time. Until next time, stay inspired, keep creating, keep experimenting, and remember, sometimes the old ways can be the best ways.

All right, I’ll see you soon. Bye-bye.

Click here to listen to this episode!

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If you devoured this episode in one bite, subscribe to it. Make it easy for yourself!

And if you have a makeup artist friend who’s just starting out, or you know would love this stuff, share this link with them.
I love makeup and skincare, and it’s my honor to share my passion with you, so you can listen to my weekly show, by simply subscribing below.

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More episodes you might enjoy:

• How to Stand Out Authentically in An Oversaturated Industry

• Building a Pro Kit on a Beginner Budget (Without Regretting It Later)

• Why the Ben Nye Master Bruise Wheel Belongs in Your Makeup Kit

The post It’s Never Too Late to Hairpunch into Foam Latex appeared first on The Makeup Refinery.

]]> https://themakeuprefinery.com/foam-latex-hairpunching/feed/ 0 https://themakeuprefinery.com/burn-makeups/ https://themakeuprefinery.com/burn-makeups/#respond Tue, 30 Dec 2025 18:20:05 +0000 https://themakeuprefinery.com/?p=524219 Creating realistic burn makeups and effects can be quite the creative hurdle. After all, we are usually required to leave the performers’ eyes, nose, mouth, and oftentimes, hair untouched, as if they are miraculously impervious to the natural effects of physics.So how do you create a realistic burn look with some serious limitations?Sometimes, you might...

The post Creating Realistic Burn Makeup: Essential Tips and Top Pitfalls for Makeup Artists appeared first on The Makeup Refinery.

]]> Creating realistic burn makeups and effects can be quite the creative hurdle. After all, we are usually required to leave the performers’ eyes, nose, mouth, and oftentimes, hair untouched, as if they are miraculously impervious to the natural effects of physics.
So how do you create a realistic burn look with some serious limitations?
Sometimes, you might have to bend the rules, and sometimes you have to take a bit of a leap, but all times, you can use some nifty, quick techniques and go old school – because a lot of the best out-of-kit makeup techniques can still be relied on in this day and age to create effective and somewhat realistic burn effects.

how to create awe-inspiring burn makeups

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This post may contain affiliate links, such as Amazon and Shop My, that I may earn from qualifying links. This means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, but never fear, because it means no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

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Key Takeaways:

• Avoiding symmetrical patterns and unnatural colors, and referencing how actual burns affect skin can help create more realistic burn makeup effects.
• Conducting research can help craft convincing burn makeup looks that hold up on camera.
• Practicing quick “out of kit” techniques and experimentation are the best ways to improve on creating burn makeup effects on both low and big-budget projects.

Episode 91: Show notes

If you’ve ever struggled to make burn effects look authentic or worried your work is sliding into “Halloween party” territory (not that there’s anything wrong with that) instead of film-ready realism, you are totally not alone.

Let’s dig into some truly practical advice you can start using right now, whether you’re prepping for a low-budget horror flick or working on a big studio project.

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Why Burn Makeup Is Tricky

Let’s get this out of the way: Burn makeup is one of the trickier special effects we makeup artists tackle.

Why? Because burns are a real thing – they happen to real people, and your audience subconsciously knows what they look like.

Unlike painting someone blue for example, you can’t just improvise or take wild artistic liberties (well, not all the time). This is why research is so important – reference images, medical books, and real-life examples are invaluable!

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Common Mistakes in Burn Makeup Effects

Symmetry & Repetition: The “Sticker” Trap

One of the biggest mistakes? Making the burns look symmetrical or repeating patterns that would never occur in nature.
Nature is chaotic! Burns are caused by flames, chemicals, or heat – nothing tidy or geometric.

If your wounds look like perfect ovals or line up exactly, they’ll instantly stand out as fake and inorganic.

Color Choices Gone Wrong

Another frequent pitfall: unnatural colors. Burns aren’t just bright red or tomato-colored (unless they’re extremely fresh, and even then, there are layers).
Using outdated or incorrect reference materials can lead to effects that look flat, overly “fresh,” or just plain odd on camera.

Texture & Depth That Misses the Mark

Have you ever seen a burn makeup where the texture is way too smooth, or looks like a thick chunk plopped on the skin?
Real burns have variation – they char, bubble, scar, and heal. Texture should always reflect the stage of the burn and show a believable transition into healthy skin.

The “Edge Effect”

Harsh lines where makeup stops and skin begins? Nope! That’s how you get the dreaded sticker effect. Burn transitions should blend organically, especially at the edges and near areas with hair (eyebrows, hairlines). Don’t let the burn magically “skip” their eyelashes and then pick back up.

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How to Nail Realistic Burn Makeup

Step 1: Do Your Research (For Real)

I know looking at reference photos can get… unpleasant. But you’ve got to power through!

Check the age of the burn. Is it fresh, a few weeks old, or years in the healing phase? A fresh burn looks raw, while an old burn might be pink, brown, or pale with scarring.

Step 2: Consider the Story & Lighting

Context is everything.

• When did the burn happen?
• What caused it? (Flame, chemical, steam?)
• What lighting will the scene be shot in?

The best makeup can vanish entirely under a strong red light, so always ask for camera tests and talk to the director if possible.

Step 3: Out-of-the-Kit Techniques on Any Budget

Some of my favorite burn effects are “out-of-kit” tricks:

• Tissue paper: Layered and painted (sometimes tinted, sometimes blackened) for charred effects.
• Super Baldiez sheets: Can be premade, tinted, cut, and kept on hand for fast application.
• Low-cost options: Even humble materials like oatmeal, cotton, or cereal flakes can add realistic textural depth!

If you work with prosthetics or reusable transfers, many of these tips still apply – just remember, even the best sculpted piece needs convincing blending, coloring, and (yup!) contextually-correct texture.

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Burn Makeup Color Theory: Keep It Real

Be strategic! Avoid those ultra-bright reds and remember, charred skin is multi-tonal. Work with underlying pinks, purples, and even brown/black tones – let neighboring healthy tissue guide your shading for maximum realism.

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Tips From Set: Quick Effects That Pack a Punch

Here’s a peek behind the curtain: For a recent film-within-a-film shoot, we had to whip up a burn effect on Lily Collins in under 30 minutes.
We used out-of-kit transfers and Baldiez sheets (thanks Kevin!). Applying, layering, melting the edge with Isopropyl, and sealing – done! No big-budget lab time, just quick, smart materials and a focus on blending the effect into her natural skin.

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Final Takeaways for Realistic Burn Makeup

• Research relentlessly. Medical references are key!
• Think organically – not like a makeup artist, but like nature (or an accident) did the work.
• Layer your textures and colors.
• Stay flexible. Sometimes story requirements mean you have to cheat makeup away from the eyes or mouth. Not your fault! Just be the best, most thoughtful artist you can.
• Ask for feedback from medical pros if you know any – firsthand descriptions are gold.

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Got Questions?

If you’ve had tricky burn makeups or want advice for your next project, drop me a line! And hang in there – the more you practice, the more convincing and powerful your effects will become.


Click here to listen to this episode!

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Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Super Baldiez

Take Me Back to the Podcast Homepage

More about the Podcast

If you devoured this episode in one bite, subscribe to it. Make it easy for yourself!

And if you have a makeup artist friend who’s just starting out, or you know would love this stuff, share this link with them.
I love makeup and skincare, and it’s my honor to share my passion with you, so you can listen to my weekly show, by simply subscribing below.

Subscribe On:

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More episodes you might enjoy:

• How to Stand Out Authentically in An Oversaturated Industry

• Building a Pro Kit on a Beginner Budget (Without Regretting It Later)

• Why the Ben Nye Master Bruise Wheel Belongs in Your Makeup Kit

Image courtesy of Instagram – thanks to Sarah Rubano Makeup DH – Maxxxine – burn makeup applied by Kevin Wasner and Kerrin Jackson

The post Creating Realistic Burn Makeup: Essential Tips and Top Pitfalls for Makeup Artists appeared first on The Makeup Refinery.

]]> https://themakeuprefinery.com/burn-makeups/feed/ 0 https://themakeuprefinery.com/makeup-details/ https://themakeuprefinery.com/makeup-details/#respond Tue, 30 Dec 2025 18:15:32 +0000 https://themakeuprefinery.com/?p=524071 Have you ever faced the dilemma that many of us makeup enthusiasts and professionals face? You know, when you get caught up in the details of your makeup?Well, you are in the right place, friend. Read on as I’ll share some practical techniques and tips to help you shift your focus to the bigger picture,...

The post How to Avoid Getting Caught up in the Details of Your Makeup Work appeared first on The Makeup Refinery.

]]> Have you ever faced the dilemma that many of us makeup enthusiasts and professionals face? You know, when you get caught up in the details of your makeup?
Well, you are in the right place, friend. Read on as I’ll share some practical techniques and tips to help you shift your focus to the bigger picture, ensuring your workflow remains smooth and stress-free. So, if you’re eager to overcome those pesky perfectionist tendencies and boost your makeup efficiency, let’s go!

how to stop getting caught up in the details of your makeup?

Listen to Episode:

Or Listen On:

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This post may contain affiliate links, such as Amazon and Shop My, that I may earn from qualifying links. This means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, but never fear, because it means no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

.

In This Episode We Cover:

• The importance of prioritizing tasks and setting time limits.
• Being able to periodically step back to evaluate your work from a distance.
• How staying organized and thinking ahead during your application process can be beyond beneficial.

Episode 88: Show notes

I know, particularly in my early years in makeup, I had a struggle that I suspect is a common struggle among makeup artists. And that is obsessing over tiny details that disrupt the bigger picture of your work.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a burgeoning enthusiast, learning to overcome this fixation can elevate your makeup game and save valuable time.

How to Stop Getting Caught Up in the Details of Your Makeup

Why Obsessing Over Details Can Be Counterproductive

Have you ever noticed that when you are working, and something doesn’t come easily, or a specific detail or tiny aspect of the makeup just has you stumped and yet somehow, you fixate over it, and can’t move on?
Getting hung up on minor imperfections can absolutely stifle your creativity and increase stress levels.

When a detail isn’t perfect, it’s tempting to spend five to ten minutes trying to fix it.

This not only disrupts the creative flow but also leads to lost time and heightened stress as you try to catch up.

Whether it’s dealing with fallout from a smoky eye or a rolled edge on a prosthetic that essentially no one will see, the urge to fixate on these issues can be overwhelming.

She points out how such fixations can affect productivity and overall project flow.

.

Techniques to Focus on the Bigger Picture

Understanding and prioritizing the bigger picture within your makeup application can allow for a more efficient and creative process.

And here are some techniques that will help to get you there if this is happening to you:

1. Prioritization

Identify which details are crucial to your look and which can be set aside if needed. Use prioritization to focus on what truly matters, rather than getting stuck on minor imperfections.

2. Set Time Limits

Implement time management techniques by setting time limits for each task. This helps prevent overworking in specific areas and ensures a steady workflow.

3. Step Back and Evaluate

Take periodic breaks to step back and evaluate your work as a whole. By doing so, you gain a broader perspective, which can help identify whether a minor detail really needs attention or if it’s something that can be overlooked.

.

Efficient Tools and Techniques

1. Digital and Manual Tools

Using external guides and tools (like this one) can provide you with useful techniques for time-management and efficiency. They can also help you overcome tendencies of perfectionism.

By keeping track of your process – much like Dick Smith did (see if you can spot the technique I have been borrowing from Dick Smith for decades now in my guide) you can become more naturally adept at maintaining a steady workflow.

2. Cordless ELECRTICAL tools

In recent years of my work, I’ve found that having a cordless hair dryer can be invaluable – for its mobility and convenience. And guess what else – no cords!!!
This tool can help expedite processes, such as drying and powdering during stretch and stipple makeups.

3. Pre-set Product Order

Arrange your products in the order they will be used. This practice can help you stay organized and maintain a smooth workflow. If you’re assisting someone, ensure that as soon as one product is used, it’s moved to the back and the next product is ready.

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Thriving in a Creative Workflow

Staying ahead of the game keeps the creative energy alive and prevents breakdowns in the system. By thinking ahead and maintaining momentum, not only does the process become more enjoyable, but it also enables you to deliver high-quality results without unnecessary stress.

Conclusion: Practice Makes Perfect

In summary, focusing on the bigger picture and avoiding getting bogged down by minor details can dramatically improve your makeup artistry. Emphasize the larger forms first before moving on to finer details, and practice this mindset regularly. The more you practice, the more naturally it will come to you.

Click here to listen to this episode!

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Take Me Back to the Podcast Homepage

More about the Podcast

If you devoured this episode in one bite, subscribe to it. Make it easy for yourself!

And if you have a makeup artist friend who’s just starting out, or you know would love this stuff, share this link with them.
I love makeup and skincare, and it’s my honor to share my passion with you, so you can listen to my weekly show, by simply subscribing below.

Subscribe On:

Apple Google Spotify Stitcher

.

More episodes you might enjoy:

• How to Stand Out Authentically in An Oversaturated Industry

• Building a Pro Kit on a Beginner Budget (Without Regretting It Later)

• Why the Ben Nye Master Bruise Wheel Belongs in Your Makeup Kit

Featured Iage by Jessica Johnston courtesy of Unsplash

The post How to Avoid Getting Caught up in the Details of Your Makeup Work appeared first on The Makeup Refinery.

]]> https://themakeuprefinery.com/makeup-details/feed/ 0 https://themakeuprefinery.com/beard-cover/ https://themakeuprefinery.com/beard-cover/#respond Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:39:17 +0000 https://themakeuprefinery.com/?p=524217 Thought this makeup technique was left in the throes of black/white tv and 60’s sitcoms? Think again. Beard cover is as relied upon as it has ever been, and if you’re a professional makeup artist and you’re not familiar with how to do it, read on, as you learn the best products, what to look...

The post The Lost Art and Techniques for Beard Cover appeared first on The Makeup Refinery.

]]> Thought this makeup technique was left in the throes of black/white tv and 60’s sitcoms? Think again. Beard cover is as relied upon as it has ever been, and if you’re a professional makeup artist and you’re not familiar with how to do it, read on, as you learn the best products, what to look for, and why skin prep is vital for effective beard cover makeup.

the lost art and techniques for beard cover makeup

Listen to Episode:

Or Listen On:

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This post may contain affiliate links, such as Amazon and Shop My, that I may earn from qualifying links. This means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, but never fear, because it means no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

.

In This Episode We Cover:

• Understanding the importance of beard-cover makeup.
• Mastering traditional techniques like beard cover can significantly improve your versatility.
• Learn how to achieve a flawless and natural-looking beard cover makeup.

Episode 90: Show notes

You might think beard cover makeup is a relic of the past, only necessary in the days of black and white television.

However, it’s far from outdated. Even with today’s advanced digital cameras, beard cover is crucial for maintaining a polished, clean look, especially for male characters who are supposed to appear clean-shaven. This technique is as relevant as ever, whether you’re working on period pieces or contemporary projects.

Essential Beard Cover Techniques

1. Color Correction: The First Step

Neutralizing the undertones of the beard area is crucial before applying foundation or concealer. Mix reds or oranges into your base to neutralize blue and purple undertones efficiently.

2. Skin Preparation

Always hydrate and moisturize the skin properly, especially in areas prone to dryness due to shaving. Products like Dermalogica Active Moist and Kiehl’s Close Shaver Squadron Aftershave Cream are great options to prep the skin without making it too oily.

3. Light Hand Application

Start with a light hand to avoid a cakey appearance. Use makeup sponges or your favorite brushes to apply the product in small amounts, building it up gradually for the best coverage.

4. Understanding Lighting

Different lighting conditions can make your coverage look heavier or lighter than it is. Always assess your makeup in natural daylight to ensure it’s well blended.

Must-Have Products for Beard Cover

RCMA Color Process Foundations

Perfect for full coverage without a heavy buildup on the skin’s surface.

MAC Full Coverage Cream Foundation Palette

This palette offers a wide range of skin tones and is excellent for beard cover application.

Kryolan Dermacolor Palette

A staple in every makeup artist’s kit, these palettes offer highly pigmented options for color correcting and concealing stubborn tones.

Ben Nye Tattoo Cover Cream

Great for mixing with your color correctors to balance out blue beard stubble.

Makeup Forever Ultra HD Concealer Creams

Ideal for blending beard cover with the natural skin tone, especially for light coverage needs.

Setting the Makeup

RCMA No Color Powder & Ben Nye Neutral Set

Perfect for setting the beard cover makeup without adding extra texture.

Setting Sprays

Ben Nye Final Seal, Urban Decay All Nighter, and Blue Marble Sealer are excellent choices for locking in the makeup.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Thick Creams or Powders: These can be too heavy and may appear on camera.
• Over-Moisturizing: Excessively moisturized skin can cause makeup to slide around.
• Not Testing Under Different Lighting: Always check your makeup under natural daylight.

Practicing for Perfection

Practice makes perfect, especially when it comes to beard cover. Try practicing on different skin tones and stubble types to become confident with the technique.

Mastering beard cover makeup can significantly elevate your skills as a makeup artist, making you a versatile and indispensable member on set. Remember, the key to great beard cover is understanding color theory, skin preparation, and light application.

For more tips, tutorials, and makeup insights, follow us on Instagram @themakeuprefinery, or visit our blog for comprehensive guides and product reviews.

Click here to listen to this episode!

.

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• RCMA Color Process Foundations
• MAC Full Coverage Cream Pro Palette
• Kryolan Dermacolor Palette
• Ben Nye Tattoo Cover Cream
• RCMA No Color Powder
• Ben Nye Neutral Setting Powder
• Ben Nye Final Seal

Take Me Back to the Podcast Homepage

More about the Podcast

If you devoured this episode in one bite, subscribe to it. Make it easy for yourself!

And if you have a makeup artist friend who’s just starting out, or you know would love this stuff, share this link with them.
I love makeup and skincare, and it’s my honor to share my passion with you, so you can listen to my weekly show, by simply subscribing below.

Subscribe On:

Apple Google Spotify Stitcher

.

More episodes you might enjoy:

• How to Stand Out Authentically in An Oversaturated Industry

• Building a Pro Kit on a Beginner Budget (Without Regretting It Later)

• Why the Ben Nye Master Bruise Wheel Belongs in Your Makeup Kit

The post The Lost Art and Techniques for Beard Cover appeared first on The Makeup Refinery.

]]> https://themakeuprefinery.com/beard-cover/feed/ 0