Blog
Prime Time for Prime Day!
With Prime Day just around the corner, Julie shares some of her top picks from self tape gear to makeup to skincare to audition wardrobe!
Since I’m a sucker for some good deals, I figured I’d share some of my Prime Day Picks from self tape gear to makeup to skincare to audition wardrobe!
Prime Day is July 16 and 17 this year, but some deals are already happening as we speak! Level up while the goods are on sale!
Click one of the images or titles below to jump to that category!
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Make sure to use my links below to ensure you get the right products and to help support your fellow actress/model/pharmacist! #CommissionsEarned
The Classic Commercial Look
Actress & Model Julie Berry discusses how to achieve the ideal commercial look in a step-by-step makeup tutorial and lists all her favorite, tried and true products.
One of the most useful skills to have as a commercial actor or model is excellent makeup application. Even if you have your makeup done on set by a professional (which in most bookings you will—especially for larger shoots), many of them will require you to audition beforehand so it is in your best interest to have a good grasp on makeup!
Makeup has always fascinated me! I am one of those people who will watch makeup tutorials on the reg because I genuinely enjoy it. Since I love it so much, some of my girlfriends have asked me to walk through a makeup look with them from start to finish. To see the sense of thrill, empowerment, and confidence exude from them when they figure it out is sincerely beautiful to watch! One of these times, after finishing her makeup base, my friend responded in the most perfect and hilarious way: She looked at me, genuinely impressed at what she had done, and said, “I look like a porcelain doll!” Day. Made.
So no matter what your “relationship” with makeup is, whether you feel really comfortable with it or not, this blog is for you! My goal is to empower you, too, to put your best face forward and highlight your natural inner and outer beauty! Just as with my girlfriends, I’ll give you a step-by-step tutorial, and to make things easy, I’ll list all my favorite products in the tutorial’s description as well as below. So excited for you to book your next commercial gig!
How to Create the Stunningly Beautiful Commercial Look
~
How to Create the Stunningly Beautiful Commercial Look ~
Mobile Users: Tap the bottom of each product below to get a quick description of its uses and tap the center to purchase!
Desktop Users: Hover over each product to get a quick description of its uses and click on the product to purchase!
Makeup Base
Face primer to ensure smooth makeup application (no creasing or caking) and increase longevity of look
Green color corrector to cancel out any reds from acne blemishes or dark spots
Concealer to cover any blemishes, under eye bags, and flatteringly contour the face
Light to medium coverage liquid foundation for the idyllic commercial look
Loose translucent powder to give a flawless, matte finished look
Eyes
Eyeshadow primer to prevent eyeshadow creasing & increase longevity of eye look
The ultimate neutral eyeshadow palette for commercial and dramatic looks
A dual-ended mascara to enhance and volumize your natural lashes
Eyeliner pencil to further enhance the eyes
Brows
Eyebrow gel to tame, tint, and fluff your natural hairs for fuller-looking brows
A brow pencil to precisely define, shape and fill in your brows with tiny hair-like strokes
Blush, Contour & Bronze
The ultimate blush, contour, highlight and bronzer palette (which also can be used as eyeshadow!) for bringing beautiful color and shape to the face
Lips
The most universally flattering, world-famous pink nude shade of lipstick
Lip liner to define your lips and increase the longevity of the lip look
Makeup Tools & Brushes
Makeup sponge to blend liquid products seamlessly
Sephora Collection Face & Eye Brush Set for applying blush, bronzer, contour, highlight, and eyeshadow
Powder puff to smoothly distribute setting powder
Makeup sponge holder
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Make sure to use my links below to ensure you get the right products and to help support your fellow actress/model! #CommissionsEarned
Do I need Botox?
Dr. Berry explores the pros & cons of botox & fillers while also addressing the impact of makeup & skincare on aging skin.
Whether you are in the acting and modeling industry or not, Botox and fillers have become more and more common amongst women, especially within the Gen Z & Millennial generations, and as fine lines and wrinkles started to emerge in my late 20s, I started to consider it. I was surprised by how many women I knew had had it done before, so I began to research it.
Since I am a pharmacist, I went to my favorite drug reference (Lexicomp) which has some of the most comprehensive drug monographs and patient education.
According to this reference, “Botox works by blocking nerve signals to muscles. Then the muscle becomes weaker and cannot move as well. The targeted area will then show less lines and wrinkles.” When I read this, it personally made me hesitate, especially as an actress— I don’t want to immobilize any muscles in my face! Results for botox take 1-2 weeks and last 3-6 months. Although generally considered safe, some common side effects include redness, bruising, and pain at the injection site. If the botox moves toward your eyelids or brows, they may look droopy, especially if you have hooded eyes or monolids. Then there is the rare risk of serious adverse reactions which can include severe allergic reactions, vision impairment, infection, muscle weakness, or paralysis (which you would need to call the doctor/911 immediately for).
Not exactly ideal when you are just trying to minimize some wrinkles. So then I started researching Juvederm which seemed to be a more natural alternative. It is a filler that uses hyaluronic acid, a substance that naturally occurs in the body, to plump the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Results show almost immediately and last 6-18 months. The caveat: It tends to be more expensive than Botox and can still pose some of the rare serious side effects.
So then I started to ask myself (and my friends), why are you considering this? And let me preface: There is no shame whatsoever if you decide to do either or both of these types of injections. It’s so important to be comfortable and confident in your skin. I simply wanted to explore the “why” (and not philosophically or spiritually- that’s a different discussion altogether that I do not intend to touch on here), and what I found is that for many women- including myself- a lot of it came down to how their makeup looked. Aha!! Interesting. The makeup would crease and start to accentuate the wrinkles.
So then I began to ask myself, can I fix these issues with makeup and skincare? And personally, I found the answer to this question to be a resounding YES!
Although I have aged several years since I started to explore these questions, I have never been happier with how my skin has looked with and without makeup, and although my fine lines have not disappeared completely, they have significantly reduced in appearance. I spent a little more on makeup and skincare, but not nearly as much as I would have with injections, and many times the fix to my makeup issues had more to do with technique than the product itself. So I compiled all my tips & tricks here for you!
It all starts with skincare…
Every time you apply makeup, the skin should be cleaned, prepped, and moisturized to not only prevent bacteria buildup on your makeup products (thereby causing acne) but also to ensure that your makeup wears the way it’s supposed to. If your skin is dry, your makeup will highlight that by being flaky, which is no bueno. There are lots of different products to choose from, and it’s important to know what works best for your skin type. Your skincare needs will likely change as you age (mine certainly have!), but I will link some of my faves down below. For reference, I used to have pretty oily, acne-prone skin in my mid-twenties. Now my skin tends to be a combination but leans more on the dry side, being that I’m in my early thirties. Many of the products listed below have anti-aging and hydrating benefits while also preventing acne.
But first things first: Are you applying your skincare products in the right order?
Using the correct order will make sure your skin is able to fully soak up all those lovely ingredients. So, what is the correct order you ask? Let’s get into it!
1. Cleanser
To clean the skin and prevent any oil or bacteria buildup. Make sure to use a clean towel!
2. Toner
To further clean out the pores from any remaining impurities while also preventing acne.
3. Serums
To effectively treat any of your main skincare concerns (fine lines/wrinkles, reducing pore size, hydration, etc.)
4. Eye Cream
To hydrate the eyelids and under eyes and prevent wrinkles
5. Spot Treatments
To treat acne, dark spots or skin discolorations
6. Moisturizer
To thoroughly hydrate the skin, prevent fine lines, and prep the skin for makeup if that is your next step!
7. Face Oil
To hydrate the skin further if needed and treat various skin issues (redness, uneven skintone/texture, and heal dark spots)
Now let’s get to the Nitty Gritty… MAKEUP!
Once the skin is happy and prepped, makeup should lay all the more smoothly! There is a lot I could cover with makeup, but the main two products I have found that make all the difference when it comes to having flawless-looking skin without the creasing or any other nonsense are…
Pore-Minimizing Primer
〰️
Setting Powder
〰️
Pore-Minimizing Primer 〰️ Setting Powder 〰️
If you are like me, I used to think primer was this weird, unnecessary step in the makeup process. It’s usually clear, you don’t see it, so what’s the point? But in actuality, IT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE! Its purpose is to make the makeup lay smoothly on the skin and to increase the longevity of your makeup look. Plus, if you have a pore-minimizing primer (as opposed to a hydrating primer), it will keep the makeup from seeping into the pores and creases of your face. Here are the two BEST pore-minimizing primers I have found:
To further keep your makeup from creasing, make sure to not go heavy with the liquid makeup in those problem areas. You don’t need to avoid those areas by any means, just be mindful of it during application. After applying all your liquid products (skin tint, foundation, concealer, etc.), you set it by applying setting powder. Setting powder mattifies the overall look of your makeup and keeps the liquid products in place so they don’t crease.
Now the real trick is in the application: First apply the setting powder to a makeup puff and then evenly distribute the powder on the puff by rubbing it gently on the inside of your wrist. Using a damp makeup sponge, blot out any crease/wrinkle on your face immediately before pressing the powdered puff to the area. I often use this method starting with the undereyes, then eyelids, nose, under the cheekbone and neck, and finish with the forehead. Make all the silly faces you need to to ensure you are not adding powder to an area that has already creased. Here are those products if you need recommendations:
And that’s it! With the right kinds of makeup and skincare as well as the correct techniques of using them, you may find that that’s exactly what you wanted all along! I hope this helps and that you truly celebrate the beauty that you are!
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Make sure to use my links below to ensure you get the right products and to help support your fellow actress/model! #CommissionsEarned
A Talent’s Wishlist
In preparation for the holiday season, Actress & Model Julie Berry collaborates with her talented Cinematographer & Photographer husband, Austin Berry, to compile the ultimate wishlist for actors & models.
Whether you’re looking to start acting and/or modeling or you want to level up in your career, I have created this wishlist to help you put your best foot forward! From makeup and skincare to self tape setups and photography, these are some of the best, affordable products bundled together all in one place just in time for the holiday season! With over 15+ years of experience in the acting and modeling industry, I’ve seen the industry grow and change, and I’m excited to help equip others to achieve their dreams too.
As a doctor of pharmacy, I’m in the unique position to provide some valuable insight on skincare and makeup—AND I also happen to be married to a wildly talented cinematographer/photographer: Austin Berry, who’s helped me build out this self tape setup!
For your convenience, I’ve included numbers next to each product so you can give your loved ones a link to this blog post and the #s of the product(s) you want!
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Make sure to use my links below to ensure you get the right products and to help support your fellow actress/model! #CommissionsEarned
Without further ado, let’s get to it!
Self Tape Setup Products
1. Yesker Softbox Lighting Kit for Photography Lighting
Basic, inexpensive softboxes that come with bulbs that can change color temperatures. Good for getting your setup started.
2. NEEWER Ring Light Kit: Professional LED with Stand and Phone Holder
Mount your camera directly in the middle. This ring light is flattering and works well to light up your face.
3a. GODOX SL-60W LED Continuous Video Light
The best bang-for-buck LED light out there. I bounce this off of the ceiling in my self-tape room to bring up the ambient light in the whole shot. You can also attach softboxes to it so it can be used as a direct, soft light on your face.
3b. GODOX Bi-Color LED Video Light
A little more expensive than the standard SL-60, this version allows you to change the color temperature between tungsten (interior/warm) and daylight (exterior/cool). If you want to level up your current light setup, this can also be used with the included gels to create a colored effect light on your backdrop.
4. Tripod Stands (*Needed for both Godox lights above!)
Tripod stands to hold any light fixture.
5a. Soonpho 12inch/30cm Standard Reflector Beauty Dish
Makes an awesome beauty light when attached to the above Godox light. A beauty dish like this is best used as a front light mounted directly over the camera.
5b. Glow EZ Lock Parabolic Softbox
Works best as your main key light when attached to the above Godox light. It’s usually placed about 45 degrees off to the left or right of your face.
6. Fotoconic Single Roller Wall/Light Stand Mounting
For suspending backdrops, and rolling them up to get them out of the way when needed.
7. Rode Wireless GO II Single Channel Wireless Microphone System
An affordable, effective, and foolproof wireless lavalier microphone receiver and transmitter bundle. The receiver can hook up to any camera with a 1/8” microphone jack, or it can plug into phones using a USB-C cable. The transmitter pack has its own built-in microphone that easily clips onto anything.
8. Slow Dolphin Adjustable Photography Backdrop Stand & Kit
A stand kit to suspend backdrops to help create a professional look for your self tapes.
9a. Savage Seamless Gray Background Paper
A studio gray backdrop is the gold (gray?) standard for any kind of audition.
9b. Savage Seamless Blue Background Paper
A light blue is great for commercial or comedic film/TV auditions.
10. Abstract Gray Backdrop
A darker tone like this is best for dramatic film/TV auditions.
11. Sony Digital Camera with Flip Screen & Built-in Microphone
If you’re looking to upgrade your self tapes from your phone to an actual camera but you’re not sure what to get, this is the perfect camera to get! It’s got a fast real-time autofocus feature, a side flip-out 3.0” LCD screen that also tilts up and down for easier composition, great sound capabilities with inputs for more audio options, and zoom features.
12a. SD Card Reader for iPhones 14 and Below
For easy transfer of photos and video from a professional camera, just remove the SD card from the camera, put it in this reader, attach it to your phone, and go to your Photos to import! This is for iPhones 14 and below.
12b. SD Card Reader for Android & iPhones 15 and Above
For easy transfer of photos and video from a professional camera, just remove the SD card from the camera, put it in this reader, attach it to your phone, and go to your Photos to import! This is for Androids & iPhones 15 and above.
Makeup Products
13. Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder
*FOR WOMEN & MEN- To mattify face after liquid foundation and concealer, and/or to reduce shininess. Also increases makeup longevity.
14. COVER FX Perfect Pressed Powder
A setting powder compact for touchups- perfect to keep in a purse! It reduces shininess all while giving the perfect blurring effect. It makes the skin look flawless!
15. NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Studio Photogenic Green Concealer
A green color-correcting concealer to cancel out redness, dark spots, and blemishes on the face. To be followed up with a slightly darker than skin tone shade of concealer.
16. Ten Piece Pure Powder Puff Face Triangle
Makeup puffs for evenly applying loose translucent powder. Super cheap and effective! Can replace monthly to prevent bacteria buildup & acne!
17. Smashbox Cali Contour Palette
This is my go-to contour palette! Great for simple, natural looks and also can be built up for beautiful glam looks. Works for commercial as well as theatrical roles. They are all powder formulas so they work well with different kinds of makeup. It has 4 matte shades (highlight, contour, bronzer, and blush) and 2 shimmer shades (subtle glowy highlight and bronzer). This is one of the most versatile, high quality, and cost-effective palettes!
18. Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer
If your makeup is creasing, isn’t lasting, and/or is highlighting all the wrong things, primer (or lack thereof) may be your issue. This primer is a tried-and-true classic in the makeup industry because it has an incredible blurring effect and allows your makeup to lay ever so smoothly on the skin. As someone who has large pores and is starting to get wrinkles, I don’t apply makeup without it!
Skincare Products
19. Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
A gentle, yet effective facial cleanser for all skin types to prevent acne without drying the skin out. Soy also helps to combat redness so it helps the skin tone look more even with time! Great for men & women!
20. Peace Out Skincare Acne Dots
Got a breakout? Have no fear! After cleansing your face, just put one of these stickers on before bedtime, and wake up to a significantly healed spot! It just needs 6 hours to work its magic!
21. Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Moisturizer
A lightweight moisturizer that smooths fine lines & wrinkles and gives your skin a youthful glow!
22. The INKEY List Mandelic Acid Treatment
This super cheap serum helps reduce dark spots/post-acne marks (for nighttime application only).
23. Cover FX SPF 30 Booster Drops
SPF 30 Face Sunscreen- Works well under makeup!! For all skin types and skin tones!
24. Clean Skin Club Dermatologist Approved Face Towels
If you struggle with acne, THIS IS A GAME CHANGER! Use a new towel every time you wash your face so you are not introducing bacteria buildup from your washcloth onto your face. It’s better than even using a clean washcloth every time!
Finishing Touch Products
(Including some GREAT stocking stuffers!)
25. INH Quick Slick Flyaway Hair Finishing Stick
Slick away any fly-aways with this little guy! Tames all the crazy hairs without making your hair look greasy. This is a must-have for self taping!
26. NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Matte Blotting Paper
Blot out any oiliness on the face without adding more makeup or messing up your makeup! Perfect to keep in your bag at all times!
27. Snow Limited Edition Teeth Whitening Wireless Kit with LED Light
Whiten your teeth safely & effectively in as little as 9 minutes! Perfect for those on the go!
28. Braun Epilator Silk Hair Removal Device
If you get tired of shaving constantly, epilating may be great for you! It definitely can be a bit painful at first, but the pain decreases over time. It reduces the need to shave significantly which means your skin has time to recover (no more red bumps). Plus it comes with a trimmer attachment that allows you to trim areas closely, quickly, painlessly and even without water!
29. Certain Dri Clinical Antiperspirant
If you are prone to sweat whether from excitement or anxiety, this is an absolute lifesaver! Just apply a thin layer the night before a shoot or audition, and your armpits will be as dry as can be for up to 3 days!
I recommend using your preferred deodorant for de-odorizing purposes when you normally would since this product is purely an antiperspirant. (Note: Apply at night since this product can cause itchiness that subsides with a little time.)