A Talent’s Wishlist
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.)
