For all you professional makeup artists out there: do any of you have advice on what products work the best?

I especially am curious about what contouring products would be the best to use.

And also, good tutorials you know of for a professional look? I'm pretty good with makeup, but I am not sure what products to use to achieve the best result.

I also desperately need to cover up my under eye circles.

I was also wondering if it's possible to achieve a look that looks like you're wearing little makeup, but you still manage to cover up your imperfections like acne and dark circles well.

Hi

It is easy to do what you want. As for "best" products, that is a myth. Technique is half the battle. A good artist can achieve a makeup free look with experience.

Some tips to get you started.

1. If you have to get a clean professional look, either Lancôme or Stila foundations will ensure that.

2. For under eye circles read the thread in this forum just recently added on the topic.

3. Apply using a foundation brush, using just a smidgeon of foundation on the brush, and apply in small circles. Then, for any areas that need a bit more coverage, stipple (that is, pat the product on with the brush) some of the foundation over it.

4. If you still see imperfections, use a concealer matched to your skin tone on those spots, stippling it on and feathering the edges.

5. Then set with a light powder, again Stila or Lancôme work very well.

You should use a maximum of 2 drops of liquid foundation for the whole face. This takes practice on brush technique. If 2 drops is not quite enough then dispense a bit more.
Most artists dispense liquids onto a camping mirror as a palette. The back of the wrist is a terrible place to put foundation as you work, it is loaded with bacteria.

HtH