Professional Makeup Kit Essentials

As a makeup artist, I am finally happy to say that I am satisfied with my kit.  The professional makeup artist’s kit can be ever-evolving and changing, but there are a few makeup artist basics that need to remain the same.  Makeup artists generally need some good ole sturdy makeup cases, makeup brushes and the actual makeup products to use on clients.  While that list can be never ending, I would like to start with the first category.  Today, I want to go over a few makeup kit essentials for makeup artists.

Without these professional makeup kit essentials, I would not be able to do my job as a professional makeup artist. I simply couldn’t get from point A to point B without a proper makeup case, for example.  In bad lighting, I wouldn’t be able to see the makeup I apply.  You get the idea.

Working as a Makeup Artist

Let me tell you, there are a few important makeup artist tips and tricks that I wish someone would have told me when I was becoming a professional makeup artist.  This list of makeup kit essentials for makeup artists is one of them.  

Luckily, I worked for MAC early in my career and learned how to present myself professionally.  That helped me a TON in my career.  

If you want to be a professional freelance makeup artist, I highly (like very, very highly) recommend working for a makeup company before going on your own as a freelance makeup artist.  You will learn more from working retail as a makeup artist than watching makeup tutorials on the internet.  I promise.

If you are ready to go on your own, or even ready to apprentice under a professional makeup artist, arm yourself with the tools below.  Be ready.  There’s nothing more frustrating than hiring an assistant for a job where the pro makeup artist ends up assisting the assistant with basics.

Becoming a Pro Makeup Artist

That being said, don’t shy away from apprenticing for a making artist or working for a makeup counter if you lack confidence.  All the professional makeup artists I know are definitely nurturing in nature.  

We love to help budding makeup artists when asked.  In fact, every makeup artist I know has their own go-to list of pro MUA tips. I absolutely love that about the makeup artistry industry.

A lot of makeup artistry is {obviously} art.  But the other part is science and psychology.  

When a makeup artist presents him/herself professionally and confidently, people perceive him/her as capable.  Dressing and acting like a professional makeup artist is just as important as being able to do the perfect winged eyeliner or contour like a boss.  Carrying a makeup kit essentials for makeup artists is another way to show your client you know what you are doing.

Makeup Artist Kit Essentials

So below you will find a few of my professional makeup kit faves that I use regularly.  This post doesn’t include the actual makeup products I use.  It is literally tools and equipment.  We’ll save makeup must-have makeup for another day.  But, if you are getting started as a makeup artist or looking to freshen up your makeup kit, check out the makeup kit essentials below.  As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

MAKEUP ARTIST CASE

For years, I have tried and tested different types of makeup cases. I have had three different rolling makeup cases, a makeup train case, a few different makeup bags and who knows what else. This professional makeup case is, by far, my favorite yet. It keeps all my makeup organized in a compact space that is easy to carry. That’s just what a makeup artist needs.

MAKEUP ARTIST CHAIR

A comfortable place for your client to sit is not only for the client’s comfort, but for the makeup artist’s ergonomics.  That is, the posture you use as a makeup artist that will dictate how your body reacts over time. As a professional makeup artist for over 10 years, I’ve had my fair share of back, neck, wrist and hand problems. Because of those issues, I now make sure I have a makeup artist chair that is high enough for me to work. It’s very important that I do, or my body suffers. These two chairs are both great. I say, choose which makeup chair works best for your budget.

MAKEUP ARTIST RING LIGHT

I have had many a debate about ring lights with makeup artists, estheticians and hair stylists. Let me tell you one thing I know – you need light to do work. For me, it wasn’t worth spending over $100, so this works perfectly for me. This ring light is lightweight, bright enough to work in bad lighting situations and has helped me record videos with the phone holder.  Sure, it’s not name brand, but I just need a light, ya know?

MAKEUP BRUSH CLEANER

Along the lines of doing clean makeup and staying sanitized, this brush cleaner is a must. It kills bacteria on contact and smells nice. It’s also gentle on my brushes.
Can you believe that I have had most of the makeup brushes in my makeup brush belt since I worked for MAC in 2004?? I love those brushes! And because I love them so much, I take care of them like my babies. I shampoo and disinfect them between big jobs. But when I’m on a job with multiple people/models/bridesmaids, this Cinema Secrets brush cleaner does the job. It’s perfect.

PALETTE AND SPATULA

This palette and spatula are perfect for dispensing and mixing product. Since this year (2020) has changed the way we do a lot of things, I was glad that I have been using sanitary makeup techniques for way longer than COVID-19’s outbreak. A palette and spatula are one great way to keep your makeup work station clean and sanitary.

MAKEUP ARTIST TOOLS: MASCARA WANDS, LIP BRUSHES & MORE

In order to keep your makeup (and therefore your clients) clean and safe, it is imperative to keep plenty of disposable mascara wands and lip wands on hand. Mascara wands, lip wands, cotton swabs and tissues are absolute must-haves for makeup artists. 

  • MASCARA WANDS: I love these pink tip mascara wands because I can always find them.  Most of what I carry is black, so I can easily spot these pretty little wands when I’m getting ready to apply mascara or brow gel. 
  • LIP WANDS: These lip wands are great because they are skinny enough to fit in most lip gloss containers.  There are a lot of wands that won’t fit in the little hole that allows you to get the gloss out, so beware of those. I rarely use these instead of my palette and spatula, but they are great to have on hand for quick touch ups when there are a bunch of bridesmaids or models needing lipgloss. 

These are just a few of my favorites. Let me know what else you would like to know about what I do as a makeup artist or more of my favorite products. I would love to share with you!

xo,
Shannon

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