As a professional makeup artist with over 8 years of experience in bridal, fashion and editorial makeup, I know that building a pro makeup kit is essential for creating a flawless makeup look. However, with so many products and tools available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. In this blog post, I will share my top tips for building a pro makeup kit that meets your needs. I will also highlight common mistakes that can be avoided by following my advice.
Whether you’re a seasoned makeup artist or just starting out, this post is for you. So, let’s get started!
Tip #1 - Product overview
Which are the essential products that a professional makeup kit should include?
There are 5 main categories of products that your professional makeup kit should include:
Face: Cleanser, Toner, Serum, Moisturizer, Sunscreen, Primer, Foundation, Concealer, Powder
Eyes: Eye makeup remover, eye serum, eye cream, eye primer, eye pencils, eyeliners, eye shadows, mascara, eye brow products, false eyelashes, eyelash glue
Lips: Lip balm, lip mask, lip scrub, lip oil, lip liner, lipstick (tints, sheer, satin, matte, liquid)
Cheeks: Bronzer, Contour (cream & powder), blush, highlighter
Body: Body moisturizer, body highlighter
Tip #2 - Choosing the right products
Choosing the right skincare and makeup products for different skin types and skin tones is crucial for achieving a flawless makeup look. Here's what you need to take into consideration before you start shopping
Skin type: Understanding your client’s skin type is essential for choosing the right products. There are five main skin types: normal, oily, dry, combination, and sensitive. Each skin type has different needs, so it’s important to choose products that are specifically formulated for your client’s skin type.
Skin tone: Knowing your client’s skin tone is important for choosing the right foundation, concealer, and other makeup products. There are three main skin tones: warm, cool, and neutral. Warm skin tones have yellow or golden undertones, cool skin tones have pink or blue undertones, and neutral skin tones have a mix of warm and cool undertones.
Product Labels: Read the labels carefully. Look for products that are high-quality, long-lasting, and suitable for your client’s skin type and tone. Avoid products that contain harsh chemicals or fragrances that can irritate the skin.
Foundation: Choosing the right foundation is essential for achieving a flawless canvas. Look for a foundation that matches your client’s skin tone and type. If your client has oily skin, choose a matte foundation that will help control shine. If your client has dry skin, choose a hydrating foundation that will help moisturize their skin.
Consider your client’s lifestyle: Something that many beginner makeup artists do not take into consideration before applying makeup is how important is to consider your client’s lifestyle. If your client is active and spends a lot of time outdoors, choose products that are sweat-proof and have a high SPF. If your client has a busy schedule, choose products that are easy to apply and require minimal touch-ups.
"The most beautiful makeup of a woman is passion. But cosmetics are easier to buy.” – Yves Saint Laurent
Tip #3 - Tools & Equipment
Why using the correct tools and equipment matter? I strongly believe that tools & equipment are the foundation to every impeccable makeup application.
Let me explain why:
Precision and accuracy: achieving precise and accurate makeup application with every stroke
Efficiency: significantly cutting down your makeup application time
Product performance: applying makeup with the right tools ensures that your products perform as intended
Seamless blending: blending is a key aspect of makeup application, whether it's blending foundation, blush, or eye shadow.
What should I buy?
Makeup brushes: invest in high-quality makeup brushes as these are essential to a flawless application.
Eyelash curler: a high quality eyelash curler can do wonders! It makes your eyes look bigger and more awake
Tweezers: Tweezers are a must-have tool for shaping eyebrows and removing unwanted hair. Secondly is your go-to tool for false eyelash application. Look for tweezers that are sharp, precise, and easy to grip.
Makeup bag: When looking for a makeup bag there are 3 main things to consider. It must be durable (especially if you are a mobile mua), spacious and easy to clean. There are so many choices out there nowadays. I am on my 3rd bag and still looking for the perfect one
Mirror: A good quality mirror is essential for the makeup application. You should look for one that is large enough and has good lighting.
Makeup lights: Nothing is better than natural lighting when it comes to makeup application. But on a rainy day you need a good source of lighting. When shopping for a light, find one with a Colour Rendering Index (CRI) of 90 or higher, the closer to the index of natural light, the better.
Makeup chair: A comfortable and sturdy makeup artist chair is essential for working on clients. Look for a chair that is adjustable, lightweight, and easy to transport.
Tip #4 - Sanitation & hygiene
I cannot stress enough the importance of sanitation and hygiene in a makeup business. All products and tools you work with must be sanitized and kept cross-contamination free at all times to ensure your clients health. This is why your professional makeup kit should include these non-makeup items
Cotton rounds
Q tips
Disposable makeup sponges (one per customer please - do not wash and reuse them!)
Disposable mascara wands
Disposable lipstick & lip gloss brushes
Disposable eyeliner brushes
Hand sanitizer
Antibacterial wipes
Baby wipes
Brush cleanser
Antibacterial brush cleanser
Brush shampoo or soap
Stainless steel spatulas
Stainless steel palettes
Isopropyl alcohol 70 degrees
Tissues
First aid kit
Eye drops
Dental bibs
One thing that I very often see is makeup artists cleaning brushes in between clients with baby wipes. Please don't do that! Invest in as many brushes as you need in order to serve every client with a properly clean set of brushes.
Another common misconception and mistake is using products directly onto the client's skin. That is a big no no! That will result in cross contaminating your products. Use a stainless steel spatula to scrape some products onto your stainless steel palette and work from there. Do not dip your fingers or brushes directly into the makeup products you are working with and do not use products directly onto your client's face. Do not risk your client's health and your reputation
Tip #5 - Building your kit on a budget
Building a professional makeup kit on a budget can be challenging, but it’s definitely possible.
Here are some tips and advice on how to build a professional makeup kit on a budget:
Invest in versatile products: It is important to invest in products that are versatile and can be used for multiple purposes. For example, a cream makeup palette (i.e. Fard Creme) can be used as foundation, concealer, color corrector, eye shadow, contour, hightlight, blush & lipstick. This will help you save money and space in your kit.
Choose quality over quantity: It’s better to have a few high-quality products than a lot of low-quality products. High-quality products are more pigmented and long-lasting, so you won’t need to use as much product. This will help you save money in the long run.
Buy products in bulk: Buying products in bulk can help you save money. Look for products that you use frequently, such as cotton pads or makeup remover, and buy them in larger quantities.
Shop during sales: Shopping during sales can help you save money on makeup products. Look for sales at your local drugstore or online, and stock up on products that you use frequently.
Use coupons and promo codes: Coupons and promo codes can help you save money on makeup products. Many makeup brands offer discounts for professionals. Have you subscribed to Maqpro's pro discount program?
Remember, building a professional makeup kit on a budget is all about being smart with your money. By following these tips, you can build a professional makeup kit that meets your needs without breaking the bank.
Thank you for reading and let me know if you have any questions!
XX
Elissavet
Makeup Artist & Artistic Director Maqpro Greece
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