Contrary to popular belief, professional makeup artists do not constantly lug around a bulky makeup bag. The best in the industry know what the tools of the trade are and stick with these for most of their gigs. Mobility is a priority. Therefore, the smaller the “toolkit,” the better.
So, what are the essential tools of a professional makeup artist’s kit?
Below is a comprehensive list.
1. A few lip glosses
Lip glosses keep lips moisturized and lipstick fresh; they are also multitaskers. When a sticky base for powder makeup is necessary, lip gloss serves as a reliable alternative to glue and certain primers.
2.Foundation palette
A palette is much easier to bring around than bottles or tubes of different shades of foundation— no need for a contour palette with this in the kit. Pro makeup artists’ foundation palettes have an extensive range of shades that can be mixed and matched to work on all skin tones and complexions.
3. Pro lip palette
This has all the basic colors and tones so new colors can be created for every makeup look. It can be used as a substitute for cream blush.
4. Finishing or setting powder
Finishing or setting powder locks in makeup looks, contributes to the flawless finish of makeup, controls shine due to the skin’s oil production, and catches the fallout of powder makeup to prevent stains on freshly applied foundation or concealer.
5. Two lip pencils — a deep red and a neutral
Deep red lip pencil is perfect for deep lip colors while a neutral lip pencil works for pinks and practically every color. Lip pencils are not only great for creating a more shapely mouth, but they serve as a good base for lipstick.
6. Four eyeliners — liquid and pencil in black and brown
Eyeliners made of liquid and in pencil form, in black and brown for both types, are all that are needed to define eye lines as well as to create alluring cat eyes. Eyeliner pencils are even more versatile because you can smudge them for a smokey look and can even be applied in the inner rims for the illusion of thicker eyelashes.
7. Mascara
More often than not, a single type of mascara is enough especially if falsies will be applied. There’s no need for a special kind of mascara, just a waterproof or smudge-proof one that can hold a curl.
8. Cream blush palette
Another versatile product that adds a lovely flush to the skin and even works, at times, as a lip color or an eyeshadow is the cream blush palette. It can be applied with a flat and dense brush or fingers.
9. Moisturizing primer
A moisturizing primer is a must to create a good foundation for all the other makeup that will be applied. It can enhance the opacity of color and ensure the long wear of makeup.
10. Brush set
A basic brush set consists of a big angled brush for contour, a fluffy brush for blush, a fan brush for highlighting, a pencil brush for eyeshadow, a fluffy eyeshadow brush for contouring the eyelids, a flat eyeshadow brush for patting down powder or cream shadow, and a lip brush.
11. A couple of sets of false lashes and glue
Glam looks are not complete without falsies, so every makeup artist needs “butterflies” to create alluring eye looks.
12. Powder puff
The powder puff is an old school tool that’s perfect for finishing powders and baking. Its soft and smooth texture creates the look of flawless skin.
13. A small pack of sponges
Sponges are better than brushes for the application of foundation because they spread the product more evenly and in just the right amount. Also, sponges are ideal to use for cream makeup.
14.Eyeshadow palette
It’s easy enough to find a small eyeshadow palette that has all the neutrals, shimmers, and vibrants together. A single one with small pans of such colors is enough for all makeup jobs.
15. A spray bottle of water
Water in a spray bottle is vital for the foiled application of eye colors, as well as to erase a few boo-boos with the help of Q-tips.
16. Setting spray
Using setting spray is essential for the longevity of makeup looks, and it can freshen up your makeup again as the day wears on.
17. A pack of makeup remover wipes
Makeup wipes take care of mistakes and can even refresh the face before the application of makeup. Just rinse with water if you will be applying makeup after using them.
Assemble your pro makeup gear
The list above may still seem like a lot, but all of these items can be packed in a medium-sized pouch instead of a bulky train case. Best of all, these are all the products necessary for creating any makeup look for your gigs.
So, if you are thinking of pursuing a career as a makeup artist, you don’t need a massive collection of products to be good at your job. Just make sure you have all of these multitasking essentials, as well as your skills, training, and confidence. These are all you need to succeed.
AUTHOR BIO
Marco Caporossi is the CEO and Co-Founder of Alema Professional GmbH. The company offers a selection of products and services, not yet available in Switzerland, in line with the latest beauty market trends. Alema Professional is establishing business partnerships with some of the most prestigious US and international brands that specialize in nail care, spa manicure & pedicure, skin care, and wellness rituals for the body.