Makeup Kit 101: How to Build Practical Kit as a Makeup Artist

As you begin your career in professional makeup artistry, the main questions you will likely have as a beginning Makeup Artist is how to build the perfect kit, and what makeup products should be included in it! We know that working without tools is impossible, but there is also no one "right" answer in what your makeup kit should look like. Of course there are the basic products that should always be included - but the brands, colors, types, and additional items, is what will make you as an artist unique! As you grow as an artist, your makeup kit will also grow - as you develop your own style and client base, you will notice the products that are the "perfect items" for your own makeup kit.

Your makeup kit is a magic wand

For now, as you are just beginning - remember that your makeup kit is a magic wand, without which no transformation will succeed. Therefore, if you decide to embark on the path of a Makeup Artist, be patient: the perfect products for your kit is not an easy process, and will include

trial and error (though we think testing out new products is part of the fun!) With that said, we have prepared a guideline for the basic items in your beginning makeup kit:

Any makeup begins with cleansing the skin and preparing it for the subsequent application of products. With cleansing, keep everything simple - it is important to choose the medium that suits all skin types. Micellar water is a must have, and a gentle makeup remover is also a great product to have on hand. As well as a moisturizer - you may want to invest in a higher moisture product as well as an oil-free moisturizer product for both your clients with dry and oily skin. Your clients also will likely bring their own skincare preparation products (this is also highly encouraged!) that they prefer to use.

Selecting your base foundations: this selection is likely the part that you fear the most - but do not worry, it is easily solved! You do not have to buy 12 jars of foundation: otherwise, just imagine how heavy your makeup kit will be! You can consider only four shades (lightest and darkest) of your choice, as well as a white and yellow color adjuster - this will allow you to achieve perfect shades for all skintones.

Concealer:

Follow the same guidelines as the foundation - a selection of lightest and darkest shades, which you will also be able to use for cream contour and highlight!

Powder:

A translucent loose powder is ideal as it has a universal tone and adapts to any skin tone.

Blush:

Each client is an individual with different color needs and requests - a blush palette with lighter and darker neutral shades is ideal.

Contour + highlight:

A contour + highlight palette will be very helpful. You may want to pick up two, one with lighter toned contour/highlight and another with the darkest complexions, depending on the clients you plan to work with.

Eyeliner:

Invest in neutral (black and brown) colors - the eyeliner can include your application of choice; pencil, gel, or liquid. You may want to consider a few different application techniques, to see what you are most comfortable with using (and in different settings they will require different products and methods of application!)

Eyeshadow:

First, begin with a palette of neutral shades (especially if you will be focusing on special occasion and bridal makeup!), as well as client work. Most clients will want neutral makeup. After you have started your professional education, you can begin to invest in additional creative color palettes that catch your eye for your artistry.

Mascara:

a classic black mascara will be your lifelong partner!

For the preparation of lips, invest in a lip balm to moisturize the lips pre-application.

Lipstick:

Consider a lip palette, as similar to the blush palette - clients will request different shades, and a palette allows you to mix to also create your ideal color!Do not forget about your essential tools:
Brush set - invest in a brush set (or two) which will include application for foundation, powder, eyeshadow, and lips.

Disposable products:

It is essential (to remain sanitary) that you always have disposable tools on hand, these include:
Mascara wands + spoolies
Lip wands
Sponges
Q-Tips

in addition to:

70% isopropyl alcohol (for sanitizing your workspace and tools)
sanitizing wipes
Cosmetic Sanitizer Mist / Brush Cleaner
Tissues

It all adds up quickly, but it is important not to skimp on your kit, even as a beginner. While you do not need to invest in the most expensive brands, it is also important to not select the least expensive brands either - middle range professional brands are key to a professional's appearance!
Still feel overwhelmed? That is why we have created a beginning makeup kit complimentary for our Master Makeup Artist course students - hand selected by our industry professional educators, this kit will kickstart your education and career!

Our makeup kit includes some of our favorite brand name products (Make Up For Ever, Smashbox, Inglot, and more!) for you to experiment with and build upon, read the current list below (but we are always updating and improving, and if we find another product that we love - we will upgrade the kit and include it for you!):

- MAKE UP FOR EVER ULTRA HD LIQUID FOUNDATION x 4 (retail value of $172)
- MAKE UP FOR EVER FULL COVER EXTREME CREAM CONCEALER (retail value of $102)
- MAKE UP FOR EVER EXCESSIVE LASH Arresting Volume Mascara (retail value of $25)
- MAKE UP FOR EVER AQUA XL WATERPROOF LIQUID LINER (retail value of $23)
- MAKE UP FOR EVER STEP1 SKIN EQUALIZER (retail value of $37)
- INGLOT High Gloss Lip Oil (retail value of $18)
- INGLOT Makeup Brush 31T (retail value of $15)
- INGLOT TRANSLUCENT LOOSE POWDER (retail value of $13)
- INGLOT AMC EYELINER GEL 77 (retail value of $17)
- INGLOT DURALINE (retail value of $14)
- SMASHBOX PUCKER UP LIPSTICK PALETTE (retail value of $24)
- SMASHBOX EYESHADOW Full Exposure Palette (retail value of $52)
- SMASHBOX Cover Shot: Eye Palette (retail value of $29)
- MEHRON SYNWAX (retail value of $10)
- IMAGIC CAMOUFLAGE COLOR CORRECTOR CREAM PALETTE (retail value of $12)
- PRO-LINE BLUSH PALETTE (retail value of $15)
- PRO-LINE Contour Blush Highlight Palette (retail value of $15)
- False Eyelashes (retail value of $12)
- GLITTER (retail value of $25)
- STRASS (retail value of $25)
- 22-PIECE SET: Professional Makeup Brush Set (retail value of $35)
- METAL PLATE WITH SPATULA (retail value of $10)

For those who are just starting their way into the world of makeup, it is important to start it with the right tools. We are always open to our students: write to us and we will figure out how to help you find the perfect products for your individual makeup kit!