Makeup Artist Must Haves: Part 2

Whether you’re a working makeup artist, an aspiring one or just your friends’ go-to-chick for going out makeup, I hope this series helps you to stock your kit! These are just some of the items that make my life easier. For more MUA finds, make sure you read part 1 in this series!

1. When I airbrush clients, this is what I use. I love this silicone-based formula because it looks like skin, flexes with facial expressions and lasts like none other.

2. Ok, so technically this is for colored pencils or writing utensils but who says you can’t use it for your eye and lip liners? This is so much cheaper than pencil rolls sold through makeup stores.

3. There is no me without RCMA. I’ve never used anything but these highly-pigmented cream foundations in my kit. They are fully customizable, meaning you can sheer them down with an oil or moisturizer, or use full strength. You can mix and adjust to match anyone’s skin tone.

4. Sigma F05 Brush I’ve tried a lot of different contour brushes but I always come back to this one. The density and brush head shape are perfect for contouring under the cheekbones. Because it’s synthetic, you can use it to apply liquids, creams or powders.

5These lashes look good on nearly every client I apply them on. The shape is just dramatic enough but not too artificial looking.

6 This is my tried and true gel liner because it lasts and photographs matte. It also doesn’t crack, flake or smudge.

7. A makeup artist isn’t worth a thing if she/he uses dirty makeup. This spray sanitizes powder products like eyeshadows, blushes and bronzers without drying them out the way alcohol can.

8 If you could only have one palette in your kit, this would be it. The shadow formula is my absolute favorite and you could create nearly any look you wanted with these. The top row is matte and the bottom row is shimmer.

9. You’ll find this in many a makeup artist’s kits. It’s important to switch mascaras out often in your kit to prevent drying out or bacteria growth over time so I love that this is affordable and I can grab it at nearly any drugstore in a pinch. The formula is just right, both lengthening and volumizing in a buildable way.

Extras

Square If you wanna get paid, you have to make it easy for people! I’m one of those people that never carries cash or writes checks so if someone takes a card, I love them. Square’s payment processing does deduct a fee but getting paid instantly is a great feeling and it helps to organize and track for taxes.

Disposable Mascara Wands I don’t get too wrapped up in the “rules” of makeup, except when it comes to sanitation. There is no wiggle room or leeway when it comes to working hygienically on clients. If a makeup artist ever applies mascara straight from the tube to your lashes, and it isn’t your mascara or a brand new one, seriously peace out. The only way to avoid spreading germs and pink eye is to use disposable wands and never, ever double dip! If you need to grab more mascara, use a new wand entirely. I suggest buying these in big time bulk.

Make sure to check out part 1 of Makeup Artist Must Haves!