Everything a Makeup Artist Needs to Fill Their Kit and Start Working with Clients

Everyone loves the feeling of that first makeup kit! Building your first makeup kit can be quite the investment, both in time and money. After all, it’s your source of income. So, before you start filling your shopping baskets let’s discuss some tips to have in mind before selecting which products should be in your makeup kit and what isn’t needed. 

Maybe, who knows, you will be the next Mario Dedivanovic. He’s the man behind Kim Kardashian’s signature look. And it all starts with the right supplies in your makeup kit.

How to select your makeup kit supplies?

There are so many makeup products on the market and it’s so easy to get confused while selecting which products should be in your makeup kit and which products you don’t need. Often when we go shopping for makeup, our only concern is to get the products within our designated budget. Most importantly, to buy the “right” (high-quality products) ones within our budget.

So, before we jump into the selection of our favorite makeup products, let’s go over some tips to help you choose the products you should have in your makeup kit.

Tip #1 – Assess and analyze

First, choose the niche you are entering. If you are trying to get a job on editorial photoshoots then your makeup kit should involve a mix of camera tested makeup products.

If you’re a bridal makeup artist then you will need to have more products focusing on skin preparation, and more warm/neutral-toned products.

After you find out you need, then go for choosing all the makeup products to build your makeup kit.

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Tip #2 – Choose the products carefully

Go for the products that are good quality yet affordable. Youtube is a great source of recommendations for products. You can easily find swatches for any new makeup products you want to try out.

As a professional MUA you have to deal with a lot of customers with varied skin types and tones, so having a wide range of products is necessary. Instead of buying individual pieces, it’s would be best to have a palette. You can buy eye shadows, blushes, and highlighters which will be cheaper than purchasing individual products. Also, it will be easier for you to be organized when setting up for a client.

Tip #3 – Read reviews and seek advice

Do your research! Before spending money on a product you haven’t worked with, research what people say about that product. Seek opinions and recommendations only from experienced makeup artists. Join different groups on social media to discuss the products you are interested in. Reviews can be really helpful by the experienced ones.

Tip #4 – Buy in bulk

Sponges, wipes, cotton pads… These tools always have to be re-stocked. You can buy these in bulk. This way, you can spend more money on makeup products.

Start slowly and remember to be resourceful. For example, you can buy a light foundation and a dark foundation and mix the two colors to create your own shades. Blushes and bronzers work really well on the eyes and lipsticks work really well on the cheeks ( as a cream blush).

Tip #5 – Be organized

Every time you need to pack your makeup kit make list of the product categories (primer, foundation, powder, etc.) and pack them in the exact order you apply them. Remember to be disciplined about unpacking your kit and putting everything in its place between jobs.

Related: How To Build A Makeup Kit, According To Three Celebrity Makeup Artists

Also, a great tip is to organize your products in see-through makeup bags. The see-through bags will make it so much easier to find products and you won’t have to waste time searching for them. And you can clean them easily.

Beginner makeup kit essentials

It may take you some time to build your collection, but we’ve created a selection of products that are makeup-artist approved and will help you start working with clients.

1.Skin prep products

As a makeup artist, you will work with different skin types, and the better the skin is prepped the better your application. Cleanse and moisturize – these steps will help you understand the skin, and also prepare your canvas for the next steps.

2. Primer and Color-Correcting Concealer

To ensure the longevity of your makeup and smooth the skin’s canvas you’ll need to use a primer. Depending on the skin type you will choose a formula that’s mattifying, hydrating or brightening.

A great mattifying formula is Urban Decay – ALL NIGHTER FACE PRIMER.

And for a dewy finish, go with NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Hydra Touch Primer.

For covering dark spots, hyperpigmentation, redness, and minimize the appearance of under-eye circles it’s best to buy a palette. This way you will have several shades at your disposal.

3. Foundation and Contouring Palette

One of our favorite formulas is the Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Liquid 24H Long Wear Foundation. This foundation is available in a variety of shades.

Invest in a palette with several different shades. For contouring, you need at least three matte brown shades, for every skin tone. Most contouring palettes come with highlighters or blushes. Make sure to have at least two neutral/warm-toned options, one light/medium, medium/dark, and one shimmer shade. This one is a great choice – Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit.

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4. Blush

Blush is one of those desert-island beauty products. One of our newest blush obsessions is NYX Professional Makeup Sweet Cheeks Blush Palette.

5. Eye Shadows

For a beginning kit, you are going to want a mostly matte color palette with neutral colors and a couple shimmers mixed in. Huda Beauty has a great nude palette.

6. Brow Kit

You have two options: you can choose to have a few different shades in pencils, or you can choose a palette. You need to have a few different brow shades to perfectly match your client’s brows. Also, different types of products allow for different brow looks. One of our favorite palettes is the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Palette.

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7. Mascara and Eyeliner

Can’t live without them! Mascara and eyeliner are those makeup products that many won’t leave the house without wearing. Our top picks are Too Faced – Better Than Sex Mascara and NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Epic Ink Liner, Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner.

8. Lipstick and Lipliners

Lip liners are a MUST in the makeup world. So, you definitely need to add these shades in your kit, both matte and rich formulas:

• Nudes
• Bold reds
• Plum
• Vivid colors such as blues, greens, and yellows.

A great choice, to begin with, would be to buy a lipstick palette, one that has also nudes, reds, and corals. Both matte and sheer formulas would be best. Always have a clear gloss in your kit for a little touch of shine, as well as a lip balm. Hydration is important!

9. Setting powder and Setting spray

To ensure a flawless and long-wear makeup look, you need to set everything in place and prevent a makeup meltdown during the day. In order to do that you’ll need a setting powder and a setting spray. Here are some great choices:

10. Brushes and Beauty blenders

Spending a little more money on your brush kit will ensure a smooth application and you’ll save money in the long run anyway. Not only will the best makeup brushes last longer, but they also allow you to use less product each time.

Related: The Best Makeup Brush Sets (Approved By Makeup Artists)

Add these to your makeup kit:

• Foundation buffing brush
• Highlighting brush
• Blush brush
• Eyeshadow brush
• Eyeshadow blending brush
• Eyebrow brush
• Angled eyeliner brush 
• Lip Brush

You may need several beauty blenders to keep in your kit. This is because you will need to have a clean one for each client, and if you have 2 clients that day, you don’t want to have to keep washing them in the middle of your applications. You can purchase a set for a discounted price.

11. Don’t forget your case!

For clients on the go, invest in a professional makeup case. This way you can keep your products secure and in place when traveling.

Extras to keep within reach:

• Tissues
• Cotton Swabs
• Cotton Rounds
• Sharpener
• Brush Cleaner
• Paper Towels
• Makeup Wipes
• Spatula
• Stainless Steel Palette
• Business cards

There you go! Cosset Moi carries everything you need to get you started on the perfect beginner makeup kit and start working with clients.

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Download NOW - The Ultimate Makeup Artist Career Guide