FROM OUR BEAUTY ADVISORS
Tips for Building Your Pro Makeup Kit
“When building a good kit, buy a little at a time, as the cost can be hefty for everything all at once. Besides, when it's done little by little, you will ensure that nothing is missed.”
—Monica O.
Which products should beginners invest in first, and where can they save money?
- “The best place for a beginner makeup artist to invest their money would be on high-quality foundations, great eyeshadows, and sturdy tools and brushes." —Monica
- “Quality foundations can really elevate the look. A good quality foundation can also be used as concealers or contour shades.” —Tonya M.
What are the essential products and tools every new makeup artist should include in a starter kit?
- “If I had to do it over again I'd always have the Embroylisse Lait-Creme Concentrate, either the Viseart VisePRO Grande Pro 1X (all of the colors!) or the RCMA Kevin James Bennet Complexion Palette, the Skindinavia Setting Spray and a solid set of synthetic brushes!” —Jazmine W.
- "Every makeup artist needs the right tools such as brushes, and brush cleaner to keep the them sanitized between clients. My favorite brushes to recommend are the MYKITCO brushes." —Tonya
- “Some essential tools would include disposable applicators, stainless steel mixing palettes, spatulas, and disposable capes and collar protectors for each client you are working on.” —Monica
What is one item new artists often forget but always end up needing?
- “A microfiber cloth! It is inevitable that you will need to wipe off your brush and a microfiber cloth is such a better option than a paper towel or tissue. You won't get lint little fibers on your tool and the microfiber helps the product cling to the material rather than the tool making for faster swaps.” —Jazmine
- “A mascara brush! A lot of people don't think to use one but it makes the mascara application look flawless.” —Tonya
- “Spoolies... these are essential but many beginners forget how important they are.” —Monica
Which additions take a basic starter kit to the next level?
- “You are an artist and what is more quintessential artist than a paint palette. Invest in a mixing palette. Every client is unique and you will eventually need to customize something for them. A mixing palette will save you from making a mess when mixing foundations, lipsticks, cream products, the list goes on. MyKitCo My Clear Palette is a great option.” —Jazmine
- “Viseart Eye Shadow Palettes. They're small, but soooo pigmented! If your clients love eyeshadow looks this will be a great addition.” —Tonya
- “Investing in a good ring light will definitely bring any kit to the next level, as this will really help when color matching clients in dim rooms or areas with poor lighting.” —Monica
What are the nonnegotiable hygiene essentials for every working kit?
- “Sanitizer spray! I love the BeautySoClean Cosmetic Sanitizer Mist, super easy to use and doesn't compromise the integrity of your products. I also am a die hard lover of the MyKitCo Myscara Wands, the spoolie is nice a firm and by using a disposable wand you keep your mascaras sanitary—no need to buy a new one for each client." —Jazmine
- “Every kit is required to include products for your SMA (Sanitary Maintenance Area), so some non-negotiables would include alcohol wipes, hand sanitizer, disinfectant spray, towels (disposable and reusable), and brush cleaner.” —Monica
What is the most important part of skin prep before makeup, and why?
“One of my all-time favorite tools to use are triangle shaped powder puffs. These are excellent for applying powder to all areas of the face and setting makeup. You can just press and roll the product onto the skin to ensure that it really sets the makeup in place. Another great use for these puffs is hooking them on the outside of your hand on one of your fingers so that you are able to rest your hand on your clients face when applying cosmetics and not disrupting any prior makeup application.”
—Monica
“There are a million things I could say, but I am obsessed with the MyKitCo My Small 'on Point' Buds. They are quite literally the perfect cotton swab and have helped me fix and clean up those little oopsies that happen to the best of us. These beauties have saved me on more than one occasion and I can't recommend them enough.”
—Jazmine
“I love a good dual-end brush. It cuts down on the amount of tools I need.”
—Tonya
What is the most important part of skin prep before makeup, and why?
- “The key to great makeup is a great canvas! Don't skimp on the skin prep! Your application will go smoother, clients will be happier and you'll save yourself a ton of time and stress if you prep the skin. In my opinion, cleansing is the most important step of a skin prep followed very closely by moisturizing. Starting off your session with a clean canvas, free of any makeup, oil or residue, allows you to control the application without having to battle unknowns.” —Jazmine
- “In my personal opinion, I would say that the single most important step before makeup application would be moisturizing the skin. Ensuring that the skin is properly hydrated will prevent foundation from looking cakey or emphasizing dry patches. This vital step will also ensure that the makeup looks smooth and flawless upon application.” —Monica
