The Definitive Guide To Building Your PRO Makeup Kit
Building a PRO makeup kit is a necessity if you want to become a makeup artist, but it is also very expensive especially for a new MUA. That’s why I’m here to tell you exactly what products you need to include in your kit so you can save money on your well stocked kit without buying unecessary extras.
When I started working as a freelance MUA I used drugstore products until I could afford better quality products. My first kit was stocked with Maybelline blushes and foundation, and they served me well for a long time. If drugstore products work for you now, that’s great. But eventually you’re going to want to level up your kit if you want to attract luxury clientele.
Makeup artists can easily spend upwards of $5000 on a well-stocked makeup kit. But you don’t have $5,000 laying around you’ll likely need to slowly build your kit. I started working as a freelance MUA I used Maybelline Fit Me Foundation for months before I was able to start affording high quality and pro level foundation. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with this as long as you know that your prices should reflect Maybelline, not Dior. A $60 face using drugstore foundation is fine but if you’re charging $100 for a face you better have high quality products to justify the cost of the service.
Keep reading and you’ll find out how to save $$ while building your kit and what you’ll need exactly.
Save money by waiting for sales
If you attended cosmetology school you are likely entitled to PRO discounts at most cosmetics companies. If you didn’t, try saving your shopping for days like Black Friday when the deals companies have are what PRO’s get the rest of the year. There’s no shame in this, I didn’t go to cosmetology school nor do I plan to so I wait until things go on sale. You can get high-end makeup for up to 40% off during holiday sales so save your money and hold off on buying things you don’t necessarily need right at the moment, you’ll save money in the long run.
Another thing you can do is ask a PRO friend for their discount. I was lucky enough to have met someone who gave me their login for a PRO MUA store and I got so many products for my kit on sale. Just make sure that the person you ask will be cool with it.
What you need
First off, you need to have products for every skin type and complexion. So, when I say you need blush, I mean for white alabaster skin to black skin and everything in between. When I say you need primer I mean for oily, dry, and sensitive skin. Got it? Ok let’s get to the full list.
Skin care for all skin types
Micellar water to clean your clients face
Toner to remove dirt and other impurities
Serum to deeply hydrate the skin
Moisturizers/oils to moisturize the skin
Primer to smooth skin and ensure makeup stays in place
Lip salve to moisturize cracked lips and prepare it for product later on
Under-eye cream to moisturize the under eye and help concealer glide on
Complexion/blush/bronzer for all skin tones
Color correctors to cancel out hyperpigmentation or discoloration
Matte and dewy foundations for all skin types (instead of buying every single shade, buy a range of 3-5 shades and mix them to get any color
Concealers/Contour palettes or stick to contour and conceal all tones
Blush for all skin tones (buy a palette with a range of colors like Ben Nye)
Bronzers for all skin tones (3 shades work for me)
Highlighter that compliments all skin tones
Setting sprays/ refresher for all skin types
Setting powder for all skin tones
Eyes
Eye primer to ensure eyeshadow stays on (or a matte concealer works too)
Waterproof and Regular Mascara (brides need waterproof)
Eyeshadow palettes for any kind of look
Liquid and pencil eyeliners to define the eyes (only buy what you actually use for your type of clients)
Brow products for all skin tones
Lips
Lip Pencils of all colors that you will use
Lipstick palette
Lip Gloss in varying shades
Tools
Lashes for every eye shape
Lash/brow scissors for cutting lashes and eyebrows
Lash glue
Tweezer for quick brow clean ups
Lash curler for clients with straight eyelashes
Palette and spatula for hygienic makeup mixing
Sponges for foundation and powder (I prefer only using brushes so I don’t have to spend money on this)
Powder puffs of different sizes
Brushes for skin, brows, eyeshadows, etc (Real Techniques is a great brand and it’s affordable)
Sharpener for pencils
Hygiene/other
Antibacterial wipes for surfaces
Sanitizers for makeup products and brushes
Liquid brush cleaner for cleaning and sanitizing brushes
70% Alcohol spray to disinfect product packages and surfaces
Gloves for use while cleaning surfaces or applying makeup
Masks/ Shield PPE to protect yourself and your clients from viruses
Tissue for runny noses or quick wipes
Cotton pads for face cleansing or other use
Q-tips for face cleaning or other use
Disposable lip brushes/mascara wands to prevent the spread of germs
Makeup remover wipes
Non slip mat to protect surfaces from makeup and vice versa
Flushable wipes in case there’s no TP in the restroom
Hand cream to soften dry hands
Equipment
Lighting like the makeup light, Glamcor, or a ring light
Directors chair (not necessary but makes your life easier)
HQ cell phone or camera for photography
Ok I think That’s it! As I said before building a kit is expensive but if you follow the list above you’re guaranteed to not overspend. Just start off simple and add things as you go along, you can always swap out products you have for better ones once you can afford them. If you want specific brands for any of the products above feel free to contact me in any way you’d like.
