Having the proper makeup tools can elevate the experience for your clients and help execute your makeup bookings as a makeup artist. The right tools not only allow you to perform your job well but also efficiently. There are so many tools on the market that it can be confusing at times on what are essential, what would be considered unnecessary, and what items would maybe be an extra item but would help tremendously. This article will discuss the makeup tools that will help you as a makeup artist for your business and while completing makeup applications.
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Having the proper makeup tools can elevate the experience for your clients and help execute your makeup bookings as a makeup artist. The right tools not only allow you to perform your job well but also efficiently. There are so many tools on the market that it can be confusing at times on what are essential, what would be considered unnecessary, and what items would maybe be an extra item but would help tremendously. This article will discuss the makeup tools that will help you as a makeup artist for your business and while completing makeup applications.
Booking/Marketing Tools
First, let’s consider the tools that can you help you before you are on site with your clients that will specifically assist with marketing and booking. We all know social media can really drive your business and expose you to new clients each day.
Social scheduler. Within social media platforms, there are tools you can utilize to schedule your posts so that you are consistently posting. I have found this to be extremely useful! The more consistent you are with posting content, the more exposure will get. It is often difficult to carve out time each day to post. Therefore, scheduling the posts with an app or within the social media platform will help support your posting goals for your business.
Booking app. Next, you can also link a booking application to your social media so that clients can easily access your schedule to book with you. A booking app isn’t necessary, but it might be something that will help clients book their appointments with you. Many times we are working with clients and miss messages and calls from clients that want to book. Booking applications help remedy this issue by allowing the client to view your availability and book accordingly. It is also useful to reserve with a deposit if this is one of your policies you’d like the enforce.
Organization Tools
Finding the right makeup trolley or case is essential if you want to stay organized. There are several key features that are important while shopping for the perfect makeup bag or case. You want to be sure it is made of endurable high-quality fabric. We as makeup artists travel with our kits often, and this will put your bag through a lot of wear and tear. Investing in a quality bag is really important so that you aren’t replacing it often, and you can avoid broken straps and other potential issues while carrying your kit. I also highly recommend finding one on wheels. This is personal preference, and I encourage you to try each type of case to see what you prefer. For me personally, wheels are so much easier as the bag can get pretty heavy. Also keep in mind that even though it is on wheels, it will need to have a handle to also carry it if needed. This is extremely helpful when in situations where you have to carry your kit upstairs or on uneven surfaces.
I also found a case useful when it holds your organizers easily. I recommend looking at brands that offer organizers specifically made for the bag so that you know they fit perfectly. This will avoid frustrations of organizers not fitting well. Some carriers and cases offer innovative compartments specifically made for makeup artists. These type of cases are an investment; however, in my personal experience I have saved money by purchasing one really high quality bag as opposed to replacing other bags multiple times over the years.
Sanitation Tools
Before considering makeup application tools, let’s consider sanitation items to add to your kit to help ensure safety and cleanliness for you and your clients. It may seem simple, but I’ve often witnessed that these are sometimes forgotten in a makeup kit. These are items I have found useful to have on hand for each application.
Makeup spatulas and mixing palettes are great to use while mixing products. There are plastic and stainless steel sets to choose from. The stainless steel option tends to last longer, do not get stained like the plastic ones can, and are better for proper sanitation and disinfection measures. I also find that paper towels and other disposables are great at keeping your surface clean and to avoid cross contamination. Some disposable items I keep on hand are: gloves, mascara wands, lip color applicators, sponges, beauty sponges, cotton tipped applicators, cotton balls, and tissue.
I also have brush cleaner on hand for any time I do need to clean brushes between clients. I highly recommend a brush cleaner that instantly dries so that you can use them quickly after the cleaning.
Brushes and Sponges
Brushes are a huge part of your makeup kit, as they are essential to complete makeup looks. It is important to have enough brushes to complete makeup looks for all of your clients. I personally have enough makeup brushes on hand to complete multiple looks back to back so that I do not have to clean my brushes between clients. Rather, I clean them all at the very end of the makeup booking. For instance, if I am working a wedding and I am completing six makeup applications, I will have enough brushes with me to do everyone’s makeup look with clean brushes. At the end of the day I will clean all the brushes for the next day of bookings. It is an investment to have this many brushes; however, it cuts down on cleaning the brushes between each client which allows me to utilize my time more efficiently. This is a personal preference of mine but it is something that has really helped me and may help other makeup artists as well.
Aside from brushes, I also recommend beauty sponges for a makeup kit. Sometimes a beauty sponge is preferred depending on the makeup application and product that is being used. Having both foundation brushes and sponges on hand is very convenient. I recommend looking to buy these in bulk since they are single use when using on clients.
Helpful Essentials
Lastly, there are a few other items I’d like to include that have personally made my day to day as a makeup artist easier. If you work on site for makeup applications such as wedding venues it is good to have a nice portable chair. A lot of venues will have chairs, but sometimes they are taller or shorter than you need. By bringing your own chair you can have some control of the booking and it will make things more comfortable for you.
Lighting is also something that can be a bit unpredictable when working on site. Ring lights are great to bring with you. I highly recommend finding lighting that folds up nicely and that is easy to carry with you. If you work in a salon, spa or studio and not on site, you can look at more stationary lighting options that work really well.
I also bring a container for my brushes. Some makeup artists prefer a belt, which is also great! It is all about personal preference, but you want something to put your brushes in so they are easier to find while working and overall more professional.
I always have a mascara curler in my kit as well in case it is needed. I also enjoy having tweezers or lash applicator tools and small scissors on hand when I apply false lashes.
What Works For You?
Gathering items for a makeup kit can be daunting. This is something you can continue growing over time. Tools are there to help equip you and make the job easier as a makeup artist. Explore what you have, what others have, and what is recommended in this article and see what works for you. This is just one solution and not THE solution. There are so many different tools and makeup products to make your kit professional and efficient!