Are you currently training to be a makeup artist or have you just finished? First of all, congratulations! You’ve chosen an amazing profession! But now comes one of your biggest investments: your professional makeup artist kit. Today, I want to share some insider tips about what you really need as a new makeup artist.
Know Your Target Audience
First, it’s important to understand who your target audience is. Do you want to mainly do bridal makeup? Or will you focus on editorial or film makeup? How old are your clients?
Don’t get me wrong: as a makeup artist, it’s important to be able to work on all kinds of people. However, in the beginning, it’s wise to focus on products you actually need. Don’t forget, makeup has an expiration date!
My target audience is mainly beauty makeup of all kinds, with a focus on brides. That naturally reflects in my kit.
Multi-Functional Products
Whenever possible, choose multi-functional products for your professional kit. Not only will your back thank you for carrying less, it’s also much more cost-effective. Many brands try to convince you that a product can only be used one way, just to sell more products.
Professional Makeup Kit: Palettes
Palettes are your best friends. You need makeup for as many skin types and tones as possible, but you don’t need large amounts. Conventional products usually just have too much content for your needs.
Example:
The OFRA Glazed Donut Highlighter contains 10g and costs €28.75. The OFRA Glow Up Palette contains 22g, 8 different highlighter shades, and costs €45. At first glance, it seems more expensive, but you only need this one palette. Buying three individual OFRA highlighters would already exceed the price of the palette.
Skincare
Skincare is one of the most important parts of your professional kit. If the skin isn’t well-prepped, your makeup won’t look good. This doesn’t mean only perfect skin looks beautiful, but proper prep makes everything easier.
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Dry skin: prone to flaking; the more product you apply and work in, the worse it gets. Prepping is essential.
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Oily skin: makeup might not last as long, but proper prep can help.
Must-haves for any job:
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Cleanser: If your budget allows only one, choose a good micellar water.
Example: Eau Thermale JONZAC RÉactive Soothing Micellar Water -
Peeling: Don’t skip it for very dry skin. An enzymatic peel is gentler than chemical or mechanical ones.
Example: Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel -
Moisturizer: one for dry skin, one lighter for oily skin. Mix appropriately for combination skin.
Examples: Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré (dry), Revolution Skincare Mattify Boost (oily) -
Lip balm: Eucerin Aquaphor Protect & Repair, Glysolid Skin Balm; for grooming, include a matte lip balm.
Primer
Honestly, primers are mostly optional. You really only need:
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a mattifying primer for oily T-zones
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maybe something with silicone to reduce the appearance of large pores
Examples:
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Mattifying Primer: Kryolan Perfect Matt (can be used under or over foundation)
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Pore Filler: NYX Professional Makeup Primer Pore Filler
Color Correction
Learn to use color correction properly—it will save time and frustration. Key colors: pink, peach, orange, green.
Example: MAQPRO Fard Cream Palette Mini in Correction
Foundation, Concealer, Bronzer, Contour
Finding the perfect foundation for my kit was my biggest fear at first. My advice: find a high-coverage foundation you love, and mix as needed with moisturizer, oil, silicone primer, or a mixer to adjust coverage.
Palettes are helpful for multiple undertones in one place. High coverage foundations can double as concealers. Warm foundations can serve as bronzer; cool shades for contour.
Favorites:
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RCMA VK Palettes + RCMA Foundation Thinner
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Siân Richards London 4K Longwear Cream Hydroproof Makeup Palettes + Schmix
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Danessa Myricks Vision Cream Cover
Powder
You only really need one powder—transparent. Some translucent powders can leave a white or gray cast on deeper skin tones, so having a darker powder is useful.
Examples: RCMA No-Color Powder (translucent), Ben Nye Mojave Luxury Powder (colored)
Highlighter
I use both powder (OFRA Glow Up Palette) and liquid highlighters for underpainting or mixing into foundation for a dewy finish.
Favorites: Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Glow, Melanie Mills Hollywood Gleam Body Glow, Danessa Myricks Beauty Light Work Palette
Blush + Lipsticks
I’m a big fan of cream products—they’re versatile. Cream palettes can serve as blush, lipstick, and eyeshadow.
For lipsticks: nudes, reds, primary colors plus black and white to mix any shade.
Favorites:
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Danessa Myricks Primary Palette
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Kryolan Lip Rouge Mini Palettes (good for beginners)
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Danessa Myricks Beauty Waterproof Primary Palette
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Siân Richards 4K Longwear Creme Palette in Serenity
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Danessa Myricks Beauty Luxe Cream Palette “The Feminist”
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DMB Luxe Cream Palette “The Nudist”
Eyeshadow
Invest in good quality eyeshadow—it saves time and stress. I personally only use Viseart palettes: Neutral Mattes, Warm Mattes, Cool Mattes 2, Paris Nudes. For bright colors, I keep a palette “just in case.”
Eyebrows
I use at least two products: clear wax for shaping, then pencil, powder, and gel.
Favorites: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Primer, NYX Micro Brow Pencils (Taupe, Ash Brown, Espresso), Essence Make Me Brow Eyebrow Gel Mascara
Mascara
Regularly replace mascara. You need black, black waterproof, and brown.
Examples: e.l.f. Lengthening & Volumizing Mascara (black), e.l.f. Waterproof, trend IT UP N°1 Mascara (brown)
Lashes
I mainly use individual lashes for more control; false strips can be noticeable if they lift at the corners. My go-to: KISS Haute Couture lashes; Ardell if strips are requested. Adhesive: Ardell Duo Brush On (latex-free).
Setting Spray
One good setting spray is enough. Favorites: Urban Decay All Nighter, NYX Dewy Finish for rehydrating, Kryolan Ultra Setting Vaporizer Spray if you prefer a mist.
Tools
Essential tools include: 70% alcohol, brush cleaner, disposable mascara wands, stainless steel spatula + palette, eyelash curler, tweezers, sharpener, cotton pads, tissues, brush soap, hand sanitizer.
Brushes
I started with a single Zoeva brush set—it was enough. I now buy only synthetic brushes, loving Cozzette and MyKitCo.
Pro Tip: Check for professional discounts before buying—many brands offer them for students or registered businesses.
Cost
All recommendations combined: €1278.05. That’s a lot. Don’t go into debt—start with affordable products and upgrade later.
There’s no need to buy everything at once; focus on a few professional products rather than 100 drugstore items. Many successful makeup artists started with a basic kit and grew from there.
I hope this helps!
Best wishes and stay healthy!