Creating A Basic Makeup Kit

by: Marvin Westmore

Marvin Westmore

I have been asked repeatedly over the years: “What should I have in my Makeup Kit?”

Below are some suggestions on what you might want to include when starting to build a makeup kit.

It always will be evolving, just as you are as a makeup artist.

Essential Prep Items:

1. Paper towels/tissues
2. Small trash bag
3. Disposables, mascara wands, lip applicators, makeup wedges, cotton swabs, face-cleansing cloths
4. Makeup cape
5. Hair clips
6. Comb
7. Emery board
8. Nail polish remover

Tools:

1. Eyelash curler
2. Tweezers
3. Small scissors
4. Ceramic Tile for mixing cream-based foundations and concealers
5. Metal palette knife

Cosmetics:

1. Concealers- creamy opaque shades to cover a wide range of skin tones from ivory to ebony.
2. No-color loose setting powder; yellow-orange based for darker skin tones.
3. Cream foundations- 6-10 global shades ranging from ivory to ebony.
4. Oil-free foundations- 6-10 global shades ranging from ivory to ebony.
5. Eyebrow color- 6-8 pencils and powders of basic shades including auburn, blond, gray and brown.
6. Eye liner pencils and/or cream- 6-10 colors including black, brown, navy, plum and neutral tones.
7. Lip liners- 6-8 colors including neutral tones, red coral, rose and plum.
8. Matte and shimmer eye shadows- 8-10 colors of neutral tones; 8 bright vibrant colors.
9. Lipsticks- 8-12 tones of rose, reds, pinks, corals and neutral browns. You do not need to have an abundance of lipsticks. Mix and create your own color.
10. Lip gloss- High shine, clear, soft neutral colors. Beige always is nice to tone down a too-bright color.
11. Cream and powder blushes- 8-12 shades of soft pink, rose, coral and neutral tones.
12. False eyelashes- full and individual- in black and brown.
13. Eyelash adhesive.

Optional Itemes:

1. Shimmer body lotion
2. Assorted glitters
3. Assorted metallic powders
4. Face glosses
5. Portable lighting
6. Instant Image or digital camera
7. Facial groomer, a battery-operated clipper for facial detail work
8. Folding director’s chair