In My Kit

My best friend

Lots of storage room!

What's in my kit?  Here is my best friend, my lovely faithful makeup case.  It's a cantilever type, with a carry handly on top, but lock it up tight, turn it sideways and it is also a trolley on wheels (see last photo below).  I've had this case for about 7 years, and it's the best I've owned.  There is no brand name on it, which I prefer, and it was bought from a professional MUA supply place.  You can see in the background of these photos that I have a few cases.  Some aren't even in the shot.  I have a Special Effects and Stage Makeup case and a fashion multi- function case, which is the black and silver one.  For every job, I customise what I need and usually transfer to this case.  Being a cantilever type, there's no need to unpack everything out onto a table, only just what you require immediately like your palettes, foundation and brushes.  You get great visuals with this case, so it's easy to find any product you need in a hurry. 

I keep most of my larger blush and eyeshadow palettes in the base, along with my foundations.  The side drawers are perfect for smaller items, I have a lipstick/gloss section and places for my concealers, primers, tweezers etc.  I can usually fit my bag of eye & lip pencils as well as my brush kit into this great case, depending on the size of the job.  However, along with this case, I usually carry a set bag with eyelash accessories, hair styling equipment, mirror and other professional products that I need like sealing spray, hairspray etc.

Easy to find your products

Cantilever draws keep your small items tidy

From these photos, you'll see I have a variety of makeup in my working kit.  Some of my favourite brands are Masquerade Professional, NYX Cosmetics, Kryolan, Ben Nye, Napoleon Perdis, Mehron, Graftobian, Melli Cosmetics and M.A.C.  Other brands in my kit include Stageline, Makeup International, Stargazer and Japonesque.  As far as I'm concerned, when it comes to brands, they're all on the same playing field, I judge by the product performance.  I choose professional quality brands, as they are usually highly pigmented and long lasting.

In future blogs, I'll sort through my makeup kit and do some product reviews.  Please comment below if you see any products of interest in my kit that you'd like to find out about.

This is how my kit looks when it's standing up as a trolley on wheels

Work Ethics for MUA's



A good work ethic!  I think this is one of THE most important attributes a Makeup Artist can have (apart from natural talent of course).  I've come across many a horror story about how a MUA has almost ruined a Brides' day by not only being late, but get this ... forgetting her kit!  What the?  If you are an aspiring MUA, keep these helpful hints we've put together in mind and your next job will be a pleasure for all.  You'll also find, if you maintain great standards in the industry, more work will be offered to you.

• Act in a professional manner at all times.  Remember you have a job to do.
• Don't gossip, it's a big no-no in the industry.  Always remember client confidentiality. 
• Be punctual.
• Dress neatly, correctly and appropriately for the assignment.  Pay attention to your own personal hygiene.  Remember you are working very closely with your clients.  Use deodorant and make sure you don't have bad breath.
• Be prepared for all jobs, no matter how big or small.  They all require the same attention.
• Be pleasant and helpful on set.  You may be booked again if you're easy to get along with.
• Be critical of your own work.  Pay attention to detail.
• Unless a certain look is specified, design you own .. create, enhance.
• Collect a picture file for reference.  Visit libraries, scroll the internet, collect magazine pictures.
• Study face shapes and their prominent features.
• Practice makes perfect and builds confidence.
• Experiment with new looks and challenge yourself.