Regardless of your craft, you should always make sure that you have the right tools to get the job done. Having the correct tools in your arsenal allow you to be precise, efficient, thorough and sanitary. Professional makeup artists have several items in their arsenal which are needed to create a beautiful look. The most obvious tools you find in a professional kit are makeup products, basic skin care, and makeup brushes. However, there are a few tools you should have available to enhance the techniques and services you provide. This Beauty Blueprint outlines the top tools a makeup artist should always have on hand.

TWEEZERS

Slant-tipped tweezers are ideal for plucking hairs and applying false eyelashes (both strip and individual clusters). When you need to do detailed work and cannot access a small area with your fingers, tweezers are the ideal tool.

EYELASH CURLER

Clients want their eyes to look lifted and youthful as their most prominent facial feature. To do so, curl their natural eyelashes before applying mascara or false eyelashes. Eyelash curlers come in several shapes and sizes, both traditional stainless steel and heated models, for an all-day eyelash lift.

COTTON SWABS

The ultimate beauty tool, you can use the versatile and inexpensive cotton swab to remove makeup, clean up eyeliner, mascara, or lipstick, apply eyeshadow, and buff out harsh edges.

SPOOLIES

Spoolies, or disposable mascara wands, are essential. Due to the natural number of bacteria found on the eyelashes, never double dip or share mascara.

EYEDROPS

Some clients have sensitive eyes and need drops to alleviate redness or itchy irritation from dryness or allergies. Aside from brightening and lubricating the eye, drops double up as a mixing medium. Simply mix with eyeshadow or any powder to create a custom eyeliner.

BRUSH CLEANSER

Never use dirty makeup brushes on any client. Brushes must be cleaned in between each client – no exceptions. Keeping a quick drying brush cleanser in your kit allows you to swiftly sanitize the brush and free the bristles of any product residue. At home, using your own brushes daily, you should clean them at least once every seven to 10 uses.

MAKEUP WIPES

Pre-moistened wipes are an essential tool in any kit. Of course, they are great for cleansing the skin before starting the makeup application. However, they can also be used for several other purposes, including wiping away eyeshadow fallout, sharpening eyeliner, removing lipstick to change the color, cleaning your hands if using them as a palette, and removing cream products from makeup brushes. Plus, you can use them to clean the counter space once you’ve finished the makeup application and packed up your kit.

HAND SANITIZER

Continuing the theme of sanitation, hand sanitizer is a must-have in any makeup artists’ kit. Before starting a makeup application, during the application, and once you’re done, you should clean your hands. If you touch anything outside of your kit during a makeup application, such as picking up a brush that fell on the floor, you should clean your hands in front of the client.

99% ALCOHOL IN A SPRAY BOTTLE

The number one safety concern as a makeup artist is to avoid any cross contamination. You should make sure every item in your kit is consistently cleaned and wiped down with 99% alcohol to eliminate as much bacteria as possible. Spray to clean palettes, spatulas, eye and lip pencils, pencil sharpeners, eyelash curlers, and so forth. In a pinch, you can spray makeup brushes between clients for a quick cleanse.

BRUSH CUP

Invest in a brush caddy, cup or even a brush belt to store makeup brushes. Having a cup allows you to separate clean and dirty brushes as you use them throughout a makeup application. Additionally, it keeps the bristles of brushes safe and clean between clients.

HANDHELD MIRROR

Clients like to see the process of makeup being applied so that they can pick up tips and tricks throughout the application. Also, you should always give clients the opportunity to provide feedback and see if they want anything tweaked before leaving the makeup chair. Make sure your clients are satisfied with their final look.

These are simple and affordable tools that any makeup artist should always have on hand. They are light and compact, so they travel well and can fit into any trolley case. Whether they are disposable or refillable items, it is important to have all of these readily available to create beautiful makeup.

Amanda Azar, LME is a published makeup artist, medical aesthetician, and body wrapper based in south Florida. She is the founder and executive artist of Azar Beauty, makeup artistry instructor at Cortiva Institute, and lead artist for NewsmaxTV, Pelican Grand’s Pure Spa, and St. Andrews Country Club. Azar has a degree in business management from Florida Atlantic University and diplomas in fashion makeup from Cosmix School of Makeup Artistry and paramedical aesthetics from Southeastern College and is dual-licensed and holds over 40 certifications. Azar is a member of the National Association of Professional Businesswomen, National Aesthetic Spa Network, Look Good Feel Better, and a RAW Artist alumni.