Everyone knows the basic beauty kit essentials. But seasoned makeup artists learn, often times the hard way, that there are lots of non-beauty tools that come in handy. So if you want to impress your clients with both your makeup application and MacGyver-like resourcefulness, consider keeping these odd items in your kit:
1.) Bubble Wrap
This comes in handy when traveling with your makeup kit, especially if you’re shipping off to a destination shoot and have several flights. If you’ve invested in your kit, you’ll likely have many products in glass bottles. Using bubble wrap can help keep these breakable items safe, secure, and ready for use on your clients when you arrive.
2.) Electrical Tape
On a similar traveling tip, professional makeup artist Desiree Falcon recommends that you keep electrical tape in your kit. You can wrap the tape around things like liquid foundations to prevent friction between the products and reduce the risk of breakage. Falcon also recommends you place the electrical tape wisely place the electrical tape wisely, making sure not to block any essential information on the bottle of the product like shade number.
3.) Coffee Stirrers
If you don’t have a mini spatula on hand, it can be hard to get the very last drops of your products out of their container. But super thin coffee stirrers are easy to find, disposable, and should be able to get the last bits of product you need.
4.) A Credit Card
Even though it’s a popular makeup hack, if you’re an experienced makeup artist you probably won’t be using a credit card to assist in your winged eyeliner application. But a spare credit card can be a useful tool in your kit if you have any hard-to-open products in your arsenal. Rather than running the risk of breaking a nail or cutting yourself, use that plastic card to wedge your difficult compacts open.
5.) Matches or Lighter
Products dry out. It’s an unfortunate fact of makeup life. But with things like potted eyeshadows or eyebrow pomades, you can use heat to warm those products back to life. If an eyeliner pencil is dried out or you want to give it a more gel-liner punch, hold it over a lit match for a few seconds and wait for it to cool before use.
6.) Baby Wipes
Beauty expert Gina Edwards recommends keeping baby wipes on hand as part of your kit. Edwards says that the wipes help not only clean but keep client’s hands moisturized. They’re also great for quick cleanup on your own hands while working.
7.) Plastic Bags
Clear plastic bags are great for organizing the products in your kit in a way that’s easily visible. Small bags are perfect for smaller odds and ends like lip liners, eyeliners, or extra eyelash curler pads. They’re also ideal for travel because should the worst happen and you discover a cap wasn’t on too tight, cleanup is easy and disposable.
While you might think your makeup artist kit is complete, it’s best to be prepared for the unexpected. Odd items like these may look strange out of context, but they sure are helpful in a pinch. If you’re looking to build your kit and continue your education, consider our online cosmetology courses.