The Must-Have Products in My Professional Makeup Kit

As a professional makeup artist, the success of my work relies heavily on the quality and efficiency of the products I use. Over the years, I have experimented with numerous brands and products, and through trial and error I have discovered a few essential items that I use in every single makeup application.

1. Make Up For Ever HD Skin Foundation:

Make Up For Ever is a brand that is very well known in the makeup world. Having learned from the artist responsible for bringing this brand to the US, MUFE has a special place in my heart. While the brand has made many changes over the years to cater to the consumer rather than the professional, it does still have some products I know I can trust to deliver on a professional level. The HD Skin foundation (previously known as ULTRA HD) offers medium, buildable coverage, that looks stunning both on camera and in person. Its formula is lightweight, making it comfortable to wear. I often have clients tell me they don’t even feel like they’re wearing foundation. The longevity of this foundation is amazing, making it ideal for long events or photoshoots where touch-ups are minimal.

2. Tarte Shape Tape Concealer:

The Tarte Shape Tape Concealer has earned its reputation as one of the best concealers in the beauty industry for good reason. It’s the best! This full-coverage yet lightweight concealer hides imperfections and discoloration effortlessly. It also has fantastic staying power, making it perfect for bridal!

Pro tip: apply using a damp makeup sponge, and a little goes a long way.

3. MAC Paint Pots:

When it comes to long lasting eye looks, MAC Paint Pots are my secret weapon. I have been using these on myself as eyeshadow primer since high school (back then they came in a tube, like actual paints), and they are the only eyeshadow primer I’ve ever kept in my kit even after trying all the viral eyeshadow primers on the market. These cream eyeshadows come in a variety of colors and can be worn alone, or as a base for eyeshadow which is my main use for them. They provide a smooth and even base for eyeshadow application while intensifying the pigmentation and longevity of any eyeshadow applied on top. The creamy consistency is easy to blend, prevents creasing, and lasts practically forever, ensuring that the eyeshadows stay vibrant and in place for hours (even days! Although I don’t recommend this, lol). My favorite colors are Painterly and Soft Ochre. I’d love to try some of the shimmer shades to wear on their own!

4. Makeup Sponge and Spoolie Disposables:

This should go without saying, hygiene is TOP PRIORITY! Disposable makeup sponges and spoolies are essential tools that I always have in my professional makeup kit. No exceptions. Reusable makeup sponges (aka beauty blenders, or any other brand that makes these) are meant for personal use, not professional use because it is impossible to fully sanitize them. The only time I’ll ever use these on clients is if they’re brand new, and I’ll always gift it to the client to use for their own touchups.