Top 10 Tools Every Makeup Artist Needs In Their Kit

When I studied makeup artistry at Makeup Design Academy, one of the lessons that resonated throughout the entire program was on the importance of cleanliness; keeping your station clean, keeping your tools clean, and most importantly, keeping your makeup clean.

The reason for such an emphasis is to:

a) Protect the client from any skin condition they may acquire from dirty makeup.

b) Protect the makeup artist from a possible lawsuit - When a client gets a skin infection or eye infection due to unclean tools. 

In the US for example, clients can sue a makeup artist if they suddenly get an eye infection due to dirty brushes or expired makeup. This practice, however, doesn't apply in the Philippine setting because there is still no makeup artist licensing institution in the country making it useless to sue. But, that doesn’t mean that local makeup artists shouldn’t practice proper hygiene protocol. 

Note: Sometimes, the infections are caused by allergic reactions to makeup so always ask your client beforehand if he/she is allergic to anything and make sure to avoid products that contain such ingredients.

c) Professionalism - Every great artist keeps his tools clean. It's a practice of discipline in art.  

With that said, here are the top ten tools that every makeup artist needs in their kit to ensure proper hygiene is observed.

1. Spatula - picks up makeup such as cream foundation, powders, skin care gels, lipsticks, etc. and for mixing purposes. It ensures that you don’t dip your makeup brushes directly on the product which can cause bacteria growth. Most especially when your brushes have been used. 

Available at Suesh (Greenhills, SM Megamall, Trinoma, Glorietta 5)

2. Mixing plate - Whatever product you pick up with your spatula goes on the mixing plate. It is also for the purpose of mixing shades of foundation or colours from lipstick, etc. 

Available at Suesh (Greenhills, SM Megamall, Trinoma, Glorietta 5)

3. Disposable mascara wands - Never ever use the wand from your mascara for the client. Mascara can be a breeding ground for bacteria growth. Use disposable wands to make sure your mascara stays clean and your clients don’t get eye infections.

Available at Suesh (Greenhills, SM Megamall, Trinoma, Glorietta 5)

Tip: Don’t pump your mascara when you use it because pumping brings in air causing the product to dry quickly. Instead, use a twist motion, especially when closing your mascara tube. 

4. Brush Cleaner - If you have more than one client, make sure to clean your brushes before using it on the next person. This is if you don’t have more than one set of brushes. 

Available at Suesh (Greenhills, SM Megamall, Trinoma, Glorietta 5)

5. Makeup Cleaner - Before you apply makeup on your client, make sure to clean your makeup using a hygiene spray just like Beauty So Clean before and after using the products. 

Available at Makeup Design Academy (Robinsons Galleria and Mother Ignacia Quezon City)

6. Cotton pads - Cotton pads are needed to remove any makeup the client has on before starting your makeup application. 

7. Cup - To place all used makeup brushes into. 

8. Paper bag/Trash Bin - This comes in handy all the time when I’m doing a client’s makeup. All the used tissues, cotton pads, disposable wands go into the paper bag immediately when done. This keeps your station clean and organised. 

9. Tissue - A must have. To clean in between use of spatula and mixing plate among other uses.

10. Alcohol - To clean spatula and mixing plate. Also, use on hands before and after a session with the client.