Setup Simplified: The 3 Must-Have Items for an Efficient Makeup Artist Kit
As a makeup artist, your kit is your arsenal, and the efficiency with which you set it up can make all the difference in the fast-paced realm of beauty and glamour. As a freelance MUA, I understand the value of time and organization, which is why I'm sharing my top 3 essential items that streamline set up and break down at any makeup gig.
A Portable Makeup Chair: Solving the seating problem
When I started my freelance makeup artist journey, my mentor urged me to invest in a portable makeup chair. At first, I didn't fully grasp its importance, but after a few gigs, it became glaringly clear. A portable makeup chair is an indispensable tool and the cornerstone of flawless makeup application. Elevating the client to the ideal height is not just about a better view; it's about saving yourself from dreaded back aches. Striving for that perfect height enhances precision and ensures a more comfortable experience for both you and your client. Choosing a makeup chair that caters to all body types is crucial—it tailors the setup, making your workspace efficient and your artistry seamless.
Let me introduce you to the makeup chair I selected. Beyond its portability, it folds neatly into a travel bag for easy transportation. What sets it apart is the thoughtful design, featuring a small side table with a cup holder. A simple yet effective addition that caters to your client's needs while providing a practical station for your airbrush machine, if you use one. It also has small pockets on the opposite side where I like to keep my hairstyling tools. It's the small details that make all the difference.
2. A Pop-up Trashcan: A little bin with a big impact
Let's talk about my trusty small portable trashcan—an unsung hero in my makeup artist toolkit, inspired by the innovative mind of Van at the Artist Kit Company. This little champ is a lifesaver, especially for disposing of disposables during a makeup session. Picture this: you're on a job, and there's no trashcan in sight. Enter the small trashcan. It swoops in, keeps your area spick and span, and shaves off valuable time that would've been spent looking for a bin. To make it even more efficient, add doggy bags, making disposal a breeze. Just bag it, tie it up, and you're good to go. What I love most is it fits perfectly on a small table, serving as a mini disposal station, and when the job's done, it folds down into a flat circle, tucking neatly into my makeup bag. Convenience at its finest!
3. The Hulken Bag: The MUA Sidekick
Let me share my excitement about my trusty Hulken bag—a stylish sidekick that has truly earned its place in my makeup artist arsenal. I first encountered this lifesaver after an assisting gig at the Ball Arena for the Denver Nuggets Cheerleaders (yes, a little bragging is warranted!). Navigating security was a task, and I was determined to streamline my gear into one trip. Picture this: a five-minute walk with an armful of bags, plus my trusty makeup chair. Suffice it to say, I arrived inside a bit more sweaty than I'd have liked—talk about embarrassing! After that, I knew I needed something more efficient: enter the Hulken bag—a complete game-changer. It effortlessly accommodates all my supplies and glides smoothly on its wheels, making the load much more manageable. If I do happen to encounter stairs—the sturdy handles transform it into a breeze to carry. I use the large, silver Hulken bag and it fits everything- make up bags, brushes, ring light, and even my makeup chair!
