What’s in My Makeup Kit & How I Set Up for On-Location Work
For over 25 years, I’ve been behind the scenes, creating flawless looks for everything from film and television to corporate shoots, commercials, and lifestyle photography. My clients range from politicians and public speakers to brides and professionals needing headshots. While I love enhancing natural beauty, I can easily dial it up for a more glam look when needed. For brides, it’s all about making sure their makeup lasts through every laugh, tear, and dance move on their big day.
Let’s dive into what’s in my kit, how I set up for on-location work, and the essentials I provide to keep makeup looking fresh all day!
In addition, I offer one-on-one makeup classes tailored to individuals seeking to refine their self-application skills. From bridal to everyday makeup techniques, I’m here to help you master your look.
For every client or job assignment I travel to, whether it’s for a wedding, photoshoot, or event, I ensure that my kit is meticulously prepared. Providing everyone with a complimentary touch-up kit to keep their makeup fresh throughout the day if I’m not staying for touch-ups. Here’s a breakdown of everything in my kit, how I set up for on-location work, and links to some of my favorite tools and products.
My On-Location Setup
My kit is carefully curated to meet a wide range of needs, from natural to dramatic looks. When I arrive on-location, whether for a bride, photoshoot, or corporate client, I ensure my workspace is clean, organized, and professional. Here’s how I set up:
Makeup Kit: The brands I use are my favorites thus far. They hold a wide range of depotted products needed for makeup application.
Relavel: https://amzn.to/3Cf0BKz & https://amzn.to/40Azsd6
Ocheal https://amzn.to/3E7cqmo
Makeup Palettes (Empty): https://amzn.to/40xgpjP
Depotting Bottles: https://www.artistkitcompany.com/shop/p/18-ml-bottle & https://www.artistkitcompany.com/shop/p/15ml-spray-bottles-10-set-of-5
Portable Makeup Chair: Tuscany Pro makeup chair that’s foldable for easy travel from Camera Ready Cosmetics
Travel Bag: https://amzn.to/3PSeFfU
Lighting: I use two different brands. All adjustable and perfect for any setting. And I store them in travel cubes for easy travel.
The Makeup Light: Panel Only https://bit.ly/4hcbdsz, Gooseneck https://bit.ly/3WDzbVE, Light Stand https://bit.ly/3PSwBHj, Starter Kit https://bit.ly/4huFJO5
Tripod: https://amzn.to/4hcatnh
Travel Cube: https://amzn.to/42wONhb
Table Setup: I travel with a foldable table to lay out my tools and products.
Table https://amzn.to/4jJtqj8
Table Skirt https://amzn.to/4gwyvZn
Paper Towel Holder: https://amzn.to/3PQ0Z5c
Paper Towels: https://amzn.to/42qRm4w
Makeup Mixing Palettes & Spatula: https://shrsl.com/4tq5m & https://shrsl.com/4tq5k
Hand Palette: https://amzn.to/3CnAxNj
Disposables & False Lashes Holder: Tackle Box https://amzn.to/40QQQLR
Silicon Mats: 23.6 x 15.7 inches https://amzn.to/3CfTUb7 or 28 x 20 inches https://amzn.to/3ChF0RI
Trach Can: https://amzn.to/40QkukC
Fans: Tabletop https://amzn.to/40OPhhq, Handheld https://amzn.to/3EczVul
Portable Charger: https://amzn.to/3CfOo8p
Power Station: https://amzn.to/4geQROf
Airbrush Equipment & supplies: Pro Kit https://amzn.to/40ukDbU, Cordless Airbrush https://amzn.to/3PSWGGk, Refillable Pod https://amzn.to/4hiP6RC
Travel Wagon: https://amzn.to/4hPVyPV
Hygiene: I keep hand sanitizer, alcohol wipes, and tissues at arm’s length.
Makeup Brushes: Brushes are stored several different ways; clean, in use to dirty.
Clean Brushes/Brush Holder (2): Holds all clean and sanitized brushes https://amzn.to/4ho1Vty
In Use/Brush Holder: Holds brushes that are used while working on a client https://amzn.to/4hyDzgq
Dirty Brushes: Ziplock Bags are the perfect way to hold all dirty brushes away from my work station. https://amzn.to/4gey6dM
Extra Makeup Brush Sets For Large Parties (10): https://amzn.to/3E9owLO
Pouches For Each Set: Pencil Cases https://amzn.to/3WGwnqD, Sterile Pouches 200qty https://amzn.to/40yJmMo, 1000qty https://amzn.to/4heWtt0
Brush Cleaner: https://amzn.to/40B9yFW
I prioritize a clean, sanitized, and tidy workspace. When working on assignments and clients with more than three people, I bring extra sets of makeup brushes. Each set is pre-washed, sanitized, and stored in separate pouches. Each pouch contains 7-8 brushes, ensuring I don’t need to clean brushes in front of others.
All dirty brushes are kept separate from clean ones. I use two brush holders to organize my clean brushes, I have a separate small holder for dirty (while working) brushes. Once I finish with a client, I place those dirty brushes into a large ziplock bag designated for the day’s assignments. Stored away far from my workstation. Once my day is complete, at home, I clean them thoroughly using Dawn dish soap, 70% alcohol for sanitizing, and Cinema Secrets Brush Cleaner when necessary.
Touch-Up Kit
Every client that does not hire me to stay with them for touch-ups, receives a personalized complimentary touch-up kit at the end of their service. This is to ensure their makeup stays flawless. Each kit is packaged neatly in a small, stylish pouch that fits easily into a purse or clutch, ensuring that clients have everything they need to maintain their look with confidence. Here’s what’s inside:
Touch-up Bags: PVC Bag https://amzn.to/3E8TWSw, Mylar Bags https://amzn.to/4azBkqS
Mini Lipstick/Gloss Tubes (Empty): https://amzn.to/4h8rZJh
Mini Gloss Tubes (Pre-Filled): https://amzn.to/4gaNyrr
Mini Lipstick Tubes (Pre-Filled): https://amzn.to/40qu100, https://amzn.to/3WBzu3j, https://amzn.to/4h9kUZ2
Powder Puff: Triangle Puff https://amzn.to/42xLp5M or https://amzn.to/4g9XO32, Finger Puff https://amzn.to/42rRLUp
Triangle Puffs are used during makeup application and then placed in the touch-up kit afterwards. One per client
Finger Puffs are a backup only added if necessary or if I run out of triangle puffs waiting on restock.
Q-Tip (Individually Wrapped): https://amzn.to/3Wz8BwN
Blotting Papers: https://amzn.to/4gggEpg
Mint: https://amzn.to/4gbzvBO
Mini Lash Glue: https://amzn.to/4hzBOzU or https://www.dollartree.com/product/281574
Mini Mascara Tube (Empty): https://amzn.to/4jJxGz8
Acrylic Mini Mirror: https://amzn.to/4h8nw9B
Branded Sticker: moo https://refer.moo.com/s/icubta
Hand Sanitizer: Purell https://amzn.to/4gfefLp
Tissue: https://amzn.to/40yopkI
Business Card: Canva, moo https://refer.moo.com/s/icubta
I personally don’t use mesh drawstring bags because they’re just not the most sanitary option for me. Lint and debris from a purse or bag can easily get inside, or the items themselves can pick up unwanted fuzz. Instead, I prefer PVC or mylar bags, they keep everything clean, organized, and mess-free, so you don’t have to worry about spills or dust getting on your touch-up essentials.