How To Build Your Professional Makeup Kit on a Budget
If you’re fresh from cosmetology school, the first step to becoming a successful makeup artist is to build your own makeup kit. The task can be easier than you think with our tips! Typically, the key to being successful is doing your own product research and comparison.
Where to Find the Right Makeup
When you’re on the hunt for makeup, it never hurts to check out sites such as eBay and even Facebook pages created especially for those in the beauty industry. If you’re in the right place at the right time, you might be able to pick up brand-new products for a fraction of the original cost.
Face Primer
Face or foundation primer is a product that you might not think you’ll initially need. However, it’s highly recommended that you add it to your basic kit. This product does a wonderful job of filling in pores and smoothing out the skin. It also helps eliminate the possibility of foundation slowly disappearing throughout the day.
Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer is a good choice. Depending on where you purchase it, it typically costs between $36 and $50.
As a low-cost alternative, you can also make your own primer using one part loose translucent powder and one part moisturizer. This combination works best on oily skin. For dry skin, use one part petroleum jelly and one part moisturizer.
Foundation
In regard to foundation, using a color-adjusting variety is the way to go. Why? It’s simple. This eliminates the need to buy several different colors, which ends up costing you much more in the long run. Almay produces a Smart Shade line of foundation, with runs around $10. It comes in three shades and is very easy to blend into your client’s skin.
Eye Shadow
Consider the color pallets from Coastal Scents. There are several varieties available. All of them are affordable enough to allow you to purchase more than one color combination. Purchasing palettes is a great way to save on costs. Eye shadow, lipstick and blush palettes are all readily available.
Eyeliner
Eyeliner is relatively inexpensive, which makes it easy to opt for your favorite brand. All you really need to start out with is black, brown and blue. Add more colors, as your budget allows. Keep your pencils sharp and sanitize them after each use.
Mascara
When it comes to mascara, you can typically get away with purchasing the brand you prefer. If you want a recommendation, Maybelline Volume Express Falsies Mascara costs about $8 a tube. It’s available in black or dark brown.
When applying mascara, never use the brush it comes with on all clients. Purchase disposable mascara wands. Throwing away brushes after each use will prevent the possibility of spreading infection.
Bronzer
You don’t have to go crazy buying every color of bronzer within reach. All you really need is one matt color that doesn’t have orange tones in it. Many beginning makeup professionals swear by the bronzing powder available at eyeslipsface.com. It is under $4 and it comparable to products that are x10 the price.
Blush
The best way to buy blush for your budget makeup kit is to purchase blush palettes. The three most important colors to start with are plum, peach/coral and pink. Check out the prices at Coastal Scents, while you purchasing eye shadow. e.lf. also carries very inexpensive line.
Lipstick
Coastal Scents is probably the least expensive and best place to purchase lip palettes. The 66-color palette has every color you’ll ever need, even when your client requests something blue.
Lip Liner
It’s entirely possible to build up your lip liner collection slowly. Start with basic colors that include brown, red, nude and pink. Maybelline has a great line of Color Sensational lip liners that don’t break the bank. Like eyeliners, these pencils need to be sharpened and sterilized after each use.
Brushes
You can usually find a suitable set of makeup brushes at big-box stores such as Target or Wal-mart. Make sure the set includes various brushes for lips, eyes, cheeks and the other parts of the face.
Additional Items for Your Budget Makeup Kit
If your finances allow, there are several other items that you might want to purchase for your budget makeup kit. These include:
- false eyelashes
- hand sanitizer
- face powder
- concealer
- lip balm
- baby shampoo and wipes
- eye primer
Be aware, you can buy the following professional-grade brands in department stores.
- Smashbox
- Laura Mercier
- Nars
- Make Up For Ever
For even more useful products that can be used in more than one way, check out our blog on 5 Lifesaver Products You Can Multipurpose!
Please note, professional makeup goes on differently than what you might be used to. But, like almost everything else, practice is the key to success.
With dedication and due diligence, you’ll soon have a makeup kit that assists you in making your clients as beautiful as they can be.
