Dear LMM, being a makeup artist obviously means you own a lot of makeup. I’m curious – how do you organize it?

Thanks, Alex.

Dear Alex,

Thanks for your question. Most makeup artists have their own preferences when it comes to their makeup kits. Here’s how I do it.

The mobile makeup counter!

My basic makeup kit is actually a large suitcase (with wheels), and when it’s full of makeup it weighs about 35 kg. I can’t even lift it, so when I’m on jobs in multi-level buildings I pray that there is an elevator, not stairs! This kit contains all the staple items I take with me to every shoot. In addition, I have a set of storage drawers and a number of large storage boxes at home where I store excess products.

I work for an agency, and most of the time when I get booked, I don’t find out what sort of makeup I’m doing until I get to the studio. So, my kit has to be big enough to cover off on everything. Sometimes, for big jobs, I receive a brief so I can prepare in advance, and other times clients will request that I bring specific products. Forewarned is forearmed. For example, next week I’m doing a bikini shoot and have been told that the pale-skinned models will need to sport a golden glow from head to toe. Although I have a selection of body products in my basic kit, in preparation I have already raided my storage unit to bolster my bronzing supplies. One celebrity client I regularly do makeup for demands that I use Clarins Beauty Flash Balm – so I always have a tube of that on hand.