makeup artist can use any cosmetic that they like? products, kit , etc?

Question

I want to be a makeup artist but I do not know what kind of cosmetic I can use.

Do I have to use expensive cosmetics such as MAc, Clinique, Etc? Or I can use any type that I prefer.?
I was thinking maybe loreal or cover girl,..

And do I have to carry professional makup box everywhere I go? I mean can I just pack some stuff in my small pouch bag?

And for the foundation, there are full range of colors to choose from. So for different colors of the clients do I need to have all colors in the botles that they sell in the store or is there some kind of foundation kit in small set that has full ranges of color?

I am new to this so please help.

Answer 1

First you need training. Are you working at a makeup counter or going to school for cosmetics? I worked for Benefit cosmetics for 3 years at Macy's before I moved up to the corporate boutique store to do some serious makeup work. I think my favorite client is the bride to be; the makeup is so beautiful and soft for brides (plus I make bucks!).

I use a wide variety of makeup for my clients. In the past year, I've only been purchasing MAC since I am a Pro card holder and get 40% off the products. You can only be a Pro card holder if you are a professional or freelance makeup artist and can provide documents. To apply, you have to go to a MAC store and ask for the application. I am not sure if there is an application online.

If I was hiring a makeup artist to do my makeup, I wouldn't choose one that was using drugstore brands unless it was mascara or something notorious for being a "makeup artist secret" like Wet n' Wild's 666 lipliner. Yes, you have to buy a kit and it has to be high-end if you want to impress the client. I bought an empty palette for MAC Pro shadow pans and I have about 4 of those now with various colors (I only pay a few dollars for each shadow.. cheaper than drugstore!) I have a wide range of foundation colors and formulas so I can mix according to the client's skintone. I have one very light one, a medium and dark, mostly in yellow undertones and just mix those to create a color. When I worked at the Benefit store, we make custom blend foundations which we had pure white, lavender, green and pink so add in the foundation colors to fine tune the matching.

I probably have over 200 lipsticks/glosses so I can mix and create custom looks.

I normally don't travel for clients, they come to me because I have so much makeup. Japonesque sells huge makeup suitcases for travelling (with wheels!) and that seems to be a great thing to have if you do travel with your makeup kit. MAC also sells one, but it's over 200 dollars. (Not sure of the price with a Pro Card discount)

My best advice would be to work at a makeup counter and get experience. You will get a discount on the cosmetics where you work, so you can start building a collection from there. Good luck!

Answer 2

1. You don't have to only use MAC, or Clinique, but those products are normally the best products out there, not CG or L'Oreal.

It also depends on who you're targeting.

2. You DO need a professional box because you're going to have so many products in there, it'll be ridiculous.

Check out: http://www.carmindy.com/

You need to have so many products because you have different coloured skin tones, eye colours, skin types, face shapes, etc...

You can buy huge pans or palettes with foundation colours and eye colours, etc, but I think you need to go to a professional beauty store. Or try MAC, they offer palettes as well for professional artists.

You will also need a ton of brushes...

http://www.maccosmetics.com

You can also try going on Ebay and buying smaller starter kits of MAC pigments, and other makeup palettes.