Best Makeup Products for Makeup Artists (Budget-Friendly Pro Kit!)
If you’re an aspiring makeup artist (or even a working one revamping your kit), you know the struggle: building a makeup kit is exciting—but also expensive.
As a freelance makeup artist with over 8 years of experience, I recently decided to rebuild my entire kit from scratch, focusing on products that perform well without breaking the bank. The best part? I tested everything. This isn’t just theory—it’s my real, working freelance kit, and I’m sharing the essentials with you.
Whether you’re just starting out or refining your current setup, this guide will help you choose the best makeup products for makeup artists—especially if you’re building your kit on a budget.
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🔹 1. The Makeup Case: Relavel Makeup Train Case
Before anything else, you need something sturdy and functional to carry your kit. The Relavel Train Case is spacious, durable, easy to clean, and surprisingly affordable. Even top artists like Patrick Ta use it. Enough said.
🔹 2. Skin Prep (A MUST)
Makeup won’t look flawless without good skincare. Here’s what I use:
- CeraVe Moisturizer (travel size) – universal, simple, and hydrating
- Rosehip Oil – for glow and facial massage
- Good Molecules Eye Cream – great for dry under-eyes
- Micellar Water – to cleanse or fix mistakes
- Hyaluronic Acid Serum – for plump, juicy skin
- ELF Primers – Grip, Matte Putty, and Powder Primer (depending on client’s skin type)
LINKS TO PRODUCTS I RECOMMEND:
| Moisturizer: Cerave or elf happy hydration cream |
| Rosehip facial oil |
| good molecules eye cream |
| micellar water |
| hyaluronic acid serum |
| elf grip primer |
| elf matte putty primer |
🔹 3. Foundations & Concealers
Invest in great foundation—it’s the one place you don’t want to skimp.
- MAC Pro Longwear Foundation – worth every penny
- Milani or Morphe Foundations – budget options to start
- e.l.f. 16HR Camo Concealer + Tarte Shape Tape – mix and match shades for all skin tones
- Cream Foundation/Blush Palette – I use Carla Secret palettes for versatility and coverage
Tip: Start with 3–4 shades + a color mixing palette to custom-create any skin tone.
| MAC pro longwear waterproof foundation |
| e.l.f. 16HR Camo Concealer, Full Coverage |
| Concealer and blush creams palette |
🔹 4. Powders
- Translucent Setting Powder
- Pink Loose Powder – brightening for under-eyes
- Powder Foundation – MAC Studio Fix (my go-to brightening powder)
Use sparingly based on skin type. Powder isn’t always your friend.
🔹 5. Eyeshadows
- Matte Neutral Palette
- Colorful Eyeshadow Palette
- Pressed Glitters Palette – for glam looks
🔹 6. Eyeliners
- Black Gel Liner
- Liquid Black Liner
- White + Beige Pencil Liners
- Colored Pencil Set – for creative looks
🔹 7. Lashes & Mascara
- Natural & Dramatic Lash Sets
- Latex-Free Lash Glue
- Waterproof and Water-Resistant Mascara
🔹 8. Brows
- NYX Eyebrow Gel – affordable and long-lasting
- ABH Brow Pencils – for precise, natural strokes
🔹 9. Lips
- Lip Palette – includes primaries + nudes + reds (customize any color)
- Gloss & Cream Lipsticks
🔹 10. Blush, Bronzer & Highlight
- Cream Blush Palette (already in concealer section)
- Powder Blush, Highlighter & Bronzer Palettes
🔹 11. Hygiene
- Disposables: mascara wands, lip applicators, cotton pads, etc.
- 70% Alcohol Spray
- Hair Clips + Mini Trash Bin
- Depotting Bottles & Containers
| disposables kit: mascara wands, lip applicator, hair clips, puffs |
| 70% alcohol |
| brush cleaner |
| cotton pads |
🔹 12. Organization Tools
- Spray & Liquid Bottles
- Mini Jars for Creams & Powders
- Refillable Lipstick Palettes
- Silicone Mat for Workspace Hygiene
| RELAVEL makeup train case |
| spray bottles |
| liquid bottles for depotting foundation |
| silicone mat |
| stackable clear plastic mini jars |
| foldable trash bin |
| refillable makeup palette |
🔹 13. Tools & Extras
- Brush Set + Sponges + Puffs
- Makeup Mixing Liquid
- Small Portable Fan
- Ring Light
- Gem & Rhinestone Set – for creative/editorial looks
| Gems, rhinestones set |
| makeup mixing liquid |
| makeup brushes set |
| makeup sponges |
| makeup pufss |
| small fan |
| ring light |
💡 Final Thoughts
This kit is designed as a starter kit for freelance makeup artists, especially those on a budget. As you grow, you’ll naturally swap, upgrade, and refine your products based on your specialty and clients’ needs.
But trust me, with this kit, you can deliver beautiful, professional results right now.
