To be able to do your job well, you need to have the right tools, equipment and products in your kit! The world of MUA tools and products can be a little overwhelming as there are so many options on the market. Like any products, there are some that are better than others, and every MUA will have their favourite brands and suppliers. At a minimum, every MUA should have the following tools, equipment, products and consumables in their kit:
| Tools and equipment | Makeup products | Disposable and consumables |
| Brushes Lash Curler Sharpener Tweezers Mixing plate Hair clips Cape/clothing cover Makeup bag/case Brush roll/brush container | Foundation Concealer Setting powder Eye shadow Eyeliner Mascara False lashes Lash adhesive Brow products Contour Highlight Lip liner Lip products Setting spray | Lip brushes Mascara wands Spatulas Cotton tips Sponges Cotton rounds Baby wipes Hand sanitiser Brush cleaner Face masks Makeup remover – both with oil and without Micellar water Moisturiser Eye cream Primer – both for dry and oily skin Skin oil Lip scrub Lip balm Brush cleaner |
In this module, we will look at the full range of tools, equipment, makeup products, disposables, and consumables that you will need as you start your career. It would be impossible to list and explain every single product as there are thousands of options to choose from. Plus, many MUAs will have their preferences for certain product brands and formulations. We will look at all products in general, and at the end of this module, we will also look at the sorts of equipment you will need to set up a professional workspace.
As you work through this module, we will be showcasing a range of products, but aside from what is provided in your kit, be sure to always ensure that you are doing your research and only deal with reputable suppliers. Reading online reviews and carefully reading product descriptions will help to ensure that what you are buying does exactly what it says on the box! The cosmetics industry is a huge market, and brands are very clever with their marketing. If something appears too good to be true, it usually is. When stocking up your kit, you want to focus on quality over quantity. This doesn’t mean that you have to buy the most expensive products; you just want to ensure the products and equipment you do have are long-lasting, and this will only help you be a better MUA. If you are using low-quality products, your makeup applications will suffer, and so will your clients.