Disposables kit (e.g. disposable mascara wands, lip wands, cotton pads, cotton buds, nappy bags for a bin and different size spoolies for eyelashes and eyebrows), tissues, wipes, hair and makeup kit, mints for your hygiene when working with the client, a light and pleasant body mist for yourself to use before working with client, hand sanitiser!!, safety pins/ sewing kit, hair products (heat protectant and styling), black towel, heated appliances such as: hair straightener, hairdryer and a hair curler of your choice.

Colour theory is an extremely important knowledge to know in makeup artistry, as this allows you to mix undertones in foundation and make a perfect colour much. This also allows you to work with monochromatic and complimentary colours which will have a positive effect in your overall work and also allows you to mix colours that you have access to achieve desired secondary colour.

Primary colours: Red, yellow, blue.

Secondary colours: When two primary colours are mixed, they create ‘secondary colours. For example, when you mix: red + blue = purple, red + yellow = orange and yellow + blue = green. By having this basic knowledge of 3 primary colours, this opens doors to create secondary and bespoke colours that you can incorporate in everyday makeup and artistic styles, apply knowledge with any medium of makeup!

As I express strongly, it is crucial to know what skin type your client has and what to do during makeup application. Be mindful of the excess oils your clients skin will reproduce despite the amount of layers you may apply. As a HMUA, it is important you have products that include all skin types. For oily skin, I suggest you use a ‘oily skin’ skincare as this specialises in rehydrating the skin, however, removing dirt and excess oil on the skin. Simply cleanse once, then remove this with cotton pads and warm water then dispose. Lightly tone the face using cotton pads in a swiping motion. I would suggest using a light moisturiser as this will replenish the skin, however, not influence additional excess oils. For primer, I would suggest a pore filling and mattifying primer as this will help reduce shine and help the skin appear smoother. For foundation, I would suggest using a medium thickness as this will create a great base/barrier for excess oil as this will be harder for the oil to break down the foundation. Personally, I prefer a matter/natural finish as the foundation will become oilier and shinier throughout the day, blotting and light powder applications will solve this throughout the day. Try to not use lots or creams, as this is oil based and this will make the skin reproduce more oil and become cakey and shiny over a long period of time. Lightly, set the t-zone and under the eyes and proceed makeup applications. Overall, with a few alterations and knowledge, you will achieve your overall desired makeup look despite the clients skin type.

If your client is experiencing problematic skin, don’t worry I have pro tips for you! When dealing with a client with acne prone skin, the most important thing is to not make the model more aware than they already are. This may be a very sensitive issue to your client, so be mindful of kindness towards them. Before starting skincare and makeup application, assess your clients skin type, look for texture, dryness or oiliness. Once you have assessed their skin type, apply the correct skin care, e.g., oily skin = oil/combination skincare. This will allow the makeup to melt into the skin and maximize longevity. Personally, I like to use ‘Pore Professional’ by Benefit as it fills in large pores and creates a beautiful blur prior to foundation. I like to use a natural glowy foundation all over the skin no matter their skin type. Using an ultra matt foundation can come across very heavy in person and behind camera (film or fashion shoots) so I tend to use something that is reflective on the skin. This then allows you to have the option of keeping glowy skin or you may matt this down, however, my top tip is less is always more! You can always add, it’s harder to take away in HD shots. When colour matching, match the foundation to the neck and body and use a slightly warmer tone as it may appear whiter on camera. Apply a thin layer of foundation onto the face, neck and ears using a stippling motion, my favourite brush is Sigma Flat Kabuki as I have been using this for years in both of my personal and pro kit. For concealer, colour match this to the foundation and using a small amount individually go over the problematic areas and lightly conceal under the eyes 1-2 shades if you prefer. Now, you have created a flawless base using minimal product! By using this technique, it allows you to create a full coverage finish with minimalistic makeup application. Lightly set the t-zone with transparent powder and proceed with the rest of your makeup application!