In the world of makeup artistry, professionals rely on high-quality, reliable products to create stunning looks. But with countless brands and products available, what makeup do professional artists actually use? Let's delve into the world of professional makeup and explore the tools of the trade.
Professional makeup artists, or MUA, require products that are long-lasting, blendable, and versatile. They need to cater to a wide range of skin types, tones, and preferences, making their kit a carefully curated selection of the best in the industry.
Foundation and Base
Foundation is the backbone of any makeup look, and professionals swear by formulas that offer buildable coverage, a natural finish, and longevity. Some of the most popular foundations among professionals include:
- MAC Studio Fix Fluid - A long-wearing, full coverage foundation that's perfect for photography.
- NARS Sheer Glow - A lightweight, luminous foundation that's great for everyday wear.
- Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Foundation - A high-coverage, water-blend foundation that's ideal for HD photography.
Concealers
Concealers are essential for covering blemishes, dark circles, and redness. Professional MUAs prefer concealers that are creamy, blendable, and offer full coverage. Some favorites include:
- NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer - A creamy, full-coverage concealer that's perfect for under the eyes.
- Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer - A highly pigmented, full-coverage concealer that's great for blemishes and redness.
- Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer - A creamy, buildable concealer that's perfect for all skin types.
Powders and Setting
Setting powders are crucial for keeping makeup in place and preventing shine. Professional MUAs often use:
- Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder - A finely-milled, translucent powder that sets makeup without leaving a white cast.
- Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder - A luxurious, finely-milled powder that sets makeup and blurs imperfections.
Eye Makeup
Eye makeup is where MUAs can get creative, and they rely on high-quality shadows, liners, and mascaras to create stunning looks.
Professional MUAs often use eyeshadow palettes from brands like:
- MAC - Known for their highly pigmented, blendable shadows.
- Anastasia Beverly Hills - Famous for their soft, blendable shadows and brow products.
- Pat McGrath Labs - A luxury brand offering highly pigmented, luxurious shadows.
Eyeliner and Mascara
For eyeliner, MUAs prefer products that are long-lasting, precise, and easy to work with. Some favorites include:
- Kat Von D Tattoo Liner - A waterproof, long-wearing liquid liner that's perfect for creating precise wings.
- MAC Fluidline - A highly pigmented, gel-based liner that's great for creating both thin and thick lines.
For mascara, MUAs look for products that offer volume, length, and longevity. Some popular choices are:
- Lancôme Hypnôse Drama - A volumizing, lengthening mascara that's great for everyday wear.
- Too Faced Better Than Sex - A cult-favorite mascara that offers volume, length, and curl.
Brows
Defined brows are a staple in professional makeup looks, and MUAs rely on products that offer precision and longevity. Some popular brow products include:
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz - A thin, retractable pencil that's perfect for creating natural-looking brow definition.
- NYX Professional Makeup Micro Brow Pencil - A budget-friendly, retractable pencil that's great for creating precise brow shapes.
- Glossier Boy Brow - A brow gel that adds volume, texture, and hold to brows.
Cheeks and Highlight
Blush, bronzer, and highlighter are essential for adding dimension and glow to the face. Professional MUAs often use:
- NARS Blush - Known for their highly pigmented, long-wearing blushes.
- Charlotte Tilbury Bronze & Glow - A luxurious, dual-ended bronzer and highlighter duo that's perfect for adding warmth and glow to the face.
- Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter - A highly pigmented, shimmery highlighter that's perfect for adding intense glow to the face.
Every professional MUA has their own unique style and preferences, but these products are consistently praised for their quality and performance. Building a kit with these tried-and-true products ensures that MUAs have the tools they need to create stunning makeup looks, no matter the occasion. So, whether you're a professional MUA or a makeup enthusiast, these products are worth considering for your own kit.