I get asked about what I carry in my makeup case a LOT. Brides maids hover over my table oohing and aahing over the sheer quantity of cosmetics I cart around. What is not obvious to the inexperienced eye is the quality. 

I pride myself in using professional quality products with clients. I have very high standards for myself and it carries over into what I do for my clients. 

So, here’s a peek into my kit and my absolute musts and favorites that are with me most of the time! 

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Foundation: Temptu Pro Airbrush Makeup. This is the absolute top of the line foundation and is perfect for all skin tones and types. It leaves a flawless finish, blurring imperfections with its buildable coverage. The best part is, you don’t feel like you’re wearing makeup at all! ¡Score! I do carry cream foundations as well for those that don’t want airbrush for one reason or another (why tho?) I have Kevin Aucoin sensual skin enhancers and a Graftobian Pallette. My liquid foundation stash has dwindled since most of my clients opt for top-of-the-line airbrushes, but I absolutely LOVE Face Atelier liquid 24-hour foundation. Its coverage is REDICULOUS and works for everyone. 

Eyeliner: I usually have a few different eyeliners with me. Liquid eyeliner (Eyeko, Jontebleu, Kat Von D, Tarte), cream eyeliner (Makeup Forever Pro, Pretty Vulgar), pencil eyeliner (Urban Decay, Make Up Forever Pro). These are my go-to liners and have proven themselves with my clients to not run, stay put, and give the desired effect without fading.  

Let’s see, when it comes to setting powders, I have 3 I keep in rotation. They each provide a different effect and I’ve been known to mix two together to really give a unique finish. These are Temptu Pro, Makeup Forever Pro, RCMA translucent powder, and Ben Nye Banana Powder. By the way, if you haven’t used banana powder, you’re missing out!!

Eyeshadows is a playground. I have a LOT of shadows I use on my clients, it just depends on the look they’re going for. Makeup Forever Pro is a staple for me (are you seeing a trend here?), the shadows are highly pigmented, lasts all day without fading or crumbling, and always look smooth. I’ve recently added Cargo Cosmetics, Sigma Beauty, Pretty Vulgar & Tarte. I’m kind of a shadow FREAK so I like to have options. 

My go to blushes have always been Nars and Sigma Beauty. They give such good color payoff that I rarely stray from these staples. 

Concealers, well concealers are pretty well stocked. I have color correctors included in this category and my options are vast. Makeup Forever (ok who’s surprised here), Tarte Shape Tape, Trestique, Nars, and Temptu Pro. Why so many? Well, it depends on what I need to use them for. If I’m color-correcting rosacea or covering under-eye circles I’m going to need color correcting concealer, if I’m highlighting and brightening, I’m going to want a concealer that will do that smoothly and evenly gliding on as smooth and lightly as possible (cuz cakey is not cute). 

Bronzers, ah bronzers. Well in this category I have to say that I don’t have too many different ones. I love Kat Von D Beauty Shade Light. It’s a contour kit that contains a brightening powder as well as a bronzer. It works on pretty much EVERYONE and lasts like nobody’s business. Temptu is also in my kit (duh) since when I’m using airbrush makeup, I like to keep as much as possible in the same makeup category. I also have this guilty pleasure Sugar Tropic Tan. I bought a bunch last time I found it at Sephora (cuz I love it that much) but they’ve stopped carrying it and I’ll be D#*^ if I know where I can find it. Maybe Amazon. They have everything after all.  PUR cosmetics also has a nice one. It smells like chocolate (which I love), has two shimmery highlighters and two bronzers and the pigment is amazing! The only thing is that it gets EVERYWHERE when you’re using it. 

Mascara is a disaster for me. I love all types of mascara and so when I buy for my kit I also buy for myself. They all give a different effect so I need options people! Makeup Forever (collective sigh I know), It Cosmetics, Tarte, Urban Decay, Clinique, Lancôme, Estee Lauder, Chanel, Dior, and the list goes on. This is an item I’ll try from all different brands to see what they do and if I’m allergic. I’m allergic to A LOT so not many make it through to my personal makeup bag, unfortunately. 

After all of this has been applied, the only thing left is the setting spray. For me, this is an absolute must even if the makeup I’ve used is waterproof. I just like to have that extra assurance that the makeup is going NO WHERE. My fa-fa-favs are Urban Decay, Skindinavia & Ben Nye. 

So there you have it. Aside from my brushes (which are another blog and obsession truth be told) this is basically what I carry in my makeup case. The case itself will be upgraded soon but I’ll be sure and post my options for you as well as what I finally ended up with! 

**Product photos from CRC, Nars, Temptu and Amazon sites**