My 'Time for' Make-up Kit

My 'Time for' Make-up Kit

Once you leap into the big wide world of being a freelance make-up artist, building your experience and portfolio is the first and most important step. Doing 'time for' work is the best way you can do this, and once photographers, models, hair stylists etc know you're happy to work 'time for', the offers will come rolling in...But what exactly is 'time for'?

'Time for' work is offering your time and work and being 'paid' in either printed or digital images which you can add to your portfolio. No cash will exchange hands - just images! Don't sell yourself short, though! Ask that travel costs and the cost of extras (like false lashes) be covered.

Unfortunately, though, nicely edited images for your portfolio don't cover kit costs. And for this reason, you don't want to be whizzing through your £23 MAC Mineralize Foundations, £28 Estee Lauder Shimmer Powder or your £17 NARS lipsticks! Instead, opt for products which photograph well and wont leave your cash card crying for mercy when you need to replace them. They really aren't that hard to find!

Here's a look at the sort of things in my 'time for' kit...*Note* This actually WAS a kit for a 'time for' shoot I did yesterday! Colours etc were all picked specifically for the model/ theme.

THE BASICS
Cleanser, toner and moisturiser for all skin types. Perfume and colour free so that they aren't likely to upset sensitive skin. You'll clearly need to pick up some cotton wool, too! Everything here was less than £2 each, and clients always comment on how nice they smell/ feel!

Latex free wedges, anti-bacterial hand foam, sharpener and tweezers. I think the priciest thing here was the hand foam at about £5.

THE MAKE-UP
Primer, foundation (try to get pics of models before the shoot to judge their skin tone/ shade), finely milled powder, blush and highlight. The priciest thing here was technically the Ben Nye colour palette at around £36, but for 8 well pigmented, huge blushes that's excellent value.

Eyeshadow palette of multiple colours, loose pigments, eye primer, eye pencils, liquid eyeliner, mascara. The priciest thing was the Yaby palette...though I can't remember how much. But you can't argue with being able to customise your palettes!

Lip palette of various neutral/ popular shades, lipsticks, gloss. I rarely use lip pencils. The priciest thing was the palette, at about £18.

*NOT PICTURED*
Brushes - goes without saying, really!
Cotton wool and tissues
Baby wipes
A hair band/ bobbles/ clips
Disposable mascara wands
Business cards

Save your premium products for paying clients, but give every client the exact same, professional service! You never know who they could introduce you to and networking is everything. Plus, it's just basic manners....

Remember kids, you don't need pricey make-up to get great results - a steady hand, well trained eye and knowledge of products is worth far more than your kit could ever be!