Hey, makeup artist! 🌟 If you’re looking to take your editorial makeup game to the next level, you’ve come to the right place. Creating bold, creative, and avant-garde editorial looks requires more than just basic makeup supplies—it’s about having the right products that allow you to experiment, enhance, and push boundaries. Whether you’re working for magazines, photoshoots, or fashion shows, your kit should reflect the artistry and precision needed for these high-impact looks.
Let’s dive into the ultimate kit you should be working with to nail those editorial looks, and I’ll break down why each item is a must-have.
- The Right Foundations for Flawless Skin
For any editorial look, it all starts with the skin. Editorial makeup is about creating a perfect canvas, and that’s why you need a foundation that offers buildable coverage with a flawless finish. You’ll want to have both a full-coverage foundation and a lighter, more dewy foundation in your kit, so you can adjust depending on the look you’re going for.
MUAs Tip: Go for foundations that photograph well, like those that are specifically designed for high-definition cameras. Avoid formulas that might give flashback (that white cast effect in photos) or look too heavy on the skin.
- Versatile Concealers and Color Correctors
Editorial looks often require a lot of contouring, highlighting, and color correction to create dramatic effects. A good selection of concealers in various shades is essential. You’ll want some that are lighter for brightening and others that are darker for correcting and contouring.
Additionally, don’t forget about color correctors! Whether it’s a green to combat redness, a peach to counteract dark circles, or a yellow to brighten, these little guys are lifesavers when you need to make the skin look flawless for those close-up shots.
MUAs Tip: When selecting concealers, look for formulas that are thick but blend easily, so you can work with them during long photoshoots without them settling into fine lines.
- Pigments, Glitters, and Shimmers for Creative Expression
Editorial makeup is all about pushing the limits of creativity, and that’s where pigments, glitters, and shimmers come in. These products are your best friend when you need to create bold eyeshadow looks, eye-catching highlights, or striking accents on the skin.
Pigments are great for vibrant eyeshadow looks and can be applied with different techniques to create everything from soft gradients to full-on editorial intensity. Glitters and shimmers can take your editorial look from simple to jaw-dropping in seconds.
MUAs Tip: When working with glitter, always have a glitter primer or adhesive to ensure it sticks without fallout—nobody wants a mess during a shoot!
- Bold, Pigmented Eyeshadows (Matte & Shimmer)
Eyeshadow is where you can have the most fun when creating editorial looks. You’ll need a variety of matte and shimmer shadows in a wide range of colors—think beyond neutrals! Bold colors like vibrant blues, deep purples, rich reds, and metallics can help bring your artistic visions to life.
Don’t be afraid of clashing colors, either—editorial makeup is all about unconventional pairings and artistic expression.
MUAs Tip: For maximum pigmentation, look for eyeshadows that are highly pigmented and can easily be layered. Don’t forget about cream eyeshadows, which can add dimension when layered with powder shadows.
- High-Impact Eyeliners: Liquid, Gel, and Pencil
Eyeliners are essential for any editorial look, whether you’re going for a classic cat-eye or an avant-garde geometric shape. You’ll want liquid eyeliners for precision, gel eyeliners for a softer, smudged effect, and pencil liners for a smoky, dramatic look.
MUAs Tip:: Don’t forget colored eyeliners! Neon or metallic liners can take an editorial look from regular to red-carpet worthy, especially when paired with bold eyeshadow.
- Sculpting & Highlighting Products (Cream & Powder)
Editorial looks often require intense sculpting and highlighting. You’ll need both cream and powder products for contouring to define the face and create dimension under the harsh lights of a photoshoot. Cream contours blend seamlessly into the skin for a more natural look, while powder contours are perfect for building intensity.
For highlighting, a good cream highlight gives a dewy finish, while powders can give a striking glow. Make sure you have both in your kit to adjust based on the model’s skin type and the lighting on set.
MUAs Tip: Highlighter is your secret weapon for creating a stunning glow that pops under camera lights. Go for multi-dimensional highlighters that shift with the light!
- Bold Lipsticks & Lip Glosses
No editorial look is complete without the right lip. This is your chance to play with unexpected colors and textures. Your kit should include classic red lipsticks, dark purples, neon shades, and bold metallics. Don’t forget lip glosses for glossy, high-shine finishes, and lip liners to help define the shape of the lips for precision.
MUAs Tip: For a statement lip, try combining matte lipstick with a touch of gloss in the center for a plump, voluminous effect.
- Setting Sprays and Powders for Longevity
Editorial makeup needs to withstand long hours, hot lights, and frequent touch-ups. That’s why having a reliable setting spray and finishing powder is essential. Setting sprays lock everything in place without disrupting your makeup, while finishing powders blur imperfections and give a matte finish without making the skin look dry.
MUAs Tip:: Use a setting spray after applying each layer of makeup to ensure it stays intact throughout the shoot.
- Makeup Brushes and Sponges (Don’t Skip These!)
Having the right tools makes a world of difference when applying editorial makeup. A diverse set of brushes and sponges will help you apply makeup precisely and blend everything seamlessly. Invest in high-quality brushes with both natural and synthetic bristles. A few must-have brushes are a fluffy blending brush, a dense foundation brush, a flat concealer brush, and a precision liner brush.
MUAs Tip: Clean your brushes often to avoid cross-contamination, especially when working with different clients. Dirty brushes can lead to patchy or uneven application.
- Tweezers & Lash Tools
For those high-fashion eye looks, a good pair of tweezers is a must-have for placing individual lashes, applying gems, or even correcting small makeup errors. Having the right lash tools can elevate any editorial look.
MUAs Tip: Precision tweezers are essential for applying false lashes accurately and efficiently. Also, always carry extra lashes in your kit—editorial makeup often calls for multiple lash looks in one shoot!
Alright, makeup artist, now you’ve got the rundown of the ultimate kit you’ll need for creating editorial looks that wow. The key to mastering editorial makeup is having the right tools, products, and knowledge to express creativity without limits. From flawless skin to bold lips and dramatic eyes, this kit has everything you need to produce stunning, high-fashion looks that are ready for the spotlight.
Remember, it’s not just about having the products—it’s about how you use them to craft beautiful, one-of-a-kind looks for your clients. So, take these tips, fill your kit, and get ready to create magic behind the scenes!
