Okay, so we’ve all been there: you’re rushing out the door to a gig and your makeup kit feels like it’s dragging you down, right? Or you’re a freelance MUA, and you’ve got to carry your entire arsenal to that one wedding—ugh, heavy. It’s like, how do we balance having everything we need without needing a forklift to carry it all? Don’t worry, I’ve got your back with some of the best tips I’ve picked up (through trial and error, of course) for keeping your kit light and your game strong.
- Pick Multi-Use Products
Girl, multi-tasking is the key to a light kit. I swear by products that can do more than one thing—think cream blushes that double as lip color, or a contour palette that has highlight and bronzer in one. A good multi-purpose product will save you so much space. It’s like bringing 5 products but only carrying 2. Magic? No, just smart packing.
MUA’s tip: Urban Decay’s All Nighter Setting Spray? Perfect as a setting spray AND as a refresher throughout the day. One bottle, two uses. 🪄✨
- Choose Travel-Sized Versions of Your Faves
Okay, listen, I know the full-size bottles feel like a ‘bigger is better’ situation, but let’s be real—unless you’re working a full-on, never-ending event (hello, bridal), you don’t need to bring the giant bottle of foundation or mascara. Invest in travel-sized versions or decant your favorites into small containers. I promise you, you’re not going to run out. And even if you do? You’ll have backup!
MUA’s tip: You can grab some mini-pumps for foundations and moisturizers—less mess, less bulk. 🙌
- Streamline Your Tools
Brushes are essential, but do you really need 30 of them? Probably not. Focus on the essentials like a good powder brush, blending brushes, an angled eyeliner brush, and a fluffy blush brush. They’ll do the job, and you’ll save space. If you’re packing your kit for a wedding or photoshoot, you can always have a couple of “backup” brushes, but keeping the number minimal is key. No one needs a collection of 10 blending brushes (unless you’re prepping for a smoky eye masterclass, then maybe). 😅
MUA’s tip: A good-quality sponge can replace a few brushes! Same with a multitasking fan brush for setting spray, highlighting, and blush.
- Consolidate Your Palettes
Here’s where things get real: palettes are magical. But they can also be bulky and heavy as hell. Get yourself a palette that can do multiple things—eyeshadow, blush, contour, highlighter—like the ones that have everything in one place. You’ll have everything you need in one compact, easy-to-carry palette. It’s basically like carrying the universe of makeup in your bag. 🌌💄
MUA’s tip: Look for refillable palettes where you can customize your shades! This way, you only carry what you need.
- Use Versatile Containers
Stop overthinking your storage. A makeup bag can be your best friend when it comes to carrying light but organized. Go for bags with compartments so you’re not digging through your entire kit for one little lip pencil. It’s about being efficient, not over-stuffing. Oh, and those magnetic palettes that hold your loose pans? Genius. Light, sleek, and versatile—what more could you ask for?
MUA’s tip: Ziplock bags or little pouches inside your kit can be super helpful to separate and organize without adding bulk.
- Get Real About Products You Don’t Need
This one’s tough. We all have that one product that we swear we’ll use, but let’s be honest… it just sits there gathering dust. Do you really need 8 different lip liners for one client? Or 5 different mascaras that perform almost the same? If you’ve got stuff you’re not using regularly, it’s time to make the tough call. Trust me, your back will thank you later. 💁🏽♀️
MUA’s tip: If you haven’t used it in the last month, leave it behind. You can always add it back if you suddenly need it.
- Consider Liquid Over Powder
Powders are great, but liquids are way easier to work with and often more versatile. Think liquid highlights instead of powder highlighters, liquid blush instead of cream blush, etc. They’re less likely to break, too, which is a huge bonus when you’re carrying a lot of stuff. Plus, you won’t need to pack a bunch of extra brushes for powders. 😉
MUA’s tip: I swear by liquid foundations and concealers. They pack a punch and don’t weigh down your kit!
- Bring Only What You’ll Use
It’s easy to pack your kit with just in case items—like that glitter gel, an extra blush, or the random highlighter that might be needed. But here’s the trick: Think through your day or event and ask yourself, “What will I ACTUALLY use?” If you’re going to a photoshoot where you know it’s a natural look, leave the glitter behind. If you’re working bridal, bring only neutral tones. Tailor your kit to the job at hand.
MUA’s tip: Plan your kit based on the look you’ll be doing that day. You won’t regret it.
- Practice the Art of Packing Light
Packing light is an art, and practice makes perfect! Over time, you’ll get the hang of it and find your flow. But trust me, once you learn what you really need to bring versus what’s just “nice to have,” your back will thank you! And you won’t feel like you’re dragging an anchor around.
MUA’s tip: Practice packing your kit before your gig and ask yourself if everything you packed is truly necessary.
At the end of the day, the key to a lightweight kit isn’t about sacrificing quality—it’s about being smart and strategic with your choices. So, next time you’re packing up for a wedding or shoot, you won’t be stressing over lugging a massive bag around. You’ll be breezing through your day, feeling light and organized, and still bringing your A-game to every client. You’ve got this, MUA! 💖✨
