What's in your freelance MUA kit and how much did it cost to build?
Posted by Anonymous
I am currently doing inventory to update my business insurance and I think I might actually faint lol. I started adding up the retail value of my foundations, palettes, brushes, and lighting, and the number is terrifying.
For the working freelancers on here: What is the honest, realistic cost of your current kit, and what are the absolute non-negotiable staples inside it? Did you build it all at once or piece by piece? Lay it all out because my bank account needs some solidarity!
Replies
Anonymous
i stopped counting after $5,000 because it was genuinely making me depressed lol. the biggest financial trap is buying every single new eyeshadow palette that drops on tiktok. you do not need them!!! i have 15 palettes in my studio right now and i literally only use the same neutral mattes from my old makeup by mario and danessa myricks palettes on 90% of my clients.
if i could start over i would literally just buy two good cream complexion palettes (like rcma or graftobian) and spend the rest of my money on high quality skin prep. embryolisse cream and bioderma micellar water are the real mvps.
Anonymous
Too much. Probably around $2500? But honestly my MAC pro discount and Sephora sales are the only reason it’s not double that.
Anonymous
honestly like $1200 max for me. i use a lot of high-end skin prep and foundations (armani luminous silk is non-negotiable) but my blush, highlighters, and lip liners are almost completely drugstore. NYX and milani do the exact same thing as the luxury brands for a quarter of the price.
if the skin base looks flawless and smooth, the client literally does not care if the blush came from CVS or saks fifth avenue. work smarter not harder!
Anonymous
My glamcor light alone was like $300 but i literally can't work without it. Bad lighting in hotel rooms while doing bridesmaids will ruin your entire day
Anonymous
pass out every time i have to restock individual lashes and disposable spoolies... that's the real money pit right there. the tiny things add up so fast over a busy weekend turn around