One of the most common questions I am asked when it comes to buying products for your kits is about foundations. I think more than anything else finding the perfect foundations that will do what you want them to do and work on a variety of skin tones and types is the biggest challenge for most artists.

I know several artists that get stuck on one brand. Or they stick with whatever brand they get a good discount on and just buy everything – liquid, cream and powder formulas from just that brand.

Personally, I would be concerned about clients who are allergic or sensitive to that one brand. It’s rare but it happens and always better to be prepared.

Foundation should really be the cornerstone in your kit and one of the items that you should invest in.

Here are a few things to consider when stocking your kit with foundation:

What formulas do you work the best with and which are technically the easiest for you to apply?

Is your style clean and fresh or heavier and more glam? This should also help decide what products to invest in to achieve that look.

What color range or undertones do your prefer? I used an amazing line at New York Fashion Week last Spring, the formulas were beautiful and they went on like silk, but the color range tended to be rather pink which I don’t prefer.

Who are your primary clients? Are you working with everyday people who might need a bit more skin help, or models who tend to have really good complexions? This will also help determine what formulas you should have on hand.

As mentioned it’s always a good idea to sample and stock a few formulas especially if your work ranges from print to video or runway to brides.

Be sure to choose enough of a diverse color range so that you can address any skin tone. This doesn’t mean you have to own every single shade on the color wheel but be sure you have what you need to mix the perfect hue when you need to.

Early on in my career a peer told me how much she loved a certain brand so knowing that her images always looked amazing (in the pre-photoshop days) I ran out and bought several shades thinking that it would make my models look incredible… Unfortunately, I didn’t have the same results. a $300 lesson learned! So, know that just because someone else loves a brand doesn’t mean you have to love it. Always test out formulas and stick to what works best for you and what gives your clients the best look. There is no right or wrong answer… only what is right or wrong for you!

Some popular Pro – Artist brands worth checking out!

MAKEUPFOREVER
Giorgio Armani
Face Atelier
MAC
Kevyn Aucoin
Bobbi Brown
Temptu
Dinair

PS I would love to hear your feedback, questions or comments here or on Facebook. And as always my goal is to help artists reach the next level of success so if you have a friend in the business who might benefit from my blog… Please share!