Essential Tools for your Kit

1. Spatula
Having a spatula means having the means to be very sanitary. I use this to scoop out eye primer, cream blush, lipstick, foundation, etc. That way I'm not dipping my brush, using it and dipping it again which will contaminate the product. 

2. Q-Tips
I use these on every shoot. I use them to remove makeup under the eye, remove bits of mascara, or to even remove peoples eye boogers, yup, it's part of my job!

3. Disposable Mascara wands
Of course, another way of being sanitary. I also use them to lighten eyebrows by putting foundation on them and combing them through the eyebrows. 

4. Disposable lip brushes
Again, self explanatory. Make sure to leave one with your bride so she can reapply the lipstick you leave her. 

5. On set bag
When I have to leave the studio for a shoot, I need to bring the makeup I used on location for touchups. I got a small one at Michaels. 

6. Artist palette
I have the lip shaped one! =) This is where I put product after i have scooped it up with my spatula or wiping product off like lip gloss. 

7. Mascara guard (not essential but I love it!)
This is a fun tool to have and it helps me in not getting mascara on the eyelid and underneath the eye.

8. Bug Repellant (ok so not a tool, but it ain't makeup!)
South Florida aint' no joke when it comes to misquotes! A shoot I did a couple of weeks ago had me itching!

9. Cotton rounds

I use these to remove makeup and in the skincare process by removing any oils or makeup they may have one prior to me starting.

10. Receipt booklet

I have been asked for a receipt for my services so I have this same one from Office Depot.

11. Wipes

I use this to clean my palette, eyelash curler, etc and to remove makeup at the end of the shoot.

12. Paper towel

I'm always using paper towel! Gotta wipe my spatula off with something. Or to wipe my brushes, or to wipe the sweat of a model. The regular.

13. Tweezers

I use them to tweeze and to place eyelashes on.

14. Straws

Don't want my models or brides messing up the makeup I just did!

15. Hand Santizers

Because you are touching so much crap!

16. Oil blotting sheets

Great for getting rid of oil instead of powdering so much.

17. Body Lotion

This Burt's Bees Radiance Lotion has a shimmer to it so its great for the body and photographs well.

18. Lip Scrub

I always make models and clients use this on their lips before starting and then put moisturizer over it so that all the gunk and dead skin is gone which makes for smooth lipstick application and your lipstick will last longer.

19. Tissues

Good for blotting the face after foundation before powdering. And if anyone has a cold!

20. Band-aids/Liquid Bandaid 

I've had to use this a couple of times, you just never know when someone will come in with a cut or will get one on set.

21. Mini ziplock bags

I use these to put lipstick in for my brides to have for the rest of their wedding once I am gone.

22. Eyelash curlers

A must of course.

23. Nail Polish remover

You wouldn't think to have this in your makeup kit but if a model comes in with yellow nail polish and you are doing a super clean look, it has to go!

24. Pencil Sharpener

I got one at the art store that has 4 different sized wholes in one sharpener so I've never had a problem with my jumpo pencils, eyeliners, lip liners, etc.

25. Mirror

Your clients will want to see themselves afterwards.

26. Chair

I don't have a chair myself but seriously, I need one. My back suffers.

27. Lighting

This glamcor lighting is a luxury but I am most times in a place with bad lighting so I would love to have this one day.

28. Spray bottle

Good for toner and for water to water your sponge. Also good for condensing your kit if you want to put a liquid in a smaller bottle.

29. Eye drops

I've had crying brides or models that have partied the night before and it's not fun when a photographer has to retouch eye redness.

30. Safety Pins

You never know when you need to come to the rescue and pin clothing for a wedding or shoot.

31. Mini nail kit

You don't want your model with bad nails so you gotta do nails sometimes.

32. Hair clip

Great to get the hair out of the face to do makeup.

33. Apron
I only use an apron when working with kids.... nough said lol.

34. Glue

I've only used this glue when removing eyebrows but you never know when you'll need it for wardrobe or something!

35. Gum/Mints

Remember, you are really close and personal in people's faces so even if you think your breath smells good, it doesn't hurt to have gum or mints.

36. Scissors
I keep a small pair of scissors to cut eyelashes in case they are too long for someone, or to cut long eyebrow hairs. People are always asking me for it to cut off pieces of fabric, etc.

So these items are not exactly makeup but great tools for your kit!

Anything in here you never thought of having in your kit?

Oh I'm on instagram! @BeautyByRivera