Okay so I've snooped around the internet and I have struggled to find myself a comprehensive list of what a freelance makeup artist should carry in their kit or set bag that ISN'T makeup related.

I want to start by saying that by no means at all does everybody have to carry all of this with them, you can mix any items from this list that best suit your line of work!

I am aware that I'm an artist that likes to "over-pack" my kit in the possible chance of an emergency or be able to be the person that has everything in any situation.

I've broken all of the items down into categories to make it easier to navigate:

Client grooming, On-set care, Wardrobe essentials and electronic equipment extras!

*All items I have listed will be linked to Australian websites/stores where you can purchase or find them locally to you.

If there's anything you think I have personally missed in this list, please feel free to comment below and add to it!!

CLIENT GROOMING

1. Mini/travel manicure kit (including: a small bottle of nail polish remover)

The talent should be responsible for basic nail care but if you ever need to quickly file a nail or clip their nails prior to filming, you'll be the one responsible for making sure the talent is groomed.

$21.19

Buy here: https://www.priceline.com.au/manicare-manicure-set-silver-cylinder-5-piece

$3.49

Buy here: https://www.priceline.com.au/face-of-australia-nail-polish-remover-acetone-free-110-ml

2. 3 natural nail polish shades & a clear polish

This ties in with the manicure kit above, if the director or producer changes their mind about wanting something on the nails - you can just quickly give them a coat of a natural or clear polish.

$5.95ea

Buy here: https://www.priceline.com.au/rimmel-60-seconds-super-shine-nail-polish-8-ml

3. Small emergency hair kit

You may or may not be the one styling hair on set, but sometimes you may need to just be able to provide a bobby pin or a hair elastic as a quick fix!

$3.29

Buy here: https://www.priceline.com.au/lady-jayne-pins-bobby-pins-4-5cm-brown-25-pack

$15.99

Buy here: https://www.priceline.com.au/freestyle-snag-free-hair-elastics-216-pack

4. Oral hygiene kit (Mints/chewing gum, mini tooth brushes, floss & mouth wash)

A talent may forget to bring their own toothbrush to set, anybody may require a refresher after a meal break or have something stuck in their teeth - be prepared! And also make sure that you buy disposable tooth brushes or buy them knowing they're one-use items.

P.s You could always just purchase a travel kit instead of purchasing these items separately.

$5.99

Buy here: https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/Buy/58598/Colgate-Travel-Pack

$3.29

Buy here: https://www.priceline.com.au/caredent-eeziflossers-disposable-dental-flosser-24-pack

$11.99

Buy here: https://www.priceline.com.au/toiletries/dental-and-oral-care/toothbrushes/colgate-zig-zag-soft-toothbrush-value-pack-6-pack

5. Lens wipes

Quick-fix to help somebody clean their glasses/sunglasses on set!

$3.99

Buy here: http://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy/58031/Clearwipe-Lens-Cleaner-Wipes-20

6. Spray deodorant

This just helps in situations of a long shoot in regards to the talent or crew -self-explanatory!

The reason an aerosol is recommended is that it is the most sanitary, compared to roll-on.

$3.89

Buy here: https://www.priceline.com.au/dove-anti-perspirant-deodorant-mini-original-30-g

7. Mini male grooming kit (Disposable razors and shaving balm/cream/gel)

You may not know when a clean face is needed for a talent in regards to continuity or if it's a one-day shoot and the talent hasn't groomed themselves.

$5.99

Buy here: https://www.priceline.com.au/gillette-blue-ii-pivot-plus-disposable-razors-5-pack

$4.99

Buy here: https://www.priceline.com.au/schick-hydro-shave-gel-sensitive-78-g

8. Small stash of snacks or treats

* You just need to be careful of allergies and dietary requirements when packing snacks.

Usually being on set is a long day and it's your job to make sure your talent keeps their levels up so they can perform at their best potential! Here's some examples of what you can take: trail mix, lollies, small pieces of chocolate, berocca for that nasty hangover.. do whatever you want :)

ON-SET CARE

9. First-Aid kit

It's not something you hope for but if there ever is a minor injury on set that requires first-aid, you are prepared to deal with it. I bought a travel-sized kit from my local Coles

$21.95ea

Buy here: https://shop.coles.com.au/a/a-national/product/st-john-first-aid-kit-80-piece

10. Insect repellent

You could possibly be shooting at night time in summer or at a location where you're more than likely to get eaten alive by insects!

$7.19

Buy here: https://www.priceline.com.au/aerogard-odourless-low-irritant-pump-spray-135-ml

11. Panadol + Nurofen (Travel packets)

I pack both in my kit to make sure that I can cater to everybody, whether they be allergic to one or the other - I am able to provide the talent or crew with some painkillers! (Eg. for a headache)

$4.20

Buy here: https://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/productdetails/764028/panadol-capsules-mini

$3.50

Buy here: https://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/productdetails/203638/nurofen-caplets

12. Feminine Hygiene

It's always nice to look out for anybody on set that may be menstruating, so you can always pack some liners, pads and/or tampons.

$2.99

Buy here: https://www.priceline.com.au/moxie-scanty-panty-liners-24-pack

$2.99

Buy here: https://www.priceline.com.au/moxie-regular-tampons-8-pack

13. Anti-histamines

If there is a possible allergic reaction on set or if somebody comes up in a rash, etc, you're able to offer anti-histamines to settle whatever it is down for the talent or crew member.

$6.99

Buy here: https://www.priceline.com.au/zyrtec-rapid-acting-10mg-5-tablets

14. Eye drops

If the talent or somebody on set has dry/sensitive/tired eyes or just needs to sooth them - you want to be the one to come to the rescue with eye drops!

$5.99

Buy here: https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/Buy/84218/Systane-Red-Eye-Drops-15ml

15. Pre-packaged drinking straws

Or just drinking straws in general (that you can keep in a sanitary environment) so that your talent is able to drink whilst having their lipstick on and this helps with only having to do minimal touch ups of the lips.

$2.00

Buy here: https://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/productdetails/786801/woolworths-essentials-straws-with-paper

16. Hand-held fan / Battery powered fan

This is helpful for drying product (moisturiser, primer, setting spray) during the makeup application but also keeping the talent's body temperature under control if you're shooting in hot climates, long hours under bright lights, etc.

You can purchase these on Ebay.com.au or find them at your local bargain shop.

17. Flashlight

This item is quite self-explanatory but if you're filming at night and don't have a source of light to do touch ups/set up your stuff/assist in filming and shooting, this can help a lot.

$8.00

Buy here: https://www.bigw.com.au/product/dorcy-led-flashlight/p/WCC100000000247085/

18. Small umbrella & disposable ponchos

This will help you combat the elements if you are out on location on set to help protect your talent and/or crew

$10.00

Buy here: https://www.bigw.com.au/product/rain-or-shine-basic-manual-umbrella-purple/p/WCC100000000342672/

$4.40

Buy here: https://shop.coles.com.au/a/a-national/product/rainmate-unisex-poncho

19. Lighter

Once again, if you're on a small budget production, you may need to also help out with props/wardrobe. This comes in handy if you need to light a candle on set, provide a lighter for a talent or crew member who smokes.

$3.49

Buy here: https://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/productdetails/495172/bic-j26-lighter-maxi-variety

20. Sharpie

You may need to label water bottles, talent's set bags, mark tape on the ground etc.

Trust me, it will come in handy!

$2.00

Buy here: https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/sharpie-fine-permanent-marker-black-sa20083066

21. Small disposable garbage bags

I personally use freezer/sandwich bags for any garbage that I may produce during my service (disposables, packaging of products, tissues, etc) but you can also use brown paper bags, a mini garbage can to put on your station, doggy-poo bags or anything like that. It's just nice to be able to have a place to put your rubbish straight away so it's not cluttering your station!

And you also may never know where you will have to work where there won't be a garbage available to you.

$2.40

Buy here: https://shop.coles.com.au/a/a-national/product/multix-freezer-bags-medium

22. Room spray

There might come a time where the crew needs to freshen up the smell of a room they're shooting in whether it be an old or tight space - it's nice to be able to offer something to make it a bit more bearable. You can also use a body mist to do the same thing!

$9.95

Buy here: https://www.priceline.com.au/nicki-minaj-minajesty-fine-fragrance-mist-235-ml

WARDROBE ESSENTIALS

23. Mini/travel sewing kit

I have found this so helpful when either working on a fashion show or prestigious event, you never know when there could be a wardrobe malfunction or whether a safety pin is needed!

$4.62ea

Buy here: https://shop.coles.com.au/a/a-national/product/korbond-travel-sewing-kit

24. Nipple covers, fashion tape & Mini lint roller

Even though these are pretty self-explanatory, you may be on a low budget set where there isn't a department that takes care of this kind of stuff and you are the one who needs to cover all bases

$19.95ea

Buy here: https://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/productdetails/777631/hollywood-bra-silicon-nipple-cover

$19.95ea

Buy here: https://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/productdetails/777603/hollywood-fashion-tape

$6.00ea

Buy here: https://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/productdetails/493523/habee-savers-lint-roller-remover

25. Anti-static spray

Once again, if you're on a low budget film or production - it is helpful to prepare to cover all bases. This will eliminate static from clothing, lingerie and hosiery!

$7.54 for a 150ml bottle

Buy here: https://shop.coles.com.au/a/a-national/product/allendale-anti-static-spray

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT EXTRAS

26. Phone charger & Portable charger

Even though everybody more than likely will bring their own personal phone charger for a long day on set, it's nice to be prepared with a phone charger to suit any phone. You can even bring along a portable charger if you know you're going to be on location for quite a long time!

$10.00

Buy here: https://www.bigw.com.au/product/laser-power-bank-2200/p/WCC100000000339441/

27. Extension power cord

Sometimes you may not be able to set-up your work station close to a power outlet or you could possibly have to share an outlet with another artist on set - this makes your life so much easier by being able to run an extension cord to your work area! (Whilst being aware of OH&S practices, of course.)

$5.00ea

Buy here: https://shop.coles.com.au/a/a-national/product/coles-brand-lead-extension-8700764p

28. Multiple-outlet power board

Similar to the reason for the extension power cord, you may need to share an outlet with another artist on set and this makes it easier to have multiple tools being used at once.

My power board in particular also comes with USB outlets to possibly charge somebody's phone, camera, etc.

$24.20

Buy here: https://shop.coles.com.au/a/a-national/product/crest-power-board-4-socket-2-usb-12m

AND THAT'S IT!

I hope anybody who made it this far found all of the information, images & links helpful.

Now you can be the yes-man on set with all of your non-makeup essentials :)

Until next time,

Stay humble.

JMH. x