It also needs to be compact enough to fit into overhead compartments, slip easily into the car and store away in a makeup truck. It needs to protect your makeup from water, breakage and dirt.
So began my (I'm sure, lifelong) journey of finding the perfect way to store, pack and carry my makeup. I haven't yet got to the point where I am storing my makeup at home and only packing what is needed for the job...unfortunately, it's not often that clients have given me a brief prior to arriving on set, so I take everything with me so that I am covered for every eventuality. I've also gotten many last minute phone calls asking me to work as the original makeup artist has bailed/is sick/is nowhere to be found....so I like to be prepared.
I started with the usual, unoriginal and completely idiotic metal case. Let me tell you, it's easy to spot a newbie makeup artist...look for the metal case they are lumbering around with! Although it stores a lot of makeup, it is not ergonomically friendly, it's hazardously heavy and the wheels...well, the wheels fall off...literally! Within a year of owning mine, the entire wheel system snapped off and the company I bought it from refused to repair or replace it....even after I specifically asked about this when purchasing it. Thanks Face2Face...nice service. So now I'm basically carrying around a brick house with pretty colours in it....NEXT!
It might store a lot, but it's a right pain in the ass! The wheels are from Barbies' car, the "adjustable" compartments create these weird black particles that cling to your makeup and hands and prepare yourself for bruises...Other than the complete lack of service from Face2Face, I wouldn't recommend using this...unless you're hoping for IOD.
I contacted a friend of a friend in Cape Town and bought some of these clear bags...she was incredibly helpful and even shipped my purchase before I processed payment! I got the bags the next day and am so happy with them. Everything was organised and allocated to their specific bags...it makes working so much easier...now I just needed something to store them in. After trying a couple bags, I settled on a basic backpack I have at home...I knew it would always be a temporary measure but it's worked out well enough and I'm amazed by how much I can fit in there. The backpack option is great as it gives me free hands to carry my hair kit and styling kit.
For more info, contact Juanette here. She's very helpful and I haven't had any problems with the bags. I also purchased the set bag which, although a little small, is great for having on set.
Knowing that I needed something more professional and resilient, I started my campaign for a suitable backpack...Bourne, being the occasional genius he is, suggested using a professional photographers backpack...
*cue violins and angels singing*
The Lowerpro Pro Runner x450 Rolling Backpack....it's big enough to fit all my makeup and a small assistant, light enough to ensure I don't pass out walking from my car to set, waterproof, shock proof and it stores neatly into any overhead compartment. Purchase! This little bad boy is going to change my life....now it just needs a name....
I know, right? See all the stats here. Once I get it, I'll do a post with pics of my kit and how the bag works out.
Most international pro MUA use the Zuca Pro Artist collection. It's great for serious traveling and fits everything and a large, pasta-cooking assistant. They also sell the Pro backpack which I would like to get sometime soon for my hair kit...very handy little bugger.
The Pro Backpack...perfect for my hair kit, it even has a heat resistant pocket for the GHD...how often have I had to wait for it to cool so that it doesn't melt my bag? This would fit very nicely on top of my makeup backpack when rolls...this would be one of those much-treasured birthday/xmas pressies....
So there it is, they odyssey of the Makeup Bag...I'm quite sure it's going to have a Bold & the Beautiful-type storyline, so watch this space!
Just remember, makeup bags are expensive but then so is your makeup...look after it, protect it and I guarantee you, you won't have to replace it as often.
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