I’ve Been a Makeup Artist for 20+ Years & Here Are 7 Products I Always Use on My Clients

If we haven't yet met, I'm Dalal and I’ve been working in the makeup industry for 20+ years.

My work ranges from international and local runways, editorial shoots, events, bridal makeup and much more! 

I'm also part of the Customer Experience team at Adore Beauty, and always on the lookout for and trialling new products.

When I'm asked about the products I use on myself and my clients, a few things come to mind.

When I do my own makeup, I look for makeup that's long-wearing and can provide quick and effective results.

Watch Dalal share her makeup bag essentials in this YouTube video below.

For a product to make it into my professional makeup artist kit - and stay there - it needs to be a bit different.

Think: Multi-functional products I can use in different ways, on a range of skin types and skin tones.

If I took you through my entire makeup bag, we'd be here until 2034.

So, I (somehow!) managed to narrowed it down to my top seven products I want share with you all.

From bargain to bougie, here are the pro products I've been using on my clients for years.

1. Avène Thermal Spring Water.

What: Avène Thermal Spring Water

Fast facts:

• pH neutral, hypoallergenic and preservative-free.

• Instantly calms and refreshes the skin.

• Suitable for all skin types.

• 50ml is the perfect kit size, but it also comes in a big 300ml for home.

Why it’s so good:

This is a gentle spring water mist that instantly comforts and hydrates the skin.

I use this a lot during skin prep to instantly calm the skin, and reduce any redness. It can also help to remove any cleansing residue too.

This is also LOVED by models at when I'm working at Fashion Week.

After getting their makeup done numerous times through the day, a little TLC in skin prep is always welcomed.

Pro tip:

Spray the mist directly onto the skin, then massage in with a light fluffy brush for a mini facial before applying makeup.

2. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze.

What: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze

Fast facts:

• A clear and flexible brow wax.

• Instantly lifts and creates a non-permanent feathered brow texture.

• Long-wearing and easy to apply.

• Mineral oil-free, paraben-free and vegan.

• Read a full Brow Freeze review on Beauty IQ here.

Why it’s so good:

This is a kit staple for many makeup artists, and for very good reasons.

It's the easiest and quickest brow product to use, and gives such an instant transformation.

I find Brow Freeze works on all brow hair types. From sparse to full brows, it will do what you need it to do.

Brow Freeze doesn't leave any flakey or crusty residue in the brows, so you can quickly brush the product out and re-shape your brows if you need. 

Pro tip:

Less is more with this product. Warm up a bit of the product on the top of the lid first.

Gently back comb the brows using the spoolie end of the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze Applicator before applying the product and brushing them into the shape you want.

You can brush up and fluffy, or across and more defined.

3. M.A.C Cosmetics Pro Longwear Paint Pot.

What: M.A.C Cosmetics Pro Longwear Paint Pot

Fast facts:

• Non-creasing and intensely pigmented eyeshadow paints.

• Wear alone as a cream eyeshadow, or as an eye primer or eyeshadow base.

• Comes in a range of shades and textures.

• Easy to apply with fingertips, a brush or sponge.

Why it’s so good:

I honestly think anyone who is makeup-obsessed needs a MAC Paint Pot in their life (if they don't already!).

It is such a versatile product that can quickly create an effective makeup look in zero time.

There is a shade to compliment all skin tones, as a base to help eyeshadow powders grip, or as an eyeshadow on its own.

My kit contains a range different shades:

Light neutrals like Painterly and Soft Ochre, mid tones like the cult Groundwork and Tailor Grey, and deeper shades such as Contemplative State and It's Fabstract.

Pro tip:

Want to create a quick smokey eye with zero product fall out?

Grab a shade like Black Mirror or It’s Fabstract, and a blending brush.

Apply the colour around the eye, and you're done.

4. Huda Beauty Quick 'N Easy Precision Liquid Liner.

What: Huda Beauty Quick 'N Easy Precision Liquid Liner - Very Vanta 1ml

Fast facts:

• Ultra fine and precise 0.03mm tip eyeliner pen.

• Full opacity liner in one stroke.

• Water-proof, sweat- proof and rub-proof. 

• Matte finish.

Why it’s so good:

I have tried so many liquid liner pens in my time.

But this one continues to be a permanent resident in my makeup kit.

The opaque deposit of colour makes it easy to use, and the precision you get from the firm but flexible fine tip is out of this world!

The extremely pigmented black formula dries quickly to a matte finish that doesn't smudge or flake.

It actually makes liquid liner application less scary! 

Pro tip:

Map out the wing of your liner with your eye open and looking straight ahead, as opposed to closing your eye.

Then connect the line back into your lash line.

5. Ardell Lashes.

Fast facts:

• Lightweight lashes that are comfortable to wear.

• Wide range of styles and sizes.

• Invisible bands for a seamless finish. 

Why they're so good:

Ardell has a great range of false lashes that meet the needs of my clients.

Their strip lashes have an invisible band, which makes them lightweight, comfortable to wear and easy to apply.

The lash hairs have a crisscrossed design that mimics a natural lash.

Some of my favourite Ardell lashes include:

• Ardell Wispies Black

• Ardell Demi Wispies Black

• Ardell Double Individual Knot Free Medium Black

• Ardell Naked Lash 424

Watch a lash pro and newbie apply their false eyelashes in this YouTube video below.

Pro tip:

If you find lashes tricky, try using the Ardell Dual Lash Applicator rather than your fingers.

Looking down into a mirror makes self-application a lot easier.

But practice makes perfect!

6. YSL Touche Éclat High Cover Concealer Pen.

What: Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat High Cover

Fast facts:

• A high coverage concealer pen.

• Natural and radiant finish, but with more coverage than the original Touche Éclat pen.

• Long-wearing and crease-proof.

• Instantly lifts and brightens the under-eye area.

Why it’s so good:

This multipurpose 'magic pen' quickly lightens, brightens and conceals around the eye area.

It's so easy to use in lots of different ways, and comes in a wide range of shades.

I add this as my final touch to the inner and outer corners under the eye.

On a more youthful skin, it's perfect for a 'no makeup' look to brighten around the eye.

On a more mature skin, it's perfect to conceal and illuminate, without looking too heavy or cakey around the delicate eye area.

Pro tip:

A stroke of this under the cheekbones also helps to pop your cheekbones out, without contouring.

7. L'Oreal Paris Base Magique Primer.

What: L'Oreal Paris Base Magique Primer

Fast facts:

• A primer that instantly smooths pores and skin texture. 

• Blurs over fine lines.

• Creates a matte and satin skin finish.

• Primes the skin for makeup.

Why it’s so good:

This is one of my favourite primers for all skin types.

It has a silky formula that instantly blurs any skin texture. It's like a photo filter, in a pot!

You can also use it as an eyeshadow primer, or to enhance the pigment of an eyeshadow.

Pro tip:

I use this as the last step of skin prep before applying foundation, but only in the areas that need it.

Everyone's skin is different, so I tailor the application to blur open pores, mattify the t-zone, and fill in crow's feet and deep acne scarring.

Phew, that was hard to only share seven of my kit mainstays.

But as you can see, it's all about great-quality multitasking products, regardless of price.

Some or all of these might work for you and your makeup and skin needs.

Most of all, remember to have fun with makeup and stick to what works for you.

Check out some more of our recent makeup Beauty IQ stories below:

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• 6 AB Staff Share the Foolproof ‘No-Makeup Makeup’ Routine They Swear By

• Huda Beauty GloWish Review: Why We’re Obsessed With This Dewy Skin Tint Foundation