I'm a First Nations Makeup Artist - Here Are 5 Epic Products I Use on Myself & My Clients

When I first started doing makeup professionally in 2016, I couldn't find anyone in the industry who represented me - a proud Wakka Wakka, Birri Gubba and Ngati Porou, Ngati Kahungunu woman living in Naarm/Melbourne.

But more than that, who was specialising in makeup for other people like me?

Doing my Diploma in Specialist Screen and Media Makeup Artistry, I immediately noticed the huge lack of representation of not only people of colour, but specifically, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation.

I knew straight away what I was going to bring to the table as a makeup artist: the skills and knowledge to specialise in makeup that strictly caters to BIPOC clientele.

Now, I'm the Multidisciplinary Artist behind my freelance makeup business ITHINKSHEAFREAK.

Beauty school couldn't teach me what I needed to know. BIPOC makeup and hair education wasn't (and in some cases, still isn't) a thing.

So, I invested my own time and money into improving my artistry, focusing entirely on women my shade and darker who, like me, had never felt included in beauty.

I take this responsibility personally because I know what it's like to be incorrectly shade matched for foundation, bronzers and lipsticks. I know how it feels to be told my shade isn't stocked or doesn't exist. To have to buy multiple products to warm up and custom blend my own shade.

To question my skin colour and what it means to the rest of the world.

So, one thing I focused on was using makeup brands that are inclusive, easily accessible and products I'd actually use on and recommend to my clients.

In 2020, my makeup kit is now filled with lots of different brands as more have extended their shade ranges, or are making products with BIPOC in mind.

Here are just five makeup products I always have in my kit to use on clients, as well as myself when I do my own makeup.

1. M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation.

MAC Cosmetics was one of the first brands I gravitated towards as the products were being used on photo shoots and backstage at fashion shows.

It was also the main brand my friends and I wore when we started getting into makeup, simply because it offered more shade ranges than other brands at the time.

M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation is a product I personally use, but I also use it on clients.

It's great for setting cream products like foundation and concealer, and works well layered with other products. It's also useful for adding extra coverage, which is something I look for when selecting products for my professional kit.

FYI, learn how to find your perfect foundation shade with our YouTube tutorial video below!

2. M.A.C Cosmetics Pro Longwear Concealer.

I have several shades of the M.A.C Cosmetics Pro Longwear Concealer in my kit, specifically for use on photo shoots or any work that will be captured on camera.

The concealer glides really well onto the skin - I find you don’t need a lot to get the coverage you want, but it’s buildable depending on your needs.

I also find it's ideal for spot concealing to achieve a ‘no makeup’ look. Mix a bit of this concealer with lotion or a liquid highlight to get the job done.

3. MODELROCK Lashes.

A good lash is one of my signatures. Seriously, if I could only keep one product in my kit, it would be a pair of these lashes.

I've been purchasing MODELROCK lashes since I was a teenager. Now, I'm so experienced at applying them, I can confidently apply a set without a mirror.

Not only is MODELROCK an Australian brand, but it offers a vast range of lash styles, bulk buys and lash tools at affordable prices.

It's hard to choose favourites, but I love the MODELROCK Regular Medium Knot Free Lashes and any products from the What The Fluff! range.

4. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer.

I've been using more Maybelline products since the brand began expanding their range of shades and undertones.

This is great because when I first started buying makeup, the inclusive brands were also pretty expensive! After finding this awesome bargain concealer, I started swapping out a lot of my high end concealers when doing my own makeup.

I love the way the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eye Eraser blends under the eyes and gives this soft finish. I also enjoy the sponge applicator and twist function - it's just really fun to use!

I'm yet to add this product to my main kit - simply because the applicator makes it hard to decant product - but I always recommend it to clients or friends who're looking for a good dupe.

5. M.A.C Cosmetics Lipsticks and Lip Liners.

One of the most requested looks clients ask me for is the classic glossy ombre lip using MAC lip liners and lipsticks. It also happens to be one of my personal all-time favourite lip looks for myself.

Here are a few of my favourite lipstick and lip liner shades I use and even mix with to create this look:

• M.A.C Cosmetics Lip Pencil in shades Subculture, Cork, Stripdown and Plum.

• M.A.C Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in shades Taupe, Velvet Teddy, Whirl, Honeylove, Yash and Derriere.

I create this lip style by outlining the lips with dark to light brown lip liners with red, orange or pink undertones (depending on your skin tone).

Then, I match this with a matte lipstick or gloss in a complimentary lighter shade applied in the centre of the lips.

To see more from Kaydee and her incredible makeup looks, follow @ithinksheafreak on Instagram.

Want more helpful makeup content? Check out these stories from our Adore Beauty team below!

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• 6 Aussie Makeup Artists Share the One Product They Reckon Will Change Your Life

• Our Editor Put This New Sweat-Proof, Tear-Proof Concealer to the Ultimate Test

• Should My Lip Liner Match My Lipstick Shade?