The Pros and Cons of Different Professional Makeup Bags
As a professional makeup artist, one of the most essential tools in my kit (besides my brushes, of course!) is a good makeup bag. Whether I’m travelling to a bride’s home, working at a photoshoot, or getting ready for a big event, having the right makeup bag makes a huge difference in how organised and efficient I can be.
With so many makeup bags available on the market, choosing the best one can be tricky. Over the years, I’ve tried out plenty of different styles. To help you decide which option suits your needs best, here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of some of the most popular types of makeup bags for professional makeup artists.
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1. Makeup Case
The makeup case is that classic, sturdy box with compartments and trays that fold out. It’s a favourite for many makeup artists, especially for those working with a large collection of products.
This was my first ever makeup case. I loved it at the time but it became very difficult to take from place to place.
Pros:
- Ample storage: Multiple compartments help keep your products neatly organised and easy to find.
- Highly durable: These hard-shell cases offer great protection for your makeup and tools.
- Professional appearance: Train cases give off a polished, professional look, perfect for impressing clients at weddings and events.
Cons:
- Bulky and heavy: Train cases can be quite large and difficult to transport, especially if you’re on the go.
- Awkward to carry: Most don’t come with comfortable carrying options like wheels or shoulder straps.
2. Rolling Makeup Trolley
The rolling makeup trolley is a larger version of the train case, designed like a suitcase with wheels and a handle for easy transport. These are ideal for makeup artists who need to carry a lot of gear.
This was my second case which was even worse than the first. I used the bottom section to carry my hairstyling equipment which was extremely heavy and not viable to use on a regular bases. Going up a whole lot of stairs was a nightmare! It also didn’t fit into my boot comfortably so I had to split it into two every time I travelled. I liked that it had wheels though.
Pros:
- Easy to move: The wheels and handle make it simple to transport your kit, no matter how heavy it gets.
- Plenty of space: You’ll have enough room to store makeup, brushes, and tools for even the largest jobs, like bridal parties or photoshoots.
- Great for large events: If you’re doing makeup for a full bridal party, a rolling trolley ensures you have everything you need.
Cons:
- Too large for small gigs: It can feel like overkill for quick touch-ups or small jobs.
- Takes up space: In tight venues or small workspaces, a large trolley can be cumbersome.
3. Zuca Artist Backpack
A Zuca Artist Backpack is specifically designed for makeup professionals, combining compact storage with easy portability. These backpacks come with different compartments for brushes, makeup, and tools.
I had the Zuca backpack for a while and it wasn’t so bad. I did find it was very heavy if I had to walk a lot from the car to the location but surprisingly it was able to carry a lot of products.
Pros:
- Hands-free carrying: Wearing a backpack means your hands are free to carry other things, like lights or extra gear.
- Good organisation: They usually have well-designed compartments, helping you keep everything tidy and accessible.
- Compact yet spacious: While smaller than a trolley, it offers more space than a soft bag.
Cons:
Can get heavy: If fully loaded, carrying it around on your back for hours can become uncomfortable.
Limited space: Not ideal for larger jobs that require lots of products.
4. Zuca Artist Trolley
A Zuca Artist Trolley is a very good contender when it comes to makeup professionals. These trolleys also come with clear bags that hold a lot of products. You can easily organise products however you wish. I used it to separate eye products with foundations for example. It has a nice smooth rolling feature which I loved! It also doubles up as a seat, which at times can be handy when it comes to this job as you never know when you won’t have seating for your clients! Trust me, it has helped me out on these tough occasions. Mine was a little bouggie and had lights on the wheels. It never came in handy but I liked this feature.
Pros:
- Easy to move: A smooth quiet gliding experience which can also transport another bag on top comfortably. You can put the Zuca Backpack on top of it.
- Good organisation: They usually have well-designed compartments, helping you keep everything tidy and accessible.
- Compact yet spacious: There is so many compartments outside of the bag to maximise storage.
- Seating: Doubles up as a seat.
Cons:
- Limited space: You can’t really overfill this as it is made of metal but you can add a bag to sit on top of it. I bought a Zuca add on bag that sits perfectly on top of this and adds a few more storage sections. I do love this but can get bulky when travelling.
- Clear bags: I found that they do hold a lot of product but they are not
5. Relavel Makeup Backpack
The Makeup backpack from Relavel was a game changer for me. I loved that it had so many compartments, easy to access products and quite comfortable to use. Here’s a video of mine showing what its really like!
Pros:
- Quick and easy access: Everything you need is within reach, allowing you to work more efficiently. You literally open it up and start working straight from the bag.
- Easy to organise: It has a fully customisable main compartment that works with your needs.
- Portable: Easily carry it around up and down stairs.
- Hands free: It also has a strap to put on a trolley if needed.
Cons:
- Weight: Can get heavy if it is fully loaded to carry on your back.
The Search Is Over
Choosing the right makeup bag comes down to your personal needs as a makeup artist. For larger events like weddings or photoshoots, a rolling makeup trolley or train case may be the best fit. If you need something smaller for quick gigs, a soft makeup bag or clear makeup bag could be perfect. And for touch-ups during an event, a makeup belt is a handy tool to have on hand.
No matter what you choose, having a reliable and well-organised makeup bag is essential for keeping your kit in order and making sure you’re ready to give your clients the best experience possible.
What’s your go-to makeup bag? Let me know in the comments!