My Definitive Fashion Week Kit Essentials

If you’ve ever worked backstage at Fashion Week, you’ll know it’s a world of almost-organised chaos. There’s tight schedules, quick changes, and high-pressure conditions, having the right kit is non-negotiable and will save you a TON of stress! Whether you're heading to London, New York, Paris, or Milan, a well-thought-out kit can make or break your backstage experience. Here’s everything you need to be fully prepared for the fast-paced world of runway makeup, from a makeup artist who’s done a ton of them! Not only is this great list to build from, but I’ve also added some links to my favourite items too (some are affiliated links so I may earn commission from them, help a girl out ;)

Backstage at Eirinn Hayhow, London Fashion Week, 2022.

The Core Kit: Essentials

Your core kit is the backbone of your setup. Backstage, there’s no time for faffing about - everything needs to be within reach and ready to go. Here’s what you need:

1. Hygiene is everything

You’'ll be in a lot of faces come fashion week season, so keep yourself as healthy as possible.

• Hand sanitiser – I love the Bath and Body Works mini ones as they fit so well in any kit space

• Tissues & cotton pads - for quick on the go sanitsation

• Disposables - always a staple in any artists kit - keep topped up with mascara wands and lip gloss applicators for lineup touch ups. You can find my favourites here.

2. Skin Prep Must-Haves (see my skin list here)
As any makeup artist knows, flawless skin is the foundation of any great makeup look. Make sure you pack the following, and find my favourites of these here.

• Micellar water and cotton pads – for quick cleansing

• Hydrating mist – to refresh and prep skin. (My fave is MAC Fix+)

• Lightweight moisturisers – fast-absorbing formulas work best

• Eye drops – tired models = red eyes

• Lip balm – because cracked lips don’t belong on the runway (I will forever love the Laneige lip masks)

3. Foundation & Concealers

• A diverse range of shades (I love the MUFE Palettes)

• Sheer to full-coverage options for adaptability (MAC Face and Body Foundation will always be one of my favourites, its so versatile)

• Colour correctors – perfect for neutralising dark circles and redness. Again, I love the MUFE palettes for this.

3. Powders

• Translucent setting powder – to keep shine at bay under runway lights (RCMA powder is just the best)

• Pressed powders - for more coverage in a variety of shades (MAC Studio Fix powders do the job for me)

4. Eye & Brow Products (see some of my favourites here)

• A variety of mascaras

• Brow gels and pencils – for natural and defined looks

• A neutral eyeshadow palette – versatility is ke

• Eyeliner (gel, pencil, liquid) – for precision

5. Lip Products

• A good mix of nude, bold, and classic red shades. (Kryolan palettes are fantastic and such a great range of shades).

• Lip liners for definition and staying power.

• Lip gloss for high-shine editorial looks.

• Versatile palettes to mix - think primary palettes like this Made by Mitchell one to create unique shades.

6. Brushes & Tools (see some of my favourites here)

• A solid brush set, including blending, foundation, and precision brushes and plenty of them. My Kit Co 100% has you covered for everything brushes.

• Tweezers and small scissors – for brow and lash perfection.

• Lash glue – a must-have for false lash application.

Backstage at London Fashion Week 2024

Time for a quick selfie … backstage at London Fashion Week 2024

Backstage Extras: The Must Haves

Beyond your makeup essentials, here’s a few added extras that will make your backstage experience smoother:

1. Portable Light
Backstage lighting is unpredictable. A small light will make a ton of difference. (I love my BigSofti handheld light, for a 20% discount click here)

2. A Clear Makeup Bag
Clear pouches make it easy to see and grab what you need quickly. Here’s my favourite set bag from MyKitCo.

3. A makeup palette and spatula

A specific look needed? Often, you’ll need a specific product that needs to be shared out, so make sure you’re carrying a palette and spatula for easy decanting. I love the MyKitCo palettes.

4. Mini Fans
Great for drying setting spray faster and cooling down a sweaty model in a packed backstage area.

5. Energy Boosters
Long hours mean you need to stay energised. Pack:

• Water – hydration is key.

• Protein bars or nuts – quick fuel.

• Mints – for fresh breath before working up-close on faces.

6. Comfy Shoes & a Utility Belt
You’ll be on your feet all day, so wear supportive shoes. A utility belt keeps essential tools like brushes, disposables, and powder within reach at all times.

The look for Eirinn Hayhow, 2022

Pro Tips for Backstage Success

✔ Stay Organised – Keep your kit streamlined; clutter slows you down.
✔ Be Adaptable – Looks change last-minute, so be ready to tweak and improvise.
✔ Work Fast & Efficiently – You’ll have minutes to complete a look, not hours.
✔ Be a Team Player – Help fellow artists when needed; teamwork is everything.
✔ Keep It Professional – Fashion Week is fast-paced and stressful, but staying calm and collected makes a huge difference.

Final Thoughts

Fashion Week is a super fast-moving environment where preparation is key. The right kit ensures you can work efficiently, handle last-minute changes, and create flawless runway-ready looks under pressure. Whether you’re a seasoned backstage pro or heading to your first show, having these essentials in your kit will set you up for success. I hope they’ve been useful! Drop me a comment below if you have any questions, I’m all ears.

Got any must-have Fashion Week kit essentials you swear by? Let me know in the comments! Are you a makeup artist and you’re enjoying these blog posts, don’t forget to sign up to my newsletter below! Seeya next time…

Jen x