30 in 30: Question #9Picture of Your Makeup Collection

My answers to 30 makeup questions in 30 days! Today's question is:

#9. Picture of Your Makeup Collection

Oh boy. First, we're gonna have to pluralize that to "pictureS", because there's just no way possible for me to photograph my entire collection in one photo. Second, though some of your will no doubt think this amount of makeup is totally reasonable, for those of you that don't, please remember: I am a professional. Do NOT try this at home!

A quick note: The first picture directly below is a close-up of my own kit, the image below that of the entire case assembled is a stock photo, but mine looks exactly like that, I promise.

The case itself is actually two cases in one; it has 2 lids so I can use the two separately if I want, or I can latch them together. The top case is what you probably think of as a "traditional" train case- it's got a deep bottom and extending drawers, both with movable dividers. This is where the majority of my makeup is held when I travel for work.

I reconfigure my kit based on the job, but this gives you a pretty good idea of the basic set up. If you're wondering how I get by on so few eye shadows and blushes- I don't. I keep the majority of those in palettes in the bottom half of the kit.

The bottom case is basically an open cavity with some elastic bands on the sides to hold things like hairspray cans, curling/flat irons, etc...in place. There's a removable divided tray that sits on a ledge at the top of the bottom case (got that?) that I usually fill with skincare essentials, setting sprays, brush cleaner and items I need for styling a shoot: straight and safety pins, double sided tape, a lint roller and the like.

In the bottom cavity I stash my brush roll, palettes, a small caddy (purchased separately) with all of my disposable implements (sponges, cotton balls, swabs and rounds, velour powder puffs, disposable mascara wands, lip brushes and spatulas). I also always carry things like hair spray, a roll of paper towels, wipes (both makeup remover and alcohol-free baby varieties), and of course, alcohol and hand sanitizer.

I've had this particular set-up for a couple years now, and generally, I like it. I didn't buy the case myself (it was a gift) so I'm not sure where this particular one was purchased, but it looks identical to the ones sold on Yazmo.

As for the rest of my stuff...well, I never claimed to be an organizational genius. This linen closet is home to most of my rotating collection. You can see a ton of skincare and toiletries, and two 3-drawer organizers that I keep my goodies in when they're not in my kit. Hanging on the wall to the right is my dear Tokidoki travel bag that I use for my personal (non-work) travel essentials.

What you can't see in this pic: the 2 aluminum train cases and 5 repurposed Pampers boxes of stuff hiding in my hall closet. One train case holds my nail products, another my more theatrical makeup and supplies that I primarily use for bridal work. Do you really need to see that? OK, fine...but just the train cases!

Nails:

Theatrical/Bridal:

And for puppy poo and giggles, since it's pretty and colorful, my pigment sample book. I know it's merely a fraction of what many of you have (Anstasia & Phyrra, I'm looking at you!) but here it is:

So that's it. Basically. I may have a box of product tucked away for giveaways, and another (a supercute Tokidoki box my Chooka rainboots came in) with products for upcoming reviews, but you'll just have to wait until later to see those pretties, now won't you?