10 Must-Have Makeup Artist “Kit” Essentials from The Makeup Show NYC 2025
Every spring, The Makeup Show NYC feels like the epicenter of the professional beauty world, and 2025 was no different. From indie launches to iconic staples, this year’s show delivered big on performance, pigment, and pro-level practicality. Whether you’re a seasoned artist refreshing your kit or just getting started in the industry, these were the products and tools that had everyone buzzing on the floor.
We spent two days testing, swatching, and chatting with artists and brand reps and founders, and after narrowing down hundreds of options, here are our 10 standout picks from this year’s show, and why they should belong in your kit.
Make Up For Ever
- Ultra HD Foundation
Still one of the go-to bases for on-camera work. It gives that polished-but-skin like finish that holds up under studio lights and long shoot days. Seamless, buildable, and consistently reliable, this one’s not leaving artists’ kits anytime soon. - Artist Color Pencils
One pencil, endless possibilities. These multi-use liners showed up everywhere, on eyes, lips, brows, even cheeks. The payoff is great, and they stayed put through hours of demos. - Aqua Resist Color Ink
This waterproof liquid liner was a favorite on the seminar stages, sharp lines, no flaking, and zero transfer, even under lights and pressure.
Danessa Myricks Beauty
- Pastel Dream Mini Freedom Palette
A pastel palette that actually delivers on pigment? Yes, please. These soft yet vivid shades blended beautifully and felt buttery to the touch, no chalkiness in sight. - Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder
This was one of the most talked-about products at the show. Artists loved it for its unique texture, part skincare, part makeup, and how it blurred without dulling the skin’s glow. - Colorfix 24-Hour Cream Color
A staple for many artists on the International and Main Stages. These waterproof creams can be used anywhere, lids, cheeks, lips, and come in every finish you could want. - Vision Cream Cover Foundation
High-performance meets skin realism. This foundation nailed the balance between coverage and flexibility, ideal for HD work and high-profile clients.
Temptu Pro
- Airpod Airbrush System
Temptu’s cordless airbrush tool made a big impression on the floor this year. Lightweight, portable, and powerful, perfect for artists who need speed and precision. - S/B Foundation Starter Set
Their signature foundation formula continues to impress. It builds beautifully and photographs like a dream, exactly what you want for bridal or red carpet work. - Airbrush Cleaning Kit
Not glamorous, but essential. Several artists mentioned this kit specifically, because when your tools are clean, your work shows it.
Viseart Paris
- Paris Edit Eyeshadow Palette
Perfect for bridal, soft glam, and clean editorial work. Viseart’s formulas are beloved for a reason, consistent payoff, elegant color stories, and seamless blendability. - Editorial Brights Palette
If bold is your thing, this is your playground. Vivid, rich, and buttery, no fallout, just fierce color. - Seamless Setting Powder
A new staple among artists looking for a lightweight, no-flash setting powder that works across skin tones without dulling the finish.
RCMA Makeup
- No-Color Powder
This one’s a classic, and it still holds up. Sets the skin without altering tone or texture, and plays well with HD cameras and flash. - VK Foundation Palette
An artist essential. The range in this palette makes it ideal for custom blending, corrections, and working across all skin tones. It’s one of those things you just need to have in your kit. - Liquid Foundation
Same high-performance pigment, now in a thinner formula for those who prefer liquid over cream. Great for “less-is-more” skin work.
Bdellium Tools
- Studio Line 957 Precision Kabuki Brush
This brush was everywhere. Buffs product in flawlessly, especially creams and liquids. It’s fast, effective, and built to last. - Golden Triangle Brush Set
A solid value for artists building out a travel or starter kit. Great quality at a friendly price point. - Maestro Series Eye Brush Set
If you’re into detail work, this is a must. Artists praised the control, softness, and precision these brushes offered.
Esum Cosmetics
- Pro Finishing Sponges
Durable, soft, and thoughtfully designed. They absorb just enough product and give a smooth, diffused finish that artists love. - W Series Pro Brush Sets
These brushes were made with professionals in mind, sturdy handles, excellent weight, and bristle control for both detail and full-face work. - Dual Lip Pencil
Two shades in one pencil? Yes, please. Artists raved about how it cut down bulk in their kits without sacrificing performance.
Kryolan Makeup
- Dermacolor Camouflage Creme
A go-to for serious coverage work, from tattoo cover to creative editorial. The pigment is intense, so a little goes a long way. - Aquacolor Face & Body Paint
These water-activated colors pack a punch. Loved by SFX artists for their vibrancy and ease of use. - HD Micro Foundation Cream
A creamy, high-pigment formula that glides on effortlessly and photographs beautifully. Ideal for editorial and HD video work.
Inglot Cosmetics
- AMC Eyeliner Gel 77
Still one of the blackest, longest-wearing gel liners out there. It held its ground through hours of demos and dozens of makeup bags. - Duraline Mixing Medium
Transforms powders into creams, intensifies pigments, and revives dried-out products. A total kit staple. - Freedom System Eyeshadows
Highly pigmented, affordable, and fully customizable, exactly what working artists need to create their own curated palettes.
Beautyblender
- Original Beautyblender Sponge
Still the standard when it comes to flawless, bouncy blending. Nothing quite replaces it. - Blendercleanser Solid
Because if you’re going to invest in quality tools, you should take care of them. This makes cleaning easy and effective. - Pro Beautyblender (Black)
A favorite among working artists for one simple reason: it looks cleaner longer and hides product stains.
Final Thoughts
One of the best parts of attending The Makeup Show NYC every May is discovering what’s really working for artists in the field, not just what’s trending online. This year’s lineup was a perfect blend of innovation and reliability, with brands continuing to push boundaries while keeping artists’ needs at the center.
Whether you’re prepping for bridal season, tackling an editorial shoot, or lining up back-to-back clients for a busy weekend, these products and tools are worth a spot in your kit.
Want more pro picks and backstage insights? Subscribe to The Makeup Show newsletter and follow us on Instagram @themakeupshow. See you at the next stop on the tour.