The Pro’s Guide to Pre-Holiday Kit Prep

As the festive season approaches, makeup artists everywhere are gearing up for back-to-back clients, long days on set, and endless holiday glam.

It’s one of my favourite times of year but also one of the most demanding. After 20+ years in the industry, I’ve learned that how you prepare your kit before the rush determines how smoothly you’ll handle it.

Before your first holiday booking, take a moment to refresh, restock, and reorganise. Think of it as a seasonal reset for your artistry a little prep now saves a lot of stress later.

🧠 Step 1: Edit and Clean Start Fresh

The first rule of pre-holiday prep: clean everything.

This isn’t just about hygiene (though that’s crucial) it’s about clarity and confidence.

Lay out every brush, product, and tool on a flat surface. You’ll immediately see what’s overpacked, expired, or missing.

Deep-clean your brushes with a gentle cleanser, rinse thoroughly, and reshape them before drying. Soft, well-maintained bristles deliver smoother blending and longer wear and clean tools always make the best impression.

👉 Pro Tip: Inspect ferrules and handles. If a brush feels loose or starts shedding, retire it now don’t risk it failing mid-makeup. You may refer to MY BRUSH CARE.

🧴 Step 2: Restock Your Essentials

Holiday season means high product turnover. Restock smartly, not heavily.

Focus on the products and tools that make your workflow efficient.

My Holiday Essentials Checklist:

• A full range of sanitised brushes (detail and liner sets are must-haves).
• Plenty of disposables: mascara wands, lip applicators, cotton buds.
• Fast-drying brush cleaner for quick set-to-set hygiene.
• Mini skincare bottles for hydrating sprays, moisturisers, and primers.
• Backup tissues and wipes always more than you think you’ll need.

At MYKITCO®, I rely on the MY ESSENTIALS BRUSH SET and the MY PENCIL POD with FLEXxPOTS to keep everything compact and visible.

🎁 Step 3: Reorganise for Efficiency

Once you’ve cleaned and restocked, rebuild your kit strategically.

Start with your base bag my favourite is the MY BIG CANVAS BAG, a structured, sturdy foundation that keeps your tools protected and accessible.

I divide my kit into categories:

• Base & complexion
• Eyes & lips
• Tools & disposables

On set, my secret weapon is the MY SET BUDDY. It groups the products I’m using that day into neat, accessible sections no rummaging, no chaos.

👉 Pro Tip: Pack your kit in order of use. Keep your go-to items on top for quicker setups and smoother transitions between clients.

🧼 Step 4: Prioritise Kit Hygiene

In the rush of festive bookings, hygiene often slips down the list but it’s what sets true professionals apart.

Disinfect palettes with 70% isopropyl alcohol, wipe down handles and mirrors, and use spatulas to avoid double-dipping.

This doesn’t just protect your clients; it reinforces your credibility as a pro.

A clean kit is a confident kit and it shows in every look you create.

✨ Step 5: Add a Touch of Holiday Spark

Finally, let your creativity shine.

Add a few shimmering pigments, metallic liners, or gloss toppers to your kit perfect for clients looking for festive flair. Keep them in a small separate pouch for quick access when inspiration strikes.

A hint of sparkle can turn an everyday look into a holiday showstopper.

💡 Final Thoughts from My Kit Bag

Pre-holiday kit prep isn’t about perfection it’s about preparation.

When your tools are clean, your products restocked, and your bag organised, you can focus entirely on artistry and creativity.

Take a quiet moment this week to reset your kit and your mindset.

Trust me come mid-December, you’ll be grateful you did.

🛍️ Shop the Pro’s Holiday Kit Essentials

• MY ESSENTIALS BRUSH SET – The ultimate pro edit for festive makeup.
• MY BIG CANVAS BAG – Durable, structured, and designed for pros.
• MY SET BUDDY – On-set organisation made easy.
• MY PENCIL POD with FLEXxPOTS – Customisable storage that keeps everything visible.