IS YOUR KIT ORGANIZED?
The BEST compact kitbag for MUA's – but don't just take our word for it.
"This is the best makeup bag I ever purchased. I have at least 10 makeup bags in my garage. It so comfortable when I carry it, it’s sturdy, easy to clean, it’s compact but can put lot of products in it. It's just made for mobile makeup artists." - Citra L.
"Perfect for on-site and bridal work. Way lighter than my last bag, hands-free, and no more struggling with cobblestone or uneven ground. Game changer for jobs!" - Sydney T.
"This backpack is a life saver - no more back ache, no more dreading a job because of stairs and travel , this bag has made me excited for jobs again, you can tell this was designed by an MUA, I love mine and will never go back." - Lena K.
The IYKO Pro Kit Backpack | The Ultimate Makeup Artist Kit Bag for Pros
The IYKO Pro Kit Backpack | The Ultimate Makeup Artist Kit Bag for Pros
THE IYKO BLOG
Why the IYKO Pro Kit Backpack is the Perfect Fashion Week Companion
Why the IYKO Pro Kit Backpack is the Perfect Fashion Week Companion London, Milan, Paris, New York, wherever Fashion Week takes you, one thing remains the same: the backstage hustle is real. From 6am call times to late-night after-parties, a makeup artist’s kit isn’t just a bag, it’s a lifeline. That’s exactly where the IYKO Pro Kit Backpack proves itself to be more than just storage: it’s the ultimate Fashion Week companion. Hands-Free, Stress-Free Fashion Week means running. Running from backstage to front row, from model line-ups to last-minute venue changes. Traditional kit bags can weigh you down, pull on your shoulders, or leave you juggling cases and coffees. The IYKO Pro Kit Backpack keeps it simple: weight-distributed straps, hands-free comfort, and a sleek profile that moves with you. Cobblestones? Tube steps? Cross-city taxis? No problema. Compact, But Built Like a Pro Space backstage is always tight. Between rails of clothes, hair teams, press, and models, the last thing you want is a bulky, boxy kit that takes up too much room. The IYKO Pro Kit Backpack’s compact frame is designed to fit into small backstage setups, while still holding everything you need. With clever compartments, Velcro tie-aways, and lid-space optimisation, your products stay visible and accessible, no rummaging required. Organisation = Speed Fashion Week makeup is all about speed and precision. Whether it’s a bold runway look or perfecting fresh skin in under ten minutes, you don’t have time to hunt through clutter. The IYKO Pro Kit Backpack’s layout means every brush, palette, and product has its place. That translates to fewer frantic searches, faster application, and a smoother workflow when the pressure is on. Sleek Enough for the Front Row Function is key, but Fashion Week is also about image. The IYKO Pro Kit Backpack isn’t just practical, it’s aesthetically designed to look as good as it works. Sleek lines, a professional silhouette, and a polished finish mean you can walk into any venue looking like the pro you are. The Extra Mile Little details matter when the days are long: a side-bin caddy for easy swaps, dividers that adapt to your changing kit, and durable materials that can handle the chaos of Fashion Week season after season. It’s a kit you can trust to keep up with you, and make you look good while doing it. In short? The IYKO Pro Kit Backpack isn’t just a bag. It’s a backstage ally, a travel companion, and a professional upgrade that takes you through Fashion Week (and beyond) with ease. 👉 Pre-orders are now open for our next shipment, landing late September/early October. Secure yours today and step into the next season fully equipped. Shop the IYKO Pro Kit Backpack
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IYKO Spotlight: Lyanne Sawyer – Elevating Artistry in a Small Community of Artists
IYKO Spotlight: Lyanne Sawyer – Elevating Artistry in a Small Community of Artists. This month, we’re spotlighting a true creative force coming out of Malta’s beauty scene: Lyanne Sawyer, a makeup artist whose journey has taken her from the world of fine arts to working behind the scenes of Eurovision. Blending technique with intuition and artistry with authenticity, Lyanne is one of those rare creatives who can do it all, but doesn’t feel the need to. Her path is about balance, boundaries, and beauty on her own terms. From canvas to contour "I started my journey in makeup artistry around the age of 18," she shares. "At the same time, I had been studying fine arts and photography, which I’ve always loved." It wasn’t long before she landed a job at MAC... a role that would change everything. "That’s when I realised how much of an artist I could become through makeup. It was a whole new world, learning about products and ingredients in depth, while also being able to express my artistic side every day, trying new techniques and exploring the world of colour." She describes that era as maximalist "Back then, more was more" but her signature has since evolved into a refined, soft-glam sensibility shaped by fashion and editorial. “I’ve grown to love a softer, more minimalist approach. It’s taught me techniques I’ll probably use for the rest of my career.” Eurovision and everything after Most recently, she stepped into the international spotlight as part of the glam team behind Malta’s Eurovision entry, a two-week sprint of long hours, full days, and high stakes. "It was both super exciting and chaotic," she laughs. "Being away from home and working every day really pushed me to my limits. What kept me going was the incredible team and Miriana’s trust in me to express my creativity through her looks." Creating space for growth in a small market Being based on a small island comes with challenges, namely, access to products. "My absolute biggest challenge, like many MUAs in Malta, is the limited product variety available locally," she explains. "Ordering online means waiting at least two weeks for delivery. If one essential item runs out, it can disrupt a job." But it also fuels her vision for what’s possible. “There’s significant room for development in terms of product availability and professional training. More advanced workshops and access to diverse products would really elevate the industry here.” Learning to let go of ‘just in case’ As for her setup? It’s taken years to refine, but the game changed when she got her hands on the HANA Pro Kit Backpack. "My kit has been a process of trial and error for years. Especially after getting my Hana bag, I finally feel confident with my setup. I’ve let go of so many ‘just-in-case’ items I never used. Now I carry just the essentials, my Hana and my TML light, and it makes such a difference. My back really appreciates the change." Redefining success Like many of us, her definition of success has shifted with time. "When I first started, I didn’t fully understand my strengths. Over time, I realised I don’t have to excel in every area, focusing on what I love has been key." Now, she’s prioritising longevity over burnout. "I’ve shifted more into bridal and glam, away from film and advertising. It’s helped me work more steadily and sustainably, which is what I want right now." Advice for the next wave of artists For artists working in smaller markets, her advice is refreshingly honest: “A lot of artists glamorise the job too much. At its core, we’re service providers. We work weekends, juggle endless emails, and sometimes miss out on personal events.” But with that realism comes reward. “It takes dedication, but if you have the passion and the perseverance, it’s absolutely worth it.”You can follow Lyanne on Instagram at @lsawyermua
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IYKO SPOTLIGHT: Katie Daisy, leading the way in Luxury Makeup Artistry
From working the beauty counters to prepping clients for the Met Gala, Katie Daisy has built a career defined by calm precision, luxury expertise, and a deep-rooted love for her craft. What began in Essex doing makeup for friends has since evolved into an impressive body of work across red carpets, fashion, bridal, and now, the launch of her own agency. “It’s always been a passion. I’ve loved makeup for as long as I can remember, and growing up I watched a lot of beauty creators on YouTube who really inspired me,” she shares. “I started doing my friends’ makeup in Essex just for fun, and over time it turned into something people knew me for. Eventually, I realised it was more than just a hobby. I was good at it, and I loved it. That’s when I decided to take the plunge and apply for a job in makeup.” With a background in art and creativity woven into her foundation, Katie’s artistry has always been about more than trends, it’s been about craft, everything we stand for at IYKO Professional “What started as something I did for fun turned into a career I’m genuinely passionate about. I still feel so lucky that I get to do what I love every day.” That dedication took her from counter artistry into the world of freelance, where she quickly made her mark across editorial, red carpet, and bridal. “It’s honestly surreal looking back at how far things have come,” she says. “I still remember being on counter at Charlotte Tilbury, just trying to figure out how I’d ever make the jump into freelancing. From those early days to working backstage, doing red carpets, and now launching my own bridal agency, it’s been a real journey and definitely a rewarding one.” Launching Katie Daisy Artists was a natural progression, one rooted in both experience and a clear demand. “As my career progressed, I began receiving more bridal enquiries than I could personally take on, which I’m incredibly grateful for. Many of these were high-end clients looking for a seamless, luxury experience from start to finish. Over the years, I’ve built a trusted network of incredibly talented artists, and I often found myself curating full beauty teams for brides, covering everything from hair and makeup to tans and manicures. It was something I was doing naturally behind the scenes, so launching Katie Daisy Artists felt like the perfect next step. The agency was created to offer a beautifully curated, bespoke experience that connects discerning clients with the very best in bridal beauty.” The agency reflects Katie’s own standard, one grounded in excellence, experience, and trust. “There are so many things that come into play. Obviously, the quality of your work and being reliable are really important, but in the luxury space, professionalism is everything. Discretion is key when you’re working with high-profile clients. You have to know how to read a room, stay in your lane, and carry yourself in a way that matches the level of the environment you’re in.” She’s witnessed first-hand how missteps can cost artists their place. “I’ve seen really talented artists get blacklisted by clients for breaking NDAs, and a lot of the time they hadn’t even read them properly. Others have been dropped for crossing the line on social media or posting things that felt too personal or unprofessional. It’s not just about being good at makeup. You’re being trusted in someone’s personal space, often at really important or private moments, so how you handle yourself matters just as much as the work you do. It’s definitely not for everyone, but when you understand that, it’s an amazing space to be in.” That standard extends to her artist roster. “To start with, I always come back to the points I mentioned earlier. Professionalism, discretion, and the ability to navigate high-pressure environments with confidence and grace are essential in this space. On top of that, I’m a perfectionist, and I would never attach my name to anything that doesn’t reflect the standard I hold myself to.” “Every artist I work with is not only incredibly talented but genuinely passionate about their craft. They share the same mindset, the same attention to detail, and the same commitment to delivering an exceptional experience. That’s what truly sets a luxury or bridal artist apart. It’s not just about beautiful makeup but about the presence, care, and integrity they bring to every client interaction.” “Reliability is absolutely crucial. When I recommend someone for a wedding, I’m trusting them with one of the most important days of a person’s life. There is no room for mistakes or anyone being let down. Brides need to feel completely confident and at ease, knowing they’re in the most capable and caring hands from the very beginning to the final touch-up.” A calm presence in even the highest-pressure environments, Katie credits her composure to thoughtful preparation. “For me, preparation is everything. It’s the foundation that allows me to stay calm, focused, and deliver my best work even in the most high-pressure environments. I’m a big believer in the saying ‘fail to prepare, prepare to fail,’ and I live by that when it comes to my work.” “High-pressure situations aren’t for everyone, but I genuinely love the energy of it. I think after years of being in those environments, I’ve learned to really thrive in them. I’m naturally quite calm, which helps, but it’s the preparation that gives me confidence.” That mindset was put to the test at this year’s Met Gala, a career milestone Katie had visualised and a massive achievement that we celebrate here at IYKO Professional. “Thank you. It honestly felt surreal. I had the Met Gala on my vision board for this year, so to actually be there was such a proud moment.” But as often happens behind the scenes, things didn’t go quite to plan. “One moment that definitely stayed with me was when the power went out on our side of the room. There was no time to move or reset, so we just had to get on with it. My main light went off and since it was a rainy, gloomy day in New York, there was no natural light to rely on. Simon, who was doing hair, didn’t have working tools either. It was one of those moments where you just make it work.” “I ended up finishing the makeup in a different room while my client was being stitched into her dress. It wasn’t the dream setup by any means, but in this industry, things rarely go perfectly to plan. You just stay calm, adapt, and focus on getting the job done.” Her setup, like her mindset, is meticulous. “Kit presentation is everything. As a luxury artist, your kit should reflect the standard of your work and the experience you’re offering. You simply cannot show up to a high-end job with a disorganised or poorly presented setup. My time at Charlotte Tilbury really instilled in me the importance of cleanliness, sanitisation, and the visual appeal of a beautifully arranged kit.” “I’ve refined my setup over the years and now have it down to a system that works seamlessly for me. My IYKO HANA is a game changer. I use it to hold all my core products, the ones I know I will reach for every time. It keeps everything neat, accessible, and elevated. Investing in your kit is so important, not just for how it looks, but for how efficiently it allows you to work. A thoughtful, well-presented setup sets the tone for the entire client experience.” These days, success looks a little different than it did when she first started. “My definition of success has definitely changed over time. When I first started, it was all about hitting certain milestones, but now I see it differently. I truly believe you can achieve anything if you’re willing to put in the work. If I decided tomorrow to start a makeup brand, I’d back myself to make it happen and make it a success.” “I’m naturally very driven and goal focused. I don’t really switch off, and for me, self-care often looks like getting things done and staying productive. That, and the occasional Botox appointment. I feel happiest when I’m achieving and moving forward.” “Right now, I’m focused on growing the agency, continuing to build my career, and staying open to wherever this journey takes me. There’s so much more I want to do, and I’m just excited for what’s next.” You can take a look at Katie Daisy's work on her website and Instagram
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