IS YOUR KIT ORGANIZED?
The IYKO HANA Pro Kit Backpack | The Ultimate Makeup Artist Kit Bag for Pros
The IYKO HANA Pro Kit Backpack | The Ultimate Makeup Artist Kit Bag for Pros
Makeup Artist Kit Bag: Your Ultimate Travel Companion
“This is everything you need in a makeup artist kit bag. Durable, sleek, functional, and designed to make your life easier at work — your new MUA bestie named after my actual best friend.”
– Natalie Rose Vella, Founder of IYKO Professional
Why You'll Love It
The IYKO HANA Pro Kit Backpack is not your average makeup artist kit bag. Designed by a professional MUA with real experience, this bag was created to solve the daily challenges makeup artists face — from climbing stairs to navigating tight spaces or travelling between clients. Its compact design is deceivingly spacious, with smart compartments that help you stay organised without the bulk of a traditional suitcase.
Comfort was key in the design. This makeup artist kit bag features padded backpack straps and a reinforced frame, so even when fully loaded, it remains supportive and structured. You can carry it all day without feeling weighed down, and your products stay protected no matter where the job takes you.
With a clean, professional finish and a focus on function, this is a kit bag that elevates how you work. Whether you’re on weddings, red carpets or editorial sets, it’s built for artists who take their craft seriously.
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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 or the dreaded PEBBLED DRIVEWAYS (iykyk) this bag has made me excited for jobs again, it carries everything I need and more and is so sturdy. You can tell this was designed by an MUA, I love mine and will never go back." - Lena K.
5TH OCTOBER 2025
Join our founder, Professional Makeup Artist & Educator - Natalie Rose Vella for a one-of-a-kind, immersive masterclass designed for artists who want to go deeper than just trends.
COMBO OFFER
Add the IYKO HANA Pro Kit Backpack to your basket alongside your Artistry: Decoded ticket, and you’ll automatically receive £50 off your total at checkout.
Breakdown:
🎟 Masterclass Ticket: £100
🧳 IYKO HANA Pro Kit Backpack: £189
Total: £289
Bundle Price: £239
Discount is automatically applied at checkout when both items are in the same order.
Perfect for artists who want to level up their skills and their kit in one go.
The IYKO Professional Gift Card
The IYKO Professional Gift Card
Give the gift of organisation with our gift card options. Kits are expensive, show your appreciation to the Makeup Artist in your life with a gift card, varying amounts based on your budget and whatever contribution you wish to make towards your MUA's dream kitbag.
There is no expiry date.
THE IYKO BLOG
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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How to Streamline Your Makeup Kit Without Sacrificing Quality
How to Streamline Your Makeup Kit Without Sacrificing Quality. As a working makeup artist, your kit is your mobile studio. But when your shoulders are aching and your suitcase is bursting at the seams, it might be time to re-evaluate what you're carrying. The truth is, a well-edited kit doesn't mean compromising on quality, it means working smarter. Here's how to streamline your makeup kit without losing the performance, versatility, or impact your clients expect. 1. Invest in Multi-Use Products This goes without saying, the best way to save space without cutting corners is to prioritise products that serve more than one purpose. Think formulas that work on lips, cheeks, and eyes (like Danessa Myricks ColorFix), or palettes that offer mixable shades for foundation, contour, and concealer. Are you carrying too many shades of one item that you could easily mix with a mixing medium or colour adjuster? Can you find a product that replaces two different products in your kit? Not only do these reduce bulk, but they also create a personalised, tailored experience for your client. As mentioned above, Danessa Myricks ColorFix is a firm favourite in our founder Natalie’s kit. She uses them not only to adjust the tone of complexion products, but also to custom-create shades for blush, lipstick, and even colour correction. 2. Repackage Smartly You don't need to carry every product in its original packaging. Decanting into travel pots, palettes, or pump bottles saves serious space and weight. Look for stackable or magnetic systems that let you customise your layout while keeping everything visible and hygienic. For those makeup artists that don't want to condense their luxury items (packaging is way too pretty, right?!), look out for luxury brands that offer streamlined packaging. You can also switch out certain products for more kit-friendly versions that you can decant, which helps you justify keeping a few luxe favourites in their full packaging. Natalie loves condensed systems like M·Y·O and Artist Kit Company, both of which offer professional, sleek palette options that pair perfectly with the IYKO HANA’s aesthetic and internal layout. 3. Condense Your Tools Brush belts can become a black hole of excess. Narrow it down to your core essentials – brushes that can multitask, like a domed fluffy brush that works for both powder and blush. Get rid of the brushes you use once in a blue moon, and double up on the ones you reach for time and time again. Quality of choice over quantity here is key. Lightweight brushes with slim, tapered handles will be your best friend. While bulky brushes might look luxe, the weight and space they take up adds up fast... especially when you need multiples of each brush type. 4. Use a Bag Designed With Artists in Mind A high-functioning kit bag can make or break your workflow. Look for one that maximises interior space while remaining lightweight and compact. Bonus points for separate compartments, custom inserts, and easy access. The IYKO HANA Pro Kit Backpack, for example, was designed by a working MUA to solve a multitude of common MUA kit problems, with a vertical lid layout that keeps all your products visible, tailored compartments for ultimate organisation, and a sleek, compact structure that won’t buckle under pressure. Whether you're commuting, flying, or navigating tight backstage spaces, it's made to support the way artists ACTUALLY work. 5. Edit Regularly Your kit isn’t static! Seasonal jobs, trends, and your evolving taste mean you should revisit what's in your bag at least once every 3 months. Remove expired products, anything you haven’t touched in months, and duplicates you don’t reach for. You'd be surprised how many products stay in your kit out of habit, not because they’re actually earning their space and as you read this we know you can think of the exact products in your own kit that we are referring to! 6. Think Job-Specific Tailor your kit to the job. Bridal? Bring your soft-focus skin essentials. Editorial? Pack for pigment and experimentation. Having a few pre-packed modular kits you can swap in and out helps keep things lean while still being prepared. The IYKO HANA’s multiple compartments and lid pouches make it easy to organise your kit by job type, so you're never hauling more than you need. Final Thoughts Streamlining doesn’t mean stripping down to the bare minimum and fighting for your life to 'make it work', it means refining your kit, like deleting unused apps from your phone — you free up space, everything loads faster, and you’re only left with what you actually use. By curating with intention, you create a kit that works harder for you, not the other way around. Your back, your clients, and your future self will thank you. And with a thoughtfully designed kit bag like the IYKO HANA, staying organised and streamlined becomes second nature.
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