6 days ago
This High Street Store Is The Make-Up Artists Best Kept Secret
Walk past a Muji store on the high street and you'd be forgiven for, well, walking straight past. It's not exactly a shop that sparks excitement. Its muted colour palette doesn't exactly beckon you in. That said, I might have to reconsider after catching up with top make-up artist Molly Grey, who's painted the faces of countless celebrities - turns out she swears by Muji as as something of an organisational mecca.
Wait, what? But there's nothing remotely glamorous about Muji, I hear you cry! Well, that's where those in the know would beg to differ. While glamour might be a stretch, Muji is home to solid, well-designed beauty essentials that allow you to organise, refine, and streamline your kit.
'As a busy make-up artist, I'm always looking for tools that help me condense my kit and make my workflow simpler. I've always turned to Muji for affordable yet practical tools to add to my set-up,' says Molly.
And it makes sense - Muji's philosophy is a simple one, grounded in the Japanese principles of form, function, and minimalism. 'We exist to enable a simple and beautiful life through meaningful and useful products,' they say. And that's precisely what they deliver.
Expect a clever curation of containers, binders, boxes, and storage solutions that not only work hard but are created with sustainability in mind. While a Muji purchase mightn't spark excitement for the magpies among us (guilty) when it's time to think practically you just can't go wrong. Shop Molly's Muji must-haves below. 1.
Thin Cotton Buds 200 pack
What Muji says: 'The slim design of our cotton buds enables pleasing precision. Crafted on a paper stick in 100% cotton bud that is gentle on the skin.'
What we know: Not only are these dinky cotton buds excellent value for money, but they're beautifully soft too, minimising skin irritation.
Make-up artist Molly Grey says: 'The Muji thin cotton buds have been a staple in my kit for years, they're amazing for cleaning up a liner to make it super sharp. I love that they're 100% cotton on a paper stick, meaning they're biodegradable and come in a refillable packaging. Having eco-friendly products in my kit is a necessity.' Pros Excellent value - £200 in there
Made with a paper stick Cons 2.
Muji PP Double Card Case
What Muji says: 'A PP card case which can be opened in two ways and hold up to 30 business.' cards.
What we know: While this one mightn't look very exciting, it serves to be an all-rounder in a make-up artist kit bag - I'll allow Molly to explain. Plus, it's made from 100% polypropylene meaning it's incredibly light weight and durable.
Make-up artist Molly Grey says: 'Hygiene is always super important to me when working - I love the PP double card case for busy times on set when working across multiple models or when on location. I can decant products for touch ups in the opening side and pop blotting papers in the back pocket. I then label with the client or models name before slotting them easily in my brush belt or set bag. They are incredibly handy and aren't just for business cards!' Pros Cons Will need cleaned regularily 3.
Acrylic Cylinder Container with Lid
What Muji says: 'This scratch‐resistant container can be used for a variety of purposes, including collection display, and as a divider.
What we know: Small but mighty, this hardy, durable container is a great addition to your dressing table. Hoard lip or eye pencils? Why not use it as an excuse to whip out your label maker and get organising.'
Make-up artist Molly Grey says: 'Flitting between shoots and catwalks mean I'm often in a rush - I don't want anything to get crumpled or squashed when I'm quickly cramming things into my kit. I swear by this container for keeping my cotton pads in shape. I simply pop them in and they stay fresh and protected all day. It's a little thing, but it makes a huge impact. Pros Cons This one goes in and out of stock 4.
PP 2 Drawer Unit 2 Drawers
What Muji says: 'This PP drawer unit features two drawers for storing CDs or personal belongings or delicates.'
What we know: These transparent stackable drawers are a great option for keeping your beauty edit organised.
Make-up artist Molly Grey says: 'Muji also offer a wide range of desk storage and reusable plastic storage boxes which I use to organise all of my cosmetics. I pop one inside my bathroom drawer and another on top of my dressing table. I also have one in the corner of my room to house excess kit products. They are so useful.' Pros Durable
Easy to see inside Cons One of Muji's more expensive offerings
Rachael Martin is Grazia's Beauty Director. Originally from Northern Ireland, she studied English Literature at Queen's University Belfast, before moving to London to pursue a career in magazine journalism
