The HMUA Assistant Survival Kit: What to Bring, What to Know & Why Communication Is Everything

So… You Just Booked Your First Day-Player Gig. Now What?

You got the call.

You booked the indie film.

You’re officially working as a Hair & Makeup Assistant on set.

Cue the excitement… followed immediately by:

“Ummm… what exactly am I supposed to bring?” 😂

I recently had the opportunity to work as a day player on an indie film as a Hair & Makeup Assistant, and it reminded me of something important:

Being a great HMUA assistant isn't just about knowing how to apply makeup or style hair.

It’s about being prepared, organized, observant, flexible, professional, and—probably most importantly—a really good communicator.

Film sets move FAST. Things change. Call times change. Scenes get moved around. Actors get added. Continuity matters. Someone needs a touch-up. Someone suddenly needs a wig adjusted. And sometimes you’re standing there thinking:

“Wait… what are we doing now?”

That's when communication becomes your best friend.

So, let's talk about what you should actually have in your HMUA assistant kit—and how to show up on set ready to be the person every department wants to work with.

First Things First: You're an Assistant

This may sound obvious, but it's one of the most important things to understand.

When you're working as an HMUA assistant, you're there to support the Head of Hair & Makeup and the department.

That means your job isn't necessarily to come onto set and immediately start creating your own interpretation of a look.

Even if you are a talented artist.

Even if you have years of experience.

Even if you think you know exactly what the character needs.

You still need to understand the department's creative direction and chain of command.

Your Head of Department (HOD) has likely already discussed the characters, looks, continuity, references, director's vision, and overall aesthetic with production.

Your job is to help bring their vision to life.

And that means:

ASK QUESTIONS.

If you're unsure about something, ask.

It's much better to say:

“Would you like me to keep this look soft and natural?”

than to spend 30 minutes creating something completely different from what the HOD wanted.

The Golden Rule: Get Your Looks Approved

This deserves its own section because it is SO important.

If you're creating or changing a character's hair or makeup look, make sure it has been approved by the appropriate person—especially the Head of Hair & Makeup.

Don't assume.

Don't freestyle.

Don't think:

“They'll love it.”

Maybe they will!

But maybe the director wants something completely different.

Maybe the character has a specific continuity requirement.

Maybe the makeup needs to match a scene filmed two days earlier.

Maybe the hair needs to look slightly messy because the character has been awake for 24 hours.

Maybe the “perfect” makeup you created is actually completely wrong for the story.

Film makeup isn't always about making someone look beautiful.

It's about making the character look right for the story.

Before starting a look, ask:

“Is this the direction you're looking for?”

And once you have approval, you're good to go.

This little step can save you—and your department—A LOT of headaches.

Your HMUA Assistant Survival Kit

Now let's get to the fun part.

What should actually be in your kit?

You don't necessarily need to bring your entire professional kit unless you've been specifically asked to.

But you should have your assistant essentials ready to go.

🧴 1. Your Basic Makeup Supplies

Depending on the production and what you've been asked to provide, consider having:

Important: Find out ahead of time what the department is providing and what you're expected to bring.

Don't show up with a 50-pound kit when the HOD already has everything covered.

And don't show up with nothing because you assumed everything would be provided.

Ask.

💇‍♀️ 2. Hair Essentials

If you're assisting with both hair and makeup, your hair kit should be practical.

Think:

“What can save the day?”

You may want (Also, make room in your set bag for some of these essentials):

And PLEASE don't forget:

Extra pins.

You can never have too many bobby pins on a film set.

Seriously.

They have a mysterious way of disappearing.

🎬 3. Film-Specific Essentials

This is where working on set becomes different from doing someone's makeup for a party or wedding.

Continuity is EVERYTHING.

Bring something to help you keep track of what you're doing.

A notebook is your best friend.

Write down things like:

  • Character name
  • Actor name
  • Scene number
  • Hair style
  • Makeup details
  • Products used when necessary
  • Part placement
  • Curl direction
  • Hair accessories
  • Makeup placement
  • Injuries or SFX details
  • Dirt, sweat, blood, bruising, etc.
  • Changes made during the day

And take continuity photos when appropriate and when permitted by the department.

A quick photo can save you later when someone asks:

“How did we have her hair in Scene 14?”

You don't want to be standing there thinking:

“Uhhh… I think it was over there?” 😂

📱 4. Your Phone Is a Tool—Use It Professionally (PUT IT ON SILENT!)

Your phone can be incredibly useful on set.

Use it for:

  • Taking approved continuity photos
  • Checking references
  • Communicating with the department
  • Checking call sheets
  • Keeping notes
  • Setting timers
  • Checking scene information

But remember:

A film set is not your personal content studio.

Before taking photos or posting anything from set, make sure you have permission.

Some productions have strict confidentiality and social-media policies.

Never assume that because you took the photo, you're automatically allowed to post it.

When in doubt:

ASK.

👟 5. What You Wear Matters

You're probably going to be moving.

A LOT.

You may be standing for hours, carrying supplies, bending down, walking between departments, working in tight spaces, or running back to the HMUA trailer.

So this isn't the day for uncomfortable shoes just because they're cute.

Think:

Comfortable + professional + practical.

Wear:

  • Comfortable closed-toe shoes
  • Clothing you can move in
  • Layers
  • Neutral or production-appropriate clothing
  • Minimal jewelry
  • Hair secured if necessary

And wear something you don't mind getting product on.

Because somehow, makeup finds EVERYTHING.

🎒 6. Your Personal “Survival” Items

Don't forget yourself!

Bring:

  • Water bottle
  • Snacks
  • Phone charger
  • Portable battery
  • Deodorant
  • Lip balm
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Personal medications if needed
  • Sunscreen
  • Small umbrella or rain protection if working outdoors
  • Notebook and pen
  • Extra socks
  • Cash/card
  • Comfortable layers

And please…

EAT.

Film sets can get chaotic.

You may think:

“I'll eat when we finish this scene.”

Then suddenly it's three hours later.

Keep a snack nearby when appropriate.

A hungry HMUA is not a happy HMUA. 😂

🧠 The Most Important Thing You Can Bring: A Good Attitude

You can have the most amazing kit in the world and still be difficult to work with.

And trust me—people remember that.

Your attitude matters.

Be:

Reliable.

If call time is 6:00 AM, don't arrive at 6:00 AM.

Arrive early enough to be ready to work at 6:00 AM.

Flexible.

Things will change.

They always do.

Helpful.

If your HOD is juggling five things at once, look for ways to make their job easier.

Observant.

Pay attention to what is happening around you.

You don't always have to be told what needs to happen next.

Respectful.

Treat everyone on set with respect—from the director to the production assistants.

You never know who you'll work with again.

🗣️ Communication Is EVERYTHING

If I could give a new HMUA assistant only one piece of advice, this might be it:

COMMUNICATE.

Don't disappear.

Don't assume.

Don't guess.

Don't keep quiet because you're afraid of asking a question.

If you are confused, communicate.

If you finish your task, communicate.

If you notice a continuity issue, communicate.

If you need more time, communicate.

If you're missing supplies, communicate.

If an actor has a concern, communicate it to the appropriate person.

And if you're not sure whether something is okay?

Ask before doing it.

A simple:

“What would you like me to do next?”

can go a long way.

🚨 What NOT to Do

There are a few things that can quickly turn a good day into a bad one.

❌ Don't change an approved look without permission.

❌ Don't tell an actor to change something without going through the proper department.

❌ Don't contradict your HOD in front of talent or production.

❌ Don't post behind-the-scenes content without permission.

❌ Don't complain constantly.

❌ Don't disappear when things get busy.

❌ Don't assume someone else will clean your station.

❌ Don't leave your tools scattered everywhere.

❌ Don't gossip about actors, crew, or production.

❌ Don't be afraid to ask questions.

Remember:

Professionalism will take you just as far as talent.

🧼 Keep Your Station CLEAN

This one seems simple, but it matters.

Your workspace should stay organized.

Clean as you work.

Dispose of disposables properly.

Sanitize your tools.

Keep products organized.

Don't let your workspace become a disaster zone.

A clean station makes it easier to work quickly—and it shows that you take your craft seriously.

And obviously, follow the production's sanitation and department protocols.

🎥 Remember: You're Part of a Bigger Machine

One of the coolest things about working in film is realizing how many people have to work together to create one scene.

Hair.

Makeup.

Wardrobe.

Lighting.

Camera.

Sound.

Props.

Production.

Directing.

Actors.

And so many more.

Your job may seem small in the grand scheme of the production, but it isn't.

If the actor's hair is wrong, the camera sees it.

If the makeup doesn't match continuity, the audience can see it.

If a character suddenly has a completely different hairstyle between shots, someone is going to notice.

Your work contributes to the story.

That's pretty amazing.

⭐ My Biggest Takeaway From Working as a Day-Player HMUA

Walking onto a film set as a day player is exciting.

But it can also be intimidating.

You're walking into a department where people may already know each other. They may have worked together before. They may already have a system.

Your job isn't to walk in and prove that you're the best person in the room.

Your job is to walk in and show them:

“I'm here. I'm prepared. I'm listening. I'm ready to help.”

That's it.

Be someone they can trust.

Be someone who communicates.

Be someone who takes direction.

Be someone who pays attention.

Be someone who can adapt when the schedule changes.

And most importantly:

Respect the creative vision of the department.

Your personal creativity absolutely matters—but on a professional film set, creativity needs to work within the story, the character, the director's vision, and the HOD's direction.

That's what makes you a great team player.

🎬 The Ultimate HMUA Assistant Checklist

Before you leave for set, ask yourself:

Do I have…

✔️ My basic makeup supplies?

✔️ Hair tools and accessories?

✔️ Disposable applicators?

✔️ Sanitation supplies?

✔️ Notebook and pen?

✔️ Phone + charger?

✔️ Water?

✔️ Snacks?

✔️ Comfortable shoes?

✔️ Appropriate clothing?

✔️ My call sheet and/or schedule?

✔️ Any special supplies the HOD requested?

✔️ A good attitude?

And most importantly…

Do I know what the Head of Hair & Makeup expects from me?

If the answer is yes—

YOU'RE READY.

Final Thoughts

Every film set is different.

Every HOD works differently.

Every production has different expectations.

And every gig is another opportunity to learn something new.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Don't be afraid to take notes. Don't be afraid to learn from the people around you.

Because being an HMUA assistant isn't just about assisting.

It's about building relationships, learning the industry, developing your skills, and becoming someone people want to hire again.

And honestly?

Getting that text or call that says:

“Hey, are you available for our next project?”

That's one of the best feelings in the business.

So pack your kit, charge your phone, grab your coffee, bring your bobby pins…

…and GO MAKE MOVIE MAGIC. 🎬✨



Let’s Stay Connected 💋

Want to follow along, see my latest work, or check out what I’ve been creating behind the scenes?

Come connect with me!

📸 Instagram

@crisevera.theartist

Follow me for makeup, hair, beauty, behind-the-scenes work, film projects, bridal glam, SFX, and everything in between.

🌐 Portfolio Website

Cris E Vera Portfolio

Take a look at my professional portfolio and explore my work as a Hair & Makeup Artist, SFX Artist, and creative professional.

🎬 IMDb

IMDb Profile

See my film and television credits and follow along as my work in the industry continues to grow.

Thanks for reading, and I'll see you on set! 🎬💄✨

⚠️ Gentle Disclaimer

I am a Professional Makeup Artist, but I am not a licensed esthetician or dermatologist.
All products mentioned are based on my 10+ years of experience, my personal kit favorites, and recommendations shared among artists I’ve worked with.
Some links are affiliate links through Amazon Associates, which means I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you — when you shop through them.

Comments

Post a Comment