As we embark on the third week of fashion month, take a step back from all the glitz and glamour of the runway to see how the talent behind all the beauty looks manage to prep and lug around such an abundance of products from city to city. 

Hundreds of artists backstage can work on over 5,000 models in just one season and spend on average 12,000 hours backstage. How does one prepare their kit for such circumstances?

We sit down with with make-up artist and Topshop consultant Hannah Murray who gives her top tips for packing for fashion month.

Better to overpack, than underpack 

I don't tend to narrow [my kit] down at all. It's really hard, as you never know what you're going to need. You always take one thing out, and that will be the one thing that you think of. Often I have more stuff [than I need].

Decant

My kit is constantly managed, and I'll have things decanted as I travel all the time and the shows are no different. I have all those Muji storage things where that I decant my lipstick into, and the little pots for crealine or cleanser. Muji is a God-send! 

Essential toolkit

I can't live without cotton buds, wet wipes, tissues...my fingers! I tend to use my fingers more than brushes. 

Key products to pack

Crealine, to cleanse the skin. Vaseline or lip balm that's not scented. I like to use it to highlight the cheek to create a dewy skin or on the eyelids. It's a really versatile product. 

Prepare for everything 

Last season in Paris for the Galliano show, we were traipsing around looking for colouring-in pencils for kids that wash off because we were going to do felt tips all over their bodies! It didn't happen so you just never know and I would never carry that in my kit. We had to source all over Paris for these washable, felt tip pens! 

The lesson? Pack everything and prepare for everything (including those excess baggage fees!). 

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