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.
Shop: Molly’s Muji must-haves
uk.muji.eu
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
- Sell out often
uk.muji.eu
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
- Durable material
Cons
- Will need cleaned regularily
uk.muji.eu
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
- A bargain
Cons
- This one goes in and out of stock
uk.muji.eu
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