For a makeup beginner, choosing what to buy and get started can be really difficult and leaves some room for experimentation. Especially now you need to look your best every day, every time.
Gone are the days when a simple lip gloss and a little kohl were enough to get you through the day. Cleopatra is said to have bathed in goat’s milk and honey to look her best. We are all aware of the ancient connection between women and beauty. No wonder the cosmetics and beauty industry is a multi-million dollar business! Now you need to look your best every day, every time. The range of hair products, skin lotions and cosmetics available today is mind-boggling. Buying, maintaining and replenishing beauty products is an expensive affair. After all, vanity has a price. And all the options available can be overwhelming for a total beginner.
If you walk into a store like Sephora or Ulta and feel overwhelmed, it’s probably safe to say that you’re pretty new to makeup. For a beginner, makeup can be quite intimidating. Today there is a huge selection of products available which often makes newcomers quite confused. “What does that do?” “What do I need this for?” The choice seems endless. And more often than not, you end up buying something that doesn’t work for you. Don’t worry. Makeup, like many things, involves trial and error and a lot of practice, but a little help never hurts. We’ve compiled a “makeup starter kit” with affordable essentials every newbie needs to fully immerse themselves in the world of makeup.
primer
A primer, while not always essential, will help your makeup apply smoothly and increase its longevity. When choosing a primer, it’s important to consider your skin type. If you have dry skin, you’ll want something hydrating and brightening. If you have oily skin with larger pores, you’ll want something that mattifies and blurs.
BB/Foundation Cream
If you’re new to makeup, try a BB cream before jumping into the realm of foundation. BB creams, or “beauty balms,” provide light coverage and don’t feel heavy like some foundations. In general, they are a good way to allow your skin to get used to the feeling of wearing makeup. Just like primers, knowing your skin type is important when choosing a BB cream.
Concealer
Even if you are hesitant about wearing face makeup for the first time, a concealer is a must. Concealers contain more pigment than foundation and allow you to cover things like dark circles or any unwanted blemishes.
Dust
Powder is essential for setting makeup and making sure it doesn’t slip or slide throughout the day. If you have drier skin, you can usually do without it, but if you have combination/oily skin, it’s a must. The most important part of your face to fix is the T-zone, the forehead, the nose, and the chin, as this is the area that produces the most fat.
sunbathe
Bronzer lets you simulate that sun-kissed glow all year long. It’s best to apply a warm shade in the shape of a “3” along the sides of the face, hitting the forehead, cheekbones, and jawline.
Blush
Blush, when applied correctly, brings your face to life. A good way to choose the perfect blush is to select a color that mimics your natural blush. The more peachy tones tend to look best on people with warm skin, while the pinkish tones flatter those with cool skin.
Highlighter pen
It’s not a necessary step, but if you want to achieve that beautiful, lit-from-within glow, you’ll need a highlighter. Highlighters are powders or liquids in shimmering light champagne or gold tones.
Eyebrow pencil
Your eyebrows frame your face and can seriously change your entire appearance. That is why it is important that they look neat and orderly.
eyeshadow primer
An eye primer is absolutely essential if you want your eyeshadows to look amazing all day. Eye primers keep eyeshadows from creasing, make them look more vibrant, and help them blend smoothly and blend easily.
Neutral eyeshadow palette
Neutral eyeshadows are the most basic and essential things a makeup beginner needs in their kit. In general, light shades should be applied to the lid, inner corner, and brow bone, medium shades to the crease, and dark shades to the outer corner and lower lash line.
eyeliner pencil
Eyeliner pencils can intensify any look and really make your eyes pop. Black can be used to add a sultry, smoky effect to your look, brown is perfect for everyday definition, and nude can be worn at the waterline to really open up the eyes.
Liquid or gel eyeliner
A liquid or gel liner will add drama and is the perfect product to take your look from day to night. Which formula you choose is your preference, however, both require some practice.
Mask
If you could only buy one product from this entire list, it would have to be a mask. It’s amazing how long bushy lashes can do for your face. Applying a few generous coats of mascara to both the top and bottom lashes will open up your eyes, brighten your face, and make you look more awake.
Lipstick
Lip liner is a great way to define your lips and increase the longevity of your lipstick.
lipstick
For a makeup beginner, lipstick is probably the easiest way to play around with different colors and styles. There are a variety of finishes and shades to choose from, and really, it’s all about experimentation!
Lipgloss
Lip Gloss is a great way to add color and shine to your lips without having to deal with lipstick maintenance.