The Ultimate Guide for a Makeup Noob

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For a makeup beginner, choosing what to buy and start from can be really difficult and leaves a little room for experimenting. Especially now you need to look your best everyday, every time.

Gone are the days, when a simple lip gloss and a little khol was enough to go by day. It is said that Cleopatra bathed in goat’s milk and honey to look her best. We’re all aware of the ancient connection between women and beauty. No wonder the cosmetics and beauty industry is a multi-billion dollar enterprise! Now you need to look your best everyday, 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 comes with a price tag. And all the available options can be overwhelming for a total beginner.

If you walk into a store like Sephora or Ulta and find yourself overwhelmed, it’s probably safe to say you’re quite new to the makeup world. For a beginner, makeup can be quite intimidating. Today there’s such a huge selection of products available which often makes newcomers feel pretty 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 lots of practice, but a little help never hurts. We’ve compiled a “makeup starter kit” of affordable essentials that every newbie needs in order to fully dive into the realm of makeup.

Primer

A primer, while not always essential, will help your makeup go on smoothly and increase its longevity. When choosing a primer, it’s important to take your skin type into consideration. If you have dry skin, you’ll want something hydrating and brightening. If you have oily skin with larger pores, you’ll want something mattifying and blurring.

BB Cream/ Foundation

If you’re new to makeup, try out a BB cream before jumping into the realm of foundation. BB, or “beauty balm,” creams provide light coverage and don’t feel heavy like some foundations can. Overall, they’re a good way to allow your skin to get used to the feel of wearing makeup. Like primers, knowing your skin type is important when choosing a BB cream.

Concealer

Even if you’re hesitant about using face makeup for the first time, a concealer is a must. Concealers contain more pigment than foundation and allow you to cover up things like dark circles or any unwanted blemishes.

Powder

Powder is essential for locking in your makeup and making sure it won’t slip and slide around all day. If you have drier skin, you can usually get away without it but if you have combo/oily skin, it’s a must. The most important part of your face to set is the T-zone-the forehead, nose and chin-as this is the area that produces the most oil.

Bronzer

Bronzer allows you to fake that sunkissed glow all year round. It’s best to apply a warm shade in the shape of a “3” along the sides of your face, hitting your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline.

Blush

Blush, when applied correctly, adds life to your face. A good way to choose a perfect blush is to select a color that mimics your natural flush. Peachier tones tend to look best on those with warm skin, while pink shades flatter those with cool skin.

Highlighter

It’s not a necessary step, but if you want to achieve that gorgeous, lit-from-within glow, you’ll need a highlighter. Highlighters are light, shimmery champagne or golden toned powders or liquids

Brow Pencil

Your brows frame your face and can seriously change your entire look. That’s why it’s important to keep them looking groomed and neat.

Eyeshadow Primer

An eye primer is absolutely essential if you want your eyeshadows to look amazing all day. Eye primers prevent your eyeshadows from creasing, make them appear more vibrant, and help them go on smoothly and blend easily.

Neutral Eyeshadow Palette

Neutral eyeshadows are the most basic and essential thing a makeup beginner needs in their kit. In general, light shades should be applied to your lid, inner corner and brow bone, medium shades to the crease, and dark shades to the outer corner and lower lashline.

Eyeliner Pencil

Eyeliner pencils can intensify any look and really make your eyes pop. Black can be used to add a sultry and smokey effect to your look, brown is perfect for every day definition, and nude can be used in the waterline to really open up the eyes.

Liquid or Gel Eyeliner

A liquid or gel eyeliner will add drama and is the perfect product to take your look from day to night. The formula you choose is your preference, however they both take some practice.

Mascara

If you could only buy one product on this whole list, mascara should be it. It’s amazing what long, full lashes can do for your face. Applying a few generous coats of mascara to both your upper and lower lashes will open up your eyes, brighten up your face and make you look more awake.

Lip Liner

Lip liner is an excellent way to define your lips and increase the longevity of your lipstick.

Lipstick

For a makeup beginner, lipstick is probably the easiest way to really play with different colors and looks. There are a variety of finishes and shades to choose from, and really, it’s all about experimenting!

Lip Gloss

Lip Gloss is a great way to add color and shine to your lips without dealing with the maintenance of a lipstick.