
As a beginner, starting your make-up can feel overwhelming. There are thousands of trending products, techniques and brands available across all social media platforms and it is often unclear where you should begin. In reality, you do not require a large variety of products to start your make-up journey, but instead an easy-to-use and manageable make-up kit that covers all the essential beauty categories, allows you to learn about make-up application and will grow with your developing skills.
This guide will show you what products are essential in a beginner’s make-up kit and why each of these products is important for a beginner to consider when building their first beauty bag.
- Start with a Simple Base: Primer, Foundation and Concealer
To begin, a good beginner’s make-up kit starts with a smooth base. The first step should be primer, as it prepares your skin for the application of make-up, reduces the amount of oil produced by your skin, fills in any open pores and ensures that your make-up remains on your skin for a longer period of time. When selecting a primer to use as a beginner, you should base your decision on your skin type (hydrating primers are best for dry skin; mattifying primers work best for oily skin; and those with textured skin are best suited for pore minimising primers).
For beginners, the next step will be applying foundation, which can be an overwhelming process. The best choice for beginner makeup artists is a sheer foundation or tinted moisturizer because they provide a more natural look than traditional foundations and also require less experience working with makeup brushes and beauty-blenders than other types of products. A good choice for new users is a medium coverage foundation, as it will help to create an even complexion without the weight of full coverage foundations. If you have dry skin, choose a dewy-hydrating type of foundation; if your skin is oily or combination, a matte or semi-matte will work best for you.
Concealers are an essential item in every beginner’s makeup kit because they allow for correction of imperfections, such as dark blemishes and skin-tones, and under eye circles. An excellent choice for a concealer is a creamy consistency that makes it easy to apply. It is recommended to select a colour that matches your natural skin tone for covering and correcting imperfections, and an additional shade lighter than your foundation in order to brighten the area surrounding your eyes.
- Compact or Loose Powder for Setting Your Base
It’s impossible to have a Base without Setting. A compact powder is an easy-to-use product for beginners as it is simple to apply and prevents creasing. Loose powder is very finely milled, making it fantastic for someone who is looking for a more soft and focused appearance but will require more work to perfect. If you are a beginner, the easiest way to learn how to apply Powder is by using a pressed compact. If you have been applying makeup for a while, but are not sure how to shade it to match your compact powder, you should always try to use a translucent powder.
- Eyebrow Pencil for Natural Definition
Eyebrows are often overlooked by many beginners but they play a major role in defining the look of the facial structure and helping to elevate the overall appearance of any makeup look. An advanced brow pomade is not necessary; instead, choose an eyebrow pencil (for beginners) or a retractable pen for a quick and easy application. The colour of the eyebrow pencil should be as close to your natural eyebrow colour as possible. Look for a pencil that has a spoolie, which allows you to easily blend out any hard or harsh lines; the result will give you a more natural-looking eyebrow.
- Eyeshadow Palette with Basic Shades
As a beginner, you do not need a 30-colour eyeshadow palette; however, you can create many easy looks by choosing a simple palette with 4 to 6 colours in neutral shades of browns, taupes, and a shimmer colour. Avoid having too many vibrant colours in your palette at the beginning. By using matte browns, you will learn how to blend, transition shade, and place depth within your eye looks.
- Eyeliner and Kajal for Everyday Definition
Kajal or eyeliner is commonly used in Indian makeup; they are two items that are vital in your everyday routine. Pencil pencil is the easiest form of liner to use for a beginner; they make it easy to correct mistakes and smudge for a softer look. Liquid liners take more practice to use correctly, save liquid liners for a later date. When choosing which type of eyeliner to use, be sure to choose a waterproof formula; this will ensure you can wear your eyeliner makeup all day long, even if you suffer from watery eyes.
- Mascara for Volumised and Defined Lashes
Adding mascara opens up the eyes and creates a larger and brighter effect. When starting out, it is best for a beginner to look for a lengthening mascara and a mascara with a mild amount of volume that does not clump. Although waterproof mascara lasts longer and can withstand swimming or water sports, beginners should use washable formulas since they are easier to remove.
- Blush for a Healthy Flush of Colour
Adding a small amount of blush can give an added glow to your complexion. Cream blush is the easiest type of blush for beginners; cream blush blends easily with the fingers and gives a more natural finish when applied. Powder blush works better for those with oily skin types. Choose shades that resemble peach, coral or soft pink since they complement most Indian skin tones.
- Highlighter for Subtle Glow
Highlighters might seem extra, but a tiny amount on the cheekbones, nose, and brow bone gives a soft radiance. Avoid chunky glitter formulas. Stick or cream highlighters are easier for beginners because they give a subtle glow and are hard to overapply.
- Lipstick or Tinted Lip Balm
A beginner kit doesn’t need twenty lipsticks. Start with three versatile shades: a nude, a pink and a deeper shade like berry or brick. If you prefer low-maintenance products, tinted lip balms are perfect because they hydrate and add a hint of colour.
- Brushes and Tools
Makeup application tools are as important as the products themselves. All beginner kits should have at least a foundation brush or sponge, a fluffy powder brush, a blush brush and a small blending brush for eyeshadow. While sponges produce a more natural finish, they need to be dampened before using. Brushes will last longer and give users more control over their application’s outcome. Good quality brushes provide better blending and shed less material than inferior quality brushes.
- Makeup Remover and Basic Skincare
Do not skip removing your makeup. Always have a gentle makeup remover or micellar water on hand. For heavy or waterproof makeup, opt for a cleansing balm. Cleansing is an essential step and not doing so could result in clogged pores and breakouts. A basic skin care regime that consists of cleanser, moisturiser, and sunscreen will provide a better base for makeup application.
How to Choose Products Based on Skin Type
- If you have oily skin: use matte foundation, compact powder, oil-free primer, and powder blush.
- If you have dry skin: use hydrating primer, dewy foundation, cream concealer, and cream blushes.
- If you have combination skin: use a hydrating base but set oily areas with powder.
- If you have sensitive skin: avoid using products with heavy fragrances, and use dermatologically tested products.
Smart Shopping Tips for Beginners Using Coupon Platforms
When assembling a make-up kit, the expense shouldn’t put you in debt. New to make-ups tend to buy excess products because of fashion trends. A smarter way to obtain your desired products is to use free coupons and promotional codes to keep your costs down while still purchasing high-quality items using websites like Barakatalan.
By utilizing coupon platforms, beauty and personal care product shoppers will learn the price patterns of many brands. For example, many beauty brands offer monthly sales, seasonal promotions, bundle discounts and loyalty rewards programs to their customers.Â
Final Thoughts
A basic makeup kit intended for beginners does not need to be complicated. By focusing on essential items that suit your skin type, you can start using these simple products and build confidence as you learn more advanced techniques and professional-grade products. As you become more comfortable with using basic makeup items, you can experiment with new techniques and higher-quality products. Therefore, with the proper essentials and experience, any person can effectively create an easy make-up routine.