Beginner Makeup Starter Kit (MAKEUP + BRUSHES) | MAKEUP FOR BEGINNERS | Maya Galore
If you’ve just started venturing into the world of makeup, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed by the abundance of products in the makeup aisle. Don’t you worry, because we’re taking it back to the basics. You only need a bunch of makeup staples to build your makeup bag from scratch. Also, it does not take mad makeup skills to use these products.
Want to know more? We’ve rounded up some of the best makeup essentials for your makeup bag, newbie. You’re welcome!
11 Makeup Staples Every Woman Needs To Have In Her Makeup Bag
1. Moisturizer
Ladies, we can’t stress the importance of moisturizing your face enough before you go in with any kind of makeup. It is the perfect base for your makeup. Not only does it hydrate your skin, but it also protects its moisture barrier. You shouldn’t skip moisturizing even if you have oily skin because it helps regulate oil production. Find a product that works for your skin type and use it religiously after cleansing and toning your face. It is even better if you find one with SPF as it protects your skin from sun damage and hyperpigmentation. Remember – a clean canvas is key for flawless makeup application.
It’s a good idea to use a moisturizer that’s lightweight and gets quickly absorbed into your skin. We highly recommend the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream. This one’s a cult favorite, and once you apply it, your foundation and concealer will blend into your skin like a dream. It also works well with all skin types.
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| # | PREVIEW | PRODUCT | RATING | PRICE | |
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| 1 |  | Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Gel Daily Face Moisturizer for Dry Skin,... | 5,987 Reviews | $15.63 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |  | CeraVe Moisturizing Cream | 19 Ounce | Daily Face and Body Moisturizer for Dry Skin | Packaging May... | 6,513 Reviews | $17.21 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |  | Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Gel-Cream Face Moisturizer to Hydrate & Smooth... | 4,446 Reviews | $16.44 | Buy on Amazon |
2. Primer
If you want your makeup to stay put through the day, a primer works like magic. It not only creates a smooth and flawless base but also makes foundation application a whole lot easier.
So, if you’re dealing with concerns like large pores or redness, your primer will take care of it all, giving you velvety soft skin and minimizing the appearance of pores. If you have never tried it, it’s about time you do because it makes a world of difference to how your makeup looks by the end of the day.
One of the best primers to start with is the POREfessional Face Primer from Benefit Cosmetics. It is a silky, lightweight, and oil-free formula that mattifies shine and instantly minimizes the appearance of fine lines and large pores. It also contains vitamin E, which is known to protect your skin from free radicals. You can also use this to spot-conceal by applying it over blemishes and blending it out.
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3. Foundation
Your foundation is the key to getting flawless looking skin (after your skincare routine, of course.) It’s also the hardest thing to get right when it comes to your makeup routine. Why? Because you have to consider a few things before you head to the store to buy a formula. First, is this the coverage you want? And second, will this work for your skin type and undertone?
If you are new to wearing foundation, it is important to either test it on your face or jawline before buying. Or head to your nearest department store (or a MAC or Sephora) and let a makeup artist help you pick a shade that matches your complexion and fits your coverage needs. You can also request a sample if you want to see how a formula works for your skin before making your purchase.
We recommend the Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation if you are looking for a lightweight formula that offers seamless coverage. It keeps your skin healthy and hydrated and doesn’t feel like you have makeup on. This is available in a diverse range of 40 shades.
It is suitable for all skin types and leaves you with a very natural finish.
Tip: Apply your foundation with a damp beauty sponge and blend it out nicely for a beautiful, flawless finish.
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| # | PREVIEW | PRODUCT | RATING | PRICE | |
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| 1 |  | Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation, Natural Beige, 1 Fl. Oz (Pack of 1) (Packaging May Vary) | 2,800 Reviews | $5.33 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |  | Covergirl & Olay Simply Ageless Instant Wrinkle-Defying Foundation, Medium Light | 2,208 Reviews | $11.19 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |  | Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation Makeup, Buff Beige, 1 fl. oz. Oil-Free... | 14,445 Reviews | $5.34 | Buy on Amazon |
4. Concealer
Concealer is one of the most essential items in your makeup stash. It is a basic (and we’re not saying that in a mean way). Whether you want to cover blemishes, redness, or dark under eye circles – your concealer works like a charm. Typically, it is best to apply concealer after your foundation because if you do it the other way round, you’ll end up smearing it. If you want to go easy with the makeup and feel like skipping foundation some days, you can just use your concealer to spot-conceal and end up looking flawless and put together anyway.
It can be a little tricky to find a concealer that’s perfect for you as you need to consider a few factors like its consistency, coverage, and staying power. You can choose from a liquid, cream or stick concealer depending on the coverage you want.
We recommend trying the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, which is ideal for all skin types. Its multi-action formula instantly hides imperfections and blurs the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This one’s free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. Also, it provides medium to full, buildable coverage and is available in 26 shades.
Tip: For your under-eyes, pick a shade that’s no more than two shades lighter than your natural skin tone. This will prevent those bright white rings under your eyes. For your face, pick a shade that exactly matches your foundation.
[ Read – NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer Shades ]
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5. Blush
When blush is applied correctly, it can instantly lift up your face and give you that gorgeous, youthful glow. It is best to choose a color that complements your skin tone. A color that is too bright for your skin tone look loud and very fake. Choose a shade that subtly adds color to your face and sculpts your cheeks.
If you are a beginner, it’s a good idea to start off with a powder blush. For the application, pick a fluffy brush that’s tapered along the sides as it targets the correct areas. Remember, always apply your blush with a light and gentle hand, and use soft, circular motions to blend out the color. Blend a bit into the hairline, on the tip of your nose, and jawline for a natural-looking flush of color.
We recommend the NARS Blush to all you freshers. This is a pressed-powder blush that delivers healthy-looking color to flatter any skin tone. It is available in about 21 different shades and is really easy to use.
Tip: Coral, light pink, or peach tones work well on light to medium skin tones and plum, rose and deeper shades work well on dusky skin.
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| # | PREVIEW | PRODUCT | RATING | PRICE | |
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| 1 |  | Milani Baked Blush - Luminoso (0.12 Ounce) Cruelty-Free Powder Blush - Shape, Contour & Highlight... | 5,601 Reviews | $6.38 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |  | COVERGIRL Classic Color Blush, Iced Plum (510) (Packaging May Vary) | 444 Reviews | $5.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |  | Maybelline New York Fit Me Blush, Berry, 0.16 fl. oz. | 1,369 Reviews | $5.43 | Buy on Amazon |
6. Nude Eyeshadow Palette
When it comes to doing your eyes, a nude eyeshadow palette is all you need. Just like your favorite pair of jeans, this palette is essential for a beginner to practice the technique of eyeshadow application.
What we love most about a nude eyeshadow palette is how it consists of all the colors you’ll need to create a perfect natural makeup look. It is incredibly versatile and can never go out of style.
We recommend the Urban Decay Naked Eyeshadow Palette for you beginners. It is loaded with 12 shadows in different textures that are insanely pigmented.
7. Eyeliner
Eyeliner is an integral part of any makeup look. It could be an elaborate cat-eye or a barely there, natural look that involves just a wee bit of eyeliner. If you’re not very skilled at applying it, it’s best to start off with a pencil eyeliner before moving on to a liquid one. However, you need to make space for both of these in your makeup bag.
The Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil is great for novices. It is super easy to use, and the formula itself is creamy, long-lasting, and waterproof. And the best part? It comes in 46 shades! The brown and black shades are must-haves.
8. Mascara
A mascara, with its magical wand, can transform your eyes and instantly amp up those lashes with more volume, definition, and length. It is the one makeup tool that will instantly make you look bright-eyed in the morning (even if you did not get your full 8 hours of sleep). When you’re choosing a mascara, you need to consider factors like the brush shape and what the formula is designed to do.
The best mascara for beginners is the L’Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara. It is incredibly pigmented and does not smudge or flake.
Tip: It is best to curl your lashes BEFORE applying mascara because curling them afterward will not only break your lashes off but also get product all over your curler.
9. Makeup Brushes
The way your makeup turns out depends a lot on the brushes that you use. As a beginner, you don’t need or want a dozen brushes in your makeup bag. You only need a few basic brushes that are perfect to start with.
We recommend trying the Real Techniques Core Collection or a Beauty Blender to start off. These will come in handy for foundation application, concealing, contouring, and buffing.
10. Compact
A pressed powder or a compact comes to the rescue when you are in need of a quick touch-up. Carry it around in your bag because it is quick and easy to use and also helps seal your makeup. We highly recommend it to those with an oily or combination skin type.
Try the Neutrogena Healthy Skin Pressed Powder for picture-perfect, flawless skin. It helps keep shine away and gives you natural coverage.
11. Lipstick
A good lipstick shade can not only help brighten up your face but also prevent it from looking washed out. And when it comes to lip color, the choices are infinite. If you are entirely new to lipstick, we suggest starting off with less pigmented hues and gradually moving to bolder shades.
Try the MAC Lipstick range in neutral shades before moving to darker ones.
To all the makeup amateurs – makeup is meant to enhance your natural beauty, not cover it up. You really only need a bunch of essentials to play around with different looks. Just keep it simple and real.
That was our roundup of the 11 makeup staples every beginner needs to have in their makeup bag. Do you have any go-to products? What are you most excited about trying out? Let us know in the comments section below!
