So you may be wondering what are the tools and products you need to put together your makeup starter kit. Just like a new artist, you need some basic colors and brushes, and as you get more comfortable with your canvas (that will be your beautiful face), you’ll add to your kit. Here are my suggestions for your makeup starter kit:
- Primers: these products have made a huge difference in my makeup. Face primers allow the makeup to essentially float on the surface of your skin, and make your foundation last longer. Eye primers help the eyeshadows last longer and show their true colors. Choose your primer according to your skin needs: go for an oil-free if you have oily skin or regular if you have normal skin.
- Foundation: depending on your skin and tone, choose a foundation
that matches you. If you feel foundation is not for you, then opt for a tinted moisturizer
. I recommend looking for products that have SPF built in.
- Concealer: if you have good skin, you may be able to get away with just concealing spots and blemishes. Choosing the right concealer can be tricky, and just with foundation, it may be a trial-and-error process (it certainly was for me). I recommend concealer palettes that come with color correctors like a green and peach to correct redness and darkeness respectively (the latter is key for undereye circles), and with a range of shades that allow to mix and match to your own skin tone.
- Loose/setting powder: to set your foundation and concealer.
- Blush: look for a blush that resembles your own “flushed” tone (like after you’ve gone out for a run); this will be the most flattering to you. Here is a tip that works: make a fist and look at the pink tone of your knuckles. Match your blush to this natural tone; it will match you!
- Eyeshadows: for your starter kit, I recommend palettes. I go for a neutral palette containing golds, taupes and browns. This is great for everyday wear. Then, go for a fun, colorful one to play up your eyes. I also recommend having a black eyeshadow, matte or with a bit of shimmer. With a black eyeshadow you can take an eye look from day to night by smoking it out.
- Mascara: the best product to make you look wide-eyed if you don’t have time for anything else. Your choice of mascara will depend on your personal preference: do you like volume or length? I personally recommend a volumizing AND a lengthening mascara. I like to apply one coat of each.
- Lipstick: for starters, I recommend a lipstick in a tone that is similar to your natural lip color, maybe a shade or two darker. As you learn about what other colors match your skin tone, then you can expand your arsenal. A natural lipstick will always make you look put together and professional!
- Lipgloss: another great product for those times when you’re in a hurry. Similar to lipstick, I go for one that is similar to your natural lip color.
- An eyelash curler
- An eyebrow comb
- A set of brushes: you can have the best makeup in the entire world, but if you don’t have the right brushes, your makeup is worthless. I recommend the following:
- An all-over eye shadow brush: this large brush is good to apply color all over the eye, and is also good for highlighting under your brow bone.
- A small/medium eyeshadow brush: depending on how much “canvas” you have on your eyes, this brush is great for applying color to your lid (the movable part).
- A crease brush: good for, well – applying color on the crease.
- A blending brush: this fluffy brush comes handy to blend, obviously, your look and eliminate harsh lines.
- A small pencil brush: this one is good for highlighting your inner tearduct and smudging eyeliner.
- A blush brush: I like a fluffy brush for a blush brush to help disperse the color on the cheekbones. Who wants to have Raggedy Ann’s cheeks?
- A lip brush: great to blend lipcolors and define your lips.
- An all-over face brush: to apply your setting powder.
Brunette and Pink’s Recommendations:
You can check out the Makeup 101 series for recommendations on the makeup products. However, since we are all different, you will find that finding the right makeup is all about trial and error.
In terms of eyelash curlers, many swear by shu uemura Eyelash Curler
I don’t see necessary spending a lot on an eyebrow comb; I bought mine at a pharmacy ages ago and I still have it. It does what it needs to: brush my eyebrows.
In terms of brushes, Sephora has very good brushes and brush sets ,
Do you have your makeup starter kit? What other products would you consider? Please share! Feel free to ask any other questions; I’ll do my best to help!
