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Walking around the aisles of Ulta or Sephora, seeing the hundreds of beauty products lined up in front of you, can be a little bit daunting if you’re just getting started with makeup.
When you’re faced with so many options, it can be hard to pick out the right products that will help you create a flawless — yet basic — makeup look, work for your skin type, and be the right colors for your skin tone. But, in this article, we’ll be sharing our must-have list of beauty essentials that every makeup beginner needs in their kit. From the perfect foundation to enhance your skin’s canvas to gorgeous eyeshadow palettes and lipsticks, we’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re a makeup novice or looking to refine your skills, these basic essentials should be all that you need to create a basic makeup look that still showcases your unique style.
Choosing The Right Makeup For Your Skin Type
Normally, it’s skincare products where you have to think about what is going to suit your skin type — whether that’s oily, dry, normal, or combination. But all of the same rules apply to when you’re shopping for new makeup products; you need to find something that will work with your skin type, not makeup that will clog your pores, dry out your skin, or cause any irritation.
First things first, identify your skin type. For oily skin, opt for oil-free foundations and matte finishes to keep shine at bay. Dry skin craves hydration, so go for dewy, moisturizing formulations that give you that coveted glow. Combination skin requires a balanced approach, using products that cater to both oily and dry areas.
Sensitive skin deserves extra love – choose hypoallergenic and fragrance-free options to avoid any potential irritation. Don’t forget to consider undertones; warm, cool, or neutral tones can significantly impact how your makeup looks on your skin.
Investing time in skincare is just as crucial as choosing the right makeup. A healthy canvas enhances the final masterpiece. So, before you dive into the world of eyeshadows and lipsticks, take a moment to look after your skin and build a routine that works for you. So whether you want an anti-aging routine that targets fine lines and dark spots, or acne-fighting serums, just figure out what’s going to be the best for your skin.
Makeup Essentials for Your Beginner Makeup Kit
Whether you’re a makeup newbie or a seasoned beauty enthusiast, having the right essentials in your kit is the key to achieving that flawless, put-together look. It’s not about having a lot of makeup, it’s about having a curated list of different makeup products that work well together for the best results.
In the overwhelming world of makeup, we’ve put together a list of makeup products that will help you create a flawless face makeup look based on some of the Volumes of Beauty’s very best product recommendations.
Foundation: The Canvas of Perfection
Foundation is the cornerstone of any makeup routine, creating a smooth and even base for the rest of your products. Choosing the right shade of foundation is crucial – you want it to seamlessly blend into your natural skin tone.
If you want full coverage out of your base makeup, choose a liquid foundation or a stick product. If you have oily skin, go for a matte foundation and use a makeup primer underneath to ensure it stays in place all day long. If your skin is more on the dry side, choose a foundation with buildable coverage that still gives you a natural glow.
Our favorite foundations are:
Maybelline Superstay Skin Tint
Glossier Stretch Foundation
Kosas Revealer Foundation
Concealer: Hiding Imperfections Like a Pro
Say goodbye to pesky blemishes, dark circles, and imperfections with the magic wand of makeup – concealer. Opt for a shade slightly lighter than your foundation to brighten up under-eye areas and highlight the high points of your face. A good concealer is your secret weapon for achieving that well-rested, radiant look, even on the busiest days.
It’s great for creating a full-coverage look, even when you choose a lighter foundation. Find your perfect match that matches your skin color, dab it in with your ring finger and you’re good to go — if you have super dark under eye circles, use a colour corrector first (we love the Beauty Pie Corrector).
Our favorite concealers are:
e.l.f Hydrating Camo Concealer
Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer
Kosas Revealer Concealer
Powder: Set It and Forget It
Lock in your makeup masterpiece with a translucent setting powder. This step not only prevents shine but also ensures that your foundation and concealer stay in place throughout the day.
A light dusting of loose powder iis all you need for a smooth base that will look fresh and flawless all day long.
Our favorite powders are:
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder
Maybelline Fit Me Powder
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
Blush: A Rosy Radiance
Bring life and color to your cheeks with a touch of blush. Whether you prefer a soft, natural flush or a bold pop of color, blush adds a healthy radiance to your complexion.
Cream, powder, or liquid – choose the formula that suits your preference and skin type for that rosy glow that completes your look.
Whether you’re an absolute beginner or one of the makeup artists on a shoot applying makeup to models, blush can really change the whole look of your makeup.
Our favorite blushes are:
RMS ReDimension Hydra Powder Blush
Tower 28 Beauty BeachPlease Lip + Cheek Cream Blush
Pixi On-the-Glow Blush Tinted Moisture Stick
Bronzer: Sun-Kissed Glow, All Year Round
No need to chase the sun for that sun-kissed radiance – bronzer has got you covered.
Apply it to the high points of your face where the sun naturally hits, like your forehead, cheekbones, and nose, for a warm, healthy glow.
The right bronzer can add dimension to your face, making it a must-have for achieving that luminous, just-off-the-beach look.
Our favorite bronzers are:
Rare Beauty Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Sticks
Makeup By Mario SoftSculpt Shaping Stick
e.l.f. Putty Bronzer
Eyebrow Pencil: Frame Your Face
Your eyebrows frame your face and can make a world of difference in your overall appearance.
An eyebrow pencil is a game-changer for defining and shaping your brows, filling in any sparse areas with precision.
Choose a shade that matches your natural brow color for a polished look that enhances your facial features.
Our favorite eyebrow pencils are:
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Micro Brow Pencil
e.l.f. Instant Lift Brow Pencil
Kosas Brow Pop Eyebrow Pencil
Eyeshadow Palette: Endless Possibilities
An eyeshadow palette is a treasure trove of endless possibilities.
From everyday neutrals to bold and vibrant hues, a good palette can take you from day to night effortlessly.
Experiment with different shades and textures to create a variety of eye-catching looks, making your eyes the focal point of your makeup masterpiece.
Our favorite eyeshadows are:
e.l.f. Bite-Size Eyeshadows
Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette
Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Eyeshadow Palette
Mascara: Lash Out with Confidence
No makeup look is complete without a coat or two of mascara.
This beauty product is an easy way to amp up your lashes with volume, length, and definition for eyes that captivate.
Whether you prefer a natural, fluttery look or bold, dramatic lashes, mascara is the finishing touch that opens up your eyes and adds that extra oomph to your overall look.
Our favorite mascaras are:
Tower 28 MakeWaves Lengthening + Volumizing Mascara
Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara
ILIA Limitless Lash Lengthening Clean Mascara
Lip Liner: Pout Perfection
Achieve the perfect pout with the help of a lip liner. Not only does it define your lips and prevent feathering, but it also enhances the longevity of your lipstick.
Choose a shade that complements your lipstick or opt for a versatile nude that pairs well with various lip colors. Lip liner is the secret to achieving a polished and well-defined lip look.
Our favorite lip liners are:
Tower 28 OneLiner Lip Liner + Eyeliner + Cheek Pencil
Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner
Lipstick: Express Yourself
Last but certainly not least, lipstick is the ultimate tool for self-expression. Whether you go for a classic red, a subtle nude, or a playful pop of color, lipstick adds the finishing touch to your makeup look.
Experiment with different shades to find what makes you feel confident and beautiful, and don’t be afraid to switch it up based on your mood or the occasion.
Our favorite lipsticks are:
MERIT Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick
Glossier Ultralip High Shine Lipstick
wet n wild Rose Comforting Glossy Natural Lipstick
Setting Spray: Keep Everything in Place All Day
If you’ve got a busy day, or planning to dance the night away with your friends, you might want a bit more protection to keep your makeup in place for as long as possible.
Setting spray is an important product that you spray on top of your makeup once you’ve finished, let it dry and you won’t have to worry about your makeup again.
Our favorite setting sprays are:
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Makeup Setting Spray – Dewy Finish
Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Makeup Setting Spray
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
A Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Your Makeup Essentials
Whether you’re a novice or looking to refine your skills, mastering the art of makeup application is all about understanding the steps and techniques. Now that you’ve got your basic makeup kit sorted, it’s time to start creating some great looks. As we’ve said, you don’t need lots of makeup, you just need the right tools, follow the right makeup tips, and start with easy makeup looks to start with.
Below, we’ll break down some of the most important makeup skills and makeup steps that you should follow to achieve the best basic makeup for beginners to bring out your natural beauty.
1. Begin with a Fresh Canvas: Skincare is Key
Before diving into makeup application, the first step is to start with a clean and moisturized face. A well-hydrated skin canvas ensures a smoother application and a more radiant finish. Apply your favorite moisturizer and let it absorb, creating a nourished base. You can also apply a face primer if you’d like at this stage.
2. Lay the Foundation: Your Base for Flawless Beauty
The next step is to choose a foundation that matches your skin tone. Dab small amounts on your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Blend it outwards using a makeup sponge or foundation brush in circular motions for a flawless look. If you’re using a medium coverage foundation, build it up bit by bit to achieve a more natural look.
If using concealer, apply it to areas that need extra coverage – under the eyes, around the nose, and on any blemishes.
3. Set the Stage: Translucent Powder Magic
Setting your foundation and concealer with a light dusting of translucent powder is a great way to prevent shine and ensure your makeup stays in place until the end of the day, even if you just want a natural look for everyday wear. Use a fluffy brush to apply the powder, focusing on areas prone to oiliness.
4. Sculpt and Define: Blush, Bronzer, and Highlighter
Add dimension to your face with blush, bronzer, and highlighter according to your face shape. Apply blush with a blush brush to the apples of your cheeks for a healthy flush. Sweep bronzer along the high points of your cheeks where the sun naturally hits – forehead, cheekbones, and nose. Finish with a touch of highlighter on the high points like the tops of your cheekbones and the bridge of your nose for a radiant glow.
5. Frame Those Eyes: Eyebrows and Eye shadow
Next, we’re moving on to eye makeup. Define your eyebrows using an eyebrow pencil or powder. Follow the natural shape of your brows and fill in any sparse areas.
Now, move on to eyeshadow. There’s no right place to apply your eyeshadow, but there are a few common ways to apply it for different looks. Use a neutral shade as a base, a darker shade in the crease for depth, and a lighter shade on the lid for a pop of brightness. Blend with a makeup brush for a seamless transition between colors. If you want to add a bit more drama to an everyday makeup look, take some liquid eyeliner along the lash line, and apply a light, shimmery color up to your brow bones and in your inner corners.
Coming up with good looks yourself can be hard, so take a look at some makeup tutorials to help you come up with different things. Whether you want a video tutorial to help you come up with a natural finish look for every day or a smokey eye for nights out, you can find easy step-by-step tutorials all over social media.
6. Lash Out: Mascara for Instant Glam
Curl your lashes if desired, then coat them with your favorite mascara for fluttery lashes. Wiggle the wand from the base to the tips for voluminous and lengthened lashes. Don’t forget the lower lashes that do a great job for a wide-eyed effect.
7. Line it Up: Lip Liner and Lipstick
Outline your lips with a lip liner to define the shape and prevent feathering. Choose a lip color that complements your look – whether it’s a bold red, a soft nude for a more natural look, or a playful pop of color. Apply the lipstick evenly for a polished finish. You can also finish off with some lip balm or lip gloss if you’d like.
8. Finishing Touch: Setting Spray
Finally, we’ve come to the most important thing. The last thing is that it’s a good idea to use some setting spray to lock in your makeup. This is the best way to ensure your makeup stays in place throughout the day and provides a natural, dewy finish. Hold the spray at arm’s length and mist it over your face for that perfect final touch.
Remember, makeup is an art, and there are no strict rules. Feel free to experiment, discover what works for you, and most importantly, have fun with the process. As you navigate through these steps, you’ll not only enhance your features but also uncover the joy of self-expression through makeup. So, grab your brushes and get ready to unleash your inner artist!
