Creating your own makeup artist-worthy kit is no small feat — after all, their work is art too. But with products dedicated specifically to face, eyes, lips and cheeks, it can be difficult to figure out a makeup kit items list that is best suited for you.
Don’t be alarmed. If you really want to give makeup a go, we’ve got your back. We’ll help you design your own makeup kit items list that could make any MUA (makeup artist) envious. We’ve rounded up only the must-haves — nothing more or less.
Not only are these products great for newbies, but they have quickly become pro favourites too.
Ultimate Guide to Beginners Makeup Kit Items List
Scroll down to see what you need as your beginners makeup kit list items.
1. Moisturiser and Primer
Before you put any makeup on your face, prep your face with a moisturiser (preferably one that has SPF in it) and then top it up with a primer.
While the former will keep your face hydrated and protected from the sun, the latter will create a clean canvas by reducing the appearance of enlarged pores. Make sure to let a combination of the two to sit on your face before you move on to the next step.
2. Foundation
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As the name suggests, foundation forms the base of your makeup. It creates a flawless canvas on which you can use colour and definition. However, it is also the most difficult to choose because of the lack of understanding of undertones. But if you know your exact undertone, selecting the right shade can be easy.
Interestingly, this is the only makeup product that is based entirely on your personal choice of complexion, texture and wallet. You can choose from a variety of foundations – both high-end and drugstore – based on your needs and budget.
3. Concealer
Unless you are one of those lucky ones who barely have any dark circles, puffiness, redness around their nose or acne spots, you need a concealer.
Again, the selection of a concealer is based on the texture of your skin. For instance, if you naturally have dry skin, a creamy texture is best.
As for the darkness itself, an orange or salmon-tinted concealer works best to conceal dark circles on Asian skin tone. You can even use one that is closest to your skin tone to hide imperfections and discolouration around your mouth.
4. Loose Powder
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After applying your foundation and concealer, the next step is to set your face. Unless you are using a powder foundation, you will need to use loose powder to your face to keep the base intact, in preparation of the next steps.
This also eliminates excess shine and lends a smoothening look to your face. You won’t need an obscene amount of loose powder to set your face. Just a light stroke with a brush should suffice.
Make sure that you look at the colour of the loose powder and preferably opt for a translucent shade or one that is an exact match with your foundation.
5. Blush
In keeping with the base, your next step is the blush. Now, there are several variations of the blush. For instance, lip and cheek tints, powder blushes and cream blushes. And those that come individually or in cheek palettes.
You can choose based on your skin’s texture. Remember that a blush’s primary job is to add a pop of colour on your cheeks. So that when you use even a little, you look more awake and refreshed.
6. Contour and Bronzer
In order to get that snatched, chiseled look, you need your contour and bronzer. Now, both have different jobs and work differently. A contour powder or cream stick essentially sculpts your face and adds definition, while a bronzer gives you a sun-kissed looked.
You can top up your contour with a bronzer to add an extra oomph. However, practically, a light sweep of bronzer is enough, especially if you are a busy working girl.
7. Highlighter or Illuminator
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Finally, to add a bit of glow (from within), we highly recommend that you test drive a highlighter or illuminator. They essentially show-off your chiseled face.
Focus them on the high points of your face – top of your cheekbones, bridge of your nose and the tip, over your cupid’s bow, a bit on the chin and a slight dash over the brow bones.
8. Eyeshadow Primer
Now that you have a base ready (you can add the highlight right at the end of it all, if you choose to), its time to prep the eyes. And to do so, you need to prime it.
There are several variations of eyeshadow primers available in the market including powder and creams that set to a powder format. Their basic job is to eliminate creasing and enhancing the longevity of your eyeshadow.
9. Eyeshadow
Your eyeshadow itself tells a tale about your personality. Some people like to sport a simple solo-colour eyeshadow. While others cannot live without their smokey eye. The choice is totally up to you. You can choose from an eyeshadow palette or a single colour, as well.
If you are a beginner, we recommend eyeshadow quads. They have four colours that can given you a smokey look as well as a simple workwear look.
10. Eyeliner and Mascara
To add an extra oomph and also to make your eyes appear bigger, your next step should be to add an eyeliner and a mascara. You can get the former in a pencil, liquid or gel form. They add a dramatic effect to your eyes and you can choose from a cat eye or a thin-lined lid or a thick lined one. The choice is yours.
As for the mascara, choose the one that fits your budget. There are many options of mascaras available in the market. But as a beginner, your first pick should be a budget-friendly one, so you can master the art of applying a mascara.
Also make sure that its applicator has short spikes so it separates your lashes properly and doesn’t clump them, unless that’s the look you’re going for.
11. Eyebrow Pencils and Pomades
Now comes the part that actually frames your entire face and brings everything together – your eyebrows. You don’t need to shape your brows to use eyebrow pencils or pomades.
You can simply carve the shape you love and top the pomade up with a tinted or clear eyebrow get to set the hair in place. This will keep them looking well-groomed and thick.
12. Lip Liner and a Lipstick
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Before you apply your liner and lipstick, make sure to prep your lips by using a lip scrub and adding a light layer of balm. This preps your lips, makes them look like a clean and clear canvas, on which your lipstick will simply glide on.
You can even use a lip primer to prime your lips before you apply the lipstick.
13. Makeup Brushes and Sponges
Although you can apply the base using your fingers and the powder blushes and contours using the brushes that come with them, having your own set of tools to apply makeup makes the process that much easier.
Using a brush or a sponge allows you control over the product and lends it a flawless appearance. We would recommend that you get your hands on a set of brushes for your eyes and big kabuki synthetic brushes for your blush and contour.
As for the foundation, you can choose to use fingers, warm up the product and apply. But using a sponge or a foundation brush gives the canvas a smooth appearance.
So there you have it, this is your beginner’s makeup kit items list.
Feature & lead image courtesy: Unsplash
