If you’re just getting started with makeup, whether you’re young and just learning about it, or older and want to start wearing it for the first time, you might find there is an overwhelming amount of information about makeup out there.
It’s important to break down the basics you might need and how to use them to get started. Some of the things listed have multiple items listed. This is because based on your skin type and desired look, you might want more than just one item.
Most things listed have multiple uses, so you can get the most for your money and keep your makeup bag small.
Concealer
I consider this the most important part of the makeup bag.
Why? Because there will be days you feel mostly good in your skin, exept for one zit, dark spot, circles under the eyes, or dullness. Concealer might be all you really need (outside of a good skin-care routine).
Concealer can also be used as a eyeshadow primer, make sure to set it with a neutral powder before topping it with other colors.
If you’re using it without foundation, find a color as close to your natural skin tone as possible. If you are using foundation, find a slightly lighter color.
Mascara/Lipgloss
Mascara and lipgloss can be an either/or situation depending on your preference and what makes you feel your best. It’s not a necessity but it adds color and defines the eyes and lips, which most people consider the most important
Personally, my must-have is mascara because I have blonde eyelashes that need the emphasis mascara provides. Others may have darker, longer eyelashes naturally, or would rather emphasize the lips over the eyes.
Mascara might be used as an eyeliner if you have a good brush to use, but I’ve never really tried it and therefore can’t really recommend.
Lipgloss or lipstick can be used as an eyeshadow or blush if it’s the right color. Again, this is not something I’ve done very much so I can’t personally recommend, but feel free to play around with the idea.
Moisturizer
This is something you should have in your regular skin care routine, but just in case you don’t, you should add it. Even if you have oily skin, moisturizer is important to keep your skin healthy and avoid annoying things like flaking.
Find one without fragrance that is tailored for your skin type. For daytime, one with sunscreen which dries down appropriately is ideal.
You can also mix your moisturizer with your foundation if you want a more sheer coverage, or find a tinted moisturizer.
Apply this under your makeup as a replacement for primer.
Contour/Blush
Contour and blush are both great for adding definition and color to your face. If you are using it without much foundation or bb cream, only use a tiny amount or it will look too extreme.
Apply contour to the natural shadows and lines on your face. Keep it light especially if you’re just learning to use it. Blush can be applied to the apples of your cheeks and across the nose. Again, keep it light when just getting started. You want to look natural instead of risking putting on too much.
Contour and blush can both be used as eyeshadow. Contour can look more natural and trendy, and blush should be approached with caution so you don’t look like you have pink-eye, but can be very cute.
Foundation/BB cream/Powder
There are several things listed here because this is the one you are most likely to want to mix and match, especially if you have uneven skin.
Whether you choose a powder or cream form, having some kind of foundation or bb cream is a must-have if you want to smooth your skin appearance and elevate your look for a night out.
Especially if you have more uneven skin tone or more dark spots you want to be covered, this is a must-have for that. If you’re using a liquid foundation or BB cream, you can follow with concealer to cover more stubborn spots.
If you have naturally oily skin, and the foundation you got doesn’t dry down well, you might want to also grab a translucent powder to top it off with. If the liquid foundation is too sheer, you can also top it off with a powder foundation for extra coverage on top of the oil control.
If you are using a powder contour or blush on top of this, you will need to set any liquid foundation or concealer with a powder or the contour and blush will not blend well.
Makeup is something that needs to be played around with. Everyone has a slightly different face that needs practice and different techniques. Watching different make-up gurus is a great way to learn the different techniques, but remember that just because it works for them, it might not work for you.
Hopefully this guide helps you figure out where to get started on your makeup journey! If it did, please share with your friends.