The makeup world can really overwhelm you with the number of products on the market and what each product does. When you first get into buying these products the first thing that could hit you is the cost of the products, especially if you’re on a budget and your not sure what to get.
So, what is the basic makeup kit for beginners on a budget? Your makeup kit should consist of the following:
- Having an Eyeshadow
- A Mascara
- Using Eyeliners
- Having Foundation
- A Primer
- Using Blush for your makeup
- Different Lipstick colors
- A Highlighter
- A Contour
You can pick the items listed above for under $100 and yes that means everything in the list. So you won’t be breaking the bank too much when your just a beginner.
1. What Basic Eyeshadows Do I need
When it comes to eyeshadows there are two finishes that are involved which are mattes and shimmers. There should be at least three shades involved for a complete eyeshadow look. This would mean there should be a highlight, mid-tone ( the same color as your skin) and highlight color ( a few shades lighter than your skin tone). A beige color would be ideal to have in your make up bag for all over the lid. A dark brown color to contour the eye shape and a highlight shimmer color to highlight the browbone. Black eyeshadow usually comes in handy because you can use it as a light eyeliner or you could use it to darken the eyeshadow colors if need be.
A good everyday Neutral eyeshadow palette to check out is one by BH cosmetics it has 28 neutral colors that compliment every skin tone out there and eye color. Click here to have a look at the Modern Neutrals 28 Color Matte Eyeshadow Palette is the one that I recommend.
I have briefly listed eyeshadow colors that complement and enhance different eye colors. The key to these types of eyeshadows is selecting a shade that is the opposite of your natural eye color. When the opposite colors are put together they both compliment each other and enhance each other.
Everyday brown eyes
If you have brown eyes and you want to enhance brown eyes the colors that compliment brown eyes are:
- Golden Browns
- Coppers
- Dark purples
- Rick Blue
- Mahogany
- Charcoals
A good starter kit for complimenting brown eyes the Dual Effect Universal to go 6 Color Eyeshadow Palette. This eyeshadow palette has complementary colors for brown eyes and a mixture of mattes and shimmers.
Everyday Eyeshadows for blue eyes
- Golden Brown
- Copper
- Taupe’s
- Golden khaki
- Raisin
- Charcoals
The eyeshadow palette if found that had most of these colors was the Pro dual effect wet/dry Eyeshadow Palette: Universal with BH Cosmetics.
Everyday eyeshadow for green eyes
- Soft violet
- Rich Taup
- Dark purple
- Copper
- Charcoal
- Warm brown
The eyeshadow that I found that has these colors were the Wild Child Baked Eyeshadow palette by BH Cosmetics. This palette can be used wet or dry depending on how intense you want your pigmentation
Everyday eyeshadows grey eyes
- Cool brown
- Pewter (bluish silver color)
- Deep burgundy
- Charcoal
The eyeshadow palette I found that have these colors is by BH cosmetics Studio Pro Dual Effect
Wet/Dry Eyeshadow Palette: Titanium
2. Mascara
One of the most important elements of makeup is mascara. Mascara is one of the finishing touches to a makeup look. Just wearing mascara on its own can make your eyes look more awake. There are a variety of formulas available at the drugstore that can help you achieve the desired eyelash look.
Volumizing/ Lengthening mascaras: usually helps thin lashes by coating the lashes from root to top with particles that build volume. It’s wise to use dark pigments and waxy silicone formulas. This will help build volume and the size of your eyelashes.
Drugstore: Loreal Voluminous for more volumizing effects it works better with the voluminous primer because it allows the mascara to stick to the primer so that you can build that volume.
Lengthening mascaras: usually are for short lashes. The best ones I can recommend for this is fiber mascaras. This kind of formula usually requires a formula that doesn’t build in bulk but rather attaches to the tips of your lashes (almost extensions).
The NYX Double Staked mascara: which requires two applications one being a normal mascara application and the second application being fibers that extend to the tips of your lashes. Lastly, to lock in the fibers you would require to apply another coat of the mascara. You can continue building the length with continuous layers.
Another product that would require more than one layer of product is the Essence Volume Stylist lash extension mascara. It has fibers in the formulation that build on the tip of your eyelashes giving an eyelash extension look. This only works through applying two to three coats for a full-on look.
Curling mascaras: These types of mascaras work well for straight lashes. It would be ideal for you to curl your lashes for a full on curl effect. These kinds of mascaras contain polymers which shrink once you apply the mascara to your eyelashes which can curl and lift the eyelash.
Essence Volume Stylist and Curl mascara: this particular mascara didn’t require me to curl my eyelashes it gave me thicker lashes due to its volumizing formulation and gave me a natural curl. This is a great drugstore option because of its under $5.
Waterproof mascara: is usually used for water-resistant activities. This usually works well in preventing your mascara in penetrating any water. This type of mascara is used during special occasions such as weddings when there is a lot of crying going on. This type of formulation is more difficult to remove it comes off with oil-based makeup removes or oils such as coconut oil.
Loreals volumous mascara: comes in waterproof. It does the same effect as the volumous mascara building a lot of volumes and thickening those lashes it’s just the formulation is more sticky and smudge proof
The drugstore eyelash curler I found that was a good price for beginners is the eyelash curler by The Body Shop which works out to be under $10 USD
3. Eyeliners
Eyeliner can define the eye shape depending on the application. If applied correctly it can be your best friend and can really enhance the eyes. Whereas if not applied correctly it can cause the issue of making your eyes look smaller. There are four types of eyeliners which can achieve different types of outcomes
Pencil Eyeliners: is ideal for the beginner because when applying eyeliner it is easier to control. It comes in two types of formulations where one can be hard the other can be soft and creamy. It’s best to work with soft creamy ones because it would be easier to help correct any mistakes and its usually less harsh on the lids. Pencil eyeliners usually work well on the top lid and the waterline. It’s best to go for smudge proof and waterproof formulas for long-lasting results. found when I first started applying eyeliner I was able to practice with pencil first in order to gain more practice with other formulations.
Rimmel Waterproof Eyeliner
Cream/ Gel Eyeliners: usually come in a pot form and require you to apply with an angled brush. The results are similar to the liquid liner where you can create a dramatic look. It’s quicker to work with than liquid liner because the formulation dries faster. I found that once I started to learn how to apply pencil eyeliner I was able to work with Gel Eyeliner better. Gel eyeliner can work well on the top lid along with the waterline.
Liquid eyeliners: Usually are a wet formulation and come with a felt tip application. The felt tip usually allows you to have more precision in your eyeliner look. With the right amount of pressure, you would be able to control the thinness or thickness of the application. If you want to create a definition of the lash line liquid liner is the best. It can also give the illusion of thicker lashes. Liquid liner is not to be used on the bottom lash line because it won’t look natural. Never apply liquid eyeliner to the waterline because it is not formulated for it and will cause eye irritation. A good long lasting liquid eyeliner is one by Loreal
Cake liner: is usually a pressed powder. It’s usually any black eyeshadow. It can be applied wet or dry. For a more natural look, it can be applied dry. When applied wet it can build to a more dramatic look. Just like cream liners, it should be used with an angled brush. Cake liner is buildable and easier to apply than liquid eyeliner.
4. Foundations
The purpose is one of the most important items you can purchase it can take years off your age making you look youthful. Foundation can make skin look as if it has a healthy glow and hide any imperfections and most of all even out the skin’s complexion. However, by choosing the wrong formulation and the wrong color it can add years to your age.
It’s important to look for a skin tone that is the same color as your skin so your skin looks as natural as possible. There are three different types of the formulation of foundation Liquid, cream, and powder.
Liquid foundations: are the most common type of foundation out on the market. They are suitable for all skin types. However, when it comes to oily skin it’s important to shop for a foundation that is oil-free to avoid blotchiness throughout the day. Depending on a formulation can be medium to full coverage.
The recommendation I have for this type of foundation is The Body Shops Fresh Nude Foundation. It has medium coverage which can be buildable to full coverage. One of the cool things that The Body Shop has included in its products is adding shade adjusting drops. This helps you find the perfect shade for your skin type which comes in two shades light and dark, I highly recommend the Shade Adjusting Drops Liquid Foundation from the body shop.
These two products work out to be under $20 USD. Sometimes when The Body Shop has good sales this can be a good steal when you’re on a budget for a good quality foundation.
What Is The Difference Between A BB Cream And A CC Cream
Tinted moisturizers: Are usually moisturizers that have a little color in them. The formulations are usually good for normal to dry skin. This type of foundation is most suitable for during the summer months to avoid clogging pores during the hot sticky weather. The coverage is sheer which makes the skin look luminous and natural looking all day.
Nowadays these kinds of foundations are known as BB Creams and CC creams. BB creams which stand for Beauty Balm and usually have beauty benefits in the ingredients which can help your skin improve in texture and to heal from any past scarring. BB creams usually have a higher SPF for additional sun protection. CC creams are usually color correcting and help with color discoloration and help even out the skin colors better giving it a more natural finish. CC creams also off the benefit of high SPF coverage. With BB and CC creams you can defiantly build the coverage to full coverage.
A good drugstore recommendation of BB creams is Garnier Skin Active BB cream which comes in three shades light, light-medium if this is not much of an option for you then its worth checking out NYX Professional make up BB cream. BB creams are available with many drugstore brands nowadays so its very easy to find one for less than $10.
A CC cream that is worth checking out is Aveeno’s Positively Radiant CC Cream Broad Spectrum which can work out to be less than $10.
What Foundation Would Be Good For Dry Skin
Crème foundation: is usually creamy in consistency it would be more suitable for normal to dry skin due to its moisturizing properties. It can give the skin a natural finish it can be buildable to full coverage depending on how much is applied. It can be multiple purposes where it acts like a foundation and a concealer. Cream foundations are usually suitable for premature skin. However, if dry skin isn’t properly exfoliated it can stick to the flakes and look cakey so it’s important to have a proper skin regime set into place.
A good example of a cream foundation would be Covergirl Simply Ageless Instant Wrinkle Defying Foundation.
What Foundation Would Be Good For Oily Skin
Powder foundations: Powder foundations are very quick and convenient due to its compatible packaging. Its mainly formulated for normal to oily skin. It usually works well with oily skin due to the formulation having fewer oils. Powders usually don’t clog skin because of the lack of oils used to formulate them. I usually use them to set the liquid foundation so that my foundation stays intact all day. They can be used dry or wet. A dry application would give a sheer coverage when applied with a brush and when applied with a wet sponge it can be a full coverage foundation.
The Body Shops All in one face base powder foundation can be used wet or dry depending on how much coverage you would need. When this foundation is on sale you can get it for less than $10.
What Is Concealer Foundation
Concealers: are a woman’s best friend in covering blemishes and dark circles. It all depends on the formulation that is used. For example, a more moisturizing and creamy formulation in a concealer is best used under the eyes. A more dryer texture would be best used to help cover blemishes and broken capillaries. If the wrong formulation is used on the face it can draw attention to the problem rather than hide any imperfections.
Stick concealers: are usually full coverage and cream based. The texture is usually more drying. They cover dark circles to blemishes. They usually last longer in coverage. When applying stick concealers to the under eye make sure its creamy in texture.
The Body Shops All In One Concealer Stick which has medium to full coverage with many moisturizing benefits and can retail for under $10.
Tube concealers: are usually liquid formulation. They are very creamy in texture and are able to hide fine lines and usually ideal for mature skin. I personally use it under the eyes due to its moisturizing properties. These types of concealers are easier to mix in with foundations.
One of the most popular drugstore concealers is Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer Dark Circle Eraser Concealer. This concealer that has color correcting properties that do help with dark circles this is a concealer that works out to be under $10 at the drugstore. Check out this article I wrote about using correcting concealers on any dark circles that you may have.
5. What Does A Primer Do To Your Makeup
Primers for makeup can make the biggest difference in the longevity of your makeup. It does make a difference in the way your makeup application. It defiantly a game changer. It applies your make up a lot smoother, it can hide the pores that foundation doesn’t hide. If you have oily skin a good makeup primer can absorb oil making your makeup last all day.
There are two types of makeup primers one for a matte finish and the other for a dewy glowing finish.
Matte primers- are ideal for oily skin types. They usually are applied before your foundation. Mattifying primers usually absorb the oils in the foundation and get the foundation to stick to the skin for a longer time. It also helps fill the pores and wrinkles on the skin creating a smoother canvass. Matte primers usually eliminate and shine from the face and are ideal for photo shoots.
NYX Shine Killer Primer ranges from $5-$15. It’s worth trying out if you suffer from oily skin and foundations.
Luminous primers: are ideal for dry skin types and mature skin. These types of primers usually have brightening micro pigments in them which helps give the skin a more dewy look. It also keeps the foundation in place all day. The “dewy” look makes the skin look more hydrated and healthy looking. If a foundation is too powdery looking a luminous primer can usually bring out the dewy finish.
NYX Born to Glow Illuminating primer is a good primer to help make skin look more dewy and hydrated. Its very lightweight in the formulation which helps also brighten up the skin. This primer is around $14.
Another drugstore brand that I currently use is Loreals True Match Lumi liquid glowing illuminator. With this particular primer, it can be used as a primer along with a highlighter due to its high-intensity luminous pigments. This can be purchased for about $12 at the drugstore.
Eyeshadow primers: Are a necessity when it comes to the application of eyeshadows. It prevents your eyeshadow from creasing and fading away during the day. Eyeshadow primers keep eyeshadows looking intense and bright all day. It is always applied before applying eyeshadow
A good drugstore eyeshadow primer would be Malani Eyeshadow primer you can pick up this eyeshadow primer for under $12 its comparable and good quality to higher brand eye primers. To find out more about eye primers and how to get your eyeshadows to last all day click on the link to the article.
6. Blush Is An Essential In Every Makeup Bag
It can defiantly give you a youthful glow when applied properly. The trick to finding the correct color of blush for your skin tone is by pinching your cheeks- this is the color that your blush should be so it looks natural on you.
There are many types of formulations that can help achieve different types of looks.
Powder blushes: usually is a pressed pigment or loose powder. Its one of the easiest to apply with a soft blush brush. Its usually buildable and requires a sweep of the product on the apple of the cheeks. Powder blush is more suitable for normal to oily skin types. When it comes to dry skin it can start to flake and accentuate the texture of the dry skin. The finishes with blush are mattes and shimmers. Matte finishes look more natural on the skin. Whereas shimmers can give a more glowing look with the reflective micro-pigments.
A good drugstore brand would be Loreals True Match Blushes which is a powder blush and is designed to help various skin types. So you can always find the right color with this brand. On Amazon, this blush can cost about $7
Another option is BH 10 Color palette which works out to be $11 and has colors for pretty much every type of skin tone. The good thing with this blush palette is you can work with ten colors where you can also mix the colors together custom and custom make a color that can suit your skin tone.
Cream blush: usually gives the skin a dewy finish it gives the skin a natural glow. Cream blushes are ideal for normal to dry skin types because its formulation makes it easier to glide all over the skin. It works best applied on top of the foundation. Cream blushes are not ideal for oily skin due to the formulation. Cream blushes can be applied with a sponge or with your fingers because it would blend out better and melt into the without out leaving any streaks that a brush would leave behind.
A good cream blush would be Illuminate cream and blush by BH cosmetics. This product has a good selection of various blush tones at a reasonable price of $6 it can be used as both a blush and lip tint and has a lot of moisturizing properties.
Gel: Gel blushes usually do well with Normal-dry skin types. They have a sheer coverage. If your using powder gel blushes are used under powder. Gel blushes usually last longer on the skin and sometimes come in two in one product where it can have a dual purpose and work as a lip stain as well. This type of product doesn’t require a brush you can use your fingers for it.
There are few brands out in the market that have this type of gel-based blush out with their line. The one that I found that had it for the longest time was The Body Shop and its called the Lip and Cheek Stain which comes with a lip applicator where it can be used on the lips as well for a nice light sheer tint of color.
Liquid Blushes are good for all skin types. It lasts longer all day and in some cases, it can be waterproof depending on the formula. The coverage can be light to medium coverage depending on how you choose to apply this type of product. Unlike the other blushes, you need to work with it quickly. These types of blushes are best applied with your fingers or a sponge.
Loreals True Match Lumi liquid glowing illuminator which is a shimmer blush/highlighter or a primer. This product would be a perfect example of liquid shimmery blush. The good thing with Loreals True Match products is that you can always find a good color with your skin tone. They are one of the very few drugstore brands that have that choice available with their True Match line. This multipurpose product works out to be around $14.
7. What Are The Different Types Of Lipsticks
Lipsticks can be a very personal choice for many women. Everyone has a personal choice and texture they feel comfortable with. Lip color can really polish make up the look and make everything look put together. It all depends on what types of finish you’re looking for.
Matte finishes: are usually a more full coverage formulation. They are more of a sophisticated look. They are usually long lasting and can be drying to the lips. If you have dry lips this type of formulation may not do your lips justice. Lip balm would need to be applied before application.
Colour Pop is a brand that is worth checking out when it comes to lipsticks they do high-quality lipsticks for a really good price. They have all types of finishes. They are known for their matte lipsticks which go on creamy and matte and last all day for that sophisticated look. When shopping with Colour Pop Cosmetics check out their Lippie Stix collection under Matte or Matte X formulations, these lipsticks retail for $5.50.
Crème lipstick: can be anywhere to sheer to full coverage depending on the brand. They can have a glossing look to them they have a long lasting power than a normal gloss. These types of lipsticks are good for dry lips and wear more comfortably because they have more hydrating properties.
Colour Pop cosmetics do really beautiful Crème lipsticks. They are full of shea butter and keep your lips hydrated and full of color all day. These also retail for $5.50
Long-wearing lipsticks: are usually dry in the most formulation. The last long all day and are heavily pigmented. Most long-wearing lipsticks leave stains behind on the lips. I found most of the formulations are liquid and dry down to a matte or satin finish. If you have small lips this can make your lips look more shivered and can accentuate the lines. It suits fuller lips because of its formulation.
Colour Pop cosmetics are known for their liquid lipsticks which are known to be long-wearing. These lipsticks usually go on as a liquid and dry to a matte or satin finish depending on what type of finish you prefer. These lipsticks usually retail for about $6.50.
Frost lipsticks: are usually shiny and metallic and have small flecks of particles giving it a reflective look. These types of lipsticks can also dry. However, they work well over bolder colors in which they can change the color of lipsticks. The finishes for these types of lipsticks can be known as metallic finishes or pearl finishes.
Revlon lipsticks are a long time favorite. They have pearl finish lipsticks which usually with their Lustrous line which retails for about $7.99.
Rimmel London does lipsticks with their Lasting Finish line where the lipsticks have a good selection of frost finishes. These lipsticks usually retail for about $ 6-7
Shimmer lipsticks: is usually good for wanting a lustrous glowing look. It has small flecks of glitter particles which make the formulation more reflective. The difference between frost finishes and shimmer finishes is that it doesn’t apply as opaque and applies sheerer. It can mix with other lipsticks giving them more shine. These kinds of lipsticks can give your lips a more fuller look.
Colour Pop Cosmetics has great selection known as the Ultra Metallic lips or Ultra Glossy lip collection have a good selection in shimmery lipsticks, these go on really pigmented and can make any lipstick pop and can retail for $6.
Burt’s Bees Natural Moisturizing Lip Shimmer is a good example of shimmer lipsticks. They have a great scent and are all natural and retail for about $5-7.
Gloss lipsticks: add a lot of shine and can be really hydrating to the lips. The coverage is usually sheer and can be layered to a medium coverage lipstick. These types of lipsticks aren’t long-lasting. Instead, they make the lips look more luscious and juicy with its formulation.
The first gloss lipstick that comes to mind that is drugstore is Revlon Kiss Lip Balms they go on sheer and with just a tint of color. These usually value for about $5
Another classic for this type of finish is Maybelline Baby Lips. This line usually has lip balms that have a sheer tint of color these usually retail for under $5.
How To Make Your Lipstick Last Longer
There are two main products that can make your lipstick last longer throughout the day
Lip Primers: are usually clear in color. They create a smooth canvass for your lipstick to work with where it sticks to your lip liner or lipstick all day so it won’t budge or move at all. Lip primers are usually used before any lip color is applied to the lips.
A good lip primer is by Colour Pop Cosmetics Lippie Primer is a great primer that doesn’t let your lipstick bleed or feather it lasts all day and works out to be $5.50.
Lip liners: help reshape your lips and prevent lipsticks from bleeding. Its usually used before applying lipsticks. Wearing a lip liner defiantly increases the longevity of your lipstick. It usually comes in mechanical (doesn’t need to be sharpened) or wood (needs a sharper). Lipliner should always be the same color as your lipsticks so that it doesn’t change the actual color of the lipstick. Lipliners are best used when they are sharpened because they are able to give you more precision.
For beginners, I would suggest getting a clear lipliner because it would be easier to work with. It goes on clear and still has the same benefits as a lip liner. A good one to try out is Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lip Liner. It retails for $5.
8. What Is The Purpose Of Highlighting
Highlighting the face usually brings the features forward. The highlighter is usually placed where the light naturally hits such as the cheekbones, brow bones, bridge of the nose and cupids bow on the lips. It’s supposed to make the skin look glowing and give it a lite from within look. Highlighters now days do have high metallic pigments that are usually shimmery in finishes and can be used as eyeshadows as well. The formulations that high lighter come in are powder, cream, and liquid.
Powder highlighters: are usually pressed pigment that has metallic shine depending on the formulation. These types of highlighters are supposed to be used with fan brushes to distribute the right amount of highlight without looking harsh. These types of highlighters work well on normal to combination skin. With oily skin, you want to be careful on how much highlighter you apply because it can accentuate the oiliness on your skin. That’s why powder highlighters are good because you can make the application buildable.
A good example of powder highlighters is Maybelline Makeup in Master Chrome Metallic Face Highlighter it applies like a high-end product and is worth the investment. It usually retails for about $10
Cream Highlighters: are usually sheer in coverage they don’t have a harsh metallic look. Most cream highlighters give off a dewy finish They can be blended with your fingers, stippling brush or a sponge. These usually are ideal for normal to dry skin types.
Colour Pops Super Shock High Lighters are worth the investment if you need a cream highlight. These highlighters are best applied with your fingers. The retail for $8.
Liquid highlighters: can be mixed with your foundation to give it a more dewy look. They can give a more metallic finish and would last longer because of its liquid. Liquid highlighters can be buildable and would work better on normal to dry skin types. These kinds of highlighters are better applied with sponges to avoid unevenness and harsh streaks.
Another drugstore brand that I currently use is Loreals True Match Lumi liquid glowing illuminator. With this particular primer, it can be used as a primer along with a highlighter due to its high-intensity luminous pigments. This can be purchased for about $12 at the drugstore.
9. What Is Contouring
Contouring can reshape the features on your faces such as your nose, forehead, chin, and cheekbones. When finding the correct shade of contouring its best to go with a color that is two shades darker than your skin color. The finish should be matte to get the full effect of contouring. Beginners should start contouring with powder formulations just to get the hang of it and if mistakes are made its easier to correct powder than it is liquid formulations.
A good highlighting and contouring set would be a palette by BH Cosmetics which has 5 highlighters and five contour colors and one rose colored blush. This palette is called Studio Pro shade & Define and costs about $11.00. Click here to see the palette as it is currently 30% off right now.
Why Do We Use Bronzer
Bronzer can give the skin a natural glow by imitating a natural suntan. It should be before blush your blush. It usually is applied to the temples where your hairline is and moving down to your head moving down to your cheekbones. This can really make a difference in your face making it seem like you have been in the sun and have received a healthy glow. The two types of bronzers are powder and cream.
Powder bronzers: is usually the most popular type of bronzer. Its usually a pressed pigment and sometimes have a matte or shimmer finish. It’s best used on normal to oily skin.
A good quality powder bronzer is The Body Shops Honey Bronze Powder which normally retails for $20 but you can get it on sale from time to time for about $10.
Or another option with The Body Shop is the Brush on Bronze Beads these usually are applied with a brush and have different pigmented beads to give a more natural color to the skin. This usually retails for about $20.
Cream Bronzers: usually can come in a stick or cream compact form. This is best applied with a sponge or your fingers because you will be able to prevent streaks or lines. Cream blushes usually work well on normal to dry skin types.