Are you new to makeup and have no idea what products you should start off using?
The world of makeup is fun and colourful. There's so much opportunity to experiment and try new things. When starting out I would recommend you start with the basics and slowly branch out into trying different styles. You may want to stick to the budget brands at first to see what you like so you don't waste your money unnecessarily.
In this guide I'll break the must have products down into different sections so it's easy to absorb. You may only want to try a few products at a time, that's absolutely fine. Simply bookmark the page and come back at a later date.
Face
1. Foundation brush
You'll need something to apply your foundation with and a foundation brush is perfect for pretty much all the foundation formats. It will help you guide the product onto your face without getting your fingers messy and will help you to blend the product in.
2. Foundation
Foundation is a essential in any makeup bag, it helps to even out your skintone and cover any blemishes. There are a variety of foundation formats out there including cream, powder and liquid which all have different finishes. I recommend liquid foundations as they are easy to build up and I feel they give the best coverage.
3. Concealer
I couldn't live without concealer, it can cover a thousand sins. Concealer is perfect for covering up the little blemishes that your foundation is not able to cover. You can get various strengths of concealer which will vary the type of coverage you get. If you have blemishes that are hard to conceal you may want to try Benefit Boiing (£17.50 from Boots).
4. PowderPowder is perfect for setting your makeup and gives it more of a polished look. Normally powders come in a range of beige shades, I'm currently using Proto-col Colour Correct which is why it has lots of different colours.
5. Power brush
Use a large powder brush to help sweep the powder onto your skin. Use downward motions for the best finish.
6. Concealer brush
Concealer brushes will give you a precise application and will help you blend the product in. I prefer to use my finger as the warmth helps the product to absorb quicker.
7. Blusher
Blushers can really add warmth to your face and help to sculpt your cheekbones. I have so many blushers of varying shades as I love how alive they make my skin look.
8. Blusher brush
Use a blusher brush to sweep the blush onto your cheeks. Apply to the apples of your cheeks for the most natural look.
9. Brow pencil
Brow pencils are available in either pencil,liquid or wax formats but all do the same thing. You can use a brow pencil to fill in any gaps in your eyebrows for a more defined look. You don't need to spend a fortune, lots of budget brands have little brow kits you can use. I recommend Kiss Beautiful Brow Kit
Highlighters can work in conjunction with blusher to add sculpt and definition to your face. Highlighters are available in varying shades from shimmery white, pinks and golds. Depending on your skin tone you may prefer one type of highlighter to another. Try experimenting to see what suits you. I've not included it in the picture but you'll want to buy a highlighter brush so you can easily blend it on. The brushes with the slanted tip are the best for precise application.
11. Primer
Before applying your foundation you can use a face primer to give your base more staying power. Primers come in gels, creams and even sprays and can give the skin a silky veil.
12. Bronzer
If you want that sun kissed look without lazing on a beach in Barbados (or other sun kissed country) you may want to invest in a bronzer. You can blend bronzer onto all the areas that would naturally receive the sun including your nose, forehead and cheeks. If you want to try your hand at contouring you might want to check out this useful guide.
Eyes
1. Eye primer
It's up to you whether you use a eye primer, I personally don't. Eye primers are great for giving your eyeshadow a bit of extra staying power and helps to prevent them creasing.
2. Eyeshadow brush
Simple as it sounds - the eyeshadow brush helps you to apply the eyeshadow to your lids. There are a variety of brushes you can use to help you blend your eyeshadow, these can include blending brushes and crease brushes.
3. Eyeshadow palette
There are so many eyeshadows on the market I could fill many pages telling you all about them. Some of my favourite brands including Makeup Revolution and Urban Decay. Their eyeshadows are so pigmented and the shimmers are a-h-m-a-z-i-n-g. I prefer more neutral shimmer shades as the bright blues/pinks/greens aren't really my scene anymore. Don't be afraid to experiment though, the brighter colours are perfect for holidays or parties. For a start I recommend Makeup Revolution Redemption Palette Iconic 2 (a bargain at £4.00). There's a range of neutral shimmer and matte shades which are perfect as one of the first additions to your makeup bag.
The holy grail of makeup is of course mascara. There's so many types of mascara available that you may find yourself getting confused. Whether you want volumised lashes, defined lashes, curly or spiky lashes there's a mascara for every look you could want. Mascara will help to darken your lashes and make your eyes stand out. For a start I recommend L'Oreal False Lash Sculpt mascara(video), it sculpts your lashes and you can tightline your water line as well (like eyeliner it fills in the gaps between your lashes)
5.Eyeliner pencil
You can get eyeliner pencils in either gel, liquid or kohl formats. Kohl pencils are really easy to use and the good ones simply glide on with ease. Liquid and gel tend to require a more steady hand but you can create some really exaggerated looks using these formats including cat eyes or wings.
Lips
1. Lipstick
One of my favourite makeup pieces is lipstick. I have so many but simply can't stop buying them. Lipsticks can come in shimmery creamy formations or a matte consistency depending on the finish you want. There's a wide range of shades available from bright vibrant reds and pinks to nude browns and oranges. Not every shade will suit everyone so try out different colours and see what you prefer. Lipsticks can come as cheap as a £1 from brands like Makeup Academy. 2. Lip stain
Lip stains are a little bit unusual in that they use a wet felt tip applicator to apply the colour to your lips. You essentially do feel a little bit like you're colouring your lips in with a pen. They're quite easy to use and as they essentially 'stain' your lips the product doesn't come off so easily.
3. Lip gloss
If you want a more low key look you may want to opt for a lip gloss. You can get coloured lipglosses or more neutral shades. The colour payoff tends not to be too strong but you do get a lovely glossy finish.
4. Lip liner
Lip liners helps to prevent your lipstick from bleeding.
5. Lip crayon
Lip crayons are quite soft and easy to apply. Some crayons can have really strong colour payoff whilst others are not so good.
Other useful tools
1. Sharpener
When your eye shadow pencils or eye liners start to get blunt you'll need to sharp them to get more product. The makeup sharpener is literally like the sharpeners you had at school.
2. Eyelash curler
You can use this before applying mascara for more defined and curly lashes. You don't
need to pay a lot for these, they're available for budget prices at most stores.
3. Tweezers
Perfect for plucking out all of those unwanted eyebrow hairs. You can get really cheap version although you may want to go a bit more premium for a pair that really catches the hairs.
I hope you found this guide useful if you're just starting out. Do let me know what you think I always love to hear your comments!
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