A makeup list for beginners once looked a whole lot different to what it does today.
So, with thousands of makeup products released every year, how do you know where to start?
Fear not, I’m a professional makeup artist with years of experience in applying makeup and teaching the humble beginner everything they need to know.
In this blog post, I'll provide you with a makeup list for beginners, and teach you the right things from the get-go.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN A BASIC MAKEUP LIST FOR BEGINNERS?
A basic makeup list for beginners includes the following 7 key products:
Mascara
Foundation or a skin tint
Concealer
Bronzer
Lipstick or lipgloss
Brow Pomade
4 Piece Brush Kit (the applicator)
And the best bit of all, most of these products are multifaceted, and can be used to achieve multiple different looks (from natural day makeup to heavier looks for the stage)!
For example, a lipstick can be used as a blush or a mascara can be applied like eyeliner.
BASIC MAKEUP LIST FOR BEGINNERS - 7 PRODUCTS
#1. MASCARA
Mascara is often black or brown and used to define and highlight the lashes around our eyes.
Whether applied in one thick coat along the lashes or many thin controlled layers, mascara provides much needed definition around the eyes.
The average wearer of makeup tends towards light coloured lashes or tips of lashes.
This definition is often essential once all the facial features have been made bolder and brighter by makeup such as lipstick and bronzer.
Mascara is for most the only eye product worn as it is so easy to use and quick to apply.
#2 FOUNDATION
Foundation is used to create the perfect canvas, allowing you to even out the discolouration of your face.
If you experience uneven skin tones from broken capillaries, sun spots, freckles or acne, foundation will become your best friend!
Plus, you can change how much you apply to suit the occasion or desired makeup style.
#3 CONCEALER
When applied correctly, concealer will counteract the blue/purple under your eye colours.
Yes, I’m referring to those nasty undereye bags or dark undereye circles.
Generally, the colour underneath your eyes is often too intense for foundation alone to even out.
For every beginner, I’d recommend an orange/peach colour and very highly pigmented.
#4 BRONZER
Bronzer is the unsung hero of the face, but generally the most difficult to apply.
Bronzer:
Fills in hairlines
Adds dimension and depth back into the face (after being removed with foundation)
Accentuates the cheek bones, nose and forehead
I liken the application of bronzer to a seamless gradient from the skin to the hairline.
In my opinion, bronzer is the one product which can instantly transform a look from light and subtle to intense and bold.
#5 LIPSTICK
Wearing a red lipstick might signal a bold look, conversely a nude pink will set the tone of a natural makeup look. No lipstick signals a makeup look not yet complete.
While these days many favour longwear lipstick alternatives like matte liquid lipsticks or even glossy lip oils, lipstick is the original essential to a complete makeup look.
Lipstick is often a wax formula which is most beginner friendly allowing the user to blend out mistakes and reapply without fear of staining.
Lipstick can come in many varieties of finishes such as satin, matte or gloss, the defining feature of a lipstick is the pigment often in the form of red, peach or pink.
It’s by far the most versatile lip product on the market and therefore the best to start with.
#6 BROW POMADE
Brow pomade is the most beginner friendly form of brow product this makeup artist has ever met.
When applied lightly with a small brush brow pomade allows even the most unskilled a stunning look.
Often as one of the darkest parts of the face, the brows are a focal point which leave little room for errors. Many other types of brow products can be hard to work with and fix errors or blend in to beautiful gradients.
#7 BRUSH KIT
Applying makeup is all about controlling the application of makeup on the face and brushes are still the most effective way to do this. Start your makeup experience on the right foot with a small beginner friendly brush kit.
The Fleek brush kit was designed by me for beginners. After many years of teaching makeup, I realised the average person used 2-4 brushes.
I thought, if that is all the average person will use, let's make them the best, most versatile 4 brushes they use!
Brushes really can make applying makeup so much easier, they allow beginners to blend away mistakes and better apply makeup to the areas they actually want makeup on.
TOP 3 BEGINNER MAKEUP TIPS
TIP 1 -
Always apply makeup in several light layers rather than one thick application. Think applying 2 thin layers of foundation instead of 1 thick one.
TIP 2 -
Always do your makeup facing into a window or with as much natural sun light on the face as possible. Not to mention, making sure the same amount of light hits each side of the face, no half face in shadows.
TIP 3 -
When you start out, you will touch your face subconsciously throughout the day, carry a bit of makeup with you to touch up. As you get more used to wearing makeup, you wont touch your face as much.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT DOES EVERY MAKEUP BEGINNER NEED?
Every makeup beginner requires confidence, as well as a great set of brushes, lipstick, foundation, bronzer, brow pomade, concealer and mascara. All of these products are easy to learn and create beautiful effects.
HOW DO I START WEARING BASIC MAKEUP?
To start wearing basic makeup, use lightly pigmented makeup products (ie. skin tints and nude lipsticks). This allows beginners to get comfortable seeing themselves with different colours on their face, and hide any mistakes made.
HOW CAN I IMPROVE MY MAKEUP SKILLS AS A BEGINNER?
Classes and online tutorials are a great way to learn the basics of applying makeup products, but if that’s not quite your style, just keep practicing.
WRAP UP
From a makeup artist who has many years of experience applying makeup products, you don’t need a treasure chest of products to start with.
Simply focus on a good mascara, foundation, concealer, bronzer, lipstick, brow pomade, and fleek brush kit, and watch your confidence grow!
For more help getting your first makeup kit see our beginner-friendly makeup kits here!
Simply send a selfie to Kat and she will use her professional makeup knowledge to select the perfect makeup for your facial features.
