Hi Girls

If you’re just starting out in makeup and with the stores filled up with so many different kinds of products, you are confused where to start with, then this is for you. These are the top essential makeup products a beginner should think about when starting out with makeup. 

1.  Concealer

If there is one thing in makeup you should seriously think about investing in and probably the only one in this list, it is a great concealer that matches your skintone exactly, is long-wearing and won’t settle into fine lines. Always try the shade in the store and test it under natural light. Ask for a sample if you can. A concealer that matches your skintone exactly can be used in a number of ways- to conceal you under eyes, conceal any blemishes/ zits/ hyper-pigmentation on the face. It can even be mixed with your moisturizer to get your own custom tinted moisturizer!

2. Powder

Get a powder to set your concealer, keep your skin oil-free and/or provide a light coverage to the face. Almost everyone needs a powder, especially if you use a concealer, but it doesn’t have to be a very fancy one. If you’re just starting out in makeup, look for a finely-milled powder in a drugstore brand. L’oreal makes some good ones as does Maybelline. One thing to remember here is that if you have oily skin and are looking for a powder to set your tinted moisturizer/ foundation with, look for a shade that either closely matches your skin or is a tad bit on the lighter side. The reason for this is that when after a few hours, your skin starts to become oily again, it will start looking darker than it actually is. To correct it, try a lighter powder instead that will get rid of the oiliness and color correct your complexion.

3. Eyelash Curler

This is one makeup tool that is highly understated. Even if you don’t wear mascara often or at all for that matter, you need an eyelash curler. It opens up your eyes, makes them look bigger and more awake. And you don’t need to invest in a high-end one. As I said in my last post, I used an inexpensive local-made eyelash curler for years and it did a great job. Just make sure it fits your eye shape properly and the curve is neither too flat nor too deep.

4. Eyeliner/ Kajal

You might need a black eyeliner/kajal in your makeup kit. Even if you don’t like lining your inner waterline with it, it can be used to tightline and give the illusion of fuller eyelashes. Or you can use it on your top lash line for a defined or a smoked-out effect.

5. Lipstick

A lipstick in your kit can be used in a number of ways. You can apply it the regular way, use your finger to apply it for a ‘stained-lips’ effect or apply a light wash of vaseline over it to mimic a tinted gloss. Other than these, you can use it on your cheeks as a blush to match them with your pout. Again the lipstick doesn’t necessarily have to be from a high-end brand. Try looking for a nice shade in the drugstore brands like Elle 18. Or my personal favourite, Revlon.

***Bonus 

Highlighting Concealer– And when you’re comfortable with using the above products and want to delve a little deeper, I’d suggest you try a highlighting concealer. It won’t and shouldn’t replace your regular concealer. It has a different use. Use it to bring out your cheekbones, on the bridge of your nose to make it look thinner, under your eyes to instantly brighten them up and under your eyebrows for a more uplifted arch . Never again will your skin look tired and dull again. And since it doesn’t have any visible shimmer, you don’t have to worry about wearing it in the day-time. Give it a try! Its addicting 😀

I hope this was helpful! I’d love to know what your makeup must-haves are. Share in the comments below.