Everyone has their own idea of what constitutes a basic makeup kit. If you’re a professional makeup artist, your “basic” makeup kit might include high-end products and makeup brushes that ordinary people won’t know how to use. On the other hand, makeup beginners might be more comfortable with kits containing a few drugstore brand name essentials only.
For most working women, however, it can be a combination of high-end and low-end cosmetic brands. There are just some makeup products that you shouldn’t scrimp on, as well as products that are fine to buy cheap. Most of the time, it’s products that have the most effect on the skin that you should splurge on.
Many people opt to build their own basic makeup kit, but if you’re looking to save on time and effort, buying a complete kit can also be an option. For makeup that’s easy on the skin, consider an organic minerals makeup kit. It includes essential makeup products that can be customized according to your preference.
Find out if you have everything you need to put on your makeup armor with this must-have checklist.
- Foundation – Just like a painting, you start with a clean canvass. In makeup, your canvass is a flawless skin made possible by the right foundation. Deciding on a foundation that’s perfect for your skin tone and skin type can be a challenging task. It’s best to take the time to properly sample foundation shades so you can choose the one that blends well with your complexion.
- Concealer – If you’re one of the rare people who don’t have dark under-eye circles, red blotches, and acne marks, congratulations! You can skip the concealer. However, if you’re not fortunate enough to belong to this club, you need the concealer to hide these small imperfections.
- Blush – Give your cheeks a pop of color with some well-applied blush. Remember to go light on this product if you don’t want to look like a made-up doll. Just apply it on the apple of your cheeks to mimic natural, sun-kissed cheeks.
- Setting Powder – It’s important to keep the shine in your face under control to prevent an unflattering oily look as well as to protect the foundation from smearing. You can achieve this by lightly brushing on translucent or setting powder. For a more skin-friendly alternative, try a mineral-based powder instead of conventional powders.
- Eyeliner – Frame your peepers to perfection with a subtle layer of eyeliner. For a beginner, it’s one of the more challenging makeup products to apply, and it’s entirely possible to look like a raccoon when done badly. That said, there are numerous tutorials online if you still have not mastered how to apply eyeliners.
- Mascara – Look years younger instantly with just one or two coats of mascara. This incredibly easy to apply product elongates and adds volume to your eyelashes for a more wide-eyed look. For a complete look, don’t forget to apply the mascara to your lower lashes as well.
- Eye Shadow – Make your eyes pop with a versatile neutral eye shadow palette. A nude or neutral palette usually comes with browns, taupes, and bronze colors that are universally flattering to most complexions. With its range of light to dark colors, an eyeshadow palette can help you achieve daytime and nighttime looks.
- Eyebrow Pencil or Gel – Thick and well-groomed eyebrows are the current trend, but you don’t have to worry even if you have naturally thin brows. With proper grooming and the correct eyebrow pencil and/or gel application, you can have those Cara Delevingne brows in no time.
- Lipstick or Lip Gloss – Finish off your makeup with a nude or bold lipstick. Include a lip-gloss in your kit as well for days when you just want some moisture on your lips without the full color.
- Brushes – The most essential brushes in your kit are a round powder brush, blush brush, eyeliner brush, and a versatile eye shadow brush for application and blending. As you can see, you don’t really have to bring every makeup brush with you for a simple, daily makeup routine.
Makeup gives you the freedom to express yourself in a creative manner. That said, feel free to experiment to find out which combination of essential makeup and application tools best fits your need and lifestyle. Also, remember that when it comes to cosmetics, each makeup user is an artist, and each has their own set of preferences and way of doing things.