Start with the base: primer, concealer, loose powder and a setting spray. Add one contour or blush palette, mascara, eyeliner and a lip colour. Finish with a blender and a few good brushes. That covers most everyday and party looks before you invest in larger palettes.
New makeup artists and enthusiasts often buy large palettes first and then find that the basics are missing. A well-built kit is not the biggest one. It is the one where every product earns its place.
This guide lists what to buy first, grouped by face, eyes, lips and tools.
Face: build the base first
- Primer: smooths texture and helps makeup stay in place. A matte primer such as Poreless Matte Face Primer suits oily and combination skin.
- Concealer: covers dark circles and blemishes. Complete Coverage Concealer is a reliable everyday option.
- Foundation or BB: for light, even coverage, BB Mattifying Foundation is a simple starting point.
- Loose powder: sets the base and controls shine. Perfecting Loose Powder works for most skin tones.
Add shape and colour
One palette for contour and one for blush or highlight is enough to begin with. The Sculpt Lift Contour Palette is a compact option, while artists working on brides may prefer the larger Sculpt Contour Palette.
For a natural flush, a liquid blush such as Velvet Liquid Blusher blends easily with fingers or a blender.
Eyes: the everyday trio
- Mascara: Power Volume Mascara for volume, or Extreme Long Lasting Mascara for longer wear.
- Eyeliner: One Stroke Eyeliner is easy to control for beginners.
- Brows: a pencil such as Soft Apply Artist Eyebrow Pencil frames the face instantly.
Add an eyeshadow palette once the basics are in place. Festival Eyeshadow covers both everyday neutrals and party shades.
Lips
Keep one balm for prep and one or two colours. Straw Berry Lip Balm 10g under a lip colour stops it from settling into dry lines. For long events, Non Transfer Lip Gloss stays in place through meals.
Tools that make the difference
- Blender: a damp Beauty Blender gives a seamless base.
- Brushes: start with a few single brushes such as Makeup Single Brush, and move to a full set when you take on clients.
- Mixing palette: Finger Mixing Makeup Palette keeps products hygienic when you work on others.
Set it and remove it properly
Finish every look with a setting spray such as Makeup Fixer Setting Spray. At the end of the day, use Makeup Remover 100ml before cleansing so your skin stays clear.
Frequently asked questions
What should a beginner buy first for makeup?
Primer, concealer, loose powder, mascara, eyeliner, a lip colour and a blender. These cover most everyday looks. Add palettes once you know which shades you use most.
Do I need a full brush set?
Not at the start. Two or three good brushes and a blender are enough. A full set is worth it once you begin doing makeup for clients.
How do I make my makeup kit last longer?
Close lids properly, keep products away from heat and sunlight, clean brushes weekly and replace mascara every few months.
