Essential Makeup Products That Every Beginner Needs!
Last updated on March 31st, 2025 at 12:02 am
Well hello, budding beauty guru! Ready to dive into the amazing world of makeup? Don’t worry, In this ultimate guide, we’ll unveil a carefully curated selection of essential makeup products that every beginner needs to kickstart their beauty routine. When it comes to makeup, having the right tools and products can make all the difference, especially for beginners.
I remember when I first started getting into makeup, I was so overwhelmed by all the different products available. I didn’t know where to start or what I really needed. So, I did what any good millennial would do: I turned to the internet.
I spent hours researching makeup products and reading reviews. I also watched a lot of makeup tutorials on YouTube. After a lot of research, I finally put together a list of the essential makeup products and tools that I needed to get started.
I’m so glad that I started with a basic makeup kit. It allowed me to learn the fundamentals of makeup application and experiment with different products without spending a lot of money.
In this blog post, I’m going to share a list of the essential makeup products and tools that every beginner needs to have in their makeup kit. This list is based on my own experience as a beginner makeup enthusiast and also working with clients. It includes the products that I found to be the most useful and versatile.
With the right stash of makeup, you can experiment with different styles and looks that mirror your personality. Let’s break it down, shall we?
- Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links. Which means if you choose to purchase something from this post, I will receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Trimatize Beauty Blog! Full disclaimer here.
What kind of makeup should I start with?
When you’re just beginning your makeup journey, it’s essential to focus on a few key products that will help you create a polished look without overwhelming you. Start with a good foundation or tinted moisturizer that matches your skin tone; this will provide an even base for the rest of your makeup. Next, consider adding concealer to cover any blemishes or dark circles. A neutral eyeshadow palette is also a great choice, as it offers versatility for both day and night looks. Don’t forget about mascara to enhance your lashes and give your eyes a more awake appearance. Finally, a blush and a lip color—like a tinted balm or gloss—will add freshness to your face. These essentials will set you up nicely as you explore more advanced techniques!
Best Essential Makeup Products for Beginners
What are the must have makeup items for beginners?
1. Primers
Primer is a great way to start your makeup routine. Primer helps create a smooth canvas for your foundation, ensuring it lasts longer and applies more evenly.
“When I first started using makeup, I skipped primer, and by midday, my foundation was sliding off my face. Primer made such a difference—I wish I’d known about it sooner!”
Make sure to pick a primer that gets along well with your skin type. Look for primers that address your skin concerns, such as oil control or hydration. Dry skin? Hydrating primers are your best bet. For oily skin, go for mattifying primers. If you’re like me and have combination type skin then try applying the matte primer only to the t-zone arears of your face (the most oil prone arears).
My Top Primer Recommendations for Dry Skin:
My Top Primer Recommendations for Oily Skin:
2. Color Correctors (Optional)
Color correctors are fantastic little tools that help neutralize unwanted tones on your skin before applying foundation. For instance, if you have redness from blemishes or rosacea, a green color corrector can help balance that out. Similarly, peach or orange shades can brighten dark circles under the eyes. Using color correctors might seem advanced at first, but they’re simple to use and can make a significant difference in achieving an even complexion.
My Top Color Corrector Recommendations:
3. Foundation
Foundation is the base of any makeup look. It’s like finding a best friend that complements you perfectly! Get a foundation that matches your skin tone for that seamless, ‘Is she born with it?’ look.
it’s crucial to find a shade that matches your skin tone and type. Try finding your match by dabbing foundation shades onto your jawline, ensuring that the shade matches your face and neck. Consider your undertones (warm, cool, or neutral) and try out a few samples before settling on the perfect match. The closest shade is “the one.”
Foundations come in different coverages:
- Light – natural coverage, will still see the skin underneath.
- Medium – most imperfections will be covered
- Full – all imperfections will be covered; skin tone will be all one colour
Make sure to pick a primer that gets along well with your skin type. There are some different finishes of foundation, as a beginner I suggest using your skin type to decide what finish to have:
- Dry skin – hydrating, glowy
- Combo skin – demi-matte/satin
- Oily skin – matte
My Top Foundation Recommendations for Oily Skin:
My Top Foundation Recommendations for Dry Skin:
4. Concealers
Camouflaging imperfections, The little guys are going to be your best friends. Concealer helps hide blemishes, dark circles and discoloration. Pick a shade that harmonizes with your foundation and one that is a slightly lighter for brightening effect, or darker to contour.
“I used to be self-conscious about my dark circles until I discovered the magic of a good concealer. Now, I never skip this step!”
My Top Concealer Recommendations:
5. Setting Powders
“Powder is my secret weapon for keeping my T-zone from getting shiny throughout the day. I always keep it in my bag for touch-ups!” Setting powders help keep your makeup in place all day long. They lock in your foundation and concealer while controlling shine. Its is especially important to use a setting powder in the summer if you have oily skin. They can be messy to apply compared to compact powders and may require a bit more skill to use effectively. Go for translucent powder which gives a natural finish or opt for a tinted one to add a subtle glow.
My Top Setting Powder Recommendations:
6. Compact Powders
Unlike compact powders are pressed into a solid form and come in a compact case, making them convenient for on-the-go touch-ups. They are often used to set foundation and concealer while providing additional coverage. Compact powders are essential to makeup application as they provide coverage that matches skin tones while controlling shine throughout the day. Compact powders are available in various shades that match different skin tones, allowing users to achieve a seamless finish. For beginners, having a compact powder handy is crucial; it not only helps maintain a matte appearance but also allows for easy touch-ups whenever needed.
My Top Compact Powder Recommendations:
7. Bronzer and Contour
The art of contouring and bronzing: Creating depth and structure. Bronzing adds warmth and and dimension to the face, mimicking a sun-kissed glow. Contouring on the other hand is like giving yourself a face lift. It evolves using a shade darker than your skin tone to create shadows and define your facial features. Ensure to choose a palette or shades that flatters your skin tone. Start practicing blending and sculpting to create a shadow that is so natural, it look like a second skin.
My Top Recommendations for Stick and Cream Bronzers and Contour:
My Top Recommendations for Powder Bronzers and Contour:
8. Blush
“Blush used to intimidate me—I was afraid of looking like a clown! But once I learned to apply it lightly, it became my favorite part of my makeup routine.” Blush is like a youth potion, it adds a flush of color to the cheeks, creating a healthy, youthful glow. When choosing a blush, its important to select a shade that compliments your skin tone. If you have fair skin, you’ll want to choose a light pink or peach colour. If you are medium skin then you can choose a slightly darker pink or peach blush colour. And if you have a darker skin tone berry and plum shades work very well. Orange is also a stunning color on the darker skin tone.
My Top Recommendations for Cream and Powder Blushes:
9. Highlighter
Highlighters enhance the high points on your face and create a that radiant glow. The are typically used on the brow bone, cheekbones, nose and qpids bow. When choosing a highlighter it is important to select on that compliments your skin tone. If you are fair skinned, a champagne or /rose gold/gold highlighter will work with you perfectly. Medium tone? Try working with a copper or bronzer highlighter shade. For deeper skin tone, in my opinion shades like gold, bronze and copper work best.
My Top Recommendations for Liquid and Powder Highlighter:
10. Eyebrows
To fill in the brows, products such as as brow pencils, pomades and brow powders are available. Use what is easiest and serves you best. As a beginner I would recommend that your start out with a basic brow pencil. After you’re completely comfortable then move on to try any other product of your liking. When choosing a brow pencil, its important to select a shade that is similar to your natural brow color.
My Top Brow Pencil Recommendations:
11. Eyeshadow Primers
These intensify your eyeshadow color and help it last all day. This product creates a smooth and even base for your eyeshadow to adhere to and can help to cover dark circles and any imperfections on the eyelids. Its a simple step that can make a big difference in your makeup routine.
My Top Eyeshadow Primer Recommendations:
12. Eyeshadows
Eyeshadow can be use to create a variety of looks. It can be used to make the eyes look bigger or smaller than the actually look. From natural and understated to dramatic and glamorous. Eyeshadows are a great way to show off your personality.
Every beginner should have a neutral eyeshadow palette with shades like beige, taupe, brown, and black. These shades can be used to create both natural and more dramatic eye looks. Transition shades help to blend different eyeshadow colors seamlessly.
Matte finishes are great for creating depth and adding definition, while shimmer and metallic finishes add sparkle and dimension. As a beginner I recommend that you experiment with different finishes to find what suits your personal style.
“I was so overwhelmed by eyeshadow when I first started, but this palette made it easy to experiment with different looks without spending a fortune.”
My Top Recommendations for Cream and Powder eyeshadows:
13. Eyeliner
This Product is used to define the eyes and create a range of different eyelooks. Eye liners are great for a sultry smoky eyelook.
There are different types of eyeliners: Pencil, liquid, gels and pens. As a beginner it is a good idea to start out with a pencil eyeliner. Pencils liners are easier to apply as they offer more control, while liquid and gel eyeliners provide precise and sharp lines. Pen eyeliners are convenient and easy to use for beginners.as of lately you can also try using and darker eyeshadow a n liner. It produces a softer but defined look.
My Top Recommendations for Pencil and Gel Eyeliners:
14. Mascara
Mascaras are the lash amplifiers, The can add volume, lengthen and lift the lashes, which then enhances the eyes. look for a mascara that meets your lash goals and suits your desired effect. formulas which a smudge proof and waterproof can be asset as well. Both mascara and lashes can be worn together for or each on its own. “Mascara is my desert island product—I never leave the house without it. A few swipes, and I instantly look more awake!”
My Top Recommendations for Waterproof, Sensitive Eyes mascara :
15. Eyelashes
Lashes can make the eyes look bigger and brighter and more awake, they create a frame for the eyes and help accentuate their shape. Lashes can give a more polished and put together appearance.
My Top Eyelash Recommendations:
16. Lip Pencil
A lip pencil is an essential item for defining your lips and ensuring your lipstick stays in place. It helps prevent feathering and bleeding of color outside the lip line while also providing a base for your lipstick to adhere to. Beginners can choose a shade that matches their natural lip color or their favorite lipstick for seamless blending. Applying lip pencil is easy: just outline your lips and fill them in lightly before adding lipstick for a polished look.
My Top Lip Pencil Recommendations:
17. Lipstick
Lipstick adds a pop of color to your lips and completes your makeup look. There are many different types of lipstick available, including matte lipstick, satin lipstick, and glossy lipstick. If you’re a beginner, it’s a good idea to start with matte lipstick. It’s more long-wearing and less likely to smudge than satin or glossy lipstick
My Top Lipstick Recommendations:.
18. Setting Spray
Setting spray is a magical finishing touch that helps your makeup stay put throughout the day. After you’ve applied your foundation, eyeshadow, and blush, a few spritzes of setting spray can lock everything in place, preventing smudging or fading. It’s especially helpful for those long days or special occasions when you want to look fresh and fabulous from morning until night. Plus, many setting sprays come with added benefits like hydration or oil control, making them a versatile addition to your beginner kit.
My Top Setting Spray Recommendations for Dry Skin:
My Top Setting Spray Recommendations for Oily Skin:
Makeup Kit Essentials: Brushes and Tools for Beginners
Makeup Brushes for Beginners
Investing in good-quality makeup brushes is crucial for any beginner looking to apply makeup like a pro! Brushes come in various shapes and sizes tailored for different applications—foundation brushes for smooth application, fluffy brushes for blending eyeshadow, and angled brushes for precise contouring. Using brushes instead of fingers can help achieve more even coverage and better blending, giving you that flawless finish everyone desires.
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE MAKEUP BRUSH GUIDE!
No makeup look can be completed without a great set of Makeup Brushes. Achieve a flawless complexion with the right ones!
Makeup Tools for Beginners
Makeup tools encompass everything from beauty sponges to eyelash curlers and tweezers. A beauty sponge is perfect for applying foundation and concealer seamlessly into the skin, while an eyelash curler opens up the eyes by giving lashes a beautiful lift. Tweezers are essential for maintaining well-groomed brows. These tools enhance the overall makeup experience by making application easier and more effective.
What do I need for a full face of makeup?
A full face of makeup include the essentials listed above. Here’s a quick recap:
How to Basic Makeup for Beginners?
Starting your makeup journey can be exciting yet overwhelming. The key is to keep it simple and focus on the essentials. If you’re eager to learn more about each step in detail, I invite you to check out my YouTube video! It’s packed with tips and tricks that will guide you through each stage of applying makeup like a pro.
Feel like you need to learn at your own pace……then book an online MAKEUP class with me personally….🥰💄
Building your makeup kit doesn’t have to be intimidating or expensive. With these beginner friendly essentials and a few well-chosen dupes, you’ll be well on your way to mastering your makeup routine. Remember, makeup is all about having fun and expressing yourself, so don’t be afraid to experiment with these essential makeup products for beginners and find what works best for you.
Have additional questions?
I’m always here to help. Let’s talk.
