Getting started with makeup can be both exciting and a bit daunting. With so many products available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry—we’re here to help you break down the essentials for a complete beginner’s makeup routine. By understanding what each product does and how it fits into your routine, you’ll be ready to create a flawless, natural look in no time.
1. Prep and Prime
Before applying any makeup, it’s important to prep your skin properly. A clean, well-moisturized face creates the perfect base for makeup application. Start with a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type, followed by a lightweight moisturizer. If you have oily skin, opt for an oil-free formula; for dry skin, choose something hydrating.
Recommended Products:
- Cleansers: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser (great for sensitive skin), CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser (for dry skin), or La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Cleanser (for oily skin).
- Moisturizers: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel (lightweight and hydrating), CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion (great for normal to dry skin), or Olay Complete Lotion Moisturizer (includes SPF).
A primer is optional but highly recommended as it helps create a smooth canvas, minimizes pores, and ensures your makeup lasts longer. Look for a primer that suits your skin concerns—whether it’s mattifying for oily skin or illuminating for dullness.
Recommended Primers:
- For oily skin: Rimmel Stay Matte Primer or NYX Shine Killer.
- For dry skin: e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer or Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer.
- For a radiant glow: L’Oréal Paris Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer.
2. Foundation or Tinted Moisturizer
Choosing the right base depends on the coverage you desire. For beginners, a tinted moisturizer or BB cream is an excellent choice as it provides a sheer, natural finish and is easy to apply. If you’re looking for more coverage, go for a light-to-medium coverage foundation that blends seamlessly into your skin. Apply using a makeup sponge or brush, starting from the center of your face and blending outwards.
Recommended Products:
- Tinted Moisturizers/BB Creams: Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream (light and breathable), NYX Bare With Me Tinted Skin Veil (natural finish).
- Light-to-Medium Coverage Foundations: L’Oréal Paris True Match Foundation (adjusts to skin tone), Wet n Wild Photo Focus Foundation (affordable and effective), or Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless (great for oily skin).
3. Concealer
A concealer is a must-have for hiding blemishes, dark circles, and any other imperfections. Choose a concealer that matches your foundation or is a shade lighter for under the eyes to brighten the area. Apply with your fingertip or a small brush and gently blend it into your skin.
Recommended Products:
- For under eyes: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer (brightening and lightweight), e.l.f. Hydrating Camo Concealer (hydrating with good coverage).
- For blemishes: NYX HD Photogenic Concealer or L.A. Girl Pro Conceal (budget-friendly with excellent coverage).
4. Blush and Bronzer
Adding color and warmth to your face is key to achieving a natural, healthy look. A cream blush is perfect for beginners as it’s easy to blend and gives a subtle flush. Apply it to the apples of your cheeks and blend upwards. For a sun-kissed glow, lightly sweep a bronzer along your cheekbones, forehead, and jawline.
Recommended Products:
- Cream Blushes: Milani Cheek Kiss Cream Blush (easy to blend and long-lasting), Glossier Cloud Paint (sheer and buildable).
- Powder Blushes: Wet n Wild Color Icon Blush (affordable and pigmented), Maybelline Fit Me Blush (natural finish).
- Bronzers: Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer (smooth and buildable), e.l.f. Primer-Infused Bronzer (long-lasting).
5. Eyebrows
Defined eyebrows frame your face and make a big difference in your overall look. A brow pencil or brow gel is great for beginners as it’s easy to control. Start by filling in sparse areas with light, feathery strokes and blend with a spoolie brush for a natural finish.
Recommended Products:
- Brow Pencils: NYX Micro Brow Pencil (precise and easy to use), Maybelline Brow Ultra Slim Defining Pencil (natural finish).
- Brow Gels: e.l.f. Wow Brow Gel (tints and holds), Benefit Gimme Brow+ (volumizing and defining).
6. Eyeshadow
For a beginner-friendly approach, stick to neutral eyeshadow shades that can be used for everyday wear. A small eyeshadow palette with a range of browns and taupes is versatile and easy to work with. Apply a lighter shade all over your lid and blend a slightly darker shade into the crease for dimension.
Recommended Products:
- Palettes: Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Palette (affordable with a variety of shades), e.l.f. Bite-Size Eyeshadow Palette (compact and highly pigmented).
7. Eyeliner
Eyeliner can be intimidating at first, so start simple. A brown or black pencil eyeliner is easier to control than liquid or gel liners. Line your upper lash line for subtle definition and smudge it out slightly for a softer look.
Recommended Products:
- Pencil Eyeliners: NYX Epic Wear Liner Stick (long-lasting), Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal (smudge-proof).
- Liquid Liners: e.l.f. H2O Proof Eyeliner Pen (budget-friendly and precise).
8. Mascara
Mascara is an essential step to open up your eyes and add volume to your lashes. Opt for a lengthening and volumizing formula and apply a couple of coats to your upper and lower lashes. For a more natural look, wiggle the wand at the base of your lashes and sweep upward.
Recommended Products:
- Mascaras: Maybelline Lash Sensational (lengthens and volumizes), L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise (full and fluffy lashes), Essence Lash Princess (affordable and effective).
9. Lips
Finish your look with a touch of color on your lips. A tinted lip balm or a sheer lipstick is perfect for beginners as it’s easy to apply and gives a natural, fresh look. Choose a color that complements your skin tone, from soft pinks to neutral beiges.
Recommended Products:
- Tinted Lip Balms: Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm (natural and moisturizing), Maybelline Baby Lips (affordable with a hint of color).
- Sheer Lipsticks: Revlon Super Lustrous Glass Shine Lipstick (glossy and lightweight), e.l.f. Sheer Slick Lipstick (comfortable and buildable).
10. Setting Products
To ensure your makeup stays in place throughout the day, use a setting powder for oily areas or a setting spray for a dewy finish. Lightly dust powder on areas prone to shine, like your T-zone, or mist a setting spray for a fresh, long-lasting look.
Recommended Products:
- Setting Powders: Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder (oil control), Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder (smooth finish).
- Setting Sprays: Milani Make It Last Setting Spray (long-lasting), NYX Dewy Finish Setting Spray (adds a natural glow).
Makeup Ideas for Beginners Under a Budget
When you’re just starting out with makeup and looking to stay within a budget, finding high-quality products that are easy to use is essential. Thankfully, there are many affordable options that don’t skimp on performance. For beginners, simplicity and versatility are key. It’s best to opt for products that are user-friendly and can be applied quickly without complex techniques.
A great starting point for any makeup kit is a BB cream or tinted moisturizer. These products provide lightweight coverage that evens out the skin tone without feeling heavy or cakey. Drugstore brands like Maybelline Dream BB Fresh or e.l.f. Camo CC Cream offer budget-friendly options that also include skincare benefits like hydration and SPF protection.
For eyes, look for neutral eyeshadow palettes that offer a mix of matte and shimmer shades. Brands like Wet n Wild and NYX have compact palettes that are both affordable and pigmented, making them perfect for creating everyday looks. Mascara is another must-have, and Essence Lash Princess Mascara is a cult favorite that delivers length and volume for a fraction of the price of high-end alternatives. If you want an eyeliner, L.A. Girl Gel Glide Eyeliner provides a smooth application and long-lasting wear without smudging.
When it comes to blush and highlighter, Milani Baked Blush is a top pick for its blendable formula and radiant finish, adding a natural flush to the cheeks. For highlighter, Revlon SkinLights delivers a subtle glow that can be built up for more intensity, giving a luminous look without breaking the bank. For bronzer, Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer is an excellent budget-friendly choice that provides a sun-kissed glow with a smooth, blendable formula.
For brows, e.l.f. Instant Lift Brow Pencil is a reliable, affordable option that helps fill in sparse areas with ease. If you’re looking for a brow gel, Essence Make Me Brow is a great pick that adds a hint of color and keeps brows in place throughout the day.
Lip products are essential, and there are numerous affordable options that provide both comfort and color payoff. NYX Butter Gloss is a classic choice for its hydrating feel and sheer-to-medium coverage. For those who prefer a longer-lasting finish, Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink offers an impressive range of colors that stay put throughout the day. Another great option is Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick, known for its creamy texture and rich pigment.
Setting sprays and powders can help lock in your makeup look. e.l.f. Matte Magic Mist & Set is an affordable setting spray that reduces shine and keeps makeup in place. For setting powders, Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder is a tried-and-true option that helps control oil without feeling heavy.
With these budget-friendly makeup essentials, beginners can build a comprehensive starter kit that ensures a polished, effortless look without overspending.
Extra Thoughts
Starting your makeup journey should be fun and empowering. Remember, you don’t need an extensive collection of products to create a beautiful look. With these essentials, you’ll have everything you need to master a basic makeup routine. Experiment, practice, and most importantly, enjoy the process—makeup is all about expressing yourself and enhancing your natural beauty.
