Beauty Basics: Makeup Essentials for Beginners

We all remember our firsts—and if you’re new to the world of makeup, that includes the first time you tentatively applied foundation while wondering if it was really your skin’s perfect shade-match, or if you should ditch the brush and go for a beauty sponge instead (we’ll get to that later). Fact is, while trying on makeup for the first time can definitely be exciting, finding the right makeup products can also be a challenge. 

With so many brands and formulas to choose from, it’s fairly easy for any beauty novice to get overwhelmed. So to help get you started, we enlisted the expert advice of Jessica Kendall—hairstylist, makeup artist and owner of Beauty Asylum—to give us the dos, don’ts, hows and whys in our guide to the ultimate makeup essentials for beginners. 

Which Makeup Products Should a Beginner Buy? 

While you may be tempted to fill your shopping carts with the beauty world’s latest obsessions, any seasoned pro will tell you that the road to makeup mastery starts with a good understanding of the basics and knowing what each product can actually do for you. Below, we list down the absolute makeup must-haves for beginners. 

1. jane iredale Smooth Affair Brightening Face Primer (1.7 fl. oz.)

jane iredale Smooth Affair Brightening Face Primer (1.7 fl. oz.)

123 reviews

$55.00

QUICK BUY

Primers tend to go overlooked, especially by makeup newbies, but it’s definitely one that your makeup kit should never be without. Think of it as Photoshop for your skin. It smooths out your complexion by filling in large pores, lines and other blemishes, leaving you with a flawless and even base to ensure your makeup application is a breeze.  Try: jane iredale Smooth Affair Brightening Face Primer 

5. Tarte Tartelette Toasted Eyeshadow Palette (1 piece)

Tarte Tartelette Toasted Eyeshadow Palette (1 piece)

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45 reviews

RRP: $47.00Current price: $20.00

COMING SOON

No makeup kit is ever complete without a neutral eyeshadow palette that can take your look from day to night. Taupes, bronzes, browns and cream-colored shadows are not only great for all eye colors and skin tones, but also for creating natural, barely-there daytime looks and nighttime makeup that’s both subtle and glam.   Kendall breaks down how to get the natural look with just three simple tools:

• Eyeshadow brush: this is the staple for applying powder loosely on the lid.
• Smudge brush: this brush is usually packed together with dense bristles to apply a heavier amount of product. Look for a dome shape the size of a pencil eraser to provide more application control.
• Blending brush: this gives the option to apply a soft amount of color in the crease and/or buff the shadow above the crease.

Try: Tarte Tartelette Toasted Eyeshadow Palette 

7. DHC Mascara Perfect Pro Double Protection - Black (0.17 oz.)

DHC Mascara Perfect Pro Double Protection - Black (0.17 oz.)

195 reviews

$19.00

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Plenty of beauty connoisseurs would say that mascara is the most important part of makeup, and for good reason. Mascara adds thickness, length and volume to your lashes, which instantly opens and frames your eyes. The best part? It requires very little effort. Simply take your freshly dipped mascara wand and apply one to two coats before you complete your look. An absolute makeup essential for beginners, it’s the quickest way to have a put-together look on the daily.  Try: DHC Mascara Perfect Pro Double Protection  

10. Kate Somerville UncompliKated SPF Soft Focus Makeup Setting Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen (3.4 oz.)

Kate Somerville UncompliKated SPF Soft Focus Makeup Setting Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen (3.4 oz.)

10 reviews

RRP: $44.00Current price: $22.00

COMING SOON

After all that effort putting together the perfect look, the last thing you want is for your makeup to start slipping off before your work day has even begun. Enter setting spray. As the last step in your beauty routine, a few spritz can hold your makeup in place so you don’t have to worry about fading, flaking and smudging. And like other makeup products, setting sprays also offer plenty of options to choose from. If you tend to have dry skin, choose one that adds a layer of hydration or a dewy finish. For daily use, a setting spray with a dose of SPF is always a good idea.  Try: Kate Somerville UncompliKated SPF Soft Focus Makeup Setting Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen