When you’re just starting out with makeup, all the terms, trends and products can get extremely confusing – especially when every item seems to promise the world and more. Building up a makeup bag or kit is all about pinning down the absolute essentials, once you’ve got those you can absolutely keep adding new and exciting products that you come across over time! The core makeup items that you need to secure today include…
SPF
SPF is non-negotiable, especially here in Australia! Protecting your face from the sun’s harmful rays is vital for keeping you looking youthful and wrinkle-free for longer, but also for preventing the risk of melanoma or other skin cancers. Be smart and invest in a good quality SPF that works with your skin type. You can find moisturisers, serums and primers with SPF in them if you don’t want to buy a whole separate product.
Foundation
You don’t have to wear foundation, but for a lot of people, it is a bit of a must-have. Foundation evens your skin tone, corrects and covers blemishes and creates a smooth base for the rest of your makeup. You can find cream to powder, cream, powder and liquid foundations for light, medium or full coverage. Looking for something lighter? A tinted moisturiser is perfect for sheer coverage and an even, glowing skin tone.
Concealer
Whether you have some uneven patches, blemishes or dark under-eye circles, we all need a tiny bit of concealer here and there every now and again. A small swipe of concealer will make you look wide awake and well-rested, no matter how early in the morning you were dragged out of bed!
Powder
Another essential! Powder keeps your makeup in place all day long, sets everything and makes sure any shine is kept at bay. We all love a bit of glow, but not all over! Choose a pressed powder to have in your bag throughout the day.
Bronzer
A quick dusting of bronzer will make you look sun-kissed and golden all year round. Look for a matte powder formula for a long-lasting glow, you can use this for contouring once you get a little more comfortable with your powder brush.
Blush
Everyone looks beautiful with a subtle flush of blush on their cheeks! This is going to liven you up in the winter, make your glow sparkle in the summer and bring some life to your face after applying foundation or powder. Look for a peachy powder with a subtle shimmer for the perfect makeup bag addition.
Highlighter
Highlighter isn’t essential, but it’s great to have on hand if you like to look like a glowy goddess. Opt for a soft rosy or golden highlighter to enhance your colouring.
Brow Pencil
Sculpt and shape your brows with a cool-toned brow pencil and a spoolie. If your brows are already pretty full, you could always swap a pencil out for a clear or tinted brow gel, this is quick, easy and requires minimal skill.
Eyeliner
Whether you want to try out a liquid, gel or pencil liner, it’s pretty essential to have one of some kind tucked away in that makeup bag of yours. Opt for black, inky navy or rich chocolate brown to add intense definition around your eyes.
Neutral Eyeshadow
Everyone looks great with a little swipe of neutral eyeshadow on their lids! Try and find a palette with a mixture of shimmer, glitter and creamy mattes with a range of light, medium and dark neutral tones for the perfect, versatile makeup investment.
Lipstick/Balm/Gloss
Lastly, a soft pink lipstick, sheer balm or clear gloss to finish and you’re done! The perfect makeup kit!
Photo by Raphael Lovaski on Unsplash
