Makeup Essentials – A Starter Kit

I thought it would be fun to do a post on what I consider “makeup essentials” – or, what I would start with if I was building a makeup kit from scratch.

My “starter kit” includes the following 16 items.  I have included my favorites of each item; but, of course when I say “a black liner” any black eyeliner will do! The links are to my reviews of each item when available

 

  • Liquid foundation – my current favorite is Guerlain Lingerie de Peau
  • Setting powder – I adore Guerlain Meteorites Compact Powder
  • Contour powder – MAC Sculpt is great, though a little hard to get
  • Highlighter – MAC Lightscapade is a favorite
  • Neutral blush – MAC Blushbaby is great (or try Tarte Exposed)
  • Pink/Coral/Peach blush – depending on your coloring. I love corals, so my pick is Tarte Blissful.
  • Eyeshadow Primer – I’m using Too Faced Shadow Insurance right now
  • Neutral eyeshadow palette – I love the Illamasqua Neutral Quad, but either Naked Palette is also a great choice.
  • Black eyeliner – Prestige Total Intensity is my favorite – but you could use a gel or liquid if you prefer
  • Mascara – I’m still using my Hourglass mini – any mascara you love will do!
  • Eyebrow powder or pencil – Anastasia Brow Powder Duo is my personal favorite
  • Lip balm – I recommend Jack Black!
  • Nude lipstick – I have a favorite nude lipstick combination, but for a single nude lipstick, I reach for Rimmel Kate 14
  • Rosy lipstick (MLBB) – NARS Gipsy is a favorite
  • Bright lipstick – I adore Essence Red Carpet – it’s worth far more than the price!
  • Red lipstick – no one is surprised that NARS Cruella is my favorite here!

 

Depending on your skin and needs, you may also wish to add a face primer (I don’t use one at the moment, as my makeup lasts long enough for my needs), undereye and/or blemish concealer (I’m lucky that I rarely use these!), or a colorful eyeshadow palette in addition to the neutral eyeshadow palette.
Real Techniques Starter Set

And of course, you would need brushes and other tools (eyelash curler if you want, pencil sharpener if needed).  I hesitate to recommend specific brushes for a starter brush set because what you would need depends on the products in your starter makeup kit – does your foundation apply best with your fingers, a brush, or a tool like a beautyblender? Do you have a gel or pencil eyeliner? If I was really starting from scratch with brushes, I might start with the Real Techniques Starter Set (eye brushes) and Real Techniques Core Collection Set (face brushes), while I figured out what brushes I needed.  I also have a post on my favorite brushes from a couple months ago here; I’ll probably do an updated favorite brushes post in the near future!

Real Techniques Core Set
What would you skip that I included, or include that I skipped in your idea of a starter kit?

Related posts:

  1. My Makeup Brush Collection
  2. My Favorite Brushes – Face Edition
  3. My Favorite Face Makeup Brushes
  4. My Favorite Eye Makeup Brushes