Giiiirl, if you’re just starting out with makeup and feeling super lost at the aisles of Sephora or Target (yeah, we’ve all been there, no judgment), I got you. Too many choices and you don’t even know if you need half of them? It’s like… do I really need 20 types of brushes? (Spoiler alert: you don’t.) Let’s keep it real and break things down: I’m Su, your new makeup bestie. By the time we’re done here, you’ll know the essential makeup products to grab, and you won’t go broke doing it!
1. Primer 🪄— Your Skin’s Best Friend
Okay, so hear me out: primer is like that invisible secret weapon. It’s not flashy, but it makes everything else work way better. Think of it as Photoshop for your face, but IRL. It smoothes out your skin and helps your makeup stay on all day. Perfect for those long days whether you’re running to school, work, or just chilling on TikTok.
There are a few different types of primers depending on your skin type:
| Skin Type | Best Primer |
|---|---|
| Oily | Mattifying primer (because, duh, oil control) |
| Dry | Hydrating primer (plz, save that flaky skin) |
| Combination | A good balance (pore-minimizing can help you) |
If you’ve got bomb AF skin, you can totally skip it, but if shine or foundation slipping off are your enemies, grab a good primer!
2. Foundation or BB Cream 🎨— Find Your Shade, Babe
Look, I know foundation choosing can feel like picking a Netflix show. Will it match? What if it’s too heavy?
Here’s what you gotta know: There are lots of foundation types. If you’re new to this, a BB cream or tinted moisturizer is way less intimidating. It gives you that no-makeup-makeup, light coverage that evens skin tone without feeling like a mask.
But if you want something with a bit more coverage, go for a liquid foundation that feels like your skin but better. Pro Tip: Test the shade on your jawline, not your hand—it’ll match perfectly, like your soulmate (if that’s a thing).
Just remember…
You don’t need to paint your whole face! Less is more sometimes.
3. Concealer 👀— For Your “Oops, I Stayed Up All Night” Moments
Don’t pretend you got 8 hours of sleep last night—concealer is gonna save you! We all have those under-eye bags after binge-watching a series or scrolling just one more hour on TikTok. A brightening concealer is your miracle. Get one that’s a shade lighter than your normal skin tone, and you’ll look way more awake in seconds, I promise.
But if you’re dealing with some breakouts or redness, tap on a concealer that’s closer to your foundation shade. Just dab it on and blend, blend, blend!
Purchasing tip: Don’t be afraid to swatch concealers at the store, but be sure to buy one that isn’t too cakey. Nobody wants that.
4. Setting Powder 💁♀️— Stop the Oil and Keep it Fresh
If you live your best life in a city that’s basically a hotspot for humidity OR if you’re one of those girls who gets oily by mid-morning, hi, you need setting powder. It locks in all your hard work so your foundation doesn’t start melting off mid-day. (Ever been there? Yikes, not fun.)
For beginners, go with translucent powder. You won’t have to worry about matching it with your skin tone like foundation, and it keeps your makeup looking fresh for hours. Oh, and don’t go overboard—we’re not baking cakes here.
5. Bronzer ☀️— Hello, Sun-Kissed Glow
Bronzer is all about that healthy, sunkissed glow—and trust me, everyone looks better with a touch of warmth. It makes you look like you’ve been tanning without actually needing to bake in the sun. (We love the sun, but also… SPF, please!)
Sweep a bit of bronzer on the high points of your face where the sun would naturally hit: tops of your cheeks, along your forehead, and a little on your nose and chin. Try to avoid something too orange-y. You wanna look glowy, not like a Dorito, am I right?
6. Blush 🍑— Don’t Skip This Cheeky Essential!
Okay, blush is my ride-or-die. It’s like, the ultimate life-hack when you want to look alive. A little bit of peach or rosy pink on the apples of your cheeks makes you look fresh and ready to take on the world. Just smile and swipe the blush upward to add brightness to your face and give yourself that “I just ran a mile” vibe without actually, you know, running.
And if you’re feeling a lil’ bougie, creamy blushes are honestly life! They melt into your skin for a more natural and glowing look. Think: dewy vibes all day.
7. Highlighter ✨— For That Extra Spice
You wanna glow like you’re in a filter in real life? Highlighter has your back. Apply it on the high points of your face (cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and the Cupid’s bow). You’ll look shiny and ready for selfies instantly!
Just make sure you’re picking a highlighter that matches your vibe. Are you going for something with a soft radiant glow? Or do you wanna blind people from across the room?! Don’t be afraid to shine, girl.
Shine is underrated. Wear it like a crown and watch them stare!
8. Eyeshadow Palette 🎨— The Right Colors Change The Game
Invest in a basic neutral eyeshadow palette, and I promise your life will be easier than ever before. With one good palette, you can create soft everyday looks or go full out with a glam moment. Earthy tones, browns, golds, and soft pinks are super beginner-friendly.
Once you get better at blending and playing with the tones you like (which will totally happen quicker than you think), you’ll be able to experiment with way more shades and finishes. But bridge the gap with neutrals first—they’re the timeless classics that’ll always suit you.
9. Mascara 👁— Get The Drama, Even On Chill Days
Mascara is my MVP. It’s quick, easy, and will always make you feel put together — even if you’re just running to Starbucks for a pumpkin spice latte. You can totally skip complicated eye looks sometimes, but never, ever skip mascara.
Here’s my pro-tip:
| Question | Solution |
|---|---|
| Want Length? | Go for a lengthening mascara! |
| Want Thick, Full Lashes? | A volumizing mascara will work wonders. |
| Straight Lashes Getting You Down? | Curl your lashes baby! Grab an eyelash curler. |
Remember to wiggle the wand at the base of your lashes to get that extra dramatic, fanned-out look.
10. Eyeliner 🎯— Define Those Eyes
Okay, some people jump to eyeliner wayy too early, and I get it—eyeliner is more patience and practice than people think. But girl, when you get that perfect flick? Chef’s Kiss! It’ll have people stopping you and asking what magic you used. Whether you’re using pencil (perfect for smoky vibes) or liquid (sharp and bold), get practicing!
And pro tip: If you mess your wing up, a quick swipe of a cotton bud dipped in micellar water will fix it right up.
11. Lipstick / Gloss 💋— It’s All in How You Finish It
Finally, the lips. You can switch it up depending on your mood. Are you feeling fierce? Toss on a bold lipstick. Can barely get yourself to put on a whole face? A glossy lipstick or simple tinted balm can make you look completely chic with zero effort.
If you’re just starting out, some safe bets are a nude lip that matches your skin tone or a poppy pink for a subtle, fun look.
Here’s a cheat sheet for some basic lip vibes:
| Lip Product | Vibe |
|---|---|
| Bold Lipstick | Iconic, dramatic |
| Tinted Lip Balm | Soft, cute, effortless |
| Lip Gloss | Insta-beauty-glow, trendy AF |
Remember Girl
You don’t need 72 different makeup steps to slay your look. The basics we just covered are all you need to start your makeup journey strong. The whole point of makeup is to have fun, experiment, and feel like the baddie you are. You’ll get better each time you practice, and before you know it, you’ll be able to put on a full face of makeup faster than you can say “winged eyeliner”.
