Makeup Must-Haves for Beginners

Imagine this: the year is 2020. Beauty trends have come and gone, from crazy contoured cheeks to donut-glaze-looking highlighter. Everyone has moved past that bright blue eyeshadow phase, ditched the squared eyebrows (that were frankly too harsh now that I look back on mine), and thrown away every product that hasn’t transitioned to a 100% cruelty-free means of production.

And yet, even just getting started on makeup confounds you. You’ve never had the right shade of foundation, and it’s always just a little bit too cakey when you put it on. Your lipstick doesn’t seem to be the right shade. Countless hours watching beauty gurus haven’t paid off, and you still wonder why your winged eyeliner looks less winged and more wack. Frustrating, right? (And yes, this may or may not be from personal experience.)

But like most things in life, makeup is a skill that needs practice in order to perfect. There is not a single person who has come out of the womb in full glam. No, getting that glamazon look takes time and patience! If you’re ready to commit to learning the wonderful skill of makeup, we’ve rounded up all the must-have products you need that are perfect for beginners.

Moisturizer and Primer

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: skincare is so, so, so vital to makeup! By investing in a moisturizer and primer, you’re making sure your base is smooth so that your makeup can glide on easily. Having prepped, well-moisturized skin reduces the cakey texture you may get when you dab on that foundation. Moisturizers and primers also add a layer of protection for your skin, since wearing makeup for long periods of time can be a bit much for your face. This is an easy step for beginners as putting on moisturizers and primers requires very little precision, so if you want to get better at makeup, you’re practically halfway there.

Once you’ve mastered the art of skin prep, you can switch up your routine! Add some essences or sheet masks into the mix — all your choice, of course.

Foundation (in the Right Shade!)

We can never forget foundation. Our biggest tip? Make sure you GET. THE. RIGHT. SHADE. Seriously, remember when everyone just looked super pale because most makeup brands didn’t carry enough shades to suit the spectrum of skin tones we Filipinas have? We’re glad that’s changed now because it makes it easier for your makeup to look put-together.

As a beginner, this is the step that’s going to make a huge difference to your makeup look. And it’s important you ask your salespersons at the store to get you the perfect match. Don’t be afraid to test and test until you get a shade closest to your skin tone.

Concealer

One of my recent makeup must-haves, the concealer, is a reliable friend — especially if you’re one to stay up until the wee hours of the morning and wake up with dark circles. I can’t count how many times I’ve reached for a concealer for a quick, easy, natural look before going out.

A concealer will hide stubborn blemishes (you know how that ONE pimple just will not go away?), dark spots, and discolored areas in your face. Perfect for beginners, you can start by investing in a small tube or pot concealer and go from there.

The concealer is also a multifunctional makeup product: you can use it to clean up your winged eyeliner or put under your brows to give them an extra pop.

Eyeliner

Need I explain more? In my opinion, eyeliner just makes everything so much better. When applied correctly, it can make your eyes really stand out. Now that we’re all required to wear masks every time we go out, the only exposed part of your face has to look nothing short of uh-mazing.

Today’s trends are changing so much, and that’s a good thing for eyeliner enthusiasts! If you can’t quite get your eyeliner to wing perfectly, you can always try different trends such as the “floating eyeliner” style.

For first-timers, I suggest getting a pencil first then transitioning to a marker-style liner.

Eyeshadow Palette

Up until now, eyeshadow palettes are a makeup must-have. For beginners, we suggest getting a basic 4-color palette with neutral colors like browns and beiges. But if you’re looking to experiment with some Euphoria-style looks, don’t be afraid to get a palette with popping colors! Practicing makeup is so much easier if you’re enjoying yourself, and if bright neon colors make your heart happy, go for it, girl.

Eyebrow Gel & Pomade

The brows shape the face, and having killer eyebrows is a trend that isn’t going away anytime soon. If you’re someone who has naturally thick brows, you may opt for an eyebrow gel to keep your hairs even and smooth for that model-fresh look. If your brows need some filling in, however, a pomade is always a great way to start!

Lip & Cheek Tint

Even though half our faces are covered up by protective gear, I still say go for that lip color. You can practice putting it on perfectly at home, and if you mess up, hey, no one can see it when you go out! If you’re purchasing a lippie for the first time, don’t be afraid to ask for a shade that suits your complexion. A lip and cheek tint is great for beginners, as you’ll be able to use it for not just your lips but your cheeks, too!

Oil-based Cleanser

Okay, this one isn’t really a makeup product, but it’s essential nonetheless. One of the most important parts of makeup is actually taking it off. This is the part that requires the most self-discipline. If you’re practicing, you’ll be sure to make a few mistakes here and there. This is where the cleanser comes in handy, and you might want to pair it with a cotton bud, too.

We recommend getting an oil-based cleanser if you don’t have one yet, as this breaks down stubborn makeup particles easily. Skip the makeup wipes — they might be convenient, but the pulling sensation on your face makes them a no-no for maintaining healthy skin.

If you’re still unsure about starting your beauty and cosmetics journey, these makeup must-haves are the perfect place to start! They’re non-intimidating and anyone can practice them while having fun, too.

Joey Baldonado

Joey is an AB Psychology graduate of the University of St. La Salle – Bacolod. Her life’s passions include writing, film, and spending hours on end binge-watching fashion vloggers on Youtube.