How-to: Putting together your first make-up kit

Remember when I said that now is the best time to start experimenting with make-up? (Don't remember? Click here) With this, is also the opportunity to start investing on your first few make-up products so you won’t have to panic and find yourself empty-handed when the time comes. But let’s face it, being alien to make-up doesn’t help in putting together your very first make-up kit at all, especially when you’re confronted with a wide array of make-up products to choose from (which is everytime, by the way).

If you’re a beginner, read on…because the last thing you want is to waste your money on random make-up you don’t know how to use and you won’t be needing anyway. If you’re in the middle of your make-up collection already, stay with me (#sumaSamSmith). You might learn some new stuff too :)

Here’s a rundown of some essentials for your first make-up kit and why you need them:

1. BB Cream (half a shade darker than your skin tone)

photo from http://www.rantchic.com

BB stands for Blemish Balm or Blemish Base. If you’re a light traveler, ditch the foundation, the primer, the tinted moisturizer, the sunscreen, and concealer, because a BB cream does it all for you (I hope I don’t sound like I’m from a TV commercial here). BB creams also have a dewy finish that makes you look fresh. This can be a problem if you’re oily skinned. Don’t fret because there’s nothing a little powder can’t fix.

2. Pressed powder (must match BB Cream color)

photo from http://s1.thcdn.com

Pressed powders, alongside loose powders, prevent base makeup like foundation or BB creams from sliding and melting off your face. It also reduces excess shine on skin and helps your make-up last a lot longer. If you want extra coverage, pressed powders are definitely for you. NOTE: Pressed powders are different from pressed foundations.

3. Lipstick or tinted lip balm

photo from http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/

Nobody can go wrong with a mauve-colored lippie. If you’re feeling bold however, brave red (keep it easy on the eye make-up though). Pucker up girls, even if it’s just tinted lip balm or lip stain. No one’s a fan of a pale, crusty lip.

4. Blush

photo from http://fashionsmarter.com

Don’t ignore your cheeks! Fake a healthy glow by applying blush on the apples of your cheeks. The rule is: the lighter the skin tone, the lighter the blush. Choose the color your cheeks turn when you're naturally flushed (hey that rhymes!).
Oily to normal skin? Or just really hot? Use a powder blush as it won’t slide off your face. Cream blush is good for drier skin since it hydrates. Liquid and gels also last the longest.

5. Neutral and matte eyeshadow palette

photo from http://beautypointofview.com

A neutral and matte eyeshadow palette is probably today’s holy grail when it comes to make-up items (alongside concealers). Since the “No Make-up” make-up look is becoming a fad, I think it’s the best investment there is. Using a subtle colored palette can help enhance what’s already there without drastically changing how things look.

6. Eyeliner pencil

photo from http://www.lookgreat-loseweight-savemoney.com

Eyeliners can change your eyeshape, and can also fill in sparse looking lashes. Eyeliners are one of the toughest make-up products to master. For starters, use a pencil rather than a liquid eyeliner since it’s easier to manipulate

7. Brow powder/brow pencil

photo from https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com

Oh, you know why :)

8. Mascara

photo from www.womenshealthmag.com

Mascara can make your eyes stand out and has the potential for a more intense look without the use of other eye makeup products. Adding mascara to your lashes (after curling them of course) will bring depth to your eyes and open them up, even if you don’t wear a lot of eyeshadow. Cool, right? However, incorrectly applying mascara can give you raccoon eyes. Eew! Not to mention using too much of it can draw attention to all the clumps in your lashes. No worries, practice is key.

Complete your kit with the basic make-up brushes. If your budget’s too tight, never hesitate to resort to the best alternative to brushes there is--your clean fingers :)