Makeup for Beginners
As if applying makeup and perfecting a technique aren’t hard enough, choosing which makeup brands and products to use can be even harder. I remember practicing and wearing makeup in December 2015 for my college graduation. I watched YouTube videos every day to help me choose products, learn which tools to use, and how to apply it. That’s why it’s important to discover makeup for beginners.
From that point on, I’ve been experimenting ever since by buying different products from brands, like MAC and Maybelline to MAKEUP FOREVER and Too Faced, and getting my technique down. While I don’t wear it as much as I used to (which was almost every day), I know experimenting with makeup can get expensive but it doesn’t have to be.
I’m here to share some inexpensive makeup products and tools I own for you to try. This post features products for a natural, simple, and minimal look anyone can achieve. I’m not a huge fan of contouring – I don’t even know if I properly know how to do it – so that will not be covered here.
Neither will eyeshadow, even though I’ll have a new post soon featuring Jackie Aina’s feature eyeshadow palette with Anastassia Beverly Hills. Lastly, “drug store” products will not be featured either. I don’t prefer drug store products because finding your shade can be hard. I recommend going to an actual makeup counter, like Sephora, MAC, Morphe, etc., where their team can perfectly match you to your shade and can see the results before purchasing.
*DISCLAIMER*
Also, in no way is this post sponsored by Morphe – I recently purchased their products and fell in love with them. They have super great quality, are highly-affordable, and offer a wide shade range. One thing to remember: products may or may not work for you, depending on your skin type.
With further ado, let’s get to the products.
Recommended Face Products
Primer
As stated earlier, choosing the right products, especially primer, for you depends on your skin type. Products come in various forms, i.e. liquid, gel, cream, or powder, and finishes, i.e. mattifying, natural, illuminating, and sheer, to enhance your overall makeup look. This product goes on after applying your moisturizer.
Right now, I’m using Smashbox’s Primer Water primer. It’s a water-based primer I can easily rub into my skin.
Foundation: Morphe FLUIDITY Full-Coverage – $18
There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a foundation. From its coverage and finish to finding the right shade to match your undertone, which is the most important factor when purchasing. My shade in this foundation is F3.110 (NEUTRAL: deep tan with slightly red undertones). I have a red or neutral undertone, so when getting matched the makeup artist can tell.
I chose this Morphe foundation because it’s full-coverage, super lightweight, and a low price. Full-coverage foundations are the best foundation option because it fully covers your skin without allowing you to overapply product, so you avoid having a “caked” face. I highly recommend this foundation because it blends easily and covers with just 3-4 squeezes. Its packaging states:
- 24-hour long wear
- Sweatproof, transfer-resistant, and water-resistant
- Free of oils, fragrance, and parabens
- Great for all skin types
Concealer: Morphe FLUIDITY Full-Coverage – $9
There are a ton of concealers out there, but this one is honestly the best one I’ve ever used. With a high-variety shade range, this concealer is easy to choose a shade to either match your skin tone or highlight and super creamy, making it easy to blend. The packaging comes with a wand applicator tip, so you can apply the product right to the face.
The benefits of this concealer:
- 16-hour-long wear
- Sweatproof, transfer-resistant, water-resistant
- Free of fragrance and parabens
- Ophthalmologist-tested
Finishing Powder – Morphe FILTER EFFECT – $12
Powders are absolute life-savers and are necessary when wearing ANY, and I mean any, type of liquid foundation or concealer. It sets the makeup in place to prevent any movement or fading. I’ve seen a drastic difference since setting my makeup.
Benefits for this Morphe powder are:
- Buildable sheer-to-medium coverage
- Creamy, lightweight formula
- Shine-free and oil-absorbing
- Selfie approved
- Includes puff for on-the-go application
Mascara: L’OREAL Voluminous – $9
This is the only mascara I’ve used for the last few years, and I absolutely love it. It’s super easy to apply, last for a very long time, and extends your lashes beautifully.
Lip Product
Finish off your natural makeup look with a lip gloss or lipstick, depending on the look you’re going for or where you’re going. I prefer a liquid matte from The Lip Bar, a black-owned vegan cosmetic brand based in Detroit, Michigan.
Honorable Mentions:
- Eyebrow pencil
- Highlight
- Blush
Recommended Tools
You don’t need all of these tools, but I find them helpful for an even coverage:
Morphe M444 Deluxe Definition Buffer Brush – $14
I usually don’t like using brushes for applying foundation, but this brush right here is AMAZING! It’s a short dome synthetic brush that helps you blend & buff foundation and concealer. The synthetic bristles help to keep all product on your face. I use this to brush in my foundation, then smooth in my concealer with foundation so there are no harsh lines.
Real Techniques Complexion Sponge ($5) or beautyblender ($20)
Both of these sponges are staples within the makeup industry, and both have two different price points. I standby both of these products – the Real Techniques sponge will forever be a staple in my collection due to its price, quality, and durability, but I do want to purchase another beautyblender soon. I use these sponges to help blend my foundation and concealer in seamlessly and to set it with powder.
Share Your Thoughts
Finding your shade and the right formula doesn’t have to take a long time or cost more than you imagine any more. These brands mentioned have wide shade ranges for all skin types and shades. Beginners do not, I repeat do not, need to spend a lot of money on makeup that they will only wear every once in a while. Give these brands a try to see if they work for you – see the finished look I achieved!
A natural face can include more products than what I listed, but figure out what works for you. You don’t always have to do the normal nor do you have to like foundation or filling in your eyebrows. Be true to your lifestyle and see which products fall into that, then practice on your technique.
Leave all your makeup for beginners questions and comments below or send me a message – I’d be happy to help more.
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