Your Makeup Starter (or refresh) Kit

Did You Know?  Was former first lady Barbara Pierce Bush the first lifestyle blogger?  “In 1969, while her husband served in Congress, Bush began writing a column for Houston newspapers about life in Washington.”   Sounds like she was on the Lifestyle Blogging train long before many others 🙂 (via)

I happen to love makeup, hair & clothes.  Makeup specifically.  Similar to playing w glitter crayons & sequins as a kid; I now play w makeup.   So I buy a lot of it, whenever there’s something new, pretty, or interesting; I try to add it to my collection.  BUT, I know that’s not for everyone.  I spent a lot of time on YouTube copying & learning from all the real makeup artists while I was in Dubai – but I’m fully aware ain’t everybody got time for that.

This list is a makeup starter kit OR it can be a makeup refresh kit.  So if you’re not totally into makeup, but want to have your basics covered, this list is for you!  Or, if all your make up is 37 years old & in desperate need of a refresh, this list has you covered!  Full face, start to finish, products.  I thought about this a lot.  I had trouble in the beginning of my makeup journey because I would buy all the glittery & colorful eye shadows (they’re the prettiest, so obviously),  but I could never make a full face come together.  Or I didn’t know what product goes where.  I either looked 198 years old or 3 years old.  Needless to say, it wasn’t working.  I wasted a lot of money.

Which is why I came up w this list!  I would’ve found it helpful before the dozens of glitter pink, purple, and blue purchases I made in the past.

I also didn’t want this list to be too expensive or overwhelming.  Anything that is a little more money, is simply because I think it’s worth it, for your starter kit.  You feel me?  It’s the same things I would save my precious pennies for while I was in Dubai, so trust me, if I could do it then – you can do it now.

Makeup Starter Kit List:

MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation:  A classic foundation that’s easy to get your hands on.  This foundation was the first one that I used & I still always have a jar on hand.  It’s blendable, easy, lasts a long time, and comes in a huge range of colors.  I also like that it’s not super low end or super high end foundation, making it a perfect thing to keep in your drawer.  (If you want to get something at a drug store instead, this one is also an excellent foundation: here)

NYX HD Concealer:  Concealer is important to have on hand.  With this product you can cover acne, dark under eyes, or help contour your face over the foundation.   NYX is super affordable so you can buy a few different colors.  If you want minimal makeup you can use this without foundation. The formula isn’t too thick & is easy to manage.  The best way to apply it is w the makeup sponge coming up below…

Hoola Benefit Bronzer:  Another staple, because – BRONZER.  This bronzer shows up in all online makeup videos & is in everyone’s makeup drawer that I have the chance to peek in.  An across the board favorite.  Easy to blend, goes w most skin types,  AND is absolutely necessary… because how can you live without being BRONZE?!  The good part of this particular bronzer is that a little baby brush comes w it, so you have that as a starting point.

e.l.f. Blush Palette:  A recent find that I LOVE!  Packaging, quality, pigmentation, & color range couldn’t be better – and all for $4.99!  A huge, high quality mirror is in the palette which is a very notable perk.  Use bronzer on the edges of your face & this blush on your cheeks.  This palette can easily be the only blush you’ll need for a long time…

L’oreal Liquid Glow Illuminator:  I have 1,143 highlighters so this was hard to decide on picking ONE for a starter kit.  I would have to say a liquid highlighter is best because it’s so versatile.  I use it when I have no other makeup on;  putting a little on my upper cheek bones to add JUST a little life to a makeup free face.  But never be afraid to highlight: shoulders, nose, cheeks, eyelids, boobies.  Needless to say, it’s a very versatile product.

L’oreal Mascara:  Just yes.  If you need one, it’s this one.

Eyelash Curler:  Really any brand works.  An eyelash curler opens your eyes so you look AWAKE.  And isn’t the goal in life to look awake?  Unless you’re Wafiq & have perfectly curled, long, black, gorgeous eyelashes – a curler will help you achieve that look.

Eylure Brow Pencil:  You might overlook this if you don’t wear makeup or are just starting to, but having an eyebrow pencil to fill in the little missing spots can make an eyebrow look like an actual shape.  By doing this, you can totally define your entire face. And this particular brow pencil has a brush to blend when you’re done. Try it!

Nude Cream Milani Color Statement Lipstick:  I always recommend wearing chapstick, that’s the best/easiest way to make your lips look moist + alive.  But this lipstick is the next best thing, because sometimes you need more.  My lips can be PALE, and adding even a little color can make all the difference.   The formula in this particular brand makes it comfortable to wear all day & the color is natural w a little touch.

Urban Decay Naked Palette:  The ultimate in your starter kit or refresh.  I have used every color in this palette until it’s empty.  And in multiple ways.  The light colors I use as a powder, the sheen color I use as a highlight, the dark color as eye shadow, or an eye liner.  It’s an essential.

Real Techniques Blending Sponge:  Because this sponge can do anything!  If you don’t have another brush, you can figure out a way to apply whatever makeup you’re going for with this beauty blender.  Get it wet until it’s spongey, then apply!  I prefer this brand because it’s affordable enough where you can repurchase whenever one gets too dirty.

Morphe Foundation Brush:  You can use a beauty blender, but I prefer a nice big brush because it steals less product.

Morphe Tapered Powder Brush:  You’ll find several ways to use a powder brush & it’s a nice tool to have on hand to make sure everything on your face is blended + smooth.

Morphe Mini Blender Brush:  For all things eyes & detail.

Ok, I’ve read this list over a few different times & I’m feeling confident.  I think the price points are good, & the options are perfect to easily achieve a sweet, natural looking face.  Remember, this is everything to start your makeup kit, but you don’t have to use everything at once.  If you hate foundation, leave it in your drawer for a special night out, but at least you have it!  Maybe everyday you’ll use highlighter, sometimes mascara, and an occasional blush moment.  With this list, you’ll have all your products ready.

If you think I missed anything, let me know!  What’s your staple, basic product?

I’m off to binge watch West World.  I think a friend of ours is having people over to watch the Season 2 premier on Sunday night & I have major FOMO.  I don’t want to miss out!  If you’re looking for me at 3am, I’m up watching episode 6.

Have a great weekend & be thoughtful

Xx

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