The Beginner’s Guide To Makeup Essentials: What You Actually Need (and why)

Your Guide to Building a Beginner Makeup Essentials That Work For You

Starting your makeup journey can feel overwhelming with the endless array of products, formulas, and techniques out there.  But the truth is, you don’t need everything - you just need the right essentials.  Whether you’re brand new to makeup, returning after a long break, or simply looking to simplify your routine, this guide breaks down the core items that will help you build versatility with your items that will work from day to night.

From understanding your skin type to choosing the right foundation and mastering the power of blush, bronzer and brows, this post is designed to give you clarity and confidence.  Think of this as your no-fluff, beginner-friendly blueprint (or shopping list) for makeup that enhances rather than overwhelms.  

But First, Know Your Skin

Before diving into products, it is important to understand the canvas you’re working with - your skin.  Knowing your skin type is the first step in choosing the right skincare and makeup formulas that will not only look good but feel good too.  Whether you’re oily, dry, combination or somewhere in between, your skin type plays a major role in how your makeup performs and how your skincare supports it.

Let’s start here.

• Dry Skin.  This skin type can feel tight, flaky, and in some cases feel tender to the touch. There may also be some redness.  This skin type also has very small to no visible pores. The goal is to replenish moisture and choose makeup that enhances radiance without clinging to dry patches.

• 💧PRO TIP:  Lead with hydrating and replenishing skincare.  Prioritize hydrating primers, dewy-finish foundations as well as liquid blushes and highlighters that will melt into the skin.

• Normal Skin.  Normal skin has even texture and minimal concerns.  It isn’t prone to excess oil, enlarged pores or dryness.  This skin type, which is considered ideal, can experiment with many finishes and various products.

• ✨PRO TIP:  You can experiment with both matte and dewy finishes but focus on lightweight layers to maintain an effortless glow.

• Oily Skin.  Oily skin experiences excess sebum production.  The skin appears shiny, particularly in the T-zone area which includes the forehead, nose and chin area.  Oily skin usually has enlarged or more visible pores.  The goal is to control the oil while keeping the skin healthy looking instead of flat.

• 🌿PRO TIP:  Use mattifying or oil control moisturizers, primers and setting powders strategically on oily areas while allowing some glow to peek through on the high points of the face for a natural, skin-like finish.

• Combination Skin.  This skin type is a combination of both oily and dry/normal areas. With combination skin, the oil tends to be in the t-zone (forehead, nose, chin) with normal to dry cheeks.  The approach needs to be tailored in order to balance various skin needs.

• ⚖️PRO TIP:  Use multiple primers (cocktailing) to balance the skin before makeup application.  Use mattifying or oil control products for the oily areas, hydrating products/formulas on the drier areas.  It is also a good idea to use buildable makeup formulas that will allow you to adjust where needed.

Keep in mind that while you may have a particular skin type, there are other factors that can affect how your skin looks and feels throughout the day/week/month/season. Age, hormones, diet, lifestyle choices and even the weather can affect how your skin and, subsequently, your makeup performs.

When it comes to skincare based on what your skin type is, your routine should include the following:

• Cleanser:  The Foundation Of Every Routine  A good skincare routine starts with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping the skin.  Start by choosing a formula that suits your skin type - gel or foaming cleansers for oily/combination skin, cream or hydrating cleansers for dry skin.

• 🧼PRO TIP:  Always double cleanse with a cleansing balm or oil when you wear makeup and sunscreen to ensure your skin is truly clean.  Also, contrary to popular belief, oil cleansers/balms are perfect for oily skin types because oil cancels out oil and can balance the skin.

• Toner:  The Refreshing Reset.  Toners have come a long way from the days of Sea Breeze and Witch Hazel - both of which are still good options.  Today’s toner options are excellent for removing excess residue from the skin and returning skin back to it’s proper pH balance.  In addition, they contain ingredients to address various skin concerns and needs such as hydration, brightening, smoothing and exfoliation.

• 💧PRO TIP:  Apply toner with your hands by patting and pressing into the skin.  This will maximize hydration. 

• Eye Cream:  Targeted Care for Delicate Skin. The skin under the eye is thinner and more delicate than the skin on the rest of the face.  It is more prone to dryness and fine lines.  This makes it important to use a cream specifically for this area.  A lightweight eye cream will hydrate and prep this area for concealer application, thus reducing creasing. 

• 👁️PRO TIP:  Use your ring finger to gently tap eye cream onto the orbital bone.  Your ring finger is the weakest digit and does the least amount of tugging in the eye area.  Remember to tap instead of rub.

• Serum:  The Treatment Powerhouse.  Serums are concentrated formulas that deliver active ingredients deeper into the skin. These concentrated formulas can address hydration, brightening and even fine lines.

• 🔬PRO TIP:  Apply serums while your skin is slightly damp to help lock in moisture and enhance absorption.

• Moisturizer:  Lock in Hydration & Smoothness.  Moisturizer is essential for sealing in hydration.  This will keep your skin soft, plumped and prepped for makeup application.  Creams are great for dry to normal skin types and gels are great for combination to oily skin types.  

• 🧴PRO TIP:  Do not skip moisturizer even if you have oily skin.  Hydration actually helps to keep oily skin balanced and keeps your skin looking healthy.

• Sunscreen:  Non-Negotiable Protection.  SPF is one of the most important steps in any skin care routine.  It will protect against aging, damage and helps to reduce the risk of getting skin cancer.  Use a broad spectrum SPF of 30 or higher everyday - rain, sleet, snow, and even indoors.

• ☀️PRO TIP:  If you are using a sunscreen separate from your moisturizer, sunscreen should be applied after moisturizer and before primer.  Be sure to reapply throughout the day (every two hours).  Don’t forget to apply to often missed spots such as scalp, ears, nose, lips and eyelids.

Primer:  The Essential First Step to Flawless Makeup

Think of primer as the bridge between skincare and makeup - it creates a smooth canvas, increases the longevity of your makeup and can address specific skin concerns you have before you apply your makeup.  Whether you want to blur pores, control oil, or boost hydration, there is a primer to meet your needs.

Primers are not a one size fits all so understanding the different types will help you choose the right formula to enhance your skin’s natural texture and keep your makeup looking like you just applied it.

• Hydrating Primer:  Quench and Prep Dry Skin.  Ideal for dry or dehydrated skin, hydrating primers are infused with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerine to add moisture and give your complexion a healthy, plump finish.

• 💧PRO TIP:  Layer hydrating primer over your skincare when you need an extra moisture boost, especially in colder months or when skin feels tight.

• Pore-Refining Primer:  Blur and Smooth Texture.  These primers work like a soft-focus filter, filling in enlarged pores and smoothing uneven texture.  They create a flawless, silky canvas that minimizes the appearance of imperfections.

• 🔍PRO TIP:  Instead of rubbing, press pore-refining primers into areas of concern like the T-zone and cheeks for a blurring effect.  Doing so prevents the primer from pilling on the skin.

• Mattifying Primer:  Combat Shine Without Drying Out.  Mattifying primers are designed to control excess oil and give the skin a velvety matte finish.  Perfect for those who want to keep shine at bay while ensuring their makeup stays put.

• 🧴PRO TIP:  Use mattifying primer selectively on oily areas (forehead, nose, chin) to maintain a balanced skin like finish rather than going flat.

• Oil-Control Primer:  Long-Lasting Shine Control For Oily Skin.  While similar to mattifying primers, oil-control formulas are specifically designed to extend wear time by keeping oil production at bay throughout the day without making the skin dry.

• 🛡️PRO TIP:  Look for oil-control primers that are lightweight and breathable in order to maintain a skin-like finish throughout the day.

• Gripping Primer:  The Makeup Magnet.  Gripping primers have a tacky texture that “grips” foundation and holds it in place for all day wear.  They are perfect for events or anytime you need extended wear from your makeup.

• 🧲PRO TIP:  Allow gripping primer to sit for 30-60 seconds before applying your foundation.  This will ensure the formula is tacky enough to lock our makeup in place.

• Radiance-Boosting Primer:  Lit-From-Within Glow.  These primers contain light-reflecting particles or subtle pigments to give the skin a dewy, radiant glow.  They are perfect to help wake tired, dull skin or to give extra glow.  They can even be worn alone for no-makeup days.

• ✨PRO TIP:  Mix a drop of radiance primer into your moisturizer or foundation for an all over glow or apply to just the high points of the face for a soft luminous effect.  

From Prep to Perfection:  Choosing the Right Complexion Products

With your primer setting the stage, the next step is choosing the right complexion product that suits your skin needs, desired finish and lifestyle.  From sheer tints to full-coverage foundations, every formula provides varying levels of coverage, texture, finish, and wear.  Understanding these options allows you to build a base that looks polished while still looking and feeling like your skin - whether you prefer a dewy, natural or matte finish.

• Skin Tint:  Sheer, Breathable Coverage for Effortless Days.  Usually the most sheer of complexion products, skin tints offer a light veil of color that evens out the complexion with masking your natural skin.  Great for those who have minimal to no blemishes and want to even out the complexion for a polished look.  Skin tints may contain skin care benefits and take on a serum-like texture.

• 🌿PRO TIP:  Skin tints can be applied with fingers or a stippling brush.  Set with powder to ensure longevity.

• Tinted Moisturizer:  Hydration Meets Light Coverage.  Considered a cross between skincare and foundation, tinted moisturizer is a 2-in-1 product that combines skincare benefits with sheer dewy coverage.  Tinted moisturizers usually have SPF and are perfect for normal to dry skin types who want a quick simple approach to perfecting their complexion without layering on multiple products.  

• 💧PRO TIP:  Apply tinted moisturizers with fingers, flat foundation brush, or sponge.  If you need a little extra coverage, spot-conceal areas like under the eyes or blemishes instead of layering on more tinted moisturizer.

• Liquid Foundation:  Versatile Coverage for Every Skin Type.  Liquid foundations are available in many finishes including dewy, natural, and matte.  The levels of coverage range from sheer, medium, and full with some overlap of coverage depending on the brand.  Liquid foundations are versatile and can adapt to any look depending on how they are applied.

• 🖌️PRO TIP:  For a natural finish, apply liquid foundation with a damp sponge.  For fuller coverage, apply with a foundation brush with dense or tightly packed bristles in a stippling/bouncing motion.  

• Powder Foundation:  Quick and Convenient with a Soft Matte Finish.  Powder foundations are perfect for those who prefer a matte finish and minimal effort.  They are ideal for oily skin types and great for on-the-go touch-ups.

• 🧽PRO TIP:  Use a dense brush or sponge for fuller coverage or a fluffy brush for a light dusting to even out the skin tone.

• Setting Powder:  Lock In Your Base for Long-Lasting Wear.  Setting powders are designed to absorb excess oil and prevent creasing, keeping your complexion in place throughout the day.  Setting powders are available in translucent and tinted formulas.   

• 🛡️PRO TIP:  Press setting powder into the skin using a puff or sponge for maximum longevity, particularly in areas prone to creasing like under the eyes and around the nose.

• Finishing Powder:  The Soft-Focus Filter Effect.  Finishing powders are ultra-fine powders that blur the appearance of pores, fine lines and texture to give the skin a smooth, air-brushed finish.  They are typically applied on top of setting powders as the last step when necessary.    

• ✨PRO TIP:  Use a large, fluffy brush and a light hand to dust finishing powder only where you want the soft-focus effect which is usually in the center of the face.

• Setting Spray:  Seal and Refresh Your Makeup Look.  Setting sprays lock in your entire makeup look, helping it last longer while reducing any powdery or cakey appearance.  Some sprays also offer hydration or oil control, depending on the formula.   

• 💦PRO TIP:  Mist your setting spray onto a sponge and gently but firmly press it into your skin after powdering for a flawless, melted finish.

****Please note there can be some overlap of function between pressed, setting and finishing powder.

Bringing Dimension Back to the Face:  The Power of Color and Glow

Once your base is set, it’s time to add life and dimension back to your complexion.  Foundation evens out your skin tone, but products like highlighter, bronzer, and blush are what sculpt, warm and brighten the face, thus creating a more dynamic and personalized look.  And let’s not forget lips - the finishing touch that can transform your entire look with a single swipe.

The next section breaks down the essential color products that take you from flat and one dimensional to flawless with tips on choosing the right textures for a look that feels fresh, polished and effortlessly you.

Highlighter:  Glow Where It Matters

Highlighter is all about mimicking where light naturally hits your face -  forehead, brow bone, cheekbones, bridge of nose and cupid’s bow.  It adds radiance and dimension , making the skin look fresh and healthy.  The best finish for daily use has a satin or sheen finish instead of glitter.

• Powder Highlighter.  This is the most common type of highlighter.  They are easiest to apply and build up.  Better suited for oily and combination skin and they offer shimmer and glow with minimal effort.

• Liquid Highlighter.  Great for mixing into moisturizer or foundation or apply on top of foundation to the high points of the face.  Liquid formulations give a natural, dewy finish and are ideal for dry or matte skin.

• Cream or Stick Highlighter.  These offer a skin-like glow and are best applied with fingers or a sponge.  These formulas melt into the skin and are perfect for a no-makeup makeup look.

• ✨PRO TIP:  Apply highlighter after setting spray or misting the skin to help the glow cling in a natural, seamless way.  In addition, when choosing a highlighter, the undertone of the highlighter should match the undertone of your skin.

Bronzer:  Warmth + Soft Definition

Bronzers add warmth and soft definition to the skin.

They can also be used to add depth to the complexion.  It is not the same as contouring.  It’s more about “healthy vacation skin” rather than sculpting the features.

• Matte Bronzer.  Great for adding warmth and soft shading without any shimmer.  Perfect for contouring beginners or for daytime looks.

• Shimmer Bronzer.  Adds both color and glow.  Works well in the summer or for evening/special occasion glam when you want to be bronzed and luminous.

• Cream or Stick Bronzer.  These have great blendability and give a natural finish.  Perfect for layering over or under foundation and is perfect for dry skin and dewy looks.

• ☀️PRO TIP:  Sweep bronzer where the sun would naturally hit - temples, cheeks and jawline.  Be sure the undertone of your bronzer is not too deep or too red so as not to look fake.

  Bronzers with cooler undertones can also be used to sculpt and contour the features. 

Blush:  The Fresh Faced Secret

Blush tends to get a bad rep but when applied correctly, it can add the right amount of color, warmth and tonality to the complexion.  Blush can be used to sculp, define, highlight, and add fullness to the cheeks.  Blush brings the worlds of highlighter and bronzer together to create a cohesive makeup look.

• Powder Blush.  The most popular and a go-to for most skin types, powder blush is easy to build and comes in a variety of finishes which includes matte for soft sophistication and satin for a soft glow.  Great for oily/combo skin types.

• Cream Blush.  Creates a natural finish and is easy to blend onto bare skin or on top of liquid or cream foundation.  Ideal for dry or mature skin.

• Liquid or Gel Blush.  These can be sheer and lightweight or bold and pigmented.  Apply in light layers to control the application.

• 🌸PRO TIP:  Apply blush two finger spaces away from the nose and blend up towards the temples for a lifted effect.

Lip color.  The Finishing Touch

No makeup look is complete without lip color - it adds life, dimension and color to the face with one swipe.  Even the most simple look, whether it be a simple hair style, makeup look or outfit looks pulled together when you wear lip color.  If you are a beginner, understanding the various types of lip products can help you choose the right color, texture, finish, wear time and intensity to fit your mood, look and occasion.  Below is a breakdown of the most common types of lip color types.

• Lipstick.  This classic is a staple in every makeup collection.  It offers a wide range of finishes which includes matte, satin, creamy and glossy.  It also offers various levels of coverage which includes sheer, medium and full.

• Lip Stain.  Lip stains deliver sheer to buildable pigment that can offer long lasting coverage that won’t budge and with minimal transfer.  This is perfect for low maintenance days or when you need your color to stay put throughout the day and evening.

• Lip Gloss.  Lip gloss is perfect for a fresh, youthful finish.  It is also great for layering over other lip colors.  It doesn’t last as long as other formulas but can be great for quick touch ups or to create a glam feel.

• Lip Oil.  A hybrid between skincare and makeup, lip oils nourish and can offer subtle glossy color to the lips.  Ideal for dry lips.

• Lip Plumper.  These formulas contain ingredients that stimulate circulation for fuller looking lips.  Some lip plumpers have colors that range from sheer to full coverage while others are clear and can be used as a base or topper.

• Tinted Lip Balm.  When you want “your lips but better” tinted lip balms offer hydration and repair with a hint of color.   Perfect for daily wear, is beginner friendly and creates a no-fuss approach to lip color.

• 💄PRO TIP:  Choose a daytime friendly color (rose, nude, brown) and a more bold shade (berry, red or plum) to shift your look from casual to dressy/day to night without doing a full makeup redo.

Brows:  Frame the Face With Structure

Although they seem like a small detail, brows make a major impact.  Well-groomed, softly defined brows will frame the face, enhance your features and balance your entire makeup look.  Whether you prefer natural and fluffy or bold and sculpted, there’s a brow product for every style and skill level.

The key is choosing the formula that best matches your desired look and comfort/skill level.

• Brow Pencil:  Define with Precision. Pencils are the most popular brow product and are perfect for both beginners and pros.  Pencils allow you to fill in any gaps or sparse areas you may have with tiny hair-like strokes.  Brow pencil formulas range from creamy to firm.  There are also retractable, self sharpening and traditional pencils that have to be sharpened with a sharpener.

• ✏️PRO TIP:  Use short, flicking motions in the direction of hair growth to ensure the most natural, soft application.

• Brow Powder:  Soft and Buildable Coverage Powders are great for creating natural looking fill and can soften the look of harsh lines.  Brow powders are often used with an angle brush and work well for those with fuller brows who want to enhance shape and density.

• 📄PRO TIP:  Use two shades  - one slightly lighter for the front and one deeper for the arch and tail to create a subtle gradient, dimensional effect.

• Brow Pomade:  Bold, Long-Lasting Definition. Pomades offer strong pigment and long wear, perfect for dramatic, sculpted, stylized brows or even for long, humid days.  Pomades are best applied with a more firm angled brush with varying long and short strokes.

• 🎯PRO TIP:  A little goes a long way.  Be sure to wipe excess product off of your brush before applying to avoid overly harsh lines.

• Brow Marker or Pen:  Hair-Like Precision These liquid formulas feature ultra fine tips to create the most realistic hair like strokes.  Some brow pens have a singular tip while others have 3-4 tips/prongs to apply more hair-like strokes at a time.  Brow pens are ideal for filling in gaps or adding texture to sparse areas without looking overdone.

• 🖌️PRO TIP:  Use a light hand and apply to the middle and tail of the brow first, then lightly flick through the front for a natural finish.  Holding the pen (or any tool) toward the end/back with allow for a lighter application of product as opposed to the front which adds more pressure during the application.

• Brow Tint or Gel:  Groom, Set & Slightly Define Tints and tinted gels coat each hair to add subtle color, hold, and volume.  They’re perfect for quick grooming or enhancing naturally full brows.  Clear gels are great for holding shape without adding pigment.

• 🪄PRO TIP:  Brush brow hairs upward and outward for a fuller, lifted effect - especially for a wide-awake look.

Mascara:  Lengthen, Volumize & Define

One of the final finishing touches before setting powder and spray is mascara.  It  comes in many formulas - lengthening, volumizing, curling, and waterproof.  Some offer subtle definition, while others give a bold, fluttery lash effect.  It’s one of the quickest ways to look awake and more pulled together.

👁️PRO TIP:  Wiggle the mascara wand at the base of your lashes, then pull upward in a zigzag motion. This helps separate lashes while maximizing volume and lift.  Use the tip of the wand vertically to reach inner and lower lashes with precision.

Keep It Simple, Build As You Go

Remember, makeup is personal.  It’s about finding what makes you feel polished, confident, and like the best version of yourself.  You don’t need every trending product on the market.  Instead, focus on curating a few high-impact essentials that complement your skin type, tone and lifestyle.

Start small, experiment when you’re ready, and don’t be afraid to evolve your routine as your skills grow.  The best makeup routines begin with understanding your skin, choosing the right formulas, and learning how to enhance rather than mask your natural beauty.

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