How to Build Your Personalized Makeup Starter Kit

Last updated on October 25th, 2018

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I’ve been where you are right now. I wanted to create my own makeup starter kit. But I wasn’t sure how.

With so much makeup and so many different options, assembling a makeup starter kit can be super daunting.

Today, we’re having one huge lesson, (a masterclass if you will,) on how to navigate the whirlwind world of makeup. By the end of today, you’ll know exactly what you need to look for when you hit the store to pick up your personalized selection of products.

If you’re a makeup beginner, then perfect! You’re in the right place.

If you’re far from a beginner, that doesn’t mean this lesson can’t be useful to you. I’ve been wearing makeup since I was five years old, (no joke, haha.) I still use this method to help me put together curated makeup capsules for specific occasions.

Ready to see how to create your own personalized makeup starter kit?

Click through to learn how, plus download my free Makeup Starter Kit Quick-start Guide + Shopping list to help you put these steps into action!

Drugstore vs. High End Makeup Starter Kit

One of the questions I get asked all the time is whether I think high-end makeup is worth the higher price, or is drugstore makeup the same thing?

It’s a tough question to answer, and honestly, it differs on a product to product basis. I know that isn’t what you want to hear, but it’s true.

What I can say is that in many cases, there is a drugstore equivalent product that comes quite close to duping a high-end product. While it may not perform exactly the same side by side, it’s nearly always possible to achieve a similar to identical finished look using only drugstore products.

That being said, I’m basing this strategy on drugstore makeup for a couple of reasons.

First, the price makes it much more accessible to someone just starting out with makeup.

Second, the drugstore features a less extensive selection of options. Some may view a larger selection as a good thing, but oftentimes having more options does nothing but confuse and overwhelm you.

Choosing the perfect face products

The three basic face products are concealers, foundations, and powders. Primers, color correctors, and sprays have their place, but perhaps not in a beginner’s makeup starter kit.

Start with the basics, and you can always add on to your collection later.

Ask yourself the following questions-

Regardless of your answer here, I recommend that everyone choose a concealer. (I have a post detailing this complicated phenomenon in the works, so look out for that coming soon!) Stick concealer, liquid concealer, cream concealer, it doesn’t matter. Just make sure you choose one the provides enough coverage for what you want to cover.

If you want a fuller coverage look, pick out a liquid foundation. These “true” foundations typically come packaged in glass bottles rather than squeeze tubes, and are often labeled “matte finish.” Some good options include Milani 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer, L’Oréal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation, or CoverGirl Outlast 3-in-1 Foundation.

For a more natural skin look, try a BB cream or cushion foundation. These include Maybelline Dream Pure BB Cream or Maybelline Dream Cushion Fresh Face Liquid Foundation.

My recommendation — CoverGirl Outlast 3-in-1 Foundation >> Purchase on Amazon

My recommendation — Maybelline Dream Cushion Foundation >> Purchase on Amazon

Another little something to think about:

If you answer “Yes” to this question, then you’ll definitely want to pick out a finely milled powder. Choose one close to your skin tone to add a bit of extra coverage, or a translucent one to keep the coverage the same. Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Transparent is my favorite.

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Transparent >> Purchase on Amazon

Cheeks – What kind of look do you want?

It’s possible to pile an infinite amount of products on your cheeks to achieve an infinite amount of looks. But when your makeup starter kit is just getting going, I suggest choosing just two products to start.

Ask yourself the following question-

Color represents blush, Sparkle represents highlighter, and Definition represents bronzer/contour.

Yes, you can have them all, (and then some,) but to start, let’s just choose two. You’ll end up with a beautiful look no matter which you choose. Plus, applying your makeup will be quick and not overwhelming.

For blush, I recommend Milani Baked Blushes or Rose Powder Blushes. The wide range of colors and finishes almost guarantees something for everybody. They’re pigmented, but no so pigmented that they instill fear in your cheeks.

Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer remains one of the drugstore’s best bronzers, and Wet n Wild Coloricon in Reserve Your Cabana is a pretty, lightweight starter highlighter.

Milani Baked Blush >> Purchase on Amazon

Milani Rose Powder Blush >> Purchase on Amazon

Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer >> Purchase on Amazon

Wet n Wild Coloricon in Reserve Your Cabana >> Purchase on Amazon

Brows – Pomade, Pencil, or Powder?

Well-defined brows are like the centerpiece on a beautiful dining table. Without it, the table just looks incomplete. It’s the same with your face.

Thankfully, plenty of brow-defining options exist for you to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that works for you, and that you don’t mind using every day!

Ask yourself the following question-

If you chose Bold brows, then you’d like a brow pomade. NYX Tame & Frame Tinted Brow Pomade is a great option.

If you chose Natural brows, then a brow powder is for you. I find that the L’Oréal Brow Stylist Prep & Shape Pro Kit is perfect for taming my brows, while keeping a natural, “feathery” look.

Finally, if what you care about is how user friendly your brow product is, nothing beats the good old fashioned pencil. If you prefer a drier pencil, try the NYX Micro Brow, but if you want something slightly softer, I really enjoy the L’Oréal Brow Stylist Definer.

NYX Tame & Frame Tinted Brow Pomade >> Purchase on Amazon

L’Oréal Brow Stylist Prep & Shape Pro Kit >> Purchase on Amazon

NYX Micro Brow Pencil >> Purchase at Ulta

L’Oréal Brow Stylist Definer >> Purchase on Amazon

Eyes – What’s the priority?

If you’ve ever watched beauty videos on YouTube, then you know that eye makeup can get really complicated, really quickly.

To keep your makeup starter kit reasonably simple, this will help you decide which products you need, and which ones you don’t.

Aim to select a total of three to four products for your eyes. You general options include mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow primer, powder eyeshadow, and cream eyeshadow.

Ask yourself the following question-

If chose Longevity, then definitely go with a water proof mascara; it won’t go anywhere. L’Oréal Voluminous Original Mascara in Waterproof Black is one of my absolute favorites.

Next, an eyeshadow primer will greatly improve the staying power of your shadow. A powder shadow will likely work (depending on how oily your lids are.) However a cream shadow, such as a Maybelline Color Tattoo, will offer the absolute longest wear time.

If color selection is important to you, and you enjoy changing up your everyday look, then consider a palette. The L’Oréal La Palette is my current drugstore pick.

Whether you want a natural or dramatic look depends less on the products you choose, and more on the colors. For a dramatic look, obviously go with blacks, deeper browns, and jewel tones. For a more natural look, choose neutrals slightly darker than your skin tone, plus a light shimmery shade to add dimension.

L’Oréal Voluminous Original Mascara in Waterproof Black >> Purchase on Amazon

Maybelline Color Tattoo >> Purchase on Amazon

L’Oréal La Palette >> Purchase on Amazon

Lips – It’s all about the texture

Between the textures, formulas, shades, and styles, the lip category is without a doubt the most vast and the most overwhelming.

A few of the basic options are, lipsticks, lip glosses, lip balms, and lip liners. Of course, along with those comes lip lacquers, liquid lipsticks, lip stains, powdered lipstick (what?) and more.

Ask yourself the following questions-

This one is pretty self explanatory.

I do recommend thinking about what type of finish you’d like before selecting a specific color. It’s always easier to find a color you like within a finish family than it is to find a specific color you’re attached to in a different finish family. Make sense?

Liquid lipsticks last lightyears longer than your average lipstick, but they also take much more precision to apply. If longevity is of utmost importance, (and you have a high tolerance for dry lips,) then a liquid lipstick may be your best bet.

Know that liquid lipstick is not your only option when it comes to matte lips. Both Maybelline and L’Oréal sell formulas that give you that trendy, matte look without being super uncomfortable.

Want to see the L’Oréal matte lip option in action? I’ve written a full review so you know exactly what you’re getting into. Right this way >> L’Oréal Pro-Matte Gloss First Impressions + Review

Take action!

So how exactly do you put this all together?

It’s easy. I recommend choosing one or two products from each category to start.

Try that out for a week or two, and you’ll realize very quickly what you’re missing, and what products you’d like more variety in!

Trust me, you’ll know. All you have to do is get started!

That’s all for today!

Like this post? You’ll want to see this >> Eyeshadow Tutorial: 6 Looks Using 3 Shadows

If you find this post interesting, informative, or just plain entertaining, tell me about it in the comments below. And don’t forget, sharing is caring. Share this post!

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Till next time. ♥︎

FTC- Not sponsored. I purchase all products myself. All opinions are my own. Some links may be affiliated.