There are a few key products everyone needs in their makeup starter kits. I’ve included both drugstore and high-end options for all budgets.
I’ve been trying different makeup brands and products for years. In fact, I’ve been testing out new items for over ten years now. At thirteen years old, I began wearing a full face of makeup because of insecurities with my skin. As a teenager my skin only got worse, and as an adult with a digestive disease, well… an unhealthy gut equals unhealthy skin. So while I’d love to have a beautiful, clear face, no amount of diet changes or skincare routines will change the state of my skin, so makeup is my remedy!
I love having a large array of products that are both drugstore and high-end quality. There are some products I swear by that are only $5-8 and some that I would never replace at $30-60! I decided to create two “makeup starter kits“: one is drugstore and one is high-end! My suggestion is to mix and match and find what you love, but if you’re beginning with a clean slate and an empty makeup bag, these are the tried and true you gotta have on hand.
Alright, babes – here are your “starter kits” for both high-end and drugstore makeup products. These items are key!
Drugstore Base/Coverage Products
Drugstore Color Products
High-End Base/Coverage Products
High-End Color Products
Taylor Aube says
Such a good idea! I remember when I was first getting into makeup I spent $200 at Sephora and came out with so many good options. Wonderful post babe
Taylor Aube says
Such a good idea! I remember when I was first getting into makeup I spent $200 at Sephora and came out with so many good options. Wonderful post babe
lee says
oo i need to try that elf powder!
Tanvi Rastogi says
That’s a great post. I am 37 and I still don’t know any of these products.
❥ tanvii.com
Rach says
Wow this an awesome break down! I’m not a makeup person, and so I definitely get so lost on what to buy! This is so helpful!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Carolyn says
Wow, this is a great post! I have a mix of some of these products, but they were gifts and though I love makeup, I’m usually clueless about the right products, so I appreciate you sharing this!
Cathy says
This is a great starter kit list! Love the different price points.
XOXO
Cathy
lee says
oo i need to try that elf powder!
Tanvi Rastogi says
That’s a great post. I am 37 and I still don’t know any of these products.
β₯ tanvii.com
Crystal // Dreams, etc. says
That Shape Tape concealer is my fave! And the Too Faced Chocolate bronzer… I’ve been using that for years. I love it so much and that hint of chocolate smell is a great way to start the day!
Kristen says
I love mixing high and low products. ELF and Tarte are some of my faves.
Lina says
All those make up elements are key!!!!!! So many options here! Would love to see more blog posts like this one, I found very helpful.
Kat says
Great tips! Don’t really have a makeup bag so this is useful for a started kit π Thanks for sharing!
Greta says
So many great products here! I always have black eyeliner in my makeup bag!
Carolyn says
Wow, this is a great post! I have a mix of some of these products, but they were gifts and though I love makeup, I’m usually clueless about the right products, so I appreciate you sharing this!
Alix Maza says
Lip balm and/or lip tint! Can’t live without it.
Crystal // Dreams, etc. says
That Shape Tape concealer is my fave! And the Too Faced Chocolate bronzer… I’ve been using that for years. I love it so much and that hint of chocolate smell is a great way to start the day!
Kileen says
All of these look amazing! That blush looks so beautiful and want to try out those drugstore products!
Kileen
cute & little
Kat says
Great tips! Don’t really have a makeup bag so this is useful for a started kit π Thanks for sharing!
Greta says
So many great products here! I always have black eyeliner in my makeup bag!
Indya | The Small Adventurer says
I definitely need to try out some new products as the ones I use at the moment just aren’t doing what I want them to. I’m all about finding drugstore make-up gems so I’ll have to try some of these products out. One item I don’t go anywhere without is mascara! I have practically no eyelashes without it 😂
Indya | The Small Adventurer says
I definitely need to try out some new products as the ones I use at the moment just aren’t doing what I want them to. I’m all about finding drugstore make-up gems so I’ll have to try some of these products out. One item I don’t go anywhere without is mascara! I have practically no eyelashes without it π
Whitney says
This is such a great idea! I have the tarte blush and fenty highlighter and they are great!
Carrington Barfield says
I’ve heard great things about that Hangover 3 in 1 product from Too Faced… I’m looking forward to trying it out! I also love that concealer from Tarte, it covers dark circles sooooo well.
Xx, C
Whitney says
This is such a great idea! I have the tarte blush and fenty highlighter and they are great!
Carrington Barfield says
I’ve heard great things about that Hangover 3 in 1 product from Too Faced… I’m looking forward to trying it out! I also love that concealer from Tarte, it covers dark circles sooooo well.
Xx, C
Lizzie says
This is a great list of beauty products! So many goodies, especially the Hangover 3 in 1!
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
Becky says
Other than foundation and concealer, I don’t really even know what else I need when it comes to base/coverage products! I’ve heard of BB Cream but not even sure exactly what it is or how to use it! I am very much a make-up newbie.
Tonya Morris says
That elf putty primer is incredible! These are great picks!
Morgan says
As long as I have a food foundation/bb cream and mascara, I’m good to go. I need to be better about trying new products though and I will take some of your suggestions!
-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com
Annie says
Where was this post when I was a teenager?! Thank you so much for filling in my knowledge gaps, this was so helpful!
Becky says
Other than foundation and concealer, I don’t really even know what else I need when it comes to base/coverage products! I’ve heard of BB Cream but not even sure exactly what it is or how to use it! I am very much a make-up newbie.
Summer says
The Tarte blush is definitely my favorite blush ever – I’ve had it in shades “party” and “exposed” and both were stunning! Lasted long and just really gorgeous! Yes, to ELF’s setting powder!
The Newbury Girl says
So many goodies included in these lists. The Maybelline Fit Me line is by far one of the best complexion lines at the drugstore. I love the L’OREAL TrueMatch as well. The Physician’s Formula Butter bronzer is my all-time favorite bronzer, beating out many high end ones!
As someone with oily skin, I definitely love the Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation. I’m very curious to see if the new Naked Foundation will take its place or if it is a completely new launch for the brand. I’m hoping it is the latter because the Naked Skin is my #1 Favorite foundation.
~The Newbury Girl | thenewburygirl.com
Kaylyn Vial says
You are my go to person for all things make-up! I totally trust your opinion on the best products, because I know you have years of experience! I love a lot of these products, mainly because you’ve suggested them to me;)
Candace Hampton says
Absolutely loved these picks. I totally agree, these are must haves. I have the Shape Tape concealer from Tarte, the Lash Paradise mascara and the nudes pallette.
Candace Hampton
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
Hillary Conheady says
I’ve got to look into these products! I’m completely clueless when it comes to makeup!
Aliya Gulamhusein says
I wear Tarte blush all the time. It’s my favorite! Ill check out the other products too – thanks for the suggestions.
Nailil says
I need to try some of these. I love finding and trying new products, especially when they’re affordable.
Xx, Nailil
http://thirtyminusone.com
Candace Hampton says
Absolutely loved these picks. I totally agree, these are must haves. I have the Shape Tape concealer from Tarte, the Lash Paradise mascara and the nudes pallette.
Candace Hampton
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
Hillary Conheady says
I’ve got to look into these products! I’m completely clueless when it comes to makeup!
Anna English says
You listed several products I haven’t tried before! I’m definitely going to check them out.
Nataly says
That Milani blush is my absolute favorite! I wear it everyday. Great picks here girl!
Taylor Mobley says
NARS radiant creamy concealer is a favorite of mine!!!!
Anna English says
You listed several products I haven’t tried before! I’m definitely going to check them out.
Nataly says
That Milani blush is my absolute favorite! I wear it everyday. Great picks here girl!
Taylor Mobley says
NARS radiant creamy concealer is a favorite of mine!!!!
Deborah says
I really love these picks! I definitely use a combination of high end and low end but I tend to gravitate towards the rule that if it’s going directly on my face, like primer or foundation and such, I will put more money towards it. If it’s going on top of my base like eyeshadow or mascara, I am okay with drugstore!
Katie says
I love all these products in your starter kit! I use a lot of these products everyday!
Lauryn Hock says
I love you even more for breaking it up between high-end and drug store. Having a mixture of price points fits my budget!
Kristina says
Yes to the Stila liquid eyeliner and Naked palette- both are must haves! I also finally broke down and got the NARS blush in Orgasm and it’s amazing!
Jiawun says
I spot so many of my fav products in this list! This is such a great make-up starter kit list.
Sarah Lindner says
I always have Tarte’s shape tape on hand! This is a great starter list for any new makeup lovers!
xoxo Sarah
Jami Ray says
I still have a few drugstore favorites that have stood the test of time like yours. I LOVE a good Milani bronzer!
Azanique S Rawl says
I love the Laura Mercier setting powder and Urban Decay setting spray! Those are my go-to non drug store makeup items π
-xo, Azanique | https://www.lotsofsass.com
Alyssa says
Omg totally bookmarking this for when I go make up shopping again!
Erin says
Awesome tips lady! I use a lot of these!
Em says
so many great products! I always have moisturizer, mascara & chapstick in my makeup bag and in my handbag!
Lindsay says
Love these ideas! I’d definitely say mascara, a good concealer, a cream blush, some bronzer, and a lip color of some kind are essential
Lindsay says
Love these ideas! Iβd definitely say mascara, a good concealer, a cream blush, some bronzer, and a lip color of some kind are essential
TianShanae says
I love your picks. I still use a lot of drugstore makeup, mostly from Maybelline. I love their mascaras, eyeliners and I can’t live without their master prime primer.
Jamaria Johnson says
Such great products! Nothing like having some staples! xo
Jamaria Johnson says
Such great products! Nothing like having some staples! xo
Deanie says
I always enjoy learning what beauty and makeup products are people’s favorites. My three must-haves are Lancer Lip Serum, Mac Blush in Sunbasque and Clinique Eyeliner.
Xo, Deanie
Deanie Michelle
Deanie says
I always enjoy learning what beauty and makeup products are people’s favorites. My three must-haves are Lancer Lip Serum, Mac Blush in Sunbasque and Clinique Eyeliner.
Xo, Deanie
Deanie Michelle
Lauryn Hock says
I love you even more for breaking it up between high-end and drug store. Having a mixture of price points fits my budget!
Deborah says
I really love these picks! I definitely use a combination of high end and low end but I tend to gravitate towards the rule that if it’s going directly on my face, like primer or foundation and such, I will put more money towards it. If it’s going on top of my base like eyeshadow or mascara, I am okay with drugstore!
TianShanae says
I love your picks. I still use a lot of drugstore makeup, mostly from Maybelline. I love their mascaras, eyeliners and I can’t live without their master prime primer.
Cathy says
This is a great starter kit list! Love the different price points.
XOXO
Cathy
Alix Maza says
Lip balm and/or lip tint! Can’t live without it.
Rach says
Wow this an awesome break down! I’m not a makeup person, and so I definitely get so lost on what to buy! This is so helpful!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Lina says
All those make up elements are key!!!!!! So many options here! Would love to see more blog posts like this one, I found very helpful.
Kristen says
I love mixing high and low products. ELF and Tarte are some of my faves.