Requested: The Basic Makeup Kit

Hello my lovelies! I hope you're all well, and I hope everyone had a lovely and eventful Valentines day! =) I was requested by a follower of the blog, the lovely Nida, to do a post on a basic makeup kit, something that one could start with and then build up as you become more and more of an addict ;)

So I've compiled a list of the most basic things that I feel should be in everyone's makeup bag. I've mostly used MAC products as examples because I feel that MAC is a universally popular brand but if you want brand specific recommendations or cheaper alternatives for a particular thing, just leave a comment and I'll definitely get back to you!

And, yes, I really do feel that these are things NO woman should be without...

1. Concealer/Corrector: This is one thing that I feel every single person out there can benefit from, it just makes a HUGE difference. Use concealer if your undereye circles aren't too dark, and corrector if they are really severe. If you're using a concealer I would recommend any formulation by MAC. If you're using a corrector, Bobbi Browns correctors are the best thing EVER made.

2. Foundation/Tinted Moisurizer: I would recommend a liquid foundation because it goes on beautifully and gives the skin a glowy look which powder just doesnt do. If your skintone is mostly alright (not many blemishes, uneven colouring, etc) go for a light to medium coverage. Otherwise, use a full coverage foundation. Again, MAC and Bobbi Brown have amazing liquid foundations - you cant go wrong.

3. Powder: I highly recommend getting a pressed or loose powder which you can use to set your concealer and foundation - this is essential to getting your makeup to stay on. MAC's Mineralise Skinfinish Natural is AMAZING (it can also be used alone for a really light foundationy look) otherwise they also do a loose setting powder which goes on translucent. I would personally recommend a pressed powder for beginners because loose powders can be a bit difficult to handle.

4. Eyeshadow: I would say invest in some basic neutrals - blacks, browns, skintone colours, highlight colours... Definitely have a look at some pre-made palettes because you get great value for money and lots of shades in one palette. You will probably find a good neutral palette by most brands! But MUST HAVES are black, dark brown, your skin tone colour and colours a couple of shades darker and lighter than your skintone!

5. Eyeliner: I would say have one basic black or dark brown (try them both out and see which looks better - black is more strong, brown looks subtle) pencil, and one liquid/gel formula as well. Gels are much easier to work with, in my opinion, check out MAC's Fluidlines.

6. Mascara: I would recommend a natural mascara for day wear (MAC Plush Lash) and a more dramatic one for night time (MAC Zoom Lash).

7. Blush: Opt for powder... much more workable. For daytime, have a nice soft baby pink/rose pink (the pink can be cool or warm depending on whether you're cool toned or warm toned). Examples are MAC Blushbaby and MAC Dollymix. For night time, go for something with shimmer, like MAC Springsheen. Cool skinned beauties will find that pinks look better on them, and warm skinned beauties will find that corals and bronzes suit them better!

8. Lip stuff: Have one lip pencil which is the exact same colour of your lips (MAC Spice or Subculture seem to work for South Asian women). As far as lipsticks and lipglosses go, play around! Get your basic pinks and browns ofcourse, but see if you like something else too.

So there you go... but remember, the abovementioned colour and tone recommendations are just rules of thumb and RULES ARE MADE TO BE BROKEN! ;) So while this is a nice bunch of stuff to start your kit off with, you can always experiment with colours and see what works for you!

Check this out to get some ideas for a basic brush kit...

http://sana-ansari.blogspot.com/2009/11/brushes-101.html

Happy belated Valentines, lovelies!

x