Guide
Cushion, stick and everything in between: which foundation is right for you?
by Natalie Hemengül
Make-up for beginners: What are the basics?
6.8.2020
Translation: machine translated
What products actually belong in a make-up kit for beginners? I have tried to reduce the endless range of products to the bare essentials.
"What do I really need?" If you're just starting to get to grips with make-up, you'll quickly realise that it's not an easy question to answer. Especially as the needs of the people who ask it are as diverse as the market itself. I've put aside my "all or nothing" approach and compiled a list of the bare essentials.
Moisturising care
When asked about the perfect primer, the answer from many professionals is primer.
I say forget that one.
These base products have their raison d'être, but are superfluous to begin with. Although they extend the wear time of your make-up, in my opinion they only make sense if you apply several layers of make-up. A moisturiser is therefore enough to start with to prepare your skin for the little bit of make-up.
Concealer instead of foundation
The foundation is an important part of a comprehensive make-up kit. Nevertheless, I would advise beginners against buying one for two reasons:
Rely on a light concealer instead. It covers dark circles under the eyes with just a little product and conceals redness in spots. It should also match your skin colour on the neck exactly.
If a concealer alone is not enough to cover your dark circles, you can find tips here:
Powder
A translucent powder belongs in every basic kit for the following reasons:
- It mattifies oily areas of the face such as the T-zone
- It fixes the creamy concealer that tends to settle in fine lines over time
- The lack of colour pigments keeps the finish natural.
- And you don't run the risk of picking the wrong colour
Bronzer, blush and highlighter
For all highlighters + bronzers.
Mascara
How to find the right mascara for you can be found here:
If you still want to emphasise your eyes with a little eyeshadow, you don't necessarily have to buy one: A little bronzer in the crease of the eyelid is usually enough. If you add some highlighter to your mobile eyelid, the minimalist eye make-up will look harmonious because you have already used the products for your complexion.
Lipstick
If you want to find your way in the cosmos of lip products, you need to be an astrophysicist. Colour, feel and finish are the most important components, which, when combined in different ways, lead to an almost endless selection of products. I therefore recommend limiting yourself to two classic alternatives to start with:
A red lipstick with a matte look, because
- Red lips go with almost any outfit and provide colour when you're craving it
- matte products stay on your lips longer thanks to their dry texture and the product doesn't bleed over the edge of your lips after just one hour.
A nude-coloured, i.e. skin-coloured lipstick with a silky look, because
- the inconspicuous colour can be applied quickly in everyday life without a mirror
- the creamy texture cares for your lips.
Tools
In the end, you need more nerves and time for a solid basic set-up than products. Especially if you want to make sure you choose products that suit your skin tone in all categories. <p
Natalie Hemengül
Senior Editor
Natalie.Hemenguel@digitecgalaxus.chAs a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions.
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