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:
- Finding the perfect foundation is difficult. If you don't yet know your make-up needs in terms of colour, formulation and finish, you will most likely end up with the wrong product from the large selection. Disappointment due to bad purchases can be very discouraging, especially at the beginning.
- If you're not used to wearing colour on your face, a layer of foundation will make you feel like you're wearing a mask.
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
Face powder
Quantity discount
CHF11.20 per piece for 2 units CHF1300.–/1kg
Maybelline New York Fit Me
90 translucent
Bronzer, blush and highlighter
Bronzing powder, cheek rouge and highlighter - preferably in a beginner-friendly powder format - brighten your complexion and add depth to your face. The bronzer provides a tan and shadow, while the cheek rouge gives your cheeks a "healthy" blush. A highlighter, also known as shimmer powder, is versatile and can be used sparingly, achieving great effects with minimalist make-up: On the cheekbones it makes the complexion glow, in the inner corners of the eyes it makes the eyes look more awake, above the lip line it makes the lips appear fuller and on the tip of the nose it adds a nudging accent. Provided that's something you want. The only important thing is that you choose a highlighter that does not contain any visible, coarse shimmer particles. The finer the glow, the more natural the result.
Concealer
Quantity discount
CHF10.20 per piece for 2 units CHF3057.14/1l
NYX Professional Make-Up Can't Stop Won't Stop
01 Pale
Concealer
Quantity discount
CHF8.75 per piece for 3 units CHF2771.43/1l
NYX Professional Make-Up Can't Stop Won't Stop
10.3 Neutral Buff
For all highlighters + bronzers.
Mascara
Mascara is to the eye what a frame is to a picture. It sets the scene for the eyes. Bells and whistles such as eyeliner, eyeliner and eyeshadow are fun if you've mastered them, but only look half done without 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
Every product deserves its own brush. However, this is an expensive philosophy that is not worth pursuing, especially in the experimental phase. That's why I recommend a universal powder brush for your face, which you can wipe briefly on a cloth between each step and simply press together for smaller areas. Apply your concealer with your finger. A fluffy blender brush is sufficient for the eyes. An eyelash curler may seem superfluous, but it gets the best out of your mascara. Especially if you have straight lashes and want more curl.
Face powder
Quantity discount
CHF11.20 per piece for 2 units CHF1300.–/1kg
Maybelline New York Fit Me
90 translucent
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.
Beauty
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
1 comment
later