If you’re new to the cosmetic world (welcome, by the way!) and want to level up your makeup game, it’s common to have no idea where to start. Even if you just want to learn how to create an simple makeup look for every day, the product offerings out there are seemingly endless, making it hard to narrow down what makeup essentials you actually need to buy. Understandably, this can leave you with a lot of questions: Is contour makeup only for the pros? How do I achieve that airbrushed look? What’s a beginner-friendly lip product?
We’re here to help you get started with this ultimate list of beauty products for beginners, plus makeup steps to help you easily create stunning-as-e.l.f., simple makeup looks like the best of ’em.
Pro Tip: Before you even begin shopping your makeup product list, arm yourself with the necessary tools to help you achieve the perfect makeup application every time. Our Complexion Perfection Makeup Brush Set is the ideal starter bundle, featuring 10 of our bestselling face makeup brushes, sponges and tools for blending, contouring, buffing, concealing and sculpting your complexion into a beautiful finish.
Blush, Bronzer & Highlight Must-Haves
Yes, even makeup beginners can highlight and contour!
For a sun-kissed, simple makeup look, Camo Liquid Bronzer & Contour has a highly blendable formula that makes it so e.l.f.ing easy to create gorgeous definition. To create that naturally glowing radiance with ease, Halo Glow Liquid Highlighter Wand features a cushion-tip applicator that lets you easily apply highlighter to the high points of your face and seamlessly blend it out for instant illumination.
Ready for the perfect flush of color? A liquid blush like our Camo Liquid Blush is great for both beginners and experienced artists—the buildable formula blends out into a soft-focus finish, and it comes in a wide range of 12 shades.
Choosing your ideal blush, highlighter and bronzer really comes down to preference. At e.l.f., we also offers an array of user-friendly powder formulas to help you enhance your natural features and lock your liquid formulas in-place.
Setting Sprays and Go-To Bundles
Finally, it’s time to lock down your makeup look with an essential setting spray, like Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray. This bi-phase makeup setting spray with a shockingly fine mist, features a makeup-gripping water phase and a moisturizing oil phase to give you long-lasting makeup with a dewy finish.
If you’re looking for more ways to really take the guesswork out of your routine, check out our wide selection of makeup and skincare bundles. Ideal for beginners, our makeup kits and beauty bundles come with perfectly paired products that let you create complete looks without having to sift through and select individual products. Plus, they are an e.l.f.ing great value!
Frequently Asked Questions About Makeup for Beginners:
Q: What are the Basic Steps for Makeup?
A: Whether you’re going for a quick 5 minute makeup look or a more glam makeup look, there will always be certain steps you need to focus on to achieve a full-face.
The most commonly focused on steps will always be eyes, lips, and face (wink, wink!). But to dive deeper, for eyes, basic steps will be eyebrows, eyeshadow, and eyeliner. For lips, you can enhance your features by using lip balm, lip stick, lip liner, lip gloss, and more! When it comes to face, you’ll be dealing with the basics – face primer , foundations and skin tints, concealers, blushes , bronzers, contours, and highlighters .
Q: In What Order Should I Do My Makeup?
A: Generally liquids should always be applied before powders. By applying your liquid products and then layering a powder over it, your look will stay locked in place all day and night. Here’s a quick guide for what order you should apply your makeup products:
• Base: Your base will be made up of your primer, your foundation, and your concealer.
• Color & shaping: Add some color, definition, and depth back to your face by adding blush, bronzer/contour, and highlighter.
• Eyes: Bring the focus to your eyes by adding eyeshadows, eyeliner, mascara, and styling your brows.
• Lips: To finish off your look, apply your favorite lip combo.
Q: What Makeup Should I Start with for Beginners?
A: As a beginner, you may have to deal with some trial and error. Finding products that work best for you or that you feel comfortable with, may mean trying a few different kinds before connecting with one your truly love. For beginners we recommend adding some buildable products to your makeup bag. These can work best since your can start with a small amount of product and then apply more to reach your desired look. It can also be fun to get some inspiration from makeup looks you like! Once your find your inspiration, pick up the products you need and try to recreate the look on yourself!
Q: What are the Best Methods for Removing Makeup?
A: When removing makeup, it’s important to thoroughly cleanse your skin to make sure leftover product doesn’t build-up, causing irritation or breakouts. We recommend using a makeup remover to melt makeup away, then follow up by double-cleansing with your go-to face wash. Make sure you spend some extra time focusing on the hard-to-remove products such as mascara and eyeliner!
Q: How Do I Prep My Skin Before Applying Makeup?
A: Skin prep before makeup can seriously make or break your look. Having a consistent skincare routine, catered to your skin’s specific needs, can ensure flawlessly smooth application. Before applying any makeup, be sure to thoroughly cleanse your skin and then apply any skincare products that help to nourish your skin. If you have dry skin, apply a hydrating moisturizer to help prevent skin from cracking and peeling under your makeup. If you have oily skin, we recommend using a toner that can help to reduce oils and decrease shine throughout the day.
Q: What Tools Do I Need to Apply Makeup?
A: For smooth and flawless application, having a few brushes and sponges is a must! While some products can be easily applied with clean hands, blending out products is much easier with the right tools. We recommend having a separate brushes for foundation, concealer, blush, bronzer, and eyeshadows. We also recommend having some makeup sponges, a powder puff, and an eyelash curler! If you need more of an in-depth guide on what tools to use and where, check our deep-dive into brushes- 20 Types of Makeup Brushes and Brush Sets and How to Use Them.