It can be quite challenging to prepare Pro Beauty Tools for even the most seasoned makeup connoisseur, let alone a makeup beginner. With thousands of products to choose from, you may start to get a little confused when it comes to figuring out which one is best for you.
But don’t panic, because if you’re just starting out and looking for a good guide (or perhaps an avid user looking to change things up a bit), we’ve listed all the makeup essentials, products, and tools you’ll need in your makeup bag.
Even better, we consulted experts in the cosmetics industry to find out which products are the best. New York-based make-up artist Sharon Becker and the make-up artist for the Emmy Award-winning HBO hit series Euphoria Donni Davy both described the must-have products for make-up starter kits.
You can trust us that not only are they easy for newbies to use, they’ve also been put to the test and have quickly become pro favorites.
Discover exactly what you need to have on hand with our selects below.
Skin Prepping Products
Good make-up starts with good skincare. So of course a clean palette is important. David recommends washing your face first with a gentle cleanser, such as Aveeno’s Positive Light Cleanser. Then follow with a moisturizer, such as the Embryonic Colour Serum Face Cream and Makeup Primer. In case you’re wondering: Yes, you need a moisturizer! Becker says that no matter what your skin type is – dry, oily, acne-prone – we all need moisturizers. And then always (yes, always!) Apply sunscreen. davy likes Elta MD UV Clear. before applying it, davy recommends moisturizing with Evian water facial mist. Now your skin is clean, moisturized, and ready for you to apply your make-up.
Pro tip: Davy says you can also use the Evian facial mist to wet sponges to avoid any chemicals, like chlorine, in tap water.
Concealer and Foundation
Because your skin tone will change with the seasons, Davey recommends using a range of foundation shades. But you don’t have to dump for every color – you can mix and match several colors to get the perfect match. She recommends permanent make-up UHD. Bonus: It lasts for 24 hours and there are 50 colors to choose from.
Dark circles or freckles under your eyes? Don’t worry, liquid concealers like Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin en enhancers or NARS Radiant cream give a completely natural-looking coverage without any caked-on touch-ups.
Brown Pencil, Powder, and Gel
One of the most important features of your face: is your eyebrows. We weren’t born with perfect eyebrows, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have them. Becker recommends trimming your brows and filling in any bare spots with the Vegan Girl Microfiller + Define Brow Pencil from Cover. Next, you can color your brows and fill in the rest of the gaps with Anastasia Powder Brow Duo. Finally, finish the look and secure your brows with NYX Mascara.
In fact, many people gift grooming tools and accessories, making it a great holiday gift idea. If you want more ideas for beauty tools and accessories, you can read the following articles:
The Best Beauty Tools And Accessories To Gift
Eyeliner and Mascara
For beginners, skip the false lashes and go straight to the all-star mascara and eyeliner combo. Both Becker and David love L’Oréal Volumizing Mascara. (Becker adds that you “can’t go wrong” with this “most consistent” mascara). When it comes to long-lasting cream eyeliners on the set of Euphoria, Davy has a soft spot for Chanel’s cream eyeliners. If you prefer to use a pencil, she suggests the Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner.
If you want to experiment with some color – like Euphoria’s Emmy-winning look – Davy recommends ColourPop Gel Eyeliner Bank ($45; colourpop.com). Finish with a colored mascara, such as Bailey’s Bad Gal Bang Blue Mascara.
David says:- “For a brighter lash color, try painting your upper lashes with iron blue, orange, or bright purple.” Clearly, he’s no stranger to color. “I also love bright waterlines, which is probably the easiest and fastest way to add a pop of color.”
Setting Products
You spend so much time wearing make-up, so you want it to have a lasting effect. If you have an oily t-zone, David recommends Need Lab’s Nanoblur. David tells us: “It’s a moisturizer that can be applied gently over make-up with a beauty blender.” “I use this on the t-zone when the actor is a bit oily and shiny.” If you prefer to use a powder, then use Laura Mercier’s Loose Setting Powder in Translucent. Finish with a spray of setting sprays, such as Urban Decay’s Overnight Setting Spray or Becker’s favorite NYX Matte Setting Spray.
Makeup Remover for Washing It All Off or Mistakes
Even professionals can make mistakes – so it’s always good to have some make-up remover on hand just in case (plus those pointed cotton swabs to completely eliminate any make-up mishaps). Plus, at the end of the day, you’ll need some gentle make-up remover that can wipe away the last traces of make-up. David loves these simple cleansing wipes and L’Oréal’s Clean Artist Eye Make-up Remover.
