Wednesday 25 September 2013

The Beginners Toolkit: The Bare Necessities


Every now and then and e-mail crops up in my inbox asking what products, brushes, and general beauty bumf I could recommend for those starting out in makeup and wanting to get a basis of their collection. I thought I would start up a mini series that goes over makeup brushes, cosmetic tools, everyday makeup, all starting off today with my bare necessities that can always be found lurking on my person.

Tools wise, brushes are your first port of call. Finger application can work just as well in some cases, but I find a buffing brush (see Real Techniques), a duo fibre brush for powders and highlights, and a flat shader brush for eyeshadow to be top of my list. I'll be posting a more lengthy makeup brush guide next week, but these three are essential, in my opinion. Add some eyelashes curlers (I recommend Shu Uemura), and invest in a good pair of tweezers (Try Tweezerman) to your shopping basket, not forgetting cotton buds and pads, and you're good to go.

Makeup wise, I find a creamy brown eyeliner is flattering on everyone without the harsh outline a black eyeliner can create. Champagne shades and taupes for the eyes won't fail you, with a lashing of black mascara - I'm loving Lancôme Hypnose Star mascara at the moment! Nuxe Reve de Miel lip balm is a staple in my makeup bag, as well as a good every day lip shade like MAC's Angel or Hue. I also love having a powder foundation in my bag with me, as it's great for setting makeup or for those lighter coverage days.

This is all pretty basic stuff, so if you want any product recommendations leave them in the comments! I'll be doing posts on brushes next week and will follow with lipsticks and eyeshadows that help create a great beginners toolkit!

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16 comments:

  1. This was really helpful! I think they should release the buffing brush seperately as I don't think I would get much use out of the others.

    Hannah
    Girl+World

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  2. Can't wait for the brush post.
    Very helpful post :)

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  3. Lovely post, love the real techniques buffing brush!

    Eloise | simplynaturale
    xo

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  4. I agree! There is a new box set coming out with Sam's top picks which includes it which I recommend picking up! x

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  5. Keep your eyes peeled, should be up by the end of next week! x

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  6. Can't fault it! x

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  7. Your photos are gorgeous, Lauren! Lovely post x

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  8. I would love to see foundation recommendations! x

    Maddy from UNSTITCHEDD

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  9. Great post and recommendations!

    xx- missmacbeauty.blogspot.com

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  10. Great post, I couldn't agree more with the necessities!


    lovefrombethan.blogspot.co.uk


    xox

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  11. This is a handy post! Also, I've been trying not to buy the buffing brush for so long, but I can tell I'm eventually going to have to!

    Love your blog :)
    Lauren from bylaurenj.blogspot.co.uk

    xxxx

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  12. This is a lovely little series to start :) I agree with you on the Nuxe lip balm.

    Amy x
    -A Little Boat Sailing-

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  13. I'll be looking forward to the series very much :) it's well needed!

    Renate from http://thecuriousklutz.blogspot.com

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  14. great series :)) i love nuxe lip balm as well.

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  15. Great post and I love your blog design! x

    ofbeautyandnothingness.blogspot.co.uk

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  16. I miss you so much this blog makes me super jealous I am not there for all the bloggy shenanigans. I don't feel like one of the team anymore booooooohooo :( xxxxxx

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hello lovelies! I read and try to reply to each and every comment and they really do make my day :)