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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