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Glow Up Starter Kit: Makeup for Beginners
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Barbara Hamusonde profile picture
Barbara Hamusonde
Starting makeup can feel like a lot, so I put together this list of beginner-friendly gems that won’t stress you out. They’re super easy to use, look amazing on melanin-rich skin, and make getting ready actually fun. Think of it as your chill guide t...
Sections
9
 
1. Skin Prep
 
2. Primers
 
3. Foundations
 
4. Concealers
 
5. Contours
 
6. Setting powders

1. Skin Prep

Always start with a clean face, especially if you're prone to acne. Here are some of my favourites. You'll need a cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen
 
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Start with warm water and go in with your foam cleanser. I love this product
CeraVe - Ulta Beauty
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Washing your face with just your hands is okay, but this gives you the ultimate experience
Facial Exfoliator Brush - Target
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If you're not into CeraVe, then try this. It really gets the job done
Face Wash & Face Cleansers for All Skin Types - La Roche-Posay
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We wanna start off with a smooth and clean face. This helps get rid of impurities and softens the face
Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Toner - Fresh
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Moisture Moisture Moisture! I can't stress this enough
Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Moisturizer - Fresh
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The key to a polished makeup look is moisturised skin. This is a must have for sure
CeraVe - Ulta Beauty
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This helps avoid creasing under the eyes and helps keep concealer in place
Anua Retinol 0.1 Caffeine Revitalizing HYZ01 Eye Cream ... - Walmart
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This is a game changer if you don't like that greasy sunscreen feel
Protect & Moisture Lotion SPF 50+ - NIVEA
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2. Primers

If you're not putting primer before all the essentials, then you're already setting yourself up for disaster. Here are some of my favs
 
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I like the grip this primer has. It makes makeup stay on for a long time
Power Grip Primer - e.l.f. Cosmetics
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Make sure you pat, not rub the product
Marshmellow Smooth Makeup Primer - NYX Cosmetics
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The name honestly says it all. It pairs really well with their foundation
Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer
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3. Foundations

A good foundation ultimately determines the outcome. It's important to pick a shade that matches your skintone
 
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This comes in either a waterbase or silicon base. Make sure you get the one best suited for your skin type
NARS Foundation
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Every skin type is different, but this is definitely the holy grail
2-3 Light True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum - L'Oréal
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I love this product. It gives full coverage without caking. Definitely a must have
Maybelline Super Stay 24H Skin Tint + Vitamin C
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This? I love love love this. It's definitely better than some expensive foundations I spent money on
Classic Ivory Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation - Maybelline
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This is soooo underrated. I love how it just blends so well. It's just magical
CC+ Cream Full-Coverage Foundation with SPF 50+
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4. Concealers

For a perfect makeup look, you need to ensure your undereyes are covered, and having the right concealer for that is exactly what's required
 
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The good thing about this is that it also works really well for oily skin. Again, it depends on your skin type
Soft Matte Complete Concealer
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This is holy grail. It has a mushroom extract, so if you're allergic to fungi, maybe consider other concealers. Otherwise I love it
Bare With Me Concealer Serum | NYX Professional Makeup
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I love how it covers dark circles. It's so creamy and doesn't crease.
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer
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I love the Kulfi beauty concealer. It doesn't need any powder to set it
Kulfi Main Match Crease-Proof Long-Wear Hydrating Concealer
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This is perfect for the warm undertones. I love it
Concealer & Corrector
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I love the incredible coverage of this concealer. Definitely a must have
Lancôme - Concealer
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5. Contours

If you prefer having sculpted cheekbones, you need a great contour stick. Here are some of my faves
 
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This is perfect for sculpting your face. It blends so seamlessly. It's the ultimate sculpting stick
Wonder™ Stick Contour and Highlighter Stick
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I absolutely love this by fenty. It blends really well
Match Stix Contour Skinstick — Amber
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6. Setting powders

Having a good setting powder is honestly such a crucial step in your makeup routine. You need one that'll ensure your makeup stays in place
 
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This really helps to suck in all the oils from your skin, giving you a polished finished look
Photo Focus Loose Setting Powder
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I loved the older formula. However, this is still worth trying
Face and Loose Powder - Makeup
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I love how finely milled it is, and it's perfect for oily skin
READY SET Setting Matte - 01 Translucent Banana Loose Powder
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When I say it locks everything in place??? Try it
Dark Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder - Maybelline
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7. Eyes and Brows

Now you're done with the building part. It's time to make those eyes pop. Here are my top faves for the eyes
 
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When I say your brows will behave and stay in place once you put this, they will behaaave
Brow Laminating Gel - Clear-Drying Brow Gel
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I love that it's a 2in1, the pencil is so precise. It gives you fine hair strokes that look natural
Brow Gel
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This is amazing for all my brown and dark-skinned girlies!!
MAKEUP BY MARIO Master Mattes® Eyeshadow Palette: The Original
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This isn't limited to neutral colours. I love the variations of this eyeshadow palette
Snap Shadows Mix & Match Eyeshadow Palette
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The fact that you can apply it on your tearducts and it stays in place makes the waterproof experience amazing
AQUA RESIST COLOR PENCIL Full Impact Glide Waterproof Eyeliner
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I love how it's pigmented, matte, and waterproof, which is essential for a liquid liner. Best of all, it doesn't smudge
Essence Super Precise Eyeliner Liquid
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This is really great for voluminous eyelashes. It's a waterproof mascara, and it's easy to take off
Blackest Black Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara - Maybelline
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One word. VOLUME!!!
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara
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8. Lip combos

Finishing off with a lip combo is my favourite part. I love a classic pink and brown combo. Here are my favourites
 
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I usually start off with this and I pair it with a darker lip liner
MAC Lip Pencil | Whirl, Nightmoth, Cork, Chestnut & Spice Lip Liners
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This gives an ombre look, which is exactly what I look for in a lip combo
High-Shine Lip Glosses and Lip Plumping Gloss
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9. Makeup tools

 
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You need to have makeup brushes, it's pretty obvious lol
Makeup Brushes & Tools
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This is better if you're a beginner
Beauty Blender
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