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Beginner-Friendly & Affordable Makeup Essentials
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By
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Dee
Getting into makeup doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated! Trust me, I still consider myself a beginner. This list includes beginner-friendly, budget-conscious products that work well for Black women. Whether you’re just starting or looking for...

Of course, you don’t need every product on this list—makeup is all about finding what works best for you!
Sections
6
 
🖌️ Tools
 
💄 Face Essentials
 
👀 Eyes & Brows
 
😊 Blush, Bronzer & Contour
 
💋 Lips
 
✨ Finishing Touches

🖌️ Tools

Makeup brushes & sponges for smooth, blended application

 
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Perfect for setting powder application, ensuring a smooth, airbrushed finish.
Halo Glow Powder Puff - e.l.f. Cosmetics | Ulta Beauty
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Soft, velvety puff for pressing powder into the skin for a flawless look.
Velour Makeup Powder Puff
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Essential brush set for applying foundation, blush, bronzer, and eyeshadow.
Flawless Face 6 Piece Brush Collection - e.l.f. Cosmetics | Ulta Beauty
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Blends foundation seamlessly for a natural finish.
Miracle Complexion Makeup Sponge Duo - Real Techniques | Ulta Beauty
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Perfect for precise application and touch-ups on the go.
Mini Miracle Complexion Sponge 4-Pack - Real Techniques | Ulta Beauty
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Helps sculpt and set brows in place for a laminated look.
Brow Lift Applicator Tool - e.l.f. Cosmetics | Ulta Beauty
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💄 Face Essentials

Primer, foundation (shade-inclusive options), and concealer

 
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Grips makeup for all-day wear while hydrating the skin.
Power Grip Primer - e.l.f. Cosmetics | Ulta Beauty
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Blurs pores and mattifies skin for a shine-free base.
Matte Putty Primer - e.l.f. Cosmetics | Ulta Beauty
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Provides a natural, radiant finish while improving skin over time. I apply with my fingers.
Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Medium Coverage Foundation
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Hydrating foundation for a luminous, dewy complexion.
Toffee Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation - Maybelline | Ulta Beauty
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Controls shine and blurs pores for a matte, natural look.
Toffee 330 Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation - Maybelline | Ulta Beauty
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Lightweight, buildable coverage for brightening under the eyes.
045 Tan Fit Me Natural Finish Concealer - Maybelline | Ulta Beauty
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Provides seamless coverage for concealing dark spots and blemishes.
050 Café Fit Me Natural Finish Concealer - Maybelline | Ulta Beauty
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👀 Eyes & Brows

Eyebrow gel, mascara, and pre-glued lashes for natural, defined features

 
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Holds brows in place for a long-lasting, sculpted look.
Clear Brow Laminating Gel - e.l.f. Cosmetics | Ulta Beauty
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Adds volume and tint to brows for a fuller, natural appearance.
Neutral Brown Wow Brow Gel - e.l.f. Cosmetics | Ulta Beauty
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Precise tip for shaping and defining brows effortlessly.
Deep Brown Instant Lift Brow Pencil - e.l.f. Cosmetics | Ulta Beauty
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Lengthens and defines lashes for a bold, eye-opening effect.
Black Noir Telescopic Original Washable Mascara - L'Oréal | Ulta Beauty
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Natural-looking, wispy lashes that are easy to apply with pre-glued bands.
Pre-Glued Wispy Light No. 117 Eyelashes - Eylure | Ulta Beauty
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😊 Blush, Bronzer & Contour

Warm, pigmented shades that complement deeper skin tones

 
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Creamy formula for a natural, dewy flush of color.
Coral Crush Cheek Kiss Cream Blush - Milani | Ulta Beauty
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Lightweight, blendable blush for a fresh, radiant look.
MAKEUP BY MARIO Soft Pop Plumping Cream Blush Veil
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Includes contour, sculpt, and highlight shades for deep skin tones.
Black Radiance True Complexion Contour Palette - Dark to Deep - 0.38oz
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Easy-to-blend liquid contour for natural dimension.
Tan/Deep Halo Glow Contour Beauty Wand - e.l.f. Cosmetics | Ulta Beauty
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💋 Lips

Lip gloss, lipstick, and lip liners for the perfect finishing touch

 
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High-shine gloss infused with hyaluronic acid for a plumped look.
Bubblegum Lifter Gloss Candy Drop Lip Gloss with Hyaluronic Acid - Maybelline | Ulta Beauty
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Non-sticky lip oil that provides intense hydration and shine.
Supermodel Fat Oil Lip Drip Vegan Lip Oil - NYX Professional Makeup | Ulta Beauty
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Lightweight lip oil for a glossy, nourishing finish.
Lychee Nectar Fruit Fetish Lip Oil - Milani | Ulta Beauty
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Affordable, sheer lip gloss for a subtle shine.
e.l.f. Lip Lacquer - Wild Rose - 0.08oz
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Creamy, smooth lip gloss in a rich, neutral shade.
Praline Butter Gloss Non-Sticky Lip Gloss - NYX Professional Makeup | Ulta Beauty
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A deeper colored gloss with a soft, non-sticky finish.
Ginger Snap Butter Gloss Non-Sticky Lip Gloss - NYX Professional Makeup | Ulta Beauty
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High-shine, universally flattering gloss for all skin tones.
Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer - Riri
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Adds volume and a slight tingle for fuller-looking lips.
Toasted Pout Clout Lip Plumping Pen - e.l.f. Cosmetics | Ulta Beauty
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Moisturizing lip balm for soft, nourished lips.
Lip Butter Balm for Hydration & Shine - Brown Sugar
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Deep brown lip liner for defining and contouring the lips.
Espresso Slim Lip Pencil - NYX Professional Makeup | Ulta Beauty
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Smooth, pigmented liner for a precise lip shape.
wet n wild Color Icon Lipliner Pencil, Chestnut
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Classic matte lipstick in a comfortable formula.
Velvet Teddy Mini M·A·Cximal Silky Matte Lipstick - MAC | Ulta Beauty
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✨ Finishing Touches

Powders and sprays to set makeup without flashback

 
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Locks makeup in place for all-day wear.
Lasting Fix Makeup Setting Spray - Maybelline | Ulta Beauty
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Controls shine and sets makeup without adding weight or flashback.
Translucent Loose Setting Powder
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