The Ultimate Makeup Starter Kit—and It's All from the Drugstore
The beautiful thing about beauty? Everyone's got their own equally valid opinion about what products stand out from the pack. But for anyone just testing the waters of makeup, all those mid messages can be mighty overwhelming.
With that in mind, we set out to assemble the ultimate starter kit filled with tried-and-true basics loved by makeup artists, editors, and at-home beauty buffs alike. The kicker? They're all from the drugstore. Because we get it: You're not going to splurge on pricey products if you're only just learning how to use 'em.
Click through, then take a trip to your local drugstore to build a makeup artist-worthy kit even your most beauty-obsessed friends will want to get their hands on.
Photo: Stephanie Dinkel1/13These not-so-boring basics are must-haves for beginners.
Photo: Courtesy of Real Techniques2/13Brushes: Real Techniques by Sam & Nic Chapman Travel Essentials
This Real Techniques set is intended for travel, which, lucky for beginners, means it includes the brand’s most basic, multi-tasking brushes. Trust us—when it comes to makeup application, the right brushes can make all the difference.
Photo: Courtesy of e.l.f3/13Eyeshadow Palette: e.l.f. Little Black Beauty Book in Warm
For less than the cost of a latte, you can have yourself 48 shades of eyeshadow all across the color spectrum, courtesy of e.l.f. Blend subdued hues like brown and beige for a simple daytime look, or play with jewel-toned shades for a fun night out.
Photo: Courtesy of L'Oreal4/13Primer: L'Oréal Paris Magic Perfecting Base
Don't let primer fool you: This seemingly professionals-only product is actually easy to integrate into your makeup routine from the get-go. Use it post-moisturizer and pre-foundation for an even, smooth complexion—which this version by L'Oréal Paris delivers in spades.
Photo: Courtesy of CoverGirl5/13Mascara: CoverGirl LashBlast Clump Crusher Mascara
CoverGirl's LashBlast Clump Crusher Mascara boasts what might just be the world's most user-friendly wand. Even the newest-of-newbies can apply mascara without fear of looking spider-like, thanks to its curved brush and fine bristles.
Photo: Courtesy of Pond's6/13BB Cream: Pond's Luminous Finish BB+ Cream
Pond’s has channeled its skin care expertise into this lightweight, SPF-infused BB cream. Its dewy finish makes it a must-have to master that elusive no-makeup makeup look.
Photo: Courtesy of Maybelline7/13Concealer: Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer
Pros love the two-in-one nature of Maybelline's Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer. With a little practice, you will, too. The pen works as both a traditional concealer for under-eyes and imperfections, and, when applied to areas like the sides of your nose and tops of cheeks, as a highlighter that brightens and sculpts the face.
Photo: Courtesy of Neutrogena8/13Foundation: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup SPF 20
For first-time foundation wearers, choosing a breathable, blendable formula is key. Neutrogena's liquid makeup delivers on all counts: Its lightweight formulation is similar to that of a BB cream, but its medium coverage makes it truly complexion-enhancing.
Photo: Courtesy of NYX9/13Brow Pencil: NYX Auto Eyebrow Pencil
Thanks to stars like Lily Collins, brows are having a major moment. But, fortunately for us, it doesn’t take a celebrity makeup artist to keep your arches looking neat and defined. The easiest method? Fill in your brows using a soft pencil (bonus points if it has a built-in blending brush), like this one from NYX.
Photo: Courtesy of Revlon10/13Tinted Balm: Revlon Colorburst Balm Stain in Lovesick
Think of tinted balm as the older, cooler sister to your favorite Chapstick. This version from Revlon is easy to apply, leaves a subtle-but-noticeable wash of color on lips, and wears well throughout the day. No wonder every beauty buff we know keeps one of these in her makeup bag.
Photo: Courtesy of Rimmel11/13Lipstick: Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Moss Lipstick in 110
Rimmel's Lasting Finish by Kate Moss Lipsticks might be the drugstore's best-kept secret. These long-wear lippies are soft, apply smoothly, and come in a wide range of colors. Plus, it doesn't hurt that these shades have the iconic supermodel's seal of approval.
Photo: Courtesy of Almay12/13Eyeliner: Almay Eyeliner Crayon Contour in Blackened Brown
We won’t sugarcoat it—applying eyeliner takes a little getting used to. That’s why this Almay crayon belongs in every beginner’s beauty kit. The brand is famous for hypoallergenic formulas, which means it won’t irritate your eyes, even after several rounds of cat-eye practice.
Photo: Courtesy of Milani13/13Blush: Milani Baked Powder Blush in Dolce Pink
Milani Baked Powder Blush is like a good night's sleep in a compact. One swipe across the apples of your cheeks, and you'll instantly appear more awake. A pretty, soft pink is a sure bet for beginners—it suits virtually every skin tone.
