Today I felt like compiling a list of products I think would be good to have in your first makeup bag (at 16 or older for everything but pick and choose as you please) and I used all drugstore products. That way it’s a comprehensive list but also a fairly inexpensive one. Let’s jump right in!

For the primer I chose the Maybelline Master Prime primer in the Blur and Smooth style but they do have variations on this primer so you have choices depending on your skin concerns.

For foundation I again chose another Maybelline product. I chose theMaybelline Fit Me! Matte and Poreless foundation. They also have a dewy version but if you’re younger your skin tends to be a tad oiler so I figured this one would be a good recommendation. You do have to be careful because you have to pour the product out since it has no pump

I swear this post is not supported by Maybelline! I just adore their products. For concealer, under eye and face, I chose the Superstay Better Skin Concealer and Corrector. This has a great consistency and does a very good job at covering acne spots and scars and hiding those unsightly under eye circles. This has a doe foot applicator.

For the powder I chose something that I have used since I started wearing makeup during high school, the very popular Rimmel Stay Matte pressed powder. The product does exactly what it says on the tin. They have different colors but I stick with the Translucent or 003 Natural. The one downside is the packaging, it definitely is not the most sturdy and is prone to breaking. But with the product being so good I am willing to overlook that.

For blush I chose one of the Milani Rose Powder blush in Tea Rose. It’s not too dark or too pink and compliments many skin tones. It’s very easy to apply and blends beautifully. Having products that blend beautifully is a key thing to have when you’re starting out with makeup. You won’t get frustrated as easily.

For highlighter I picked the new Wet n Wild Megaglo Highlighting powder. They have a nice choice of shades and are inexpensive. My experience with Wet n Wild products is very good so I would imaging that these would go the same way.

Now, I debated adding a bronzer If you do want to try a bronzer I would definitely suggest the Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer. They now have different shades and unless you are very very VERY fair don’t pick up the lightest shade, get the Bronzer shade if you’re fair and then they have one or two darker ones.

Now for brows. I prefer pencil/crayon and powder but this will be something solely based on what you like. I find starting with a pencil/crayon makes learning brows easy. I chose the Maybelline Total Temptation brow definer. It is a twist up and has a spooly to help comb the product through.

I always like to use a gel and one of my favorites is the Soap and Glory Archery Volu-Boost Brow Definer Gel, I have mine in Blonde Luck. I like having a tinted one on hand especially when starting out. You can brush it through your brows and they will look filled in and under control. Win win.

I alway use eyeliner and I just got a chance to try the Maybelline Tattoo Studio Gel Pencil liner in black. My first love is the Urban Decay Perversion liner and this is the first drugstore pencil that has even come close to being as good as the Urban Decay one. This glides on and there is no tugging, two things I wanted when I started out but couldn’t find. This is easy to put in your waterline as well as your upper lash line and for tightlining.

For eyeshadows I find using a palette straight from the beginning so much easier than trying to get single colors together to make a look. This way you’ve got all the colors and can play away. I chose the Makeup Revolution Golden Bar palette (Ulta) because it has shadows that will work for day or evening, fancy or casual. I like their shadows because they blend easily and the pigmentation is there.

For mascara I chose a cult classic, L’Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black mascara. The natural bristle wand does a great job at separating your lashes so they don’t clump together. Just as the name suggests, this does give your lashes a nice boost of volume. It comes in varying shades of black.

For my lips I chose a product I have loved since my college days- Revlon Colorburst lip crayons. (If you’d like to see a write up of all of the lip crayons I own you can click here) These are easy to apply and pack a punch of color, too. Many times I do this without a mirror and it still turns out presentable.

Now for setting spray, I would go with a matte formula and I’ve heard good things about the NYX Matte Finish setting spray. This is the final step in your makeup application and for me it’s crucial. This helps your makeup last a lot longer than it would with nothing. Since it’s a mist it take seconds to apply and to dry.

For tools, I’ve got three things. First, brushes, I would suggest getting a set by BH Cosmetics. They are a good quality, are sturdy, and are a great price for what you get. The second thing I would suggest getting would be the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge. I know there are a lot of sponges out there but, in my opinion, I think that this is best one for the price. If you want to get an eyelash curler, the Revlon ones are a really good quality for the price. I used and abused mine for years before I replaced it.

• 

• 

So, there you go! These are all only suggestions of course. Choose what you like, the styles you want to try, have fun with it. Makeup is a constant trial and error experiment. I do hope that this was helpful to you in some way. I’ll be seeing you all tomorrow for my weekly favorites! XO

Be Bold, Be Beautiful, Be YOU!!  Because you is the most beautiful you there is.