Introduction
Even though many products can fit your makeup kit, you have always felt unsatisfied and want more and the best information to make your all-purpose makeup kit.
In this blog, I am providing you with all the information which will help you to build a customized makeup kit for you & your clients from the vast range of makeup products available in the market.
Before buying makeup products, you should gather sufficient knowledge on them based on the purpose and budget of your makeup box.
Purpose of Makeup kit – Self/Pro
If you are buying products for Self-Makeup then you should have sufficient knowledge of
- Your skin type
- Your Go-to Makeup Look/ Daily Makeup Look
- Your Occasional Makeup Look Preferences
- Most importantly, your Budget
Or if you are a Professional/ Aspiring Makeup Artist, then, in that case, you will cater to the needs of a large variety of people with different skin types & issues. For this, you should be
- Aware of the range of skin complexions mainly found in your geography.
- Aware of the weather conditions also.
- Aware of the client’s preferences in terms of makeup for different occasions.
- Aware of cultural diversity when it comes to entering the bridal industry.
- Aware of the average spending capacity of your target audience.
While buying makeup products, whether you are buying it for Self/PRO, you will have to understand both the “Usage Frequency” and the “Cost-Efficiency” of the products.
That is, you should be able to use the product for maximum time to justify the money expended on it.
Makeup Product Categories
When we talk about the Basics or Must-Haves of a Makeup Kit, we mean to say that it contains all the necessary makeup products required for a “go-to look” for any occasion. A basic Makeup Kit can be broadly divided into the following sections:
- Face
- Eyes
- Lips
We can further discuss the essential makeup products required for each category. Then it will go like this:
- Face: Face Mist, Moisturizer, Primer, Color Correctors, Concealer, Foundation, Powder, Contour & Highlight, Blush.
- Eyes: Eyebrow Pencil, Eyeshadow Palette, Eyeliner, Kajal, Mascara.
- Lips: Lip Balm, Lipstick, Lip Gloss.
Keeping all these things in mind, we should shortlist a range of makeup products that serve our purpose well & falls into our budget.
List of Products
To start, here is the list of products you should have in your makeup kit or makeup box. You can select based on the kind of preferences & budget that you have for your makeup products:
1. FACE MIST
Benefits –
Face Mists have been very popular lately. They can be used both before & after makeup.
- It instantly hydrates the skin.
- Seals with extra moisture.
- Absorb extra oil.
- Prevents Skin Breakouts
- Primes the Skin & Boosts the absorption of makeup
Best Products
There are many facial mists available in the market. Some of the best available are:
- Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Ultra-Fine Mist: The first face mist I will talk about is one of my favorites & it has this refreshing smell of watermelon. It is non-sticky as well. It goes well in any climate situation.
- Caudalie Beauty Elixir: This facial spray is used for a glowing complexion. It brings instant radiance out on your face. The components, grape, rosemary, orange blossom, rose, myrrh & organic balm mint, help in minimizing the pores & prepping the skin for makeup. It acts both like a toner as well as a serum
- Sugar Cosemetics Hydrating Mist –
2. MOISTURIZER
The next & most crucial step after using mist is to moisturize your skin with a good moisturizer.
Benefits:
Moisturizing your skin before makeup does help in two main arenas:
- It makes the skin smooth for the even application of foundation & concealer.
- It helps the makeup to stay longer.
- It makes the skin look bright & also avoids the caking of the makeup.
If you miss this step, the makeup you put on is likely to become cakey & the fine lines and wrinkles will be more visible.
Also, moisturizer acts as a barrier between the skin & the makeup, so without it, you may affect your skin health.
Best Products
Here, I am mentioning some of the best moisturizers to be used before makeup:
- Embryollisse Lait-Crème Concentre -This is one of the all-time favorites of make-up artists. It can be used for multiple purposes like a moisturizer, a baby cream, a makeup remover, and an aftershave. Because it combines emulsifying and softening agents with active moisturizers, it maintains the skin’s natural balance.
- Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream: If you are looking for a moisturizer with a 24-hour stay guarantee, this is the one. This moisturizer is fantastic. It stays on your skin as it is for 24 hours. It nourishes & protects the skin from severe weather conditions.
- Vichy Aqualia Mineral Water Gel: This is a Gel-based moisturizer. This cream consists of unique volcanic water rich in 15 minerals that protect the skin from damaging elements. This moisturizer hydrates the skin & doesn’t leave any residue on the face. I am making this product a perfect thing for makeup.
3. PRIMER
The following vital product to be used after moisturizer is primer.
Benefits:
The primer comes in both cream-based as well as gel-based formulas. It acts as a barrier between the skin & the makeup, hence protecting it. And most importantly, it fills in the pores, blurs our blemishes & smoothens the skin, making it perfect for makeup application.
If you don’t apply primer, you will not get flawless skin after makeup, as without primer, your face will not be smooth like a canvas.
Best Products
Here are the top four primers perfect for using before makeup:
- Mac Prep+ Prime Fix+ Finishing Mist: This is a primer & can be used as a finishing/ setting spray; isn’t it amazing. It is a water-based primer & is best to be used in summer. This product is one of the best products in its category & very budget friendly.
- Lancome La Base Pro Primer: The formula of this primer is very light & instantly hydrates the skin. It gives the skin a healthy appearance. If you have oily skin, especially Oily T-Zone, this is the best choice for you; it controls oil and keeps that extra shiny T-Zone away.
- Benefit Professional Face Primer: This primer is highly recommended by makeup artists worldwide. It comes in a travel-friendly & attractive tube. This is suitable for all skin types. It reduces the appearance of pores & lines. It gives a silky texture suitable for the perfect application of makeup products.
4. COLOR CORRECTORS
Color correction is a method in which we use complementary colors of the color wheel to cancel out any skin discoloration.
Benefits
It hides various skin issues like acne, redness, dark circles, burns marks, etc.
Best Products
However, many companies have come up with these color-correcting formulas; I am here listing some of the best products in the market:
- Urban Decay Naked Skin Color Correcting Fluids: This is an absolute favorite of MUAS. Urban Decay has launched these color correctors in six different long-lasting shades. They are very easy to use & blend.
- Cover FX Correct Click: These color correcting sticks are amazing. They blend & get absorbed quickly by the skin. Hence, making our job easy.
5.CONCEALERS
Concealers are like color correctors.
Benefits
They are used to cover up the problem areas of the skin. It is a mask to cover dark circles, pigmentation, etc. They are thicker in texture than foundation.
Benefits of Concealer
Some of the concealer’s best palettes must for your makeup box are:
- Kryolan Dermacolor Mini Concealer Palette: This palette contains 16 different colors of concealers. They are long-lasting & give full coverage.
- Lorac PRO Concealer/Contour Palette & Brush: This palette comes with compact packaging & a fantastic brush. It has 12 shades which are easy to blend & gives a unique finishing effect.
- E.l.f Studio Complete Coverage Concealer: This palette comes in three shades, medium, dark & light. Each palette contains two shades with yellow undertones & two with pink undertones. And most importantly, this is very much affordable.
6.FOUNDATION
This key step of applying foundation gives you that new, fresh skin with flawless makeup.
Benefits
After color correcting the face, it is time to apply foundation matching to your natural skin tone. If you want to go lighter or darker than your original complexion, you should use that particular shade accordingly.
Best Products
Here are some of the highly recommended foundation brands:
- Maybelline Fit Me! Matte + Poreless Foundation: This is an absolute favorite all in one all-in-one foundation as it is budget friendly, medium coverage, and contains SPF as well. It is a water-based foundation & doesn’t contain pore-clogging ingredients.
- MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation: This is a must-buy, whether you are buying it for personal use or as a professional makeup artist. It is a full coverage liquid foundation. It gives a matte finish & covers almost every discoloration & blemishes under the skin. It lasts for 24 hours.
- Urban Decay Stay Naked Foundation: This foundation gives you a natural skin finish. It is a matte, full coverage foundation. This foundation is also water-proof & lasts for 24 hours.
7. TRANSLUCENT POWDER
The application of translucent powder is the most crucial step of your base as it seals your makeup & does not let the makeup move.
Benefits –
This is a facial powder that is very sheer & colorless. It is used to put on makeup. It can also be used to give a matte finish. Skipping this step, then be ready to see your makeup move before it’s time.
Best Products
Here are some of the best translucent powders for your makeup kit:
- Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder: The formula for this powder being super light is easily bendable.
It does not at all turn cakey.
It stops the pores from excess oil secretion, making the skin look flawless.
2. Marc Jacobs Beauty Finish-Line Perfecting Coconut Set Powder: This is an excellent product in its category.
This translucent powder will blur your pores with almost no appearance.
It also gives you flawless skin.
3. Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder: This powder is the best for setting & baking makeup.
It sets the makeup perfectly to keep it long-lasting.
It also makes the skin look flawless.
H. Contour & Highlight:
As we all know, this is a game changer step in makeup.
Benefits –
It not only adds dimension to your face but, if done correctly, has the capacity to completely alter the face structure.
Name Of Products
So, here are the details of the best contour & highlight palette that one can find in any makeup artist’s makeup box:
- E.L.F. Cream Contour Palette: This Palette has three contouring shades and one shade for highlighting.
Very high-quality product within everyone’s budget.
2. Kat Von D Shade + Light Face Contour Refillable Palette: This is a very popular contour & highlight palette.
It has six shades, three for contouring & three for highlighting.
If you are out of any color, you can buy it individually to fill in.
3. Tarte Tarteist PRO Glow Highlight & Contour Palette: It has every necessary shade for contour & highlight. It’s a six-shade palette.
It includes both cream & powder shades which give you a lot more flexibility to use accordingly.
I. Blush & Highlighter:
This step is among the finishing steps of the makeup, yet it is vital.
Benefits –
Both Blush & Highlighter add a healthy glow to your face, which suddenly enhances the look.
Name of the Products
Take a look at some of the best blush & highlighter palettes for your makeup kit:
- Smashbox Cali Contour Palette: This palette caters to all your needs.
In this kit, you will find the contour, highlighter, bronzer & blush shades, which give you the “ready-to-go look” for any occasion. - Maybelline Face Studio Master Contour Face Contouring Kit: This is a very budget-friendly palette.
It will give you a super everyday look from just one kit.
The kit contains one shade of each contour, highlight & blush.
The palette comes in many shades. - Charlotte Tilbury Instant Look in a Palette, Natural Beauty: This is the perfect palette for a simple to glam look.
It consists of seven shades; three consist of eye makeup, two for blush, one for bronzer & one last for highlight.
J. Eyebrow Pomade:
This is a thick cream based formula.
Benefits –
It comes in different shades, which helps you to draw fake hairs in the sparse areas of your eyebrows & gives you an entire eyebrow look.
Name of Products
Some of the best eyebrow pomades that are loved by makeup artists worldwide are:
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip brow Pomade: This is the best brow pomade in the world. It will stay as it is the whole day.
It is smudge-proof, water-proof & transfer-proof. - Benefits Cosmetics ka-BROW! – This product comes with a cream-gel formula. And aside from the great formula of the product, one more thing that is fascinating about the product is that it has a brush on the lid of the product. This makes it super easy to use.
- Milani Stay Put Brow Color: This is best for people with thin brows.
This product helps to create thin hair-like strokes & gives you that perfect eyebrow that lasts upto up to16 hours.
K. Eye shadow Palette :
Benefits –
An eyeshadow palette has many pigmented colors to apply to the eyelids.
It gives glam & definition to the eyes. Eyeshadows make the eyes stand out.
Name of Products
Here are some of the must-have eye shadow palettes for your makeup kit:
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette: This is an absolute favorite of all makeup artists worldwide.
It has 14 shades, nine ultra matte & 5 metallic shades.
This palette gives you every shade perfect for day and night makeup looks.
As a bonus, it has a brush & mirror, which further makes it easy to go.
2. Morphe Jaclyn Hill Eyeshadow Palette: Very few products make a mark on the market in between a crowd of enormous products. This is such a product.
It is super affordable and pigmented, giving you a wide range of colors to play with.
This palette has 35 shades with colors ranging from neutral to black to sea green.
3. BH Cosmetics Take Me Back To Brazil Palette: This palette is a must to have in your makeup kit. It is perfect for festive glam looks.
With 35 different vibrant shades, including neon, this gives you a standout look.
L. Eyeliner :
Benefits –
Eyeliner is used to define the eyes. It is used on the upper lash line of the eyes and has a variety of shades.
There are various ways an eyeliner can be used, e.g., Cat eyeliner, Winged Eyeliner, etc., to define the eyes and make them more beautiful.
Name of Products
Some of the best eyeliners available in the market are:
- Inglot Gel Eyeliner: If you are a professional, this is the perfect eyeliner for you. It is jet black & looks good in the pictures.
It is long-lasting, smudge proof & crease-proof. - Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner: This liner has a fantastic smudge-proof unique liquid formula that dries quickly & is smudge-proof. That’s right, no matter how extreme the weather or your emotions are, it will not come out.
This liner comes in 11 different colors & with a fine tip for precise application. - Kat Von D Tattoo Liner: This is different from the traditional pen liner as, despite having a regular tip, it has brush-like information for seamless application.
This is vegan, cruelty-free, fade-resistant waterproof eyeliner.
M. Kajal:
Kajal is one of the most important pencil, which makeup products in any women’s makeup kit. This is a pencil, which is found in different colors.
Benefits –
It is used on both the upper & lower waterline of our eyes to intensify the eyes.
Name of Products
You can find various Kajal in the Indian market from local to branded; here in India, people also make Kajal at home. Some of the best Kajal items for your makeup box are:
- L’Oreal Paris Kajal Magique: This Kajal is like butter. And with its intense pigments, it gives jet black color in one stroke.
This is smudge proof & waterproof as well. It is also suitable for contact lens wearers. - M.A.C. Modern Twist Kajal Liner: The intensity of this Kajal is unimaginable.
It defines the eyes to another level. The butter-silk type of formula makes it easy to apply.
It lasts up to 12 hours & is also waterproof & smudge-proof. - Plum Natur Studio All-Day-Wear Kohl’s Kajal: This Kajal by Plum is vegan. It contains the goodness of castor oil, rice bran wax & vitamin E.
It stays for 10 hours & is alsosmudge-prooff.
N. Mascara :
Benefits –
Mascara is a beauty product used on eyelashes to enhance them. It is usually in a thick liquid form and thickens, darkens, and defines the lashes.
Name of Products
There are numerous brands for this also but some of my favorite as a makeup artist is:
- Benefit They’re Real! Mascara: This is one of the best selling mascara on the market. It lengthens, thicken & separates the lashes as well.
The unique feature of this mascara is its wand. The mascara wand has bristles on the top & it helps in catching even the tiniest lash of the eyes.
2. Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara: This mascara is onyx-colored, smudge proof & lasts for 24 hours.
It has this arched-shaped wand that helps to hold the lashes properly, further helping with its smooth application.
3. Lancome Hypnose Drama Waterproof Mascara: This has all the properties of an ideal mascara. It is Volumizing, lengthening & waterproof mascara.
O. Lipstick:
This one is the favorite of all the women in this world. You can easily find lipstick in any women’s makeup kit, handbag, etc.
Benefits –
I believe lipstick not only enhances facial beauty as a whole, but also twinkles the feminist out of any woman.
Any makeup look is incomplete without perfect lipstick. Today we can find a great range of lipsticks on the market ranging from nudes to metallics to bright mattes to match our outfits & occasions.
Name of Products
Here are some of the best lipstick palettes for you, which allows you to play with your lips like crazy & are a must for your makeup kit:
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Palette: This is an absolute favorite of mine as a makeup artist.
In this palette, you not only get the traditional lip colors, but also have the option of black, white, and bright colors that gives you a chance to build up color as per your mood. - Maybelline Lip Studio Color Contour Lip Palette in ‘Blushed Bombshell’: This is not only a budget-friendly palette, but it also gives you a good mix of dark & light colors to contour your lips.
- Smashbox Be Legendary Matte Lipstick Palette: This palette is a bombshell of 25 matte shades.
If you have this one, you will never need any other matte lipstick again.
Inference –
In the above makeup product details, I have mentioned all of the best & budget-friendly makeup products that everyone should include in their makeup box.
As a professional makeup artist, I must not only take care of the pricing of the makeup product but also hand-pick excellent quality products. I have mentioned the makeup products here based on my experience using them extensively with my clients.
I hope this will guide you towards choosing the right makeup kit products. In the future, I will write more detailed blogs on makeup products & their usage.
