From lotions and concealers to nail polishes and blush brushes, there exist a variety of tools that are essential in our makeup kit. Picking these items might be easier for those who know the basics of makeup, but beginners often don’t know where to start. For the confused ones, The Week is here to help. We talked to Sajina Shilakar, senior beauty expert at Bliss Beauty Salon in Pulchowk, Lalitpur, and found out what exactly we need to put in our very first makeup kits.
“Knowing what products you need is imperative. Otherwise you will end up wasting your time and money and getting very less in return,” says Shilakar. “How you apply makeup is always important but what you apply too can change the whole game,” she adds. Some products that are not included in the following list such as blushers and makeup wipes are optional but Shilakar suggests you keep a few handy just in case.
So, here are some things you must absolutely keep in your makeup kit. From a simple lunch with friends to a glitzy evening party, these makeup essentials will ensure that you are ready for all kinds of affairs. Shilakar says that initially you might not know where to start, but that’s completely okay. “As you start using makeup, you’ll slowly learn what to do and how,” she says.
Moisturizer
“Regardless of what type of skin you have, no skincare routine is complete without a good moisturizer,” she says. Moisturizers act as a barrier between the external environment and skin further improving skin tone and texture. Especially for those with dry skin, moisturizer is an absolute must. “Everybody needs a moisturizer so make sure you invest in a good one that suits your skin type,” she says.
Sunscreen
You might not see or feel the benefits of sunscreen instantly but you will definitely come to understand its importance in the long run. Sunscreens simply act as a shield against the harmful rays of the sun. Pick a sunscreen according to your skin type and use it regularly to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun and keep it looking youthful.
Look your best
BB Cream or foundation
If you want light coverage then pick a BB cream instead of a foundation. BB creams are lighter than foundations and can be used daily. It will allow your skin to breathe much more easily than heavy foundations. However, if you need more coverage then a foundation is a must. It is also important for nighttime parties when you might want to put on some heavy makeup.
Compact powder/loose powder
Compact or loose powder helps to set makeup on the skin and makes it last longer. “Make sure you use it only after applying BB cream or foundation,” says Shilakar adding that a light dusting of loose powder might be just what your skin needs when you are stepping out in the hot sun. But a compact powder might be easier to carry and use so invest in one too, considering its feasibility. “To apply loose powder, get a blusher brush,” suggests Shilakar.
Cleansing cream
After the application of all the above-mentioned products throughout the day, one also needs to clean their skin. “If you are into makeup then skincare is something you shouldn’t avoid,” says Shilakar. Cleanser not only removes makeup but also tackles dead skin cells, oil, dirt, and other pollutants that have accumulated on the surface of the skin. This, according to Shilakar, will prevent acne and pimple problems. A cleanser can be used together with a toner followed by a moisturizer.
Primer
Primers not only creates the base for other face makeup but also help your makeup last for a longer period of time. It also prevents wrinkles and lines from showing from beneath your makeup. “If you want to have perfect makeup all day long then you must add a primer to your kit,” says Shilakar adding that a good primer will set the base for a flawless finish
Toner
Toner is applied between cleansing and moisturizing. Toner hydrates and nourishes our skin further reducing acne and other skin problems. It balances the pH of our skin that helps to prevent skin infections due to excessive use of makeup. If you want smooth, clear skin, then toner is something you shouldn’t miss out on.
Lip gloss or lipstick
A lot of people hesitate to put on lip gloss or lipstick but Shilakar believes your makeup will be incomplete without one. “If you don’t feel bold enough to choose vibrant colors like red or pink, then start with a nude shade till you find what works for you,” she says adding that bare lips don’t look good when you have a full face of makeup.
Light eye shadow palette
Eye shadows bring dimensions to the eye. This also helps to make your eyes stand out and look more attractive. “For your first makeup kit, buy a small eye shadow kit with two to three colors and learn how to put it on,” says Shilakar. You can invest in a larger one when you start getting comfortable with the notion of fancy eye makeup.
Eyeliner and mascara
These are the very basics of eye makeup and they will make you eyes look much more attractive than when you choose to go without them. There are many types of eyeliners available in the market today, from liquid and gel based ones to pencil eyeliners that are easy to apply. “Initially, you might need a little practice but you’ll soon be able to put it on perfectly,” says Shilakar adding that there are many YouTube tutorials that teach you how to perfect the art of putting on eyeliner.
Apply mascara, on the other hand, doesn’t require any effort and it will add length and volume to your lashes making it look sharp and long. Mascara can also be the savior when you are running low on eyeliner or don’t have to patience to put it on. “Simply swipe a coat of mascara on your lashes to make it pop,” she concludes.
