The Style Siren #1 : Beginners Bag of Make-up Essentials

Beginners Bag of Make-up Essentials

So I really was not a beauty expert but it did take me a lot of time the first time that I was hunting for the right beauty products for my skin after thorough study and lessons. It definitely wasn’t an easy task to combine everything and make sure every bit of it was perfect, whatever I was looking at for. 

So I’ll just jump straight away to the details. 

Well, I basically have a wheatish skin, a typical Indians skin that is exposed to a lot of pollution, dust and sun damage. I have a lot of freckles, dark circles and pigmentation on my face which made it really tough for me to choose the right products.

Well there are different types of make up that you could try for. And out of so many products out in the market, one is bound to be confused what to start with, without having to spend a lot and wasting money.

To start with any make up you have to first prep the skin of your face for the heavy cosmetics that you would be using. Here are simple, humble-for-your-skin, 20 budget friendly tips to pamper your skin the right way, for mainly BEGINNERS and also as basics for Advanced levels. 

The things I’ll be including in this are-

1. Cleanser
2. Wax
3. Facial
4. Face Mask
5. Under Eye mask 
6. Serum 
7. Moisturiser 
8. Sunscreen
9. Primer
10. Foundation
11. Concealer 
12. Compact Powder
13. Highlighter 
14. Blush
15. Eyeshadow Palette
16. Eyeliner and Kajal 
17. Mascara
18. Lip Moisturiser 
19. Lip liner and Lip color
20. Makeup Essentials: Blender Sponge and Brushes

Advance Users can also add the items in the list below, however, I’d not recommend them for beginners hence I wouldn’t be talking much in detail about them. Some items in this list are-

1. Hair mask
2. Nose strips
3. Color corrector
4. Bronzer 
5. Contour stick 
6. Eyebrow liner and color 
7. Face wipes 
8. Setting Spray

So let’s begin.

1) Cleanser

The most important basic step that many of us forget to do is to neatly cleanse the face. Always use a good cleanser with a neutral pH so that it does not harm your skin. My favourite cleansers are those which come with a scrub property. I use the Pond's Bright Beauty Spot-less Fairness Face Wash with Double Brightening Action to renew your maximum brightness every day. Infused with vitamin B3+, it removes layers of brightness blocking dead skin cells and it strengthens skin's natural renewal process, revealing new bright cells. Renew your maximum brightness with everyday wash. Its wipes out dead skin cells so that you can say goodbye to skin dullness. This helps bring out the brightness locked inside which shows clearly after every use of Ponds White Beauty Face wash. This is truly my solution to a spot less and bright skin. 

Simple way to use this is to squeeze a coin-sized amount on your palms and lather up with lukewarm water. Gently massage your wet face for 30-60 seconds. Rinse with lukewarm water.

2) Wax

This is optional however if you go for it you will get a naturally smooth looking skin. I use the Hilary Rhoda Facial Wax Strips for Upper lips, cheeks and chin. Comes with naturally infused Avocado Oil for quick, easy and effective pulls. 

Just peel the strips, apply and pull in opposite direction of hair growth. Use the post wax strips for a smooth finish. 

3) Facial

One of the most important steps is to do the right facial. Wrong facial can steal away the moisture from your skin and leave it dull, dry and dehydrated. Oxygen infused facials are one of the best. Oxygen breathes life not just in you but also in your skin. But, with age, stress and lifestyle changes oxygen levels in the skin may drop leading to unhealthy skin with dullness, dark spots and lifeless complexion.

My favourite is the Oxylife Natural Radiance 5 Crème Bleach which is enriched with Patented German Technology – Oxysphere . This technology enables pure oxygen molecules to be trapped in the product and pure oxygen is released at the time of application when the product comes in contact with the skin. It is enriched with active oxygen, and unique Post-Bleach Skin Radiance Serum brightens and nourishes skin to help solve 5 fairness problems and give naturally radiant skin.

4) Face mask

A right face mask helps nourish the skin, ignite skin's radiance and promote firm tight skin. I use Miniso Papaya and Rice sheet mask. The material of the sheet mask paper is using natural plant fibers, which have more elasticity and toughness than normal fabric masks. After being applied to the face, it can snug fit your face perfectly, so that it can take care of all corners of the skin. At the same time, it can deliver the serum well to your pore and it will keep skin firming with daily use. This mask increases the skins hydration by helping the lower layers of the skin absorb moisture normally and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. Helps to restore the skins moisture, promoting a more revitalised and youthful complexion. Simple to apply and remove, the intensely hydrating tissue mask formula provides the same amount of hydrating active as one week of daily care. Upon application, the innovative mask gives the hydrating formula to your skin, replenishing it with gentle, soothing ingredients.

I also love the Garnier Sakura white sheet mask. Garnier tissue face masks provide your skin with deep hydration. Garnier Sakura White Sheet Mask is enriched with Japanese Sakura flower extracts. Perfect for de-hydrated and dry skin. Instantly hydrates the skin and gives it a pinkish glow in just 15 minutes. 

5) Under eye Mask

Using an under eye mask will help reduce the eye bags to a considerable amount so that it performs a suitable base for your additional foundation and concealer that you would use in those areas. Garnier Hydra Bomb Eye Serum Mask helps reduce eye bags and dark circles to give you awake, fresh, brighter-looking eyes! For tired and dull eye contours, this tissue mask enriched with hyaluronic acid will leave the eye area looking brighter, more refreshed and more awake. It intensely hydrates and reduces appearance eye of bags. Eye area will feel refreshed and revitalized, leaving a cooling effect on your skin. For extra-cooling sensation, keep in the fridge. To apply, take it out and unfold the mask. Separate the patches from the protective film. Gently apply the patches on cleansed skin. Smooth the mask gently to ensure contact with the skin, adjusting the patches to the targeted under eyes. Leave for 15 minutes. Remove the mask. Gently massage any excess serum into the skin. My two favourite variants in this are orange juice and coconut water eye mask. 

6) Serum 

You need to have a really good serum as it is the only product that actually helps to moisturise and bring out the glow in your skin and also helps to prevent skin damage from heavy cosmetics. 

My favourite product is the L’Oréal Paris REVITALIFT CRYSTAL Micro-essence for bright and crystal clear skin containing salicylic acid and Centella Asiatica. 

The amazing property of this is that it penetrates deeply into the skin layers and skin feels hydrated plump and refreshed. You can use this product every day to as it can help to make your skin smoother with a crystal clear brightness. The best way to use it is to moisturise day and night after cleansing. Use about 4 to 5 drops and at gently massage skin until fully absorbed.

This is my favourite serum as it mildly exfoliates to help refine force and skin texture which helps to remove dead skin cells and accelerate skin renewal along with boosting skin elasticity and smoothening out lines and wrinkles. The light and watery texture helps in quick absorption and leaves the skin highly moisturised. 

This product is especially beneficial for those who have a very dull and rough skin and it helps in preserving youthful skin and reveal ultimate radiance. 

7) Moisturiser 

A light supple moisturiser is a must for a soothing and smoothening effect. I use the  NIVEA Aloe Hydration Skin Cream for all day long healthy looking skin. Enriched with aloe vera extracts, it soothes dry and irritated skin and leaves you with comfortable, soft and hydrated skin. It has a non-greasy formula quickly melts in the skin leaving behind a refreshing feeling and is suitable for usage on all types of skin. 

8) Sunscreen

Well, be it India or anywhere else in the world, a sunscreen is always a must  to protect your skin from UV radiation damage and environmental aggressors. My go to Product is the Lotus Herbals Safe Sun 3-in-1 Matte Look Daily Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ Sunscreen. This tinted, daily Sunscreen SPF 40 Sunscreen is a non-greasy, non-patchy and lightweight formulation suitable for daily sun exposures. It offers broad-spectrum protection from harmful UVA & UVB rays, protects skin from premature ageing, pigmentation, discolouration and redness. Infused with Birch, Mallow, and Hops' natural goodness, it prevents skin damage by neutralising the free radicals. The tinted texture of this sunscreen gives your face an instant BB Glow.

Lotus Herbals Safe Sun 3-in-1 Matte Look Daily Sunscreen SPF 40 sunscreen has a lightweight, matte formulation that is non-greasy and doesn’t leave behind any white residue. It spreads evenly and absorbs quickly. This natural Sunscreen is suitable for all skin types.

9) Primer

My favourite is the L’Oreal Paris Base Magique Transforming Smoothing Primer. It is a lovely product as it helps to transform your bare skin texture and it is the first smoothening primer that makes your lines and pours invisible for a visible and touchable smoothness. It has a unique blend of silicon oils and soft light powders which create a sensational smoothening well with formula to refine the skin and removes wrinkles fine lines and perfectly hides the pores and imperfections are corrected it gives a natural rosy shade to bring out the translucency on bare skin tone simple way to apply this is by rubbing the velvet texture between your fingers to easy spreading and apply a thin layer over the face X specially focusing on areas with fine lines and visible pores. 

10) Foundation

There are a hundred brands out, my personal choice is with Maybelline Fit Me Foundation 220 Natural Beige. For normal to oily skin mighty fine clay to hell control oil for a shine free look matches natural tone natural seamless finish UVB protection with SPF 22. It provides a natural coverage that leaves skin fresh, breathing, and natural. Made of an exclusive translucent base and lightweight pigments, it allows skin's natural highs and lows to show through. 

11) Concealer

Your concealer should always match with your Foundation, and should be applied over your foundation. So my choice is the Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer 130 Medium. This super-concentrated treatment concealer features a micro-corrector applicator to help instantly erase dark circles and fine lines. Plus, it’s suitable for all skin types.  Available in an easy-to-apply packaging, the Maybelline concealer has a mess-free application that quickly blends into the skin and doesn't crease or look cakey. The cushion tip and patented micro-corrector applicator of the Age Rewind Concealer fills and smoothes out imperfections on the skin's surface. The Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer not only helps cover up dark circles, blemishes, and dark spots but can also be used to contour by using a deeper shade. A true multi-use concealer!

12) Baking Powder 

A soft setting powder is a must over your foundation base to give a clean and smooth finish. And once again, it should blend with your foundation and concealer shade. So based on my shades of foundation and concealer, my choice of powder is the Maybelline Fit Me Compact 235 Pure Beige. It mattifies and leaves a poreless looking finish with long lasting shine control. Ideal for normal to oily skin, this long lasting powder leaves a natural, poreless looking finish with long lasting shine control. It comes with a Perlite mineral technology absorbs oil to mattify skin, while pores virtually disappear thanks to blurring micro powders. 

13) Highlighter

Create a metallic luminous effect with master chrome metallic highlighter simple way to apply is with brush or fingertips sweep on to targeted areas such as cheekbones bro bones and down the bridge of the nose blend for a seamless metallic glow. I work with the Maybelline Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter 050 Rose Gold Molten, absolutely gorgeous down my skin. 

14) Blush

After a lot of going through products, I came across these 2 amazing chic products Covergirl Blush 540 Rose Silk and Makeup professional Paris Rose face color palette. Covergirl Blush 540 Rose Silk is a natural radiance made easy! Just brush on this lightweight, blend-able powder blush. Each classic shade sweeps on cleanly, evenly, and comes in a beautiful mirrored compact, for a little lift, a natural glow, effortlessly-and anywhere. A burst of lasting color for the cheeks, provides a radiant, lit-from-within glow. 

Makeup professional Paris Rose face color palette are a set of Lustrous and Refillable palettes which are designed for to sculpt, highlight and give cheeks color at the same time. The Artist Face color powders are light and are formulated with atomised pigments which provides intense color while blending and diffusing for a beautiful natural and long-lasting finish. They powder is incredibly bendable and perfect for layering. The Artist Face Color are available in matte, shimmer, and pearl finishes. The texture is smooth and melts into the complexion without feeling powdery at all. Plus stays input for a good amount of time where there is no need for touch-ups. I was impressed with these two palettes at the first sight and after playing with these for a week now – I’m in love. 

15) Eyeshadow Palette 

The Nykaa Eyes-on-me! 10-In-1 Eyeshadow Palette comes with complimentary shades to create versatile looks, with high pigment properties, 10 hour wear and easy to blend features. Comes in color palettes of 5, Smokey at 8, Sundowner Stunner, Tinsel Twilight, Beachside Peach and Daydreaming. This was the pocket friendly winner product for me. 

16) Eyeliner and Kajal 

Accentuate the beauty of your eyes with the Lakmé Eyeconic eyeliner and Kajal. This dermatologically tested product is just what you need for completing your eye makeup or carrying a simple, only kajal look. It is a smudge proof, water proof kajal and can add the dramatic and glamorous look to your eyes. It long lasting up to 10 hours and is designed with an easy to use and convenient twist up format. Just one stroke of the Lakmé Eyeconic Kajal enhances your simple look to a more stylish avatar. You are incomplete without Kajal and this is a perfect everyday product. 

                    

17) Mascara

A beautiful combo from Nykaa really impressed me wholly. Nykaa Lash Talk Mascara lets you glam up any look with its gorgeously rich, jet black pigment. Take your pick from three mascara variants that are designed to give you XXL Length, Major Volume and Dramatic Curls. Effortless to apply, using a unique brush that evenly coats your lashes from root to tip without weighing them down. Just a few strokes will plump and define your lashes like never before. So, if you want a no falsies lash look, give these mascaras a go!

18) Lip Moisturiser 

I am sure we all love the Maybelline Baby Lips combo set. They provide Instant moisturization and are Mildly fragrant. Provides a subtle hint of color with added SPF 20 benefits. A must-must in every bag. 

19) Lip liner and Lip color

L’Oréal infallible Pro Gloss 405 Coral sands. 8HR Color and Shine. Non-Sticky Feel. Comfortable Wear. Infallible 8HR Le Gloss is a hydrating formula that keeps lips soft, smooth, colourful and glossy for eight shining hours. The patented Petit Couer applicator contours lips precisely, giving you a smooth, even, flawless finish every time. Use it together with Infallible Never Fail Makeup for a perfectly polished, long-lasting look. No Top coats. No Feathering. No Fading. It has to be Infallible. The Proof is in the Wear. Okay, this is not technically a lip gloss, but bite beauty’s agave lip mask packs just as much shine. Not all lip glosses are created equal and there are so many choices, from subtle formulas to glitter-packed ones. They definitely raised the bar to the next level with this twist on a mood lipstick. All with the vanilla scent that stays when you have the gloss on, they do not feel plasticity and have no other scents. I find it to be smooth, easy to apply, with a hint of thickness that reminds me of a lip balm but not too slick so it does not feel thin, greasy (Despite the nourishing oils in the formula), or slippery on the lip. An all time favourite for all types of nude makeup. 

Masaba Pataka lipstick is also my personal favourite.This maroonish shade is like fireworks on your tips! It's a celebration for you and cracks up those around you likeits no big deal! 

L’Oréal Color Riche 540 Saucy Mauve lipstick is a Rich Shade to compliment the Indian skin tone beautifully. Enriched with Omega 3, 6, and antioxidant Vitamin E: nourishes lips and makes them super soft and supple with Soft, creamy texture which Gives a luminous finish and is easy to wear. A lovely product for office wear and nude makeups.  

Bench Lip Color Stick Bella Rosa and Bench Beauty So In Love Matte Lipstick is best for all types of Glam-up party wears. 

20) Makeup Essentials: Blender Sponge and Brushes 

For a beginner, a simple set of economical brushes and sponge is a must. Here is a Miniso Skin Charm Makeup Brush 5-Piece Set(Includes Spare Eyeshadow Tip). Designed for makeup beginners and enthusiasts, MINISO 5PCS Skin Charm Brush is made of high-density synthetic fibre, bringing incredible soft touch and feeling. This high quality set of brushes bring you outstanding soft touch.Made of high quality Artificial fibre, it's skin friendly including sensitive skin. So you can enjoy your beauty makeup process without worrying allergy. With outstanding performance on Colouring, blending,and contouring, it’s an perfect option for home and professional use. It will show you seamless beautiful look & elite experience. Usage: 1.Blush Brush:Suitable for powder and loose powder, to create a dimensional makeup. 2.Eyeshadow Brush:Use with eyeshadow to create a bright and stunning eye makeup. 3.Lip Brush:Use with concealer to conceal minor flaws. 4.Sponge stick:create perfect eyeliner and eyeshadow. 5.Eyebrow comb:For sorting eyebrow and removing excessive mascara on the brows. 

Bronson Professional Ultimate Classic Beauty Blender is makeup sponge that gives your makeup a flawless finish. This sponge has a narrow tip that can be used for precise makeup application around the eyes and nose while the broad curved base is perfect for the cheeks, forehead, and jawline. The tear-drop shape easily fits the contours of your face while the soft material gives you a smooth, even finish with no streaks. This makeup sponge works best with cream and liquid products and will not absorb too much product. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned makeup user, you'll love this makeup blending sponge from Bronson. 

Well, so that's it i guess! I am sure that these pocket-friendly options would be of great help to any beginner. 

And also note that the mentioned products here after thorough study through various official websites and self-application and not just for promotional purposes. Discontinue use should you face any allergic reactions as such are bound to happen although rarely. 

The writer is a Professional Diploma holder in Makeup, Nails and Beauty from Shaw Academy. Write to us if you wish to contact the writer, through our Contact Form (in the left side menu.)  Get in touch with some amazing classes at Shaw Academy. 

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