Deciding where exactly to begin is the toughest question for a makeup beginner. There are so many products available today that can make you tizzy and cry for help. The best advice I can give you is to experiment with different types of makeup in the long run so as to form your own opinion about them. You can watch million tutorials, read billion reviews and use zillion products but unless you aren’t taking into consideration your skin type, preferences, features and consistently practicing the knowledge you’re gaining, it’s going to be tough.
Instead of jumping on buying ‘n’ number of products in one go, it’s best to start with a minimal amount of products. Learn about them, use them in different ways and master the application skills before moving on to new ones. I has been meaning to come up with this basic makeup kit for beginners in India but I had so many confusions on how to form the content which benefits a lot of categories. Finally, I think I did it! Feel free to omit/add/exchange according to your own comfort level. Learning makeup is tricky but don’t take the fun factor out of it.
Let’s get started!
BB cream– Light coverage foundation
To give your skin an even tone and a presentable coverage for your face with acne/acne scars.
Which is the best BB cream in India will help you pick the best one according to your skin type. If you have a dry skin type, you can also check out Spawake moisture fresh BB cream. If you are a dusky beauty and can’t find your shade in any of these bb creams, it’s best to go for a foundation that offers a light-medium coverage. Ensure that you start with light layers and don’t build up too much. Otherwise, the touch-up part can turn messy.
To set your base or use it alone just to mattify your skin and get a very light coverage.
L’oreal Mat magique all in one transforming powder works for all skin types because of its super smooth texture. A more budget-friendly option is Streetwear color rich perfection compact which again has a soft texture. However, it comes only in two shades.
Do not swipe powder as it will emphasize any dryness you have on your face. It also moves the foundation. Hold the sponge/puff, dip it in the compact lightly, tap a little to shake off any excess powder and them pat it on your face.
Eyeliner/Kajal
It’s up to you what to choose. I apply kajal very rarely because not just it makes my small eyes look smaller but I also find it’s look harsh for my preference.
When going for an eyeliner, choose one which glides smoothly on eyelids, doesn’t transfer to the crease area and is fairly water-resistant. These properties will help you prevent that awkward moment in the summer heat when your eye makeup starts transferring.
I like Lakme eyeconic kajal a lot. It works good as a kajal as well as an eyeliner on my super oily eyelids. You can check this comparison post best eyeliners in India under Rs.500 I did a while back. I need to do a new one now! Once I do it, I’ll add a link to this post for makeup kit for beginners in India.
The easiest form to use in eyeliner is the pencil one. Pen eyeliners with felt-tip also offer a good control but can get expensive because of the ‘drying ink’ part. That said, even as a beginner, I fell for liquid eyeliners. They’re amazing for creating sharp lines which I struggled to get with the pencil formula ones.
Once you’re good with drawing lines, show some love for colored eyeliners. They’re one of the best ways to break out of a makeup rut without putting in much efforts.
You can also create smokey eyes using just eyeliner.
Eyebrows
A while back, I helped a friend of mine create a basic makeup kit for beginners just like this one. When I asked her to add an eyebrow powder also to the list, she stared at me like I was a lunatic. She was like “What place does this product has in a basic makeup kit for beginners?” No amount of preaching like framing your face and making your eye makeup looked pulled together helped. It’s only when I filled her sparse eyebrows that she realized how much of a difference it made. Even with no other makeup on!
L’oreal Paris brow artist genius kit is expensive but very good quality. It will also last long. If you’re after a more natural look and have black eyebrows, I suggest you to try NYX eyebrow cake powder in shade ‘ECP01’ which contains two powder shades to fill in i.e. gray and black. I use the gray one. A more affordable option is Maybelline fashion brow duo sharpener. It works well although I haven’t reviewed it on my blog. You can also buy the inexpensive Sivanna eyebrow kit on Amazon which for some reason can’t be delivered to my area π Β I would have so loved to try it and include it in the pictures for this basic makeup kit for beginners in India.
Lips
Finish off your look with a lip color!
For just a hint of color, you can try tinted lip balms. Island kiss lip stain moisturizers and Maybelline baby lips do the job pretty well.
For a tint that stays long, try color-changing lip balms like Maybelline color bloom lip balms in shades ‘Pink blossom’ and ‘Peach blossom.’
Check this post if you’re after office wear lipsticks for dark skin in India. You can also check out these everyday lipsticks which won’t make you feel conscious if you’re trying lipsticks for the first time.
Oil blotting sheets
It’s the little things which get left out and make an exceptional difference. Oil blotting sheets are one of them in the makeup category.
I’m sure you’re familiar with the mid-day oily face. Instead of re-applying compact again and again on your face, do this: Pat an oil blotting sheet on your oily face to absorb excess oil and then, follow up with a touch-up using powder if you must. Β This practice isn’t just hygienic but also makes sense.
My favourites one have to be Oriflame oxygen boost face blotting sheets.
Makeup remover
If you aren’t going to remove it at the end of the day, don’t bother wearing it at all. No matter how much tired you feel, always take it off at the end of the day. I’m big on cleansing oils as they help remove even waterproof makeup and give me energy to go through the process off even past midnight (no dipping cotton again and again in remover and swiping on face).
Since you’re just starting out, a cleansing milk and a makeup remover for eyes and lips is enough. I like Maybelline clean express total clean remover.
Summary Of Makeup Kit For Beginners In India
– BB cream/Light coverage foundation
– Pressed powder
– Eyeliner/kajal
– Eyebrow powder/pencil
– Tinted lip balms/ everyday lipsticks
– Oil blotting sheets
– Makeup removers
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That’s all!
I hope you like this elaborate yet to-the-point Part-1 post on makeup kit for beginners in India. Let me know if you’ve any feedback or doubts in the comment section below.
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Manisha kapoor says
Nice post dear…. Budget frndly products πππ
Heena says
Thank you, Manisha π
Mariyam says
I loved your post. It covers everything for beginners in makeup world. π
Heena says
Happy! π Thankoo Mariyam π
sunitha says
i like ur post & i have a doubt
i am from southindia and my face is oily can i use moisturiser or bb cream
Heena says
Hey Sunitha,
Thanks!
You most definitely can use a moisturizer and a BB cream. Even I have a super oily skin and use both. The only thing you need to remember is to use products that suit your skin. Since you’re just starting with using a moisturizer, you can opt for Lotus Herbals aplha moist oil free moisturizer as it’s very light-weight. Apply it on damp face or mix it with 2 drops of water. Keep checking whether or not it’s suiting your skin. If it’s, awesome!
Then, you can start experimenting with BB creams. Also, just so you know, there’s hardly any difference between BB creams and foundations available in India. Both are cosmetic products. As long as they suit your skin and you remove them at the end of the day, you should be fine:)
You may find the information in these links useful:
http://www.vanitycasebox.com/2017/02/top-skincare-mistakes-avoid-beginner.html
http://www.vanitycasebox.com/2017/08/best-moisturizers-for-oily-and-acne-prone-skin-in-india.html
http://www.vanitycasebox.com/2013/08/which-is-the-best-bb-cream-in-india.html