Makeup for Beginners: What to Buy First and How to Start
A short list of the makeup basics every beginner needs, the right order to apply them, and how to choose shades without mistakes.
If you're just starting with makeup, you don't need dozens of products. A small, well-chosen kit is enough for a pretty everyday look, and it teaches you the basics before anything else.
The eight essentials
- A light foundation in your shade; hydrating formulas are easiest for beginners.
- Concealer for dark circles and small spots.
- Compact powder to set makeup and take down shine.
- Blush in a soft pink or peach.
- A brow pencil close to your hair colour.
- A nude eyeshadow palette in soft shades.
- Mascara.
- A lipstick close to your lip colour or one shade deeper.
Plus at least one blending tool: a makeup sponge or a brush set.
The right order
Moisturiser → primer if you like → foundation → concealer → powder → brows → eyeshadow → mascara → blush → lipstick.
Choosing shades without mistakes
- Test foundation on your jawline in daylight.
- Under-eye concealer only one shade lighter than your skin.
- Powder close to your foundation colour.
- Brows: one shade lighter than your hair if it's dark.
Tips for your first week
- Start with small amounts; adding more is easier than taking it off.
- Practise at home before an important event.
- Blend well; blending is the difference between makeup that looks natural and makeup that looks heavy.
- Take your makeup off every night before bed.
Beginner makeup questions we hear a lot
Do I need primer as a beginner?
Not for a light everyday look, but it helps if your foundation fades fast or your pores are visible.
Brush or sponge for beginners?
A damp sponge is easiest for foundation and concealer; brushes for powder, blush and eyeshadow.
From Ahla
All the basics in one place: the Face Primer, AHLA Hydrating Foundation, the Hydrating Concealer, Compact Powder, Soft Blush, the Dual-Ended Eyebrow Pencil, the Nude Eyeshadow Palette, the Volumizing & Lengthening Mascara and AHLA Moisturizing Lipstick, with the Beauty Blender Sponge and the 12-piece brush set.
