In August, I decided that I wanted to learn some make-up basics. I have always been a little curious about the idea of make-up, but it was never something that I wanted to invest my time (or money) in. For the longest, my collection of basics (some mascara and drugstore four shadow palette) were all gifted to me.

This is not a sponsored post, but they are my opinions and recommendations based on the beginner’s make-up kit that I created for myself (check out my full disclaimer here).

The first step in formulating my beginner’s make up kit involved a lot of research. And by research, I mean hours of Youtube make-up tutorials and many conversations with my coworkers and friends that had much more experience than me.

It was important to me that I found products that worked for my skin tone. There are plenty of awesome beauty bloggers and Youtubers, but finding one who is skilled and has a similar skin tone to your own makes things a little easier when gathering product recommendations. In addition, I focused the beginning of my make-up journey on eyes and lip products. Still not quite ready to transition into full coverage or other face make-up.

The best advice that learned through my research is that:

A good primer is everything

I started off using poor primers and was left wondering why I was getting a good enough color payoff and why my make-up would start disappearing during the day. Once I switched primers, it was like my whole eye make-up game changed. My eyeshadow stayed on during a lunch work out AND evening spin class (featured below).

Watching swatch and product reviews is helpful but swatching it on yourself before purchase is best

There were so many occasions where I wanted to buy the fancy high-end palette that everyone loved…only to swatch it on myself and ultimately decide not to buy it. I left disappointed, but much better alternative to going home with it and finding out later.

The magic of wet shadows

My coworker told to try picking up shadow with one of my brushed then spritz it with water. GAME CHANGER. I especially like to use this technique with a shimmer lid color.

The items I collected for my beginner’s kit are below. As you can see, I heavily favored Colourpop products. Their price point is perfect for a beginner who is experimenting and wants to build their collection. In addition, the quality of Colourpop products are great! Especially for a person of my complexion who needs a higher color payoff from shadows.

Lip Kit: Blotted Lip in the shade Lolly. Lippie stix in shades Bonus Points and Ellarie. Lip colors in Top 8, Contessa, Kween, and Stain. Lippie pencil in the shade Ellarie.

Eye Kit (non-shadows): Smashbox Shadow Primer, Swerve gel liner, real Techniques Starter Set

Shadow Palette: Yes, Please!

Shadow Palette: Hi-Maintenance

Single Shadows: in Sauvage, Come and Get It, and You Know the Drill

Not individually pictured: Super shock shadow in Sequin and Noontide

I am still not nearly a beauty expert, but I am happy about how far I have come in just this month. My coworkers laugh at me because I’m actually using real make-up terminology now and built a solid collection in such a short amount of time haha. I plan to continue experimenting and expanding my products. If you have any suggestions about products that I should buy, please let me know in the comments below!

♥ Cierra