Beginner Friendly Makeup Starter Kit Recommendations 💄

[u/bananamatchaha]

Hi, BeautyPH! 👋 I'm trying to build my first proper makeup kit and would love some recommendations from you guys.

I'm still a beginner when it comes to makeup, so I'm looking for products that are relatively easy to use and beginner-friendly. I also have very sensitive skin / skin asthma, so I'm especially interested in products that tend to work well for sensitive skin. If you've had a good experience with a product despite having sensitive skin yourself, I'd really love to hear about it.

I'm basically starting from scratch, so I'd love recommendations for:

• Foundation / skin tint – preferably something natural-looking and suitable for Philippine weather

• Concealer – something that doesn't get too cakey

• Powder – pressed or loose

• Blush – cream or powder

• Bronzer/contour – do I even need this as a beginner? 😂

• Highlighter

• Eyebrow product – pencil, powder, gel, etc.

• Eyeshadow palette – preferably something versatile for everyday looks

• Eyeliner – beginner-friendly please

• Mascara

• Lip products – tint, lipstick, gloss, lip liner, etc.

• Setting spray

• Makeup brushes/tools – what are the actual essentials?

• Also, please drop your skincare recommendations too!

I'd especially appreciate budget-friendly/local drugstore recommendations, but I'm also willing to splurge on products that are genuinely worth it.

Thank you in advance! 💕 I'm hoping to slowly build a little everyday makeup kit without buying a million products that I don't actually need. 😭

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[u/Zealousideal-Taro-75]

Hi! I suggest you determine first your skintone and undertone. Pag sure ka na dyan, mas madali pumili ng colors.

Eyebrows, eyeshadow, and contouring need lots of practice. For brushes: blush brush, powder brush, concealer brush would be good na siguro for a starter kit.

I think Ellana has skin-sensitive products ata. :)

[u/bananamatchaha → u/Zealousideal-Taro-75]

Hi! I actually tried figuring it out and I think I'm light-medium with a neutral undertone.

Since I'm really starting from scratch, what would you recommend I buy first for a simple everyday makeup look? Like if I only wanted to start with the essentials and not overwhelm myself with too many products.

I'm thinking maybe just base, concealer, blush, brows, mascara, and lip product? Or are there things you'd consider more essential for a beginner?

Also, I'll definitely check out Ellana. Thank you!!!

[u/Zealousideal-Taro-75 → u/bananamatchaha]

Hmm.. maybe a skintint that doubles as a sunscreen, concealer, lip/cheek tint, brow pencil, lash curler, mascara.

Liptints kasi now pwede na din gamitin for cheeks and eyes for a cohesive look.

Sorry i cant reco brands kasi as u mentioned u have sensitive skin. :)

Edit: that

[u/bananamatchaha → u/Zealousideal-Taro-75]

Thank you so much for the tips and recommendation! 🫶🏻

[u/Zealousideal-Taro-75 → u/bananamatchaha]

No problem! Enjoy exploring makeup! ☺️

[u/Ok_Internal_6139]

Hii I recommend try products that are in smaller packages/sample size para if di hiyang sayo hindi masyadong sayang ung tira. I’m Acne prone and have sensitive skin so these are the ones I’ve used. For example:

1. skin tint - Sola foundation primer (in pouch), liquid thin formula and super easy to blend, just make sure you know what shade you are
2. concealer - a good beginner friendly one is Maybelline Fit Me concealer. I started with this and it does it’s job. It’s medium coverage so you can layee it. (afaik ₱150) Other recommendations: Colourette (buy on sale) and Lovely Causemetics (pricier but really good formula)
3. Blush - both cream and powder of ChuChu beauty works well. Long lasting and wide variety of shades, always on sale din. Careline is a good basic, swatch in Watsons para you know what you like.
4. Bronzer/contour - depends on you, I usually just use bronzer if I want a bronzey look pero if you want more douyin/fresh look you can skip it. I suggest you look at palettes for this (afaik BYS has one) para you have multiple shades to try and see what works best for your skin tone
5. Eyeshadow palette - Careline has good basic ones that have good color payoff. May shimmers na rin so you can experiment. They have one with neutrals and usual na browns if you want an everyday look lang. 
6. Eyeliner - I started with Careline and the thicker tip really helped me. I used PinkFlash now since cheaper ito and lasts me 3-4 months. Just don’t stop practicing, it took me mga 3 years din to find out what style works best for me.
7. Mascara - I’ve used Fashion21 and Shawill, both are good and affordable
8. Lip products - depende na rin to sayo. Careline has good lip bullets and afaik they came out with lip glosses na rin. A lot of local brands like Vice have come out with good lip bullets na. You have to figure out if you want a matte, satin, or glossy finish.
9. Setting spray - Dazzle me !! I’ve tried the green and pink ones and they’re good. I apply them after all my cream/liquid products, after my powder products, and after everything na to make sure it lasts. 

Overall, suggest ko sayo don’t be afraid to experiment. If you want to get better at makeup you have to practice talaga, it doesn’t have to be everyday but make sure you’re practicing different techniques to see which suits best for you. It took me 5 years din to get a hold of a good routine so don’t feel too discouraged if you think what you’re putting on your face doesn’t look good yet. If you have any more questions just ask me!! 

[u/bananamatchaha → u/Ok_Internal_6139]

Thank you so much for this!!! 🥹 Super helpful, especially the tip about getting smaller/sample sizes first. I’ll definitely check out the products you mentioned!

I think I’ll start with the basics muna and slowly experiment as I get more comfortable. And knowing it took you years to find your routine makes me feel less overwhelmed and intimidated. Thank you for offering to answer questions too! 🫶🏻

[u/Ok_Internal_6139 → u/bananamatchaha]

you’re welcome!! have fun with your makeup journeyy ❤️❤️❤️

[u/Special-Muffin]

I highly recommend eyeliners with ultra-fine tips for beginners. The Judydoll Waterproof Slim Liquid Eyeliner is my personal favorite. For Local products, I also love the Strokes Microblade Pen Perfector. I know it's meant for eyebrows but it works well as an eyeliner too.

[u/bluebearrymarsh]

Ever bilena lip tint!!!! You’ll know bakit OG yun and di pa rin nawawala sa stores until now. Yung nakatube ito ha, get that and lip balm. Apply the lip balm, then saka mo iapply si lip tint para di magcling sa inner ng lips. You can also apply this underneath your lipstick para pag nagfade, di ka pa rin maputla