TOP 10 BEST MAKE UP PRODUCTS FOR BEGINNERS
Starting your make up journey can feel overwhelming as there are so many cosmetics and techniques to choose from. However, finding the best make up products for you can not only boost your confidence but help enhance your natural beauty too.
Whether you're looking for a simple, everyday complexion or experimenting with bolder eye looks, choosing the best make up for beauty beginners is all about finding easy-to-use, versatile formulas that suit your skin type and personal preferences.
Don’t know where to start? No worries, here at Cult Beauty we’ve done the hard work for you and rounded up the best make up products every beginner needs for when they’re just getting started…
Wish lists at the ready!
OUR TOP 10 BEST MAKE UP PRODUCTS FOR BEGINNERS
- Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer
- NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation
- Kosas Revealer Super Creamy and Brightening Concealer
- Saie Dew Blush
- Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer
- Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick
- Huda Beauty Empowered Eyeshadow Palette
- NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner
- VIEVE Modern Mascara
- Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
BEST MAKE UP PRODUCTS FOR BEGINNERS
Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer
925
£18.00
Start your make up as you mean to go on with Milk Makeup’s Hydro Grip Primer. Boosting a smooth, dewy base, it ensures your look stays locked in place all night long. What’s more, infused with nourishing ingredients (we’re talking aloe water, hemp-derived cannabis seed extract and blue agave extract), this everyday essential serves your skin with long-lasting moisture too.
How to use: Pump 1-2 shot(s) of primer on the back of your hand and blend a thin layer onto clean skin, before make up application. Allow formula one minute to fully absorb to activate grip for all-day hold. Layer foundation and other make up on top or wear alone for fresh-faced, finish.
NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation
607
£41.00
The best make up starts with a great base. Enter: NARS’ Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation. Delivering buildable full coverage, that lasts up to 16 hours, this famed formula can be applied using a brush, sponge, or even your fingers to ensure a smooth, velvety texture that’s not too heavy or cakey. What’s more, available in over 30 versatile shades, it’s suitable for all skin tones too.
How to use: Apply evenly to the whole face using a foundation brush, blender or your fingers until formula is fully blended.
Kosas Revealer Super Creamy and Brightening Concealer
548
£25.00
Marrying skin care and make up, Kosas’ Revealer Super Creamy and Brightening Concealer blurs imperfections while instantly illuminating your complexion. Providing full coverage with a smooth texture, the buildable base player targets dark circles, blemishes, redness and everything in between. And the best part? It features an easy-to-use applicator making blending a total breeze – no matter your cosmetic skill set.
How to use: Swipe or dab the doe foot applicator over skin, then blend using your fingers, a brush or sponge.
Saie Dew Blush
1489
£20.00
Want to create a natural, radiant flush with minimal effort? Let us introduce you to Saie’s Dew Blush. Renowned for its liquid yet lightweight texture, this make up marvel allows your to customise your look without worrying about harsh lines or uneven application. Gliding on your skin effortlessly you can go from a hint of tint to a pop of pigment within seconds.
How to use: Use the doe-foot to dab 1 to 2 dots onto each cheek. Blend out with fingertips onto apples of cheeks, cheekbones, or anywhere else you want a flush of colour.
Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer
88
£32.50
We can’t talk about the best make up products without spotlighting Benefit’s Hoola Matte Bronzer. Emulating a sun-kissed sign off (sans sparkle or shine), this icon grants your skin with a golden glow – all year around. Oh, and did we mention it comes with an accompanying brush too? So, you needn’t waste time deciding which tool is the right one to use.
How to use: Sweep across the chin, cheeks and forehead with accompanying brush.
Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick
224
£28.00
Packed with hydrating waxes and light-scattering particles Charlotte Tilbury's K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick creates the illusion of a fuller pout – no needles necessary. Featuring long-wear colour, this hybrid hero utilises bixa orellana extract to keep lips plump, nourished and protected against free radicals and UV rays. Plus, with a hue to suit every occasion and mood you can choose between a classic red, bright coral and even deep berry.
How to use: Apply straight from the bullet for a quick, easy lipstick slick or apply using a lip brush for more precision.
Huda Beauty Empowered Eyeshadow Palette
58
£62.00
Let your creative flair shine through with Huda Beauty’s Empowered Eyeshadows. Showcasing 18 powerfully pigmented pans – ranging from smooth neutrals to foiled chromes and so much more – this palette makes it easy to build, blend and layer your look. Whether you’re aiming for a soft, everyday eye or a dramatic, sultry smoky smoulder, this bundle is ideal for both beauty beginners and MUA pros alike.
How to use: Build your base with matte shadows, before picking up metallic shades using a dense, flat brush. For a fuller coverage foil effect, use your fingers or sponge applicator. For a soft pearlescent glow, apply the gloss hybrid shadow to bare lids, using your finger, or a flat brush. Finish your look and define your lash line using the hybrid gel-liner shadows as eyeliners.
NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner
Perfecting your wing or cat eyeliner needn’t be difficult. With NYX Professional Makeup’s Epic Ink Liner you can achieve everything from thin, delicate lines to bold, graphic strokes. Fitted with a flexible brush tip that offers total control, this waterproof doesn’t smudge, budge, fade or run.
How to use: Glide over eye to define wherever you feel fit.
VIEVE Modern Mascara
180
£26.00
Adding instant length, definition and drama, VIEVE’s Modern Mascara keeps your lashes lifted and full from dusk ‘till dawn. Complete with an innovative brush, it coats every lash from root to tip, delivering an even finish for a wide-eyed, fluttery finish. Fortified with vitamins C, E and vegan beeswax, this eye enhancer helps to condition your hairs too.
How to use: Starting at the base of your lashes, brush the mascara from root to tip. Layer to desired intensity.
Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
382
£28.50
It doesn’t take a make up pro to ensure your look stays put… Oh no, all it takes is a few spritz of Urban Decay’s All Nighter Setting Spray to keep your best make up look from fading, melting or settling into fine lines. Its advanced, oil-free formula works across all skin types, providing a smooth, matte finish that controls shine while ensuring your make up looks just-applied. But that’s not all, it’s lightweight, non-sticky and melds cooling ingredients, so your skin feels comfortable and refreshed, no matter the conditions.
How to use: After applying make up, shake All Nighter Setting Spray bottle well, hold 8"-10" away, and mist face two-four times in an 'X' and a 'T' formation.
BEST MAKE UP PRODUCTS FOR BEGINNERS FAQS
What order do you apply make up for beginners?
While there are no set rules on what order you should apply your make up, the consensus is that you should always start with your eyes as this prevent the spreading of product onto your base. We suggest eyes first, then brows before heading onto your base, lips and face powders or setting sprays.
How do I choose the right make up?
Choosing the best make for your complexion can be a bit overwhelming. But by considering your skin type, tone and preferences, you can find products that work for you. Here are just some key tips to help you choose the best make up for you:
Get to know your skin type: if you have oily skin, we suggest opting for mattifying foundations, powders and primers that control shine. For dry skin hydrating solutions such as creamy blushers, bronzers and highlighters ensure a dewy finish and extra glow. And finally for sensitive skin, products that are hypoallergenic help avoid irritation from harsher ingredients.
Choose the right complexion shades: finding your ideal foundation shade is key when acing your base. Test your chosen hue on your jawline as this area reflects both your face and neck colour. Along with the foundation you also need to consider the shade of concealer, blusher and bronzer you use. For concealer select a shade that's one or two shades lighter than your skin tone to brighten your under the eyes. For blusher you’ll need a colour that complements your natural flush. And for bronzer, pick one that is one or two shades darker than your natural skin for some added dimension and warmth.
Consider and complement your colours: when focusing on your eyes and lip, bring your natural features to life by applying colours that complement your eye colour and overall make up look. Neutral tones (browns, taupes, golds) work for most looks, but if you want to experiment, try shades like purples and greens for contrast.
Prioritise longevity: Invest in high-quality make up products that match your skin’s needs and are known for long-lasting wear, especially when considering foundations, setting sprays and mascaras.
Should foundation be lighter or darker than your skin?
When choosing your foundation shade, you should match it to your skin tone as closely as possible for a natural look. However, if you’re wanting to brighten your face, you can use a slightly lighter foundation under your eyes or on certain areas like the high points of your face (AKA your forehead and cheekbones). On the other hand, if you want to add warmth, a slightly darker foundation can be used as a bronzer or to contour.
Et voilà, now you know all the best make up products for beauty beginners, it’s time to build your confidence and get creative with your cosmetic case.
Cult Beauty’s Senior SEO Copywriter, Trifonia started out in the industry when bold brows were just becoming a ‘thing’, and shares a passion for all things fashion and beauty. Currently embracing her curly girl journey (after endless years of straightening her strands), she is finally reverting to her natural ways! When Triffy isn’t busy testing out the latest curl-saving solutions, you’ll find her binging the latest reality TV show or on a long walk listening to her ever-evolving country music playlist.
