Building Your First Makeup Kit? Here’s Every Product You Need

Eye Products

Eyeshadow Primer

Just as foundation needs a smooth canvas from primer to look its best, the same applies for eyeshadow. By using an eyeshadow primer, you’re creating an even base for pigment, while also extending its staying power. The Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion will become your best friend for this.

Powder Eyeshadow

It’s natural to want to stock up on every eyeshadow shade of the rainbow. Try starting with a more curated selection, though. Go for a neutral, a shimmer and a darker matte to line and shade (we love to mix and match with the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Eyeshadow Monos).

Eyeshadow Palette

You can also get everything you need in one fell swoop with a palette. The YSL Beauty Couture Clutch Eyeshadow Palette truly contains every shade (there’s 40 of them!) you could ever need or want. 

Eyeliner Pencil

Pencil liners are perfect for dotting in between your lashes, precisely rimming your water line or creating a subtle, smoky look (by swiping at the line with your finger). Having one in brown and one black is a must. The Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner Pencil is a longtime favorite. 

Liquid Eyeliner

If you’re creating a more dramatic look, like a precise cat-eye, opt for a liquid liner, as the inky formula will give you perfectly flicked wings. Try the IT Cosmetics Superhero Liner or the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Precision Felt Eyeliner for this.

Mascara

Mascara is one of those beauty products that many won’t leave the house without wearing. For length and volume, you can’t go wrong with the Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Lash Mascara.

Eyebrow Pencil/Powder/Pomade

Brows help frame your entire face, so whether yours are in need of filling in or just shaping and definition, having a brow product on hand is essential for keeping them looking groomed and full. Our current pick? The Maybelline New York Brow Precise Pencil.

Lip Products

Lip Balm

Look for a formula with emollients like vitamin E, shea butter and cocoa butter, which help hydrate and protect lips throughout the day and prevent aging. You can also choose a tinted option for a no-makeup makeup look. The Lancôme L'Absolu Mademoiselle Lip Balm, for example, comes in a variety of shades.

Lip Liner

Lip liner is essential for keeping lipstick from feathering or fading. We always keep the L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Anti-Feathering Lip Liner on hand.

Matte Lipstick

Look for matte lipsticks with vitamin E to help boost hydration so lips don’t feel dry. Pick up a shade (or a few!) of Lancôme Ab’solu Rouge Drama Ink Liquid Lipstick to get the job done.

Cream or Satin Lipstick

While different in formulation (creams are largely made from waxes while satins tend to be oil-based), both lipstick options moisturize and nourish lips. Satins are more sheer, while creams offer more pigment and fuller coverage. The YSL Beauty Rouge Volupté Rock’n Shine Lipstick is hydrating and offers medium-coverage color. 

Lip Gloss

With a glassy finish, gloss is great for drawing eyes to the lips and creating a plumping illusion. We recommend the L'Oréal Paris Pro Infallible Pro Plump Lip Gloss.