Starting Off With Makeup

All too often on this blog I talk about beauty for the makeup obsessive, but sometimes we all just need to take a step back and start from the beginning again. Today, we are stripping it back and talking about building your collection up from the ground.

When it comes to choosing a base, I'm a firm believer that this is where you should be investing your pennies. Yes, there are good bases from the drugstore, but all of my absolute favourites are a little pricier. I'd recommend picking something that's incredibly lightweight on the skin, but with buildable coverage, should you require more. My number one pick is the Diorskin Nude BB Creme, which feels just like a moisturiser but leaves a flawless finish.

A good coverage concealer that works well for undereyes and blemishes is a kit essential, it'll cover anything without the need for two products. My favourite is the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, but a good drugstore alternative is the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer.

Moving on to setting powder, I like something that will take away any excess shine without making my makeup look heavy, powdery or cakey, and that will help prolong the wear of my makeup. One of the best, more affordable products I've found is the Soap and Glory One Heck of a Blot Powder, which comes in a handy compact for on the go.

When it comes to eyes, I wouldn't waste time and money on single shadows, but instead find a palette that will give you options for simple day looks and smokey night eyes. One of the best products to invest in is an Urban Decay Naked Palette, you can check out my guide to picking which one is best for you here. If you're looking for something a little less pricey, Sleek palettes are fantastic quality, and they have a great shade range.

A good kohl liner is always handy to have to hand, lining your eyes can make such a difference. You're going to want one that can be easily smudged out, but is also super long lasting, my favourite is the Smashbox Always Sharp Liner, but the Rimmel ones are good too.

I'm a firm believer that you don't have to spend a lot of money on mascara, the drugstore has tons of fantastic options. This one is really down to personal preference, but a good all rounder is the L'Oreal Volume Million Lash Mascara, which gives a good amount of length, volume and lift, without being clumpy or flakey.

Brows were something I only started to take an interest in over the last year or so, but if you feel yours require a little maintenance then I would wholeheartedly recommend the Soap and Glory Archery Brow Pencil. The pencil is a little waxy so it's hard to go overboard, the colour is ashy toned so it won't look orange, it's got a fine nib so it's super easy to draw in tiny hairs, and it comes with a little spoolie that is great for getting hairs in line and distributing colour. Foolproof.

When it comes to blush, I like to spend a little more money, because I generally find that drugstore blushes don't last that long on my skin, and my top pick is anything by NARS. I like to go for a brightening shade with a little shimmer, as I find these are the most flattering and do the most for my complexion. Some good shades to start off with are Deep Throat & Day Dream.

Again, bronzer is something I've only really started to use regularly over the last year or so, but if you want to give it a go then I can't recommend the Body Shop Honey Bronzer enough. It's a light matte shade with no orange undertones, that just warms up the skin without looking oompa-loompa-esque.

I like to splurge on a good everyday lip colour, I want something that lasts a long time but feels comfortable, brands like Bite Beauty and MAC have a lot of good options, but there are tons of fantastic options in the drugstore if you want to save a little money. Try the Revlon Colorburst Matte Balms, Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipsticks, or Soap and Glory  Super Colour Lipsticks.

What are your foolproof makeup picks?