Diving into the world of makeup can be fun and exciting. If you're just starting out or feeling a bit inexperienced, it's totally normal to be overwhelmed.

With so many makeup products available, it's easy to get lost and wonder "Where do I even begin?" "What makeup does a beginner really need?"

It actually IS confusing to know what basic makeup essentials you need. Wouldn't it be great to have a simple, no-nonsense list of beginner makeup products you can build from?

Yes, we think so too. Below you will find a list of basic "must-have" makeup products that a beginner needs, including our Red Apple Lipstick recommendations. Anyone, whether a beginner or not, should have these in their makeup bag or kit for a flawless basic makeup application.

What makeup essentials does a beginner need for a simple day makeup routine?

Face Products

Base Products - Foundation & Concealer

As a beginner, you might wonder why foundation is an essential part of your makeup basics list. While it's true that not everyone needs or wants to use foundation, it can be beneficial for several reasons:

• Foundation evens out your complexion, creating a smooth and even base for the rest of your makeup.
• It minimizes redness, blotchiness, blemishes, and discoloration.
• It creates a blank canvas for other makeup products, helping eye shadows, blushes, bronzers, and other color cosmetics appear more vibrant.

These are only a couple of the many reasons why a good foundation would be part of your "makeup essentials" kit.

That being said, foundation IS a personal choice, and there are no hard and fast rules in makeup. If you have great skin already, you might not require much coverage. Just remember, how you use a base product is key since it goes on your skin first. I prefer to aim for a natural look.

When selecting a foundation, opt for something lighter with buildable coverage instead of heavier options. Think of it as a second skin that evens out your complexion without feeling heavy or cakey.

Other products you can use in place of foundation include Tinted Moisturizers, BB Creams, CC Creams, and Tinted Sunscreen.

Important features to look for: Make sure it matches your skin tone and undertone as closely as possible. Additionally, take your specific skin type into account. For a more natural look, opt for a foundation with a dewy finish that adds a subtle glow.

Face Primer

Primers help your makeup glide on like a dream and stay put all day long! If you have oily skin, opt for a mattifying primer; if you have dry skin, reach for a hydrating primer.

Bronzer

Bronzer helps to add warmth to the complexion after applying your base products for a natural glowing look. It also adds depth and definition to facial features. Try our Sundrop Bronzer for a perfect warm matte shade. Check out Andrea's tips on applying it here.

Blush

Blush is essential for adding a healthy flush of color to the cheeks. RAL has a shade for every skin tone. Find your perfect powder blush shade here.

Eye Products

Eyeshadow Primer

Prime Time Eye Shadow Primer will prevent creasing and help your eyeshadow last longer.

Eyeshadows

When it comes to eye makeup, aim to have at least a light, medium, and deeper shade. RAL offers both single shades and palettes. The New Mattes palette is a great choice to start with.

Eye Pencils

Eye pencils are great for beginners. We recommend RAL's Eye Pencil in Cocoa or Black for eyeliner. For brows, Cocoa, Taupe, and Blonde are great choices.

Mascara

A basic black mascara should be in your kit to make your eyes look bigger and brighter. RAL's The Lash Project is ideal, offering conditioning and growth benefits.

Lip Products

Lip Balm

Lip balm is a must for lip care. Our Rallye Balm is the best daily lip moisturizer.

Lip Liner

Having a lip liner on hand is useful, especially with bold colors.

Lipstick and/or Lip Gloss

Start with a couple of versatile lip colors. Explore RAL's range of lipsticks and lip glosses. For beginners, nude or MLBB shades are great.

Makeup Tools

Good quality makeup brushes are essential. For foundation, use either a brush or sponge. Our Blush Brush is perfect for applying powder blush and bronzer.

• Wet/Dry Eye Brush - For applying shadow to lids.
• Crease and Blend Brush - For blending shadow.
• Angled Eye Brush - For eyeliner and brows.

Essentials Makeup Tutorial

I found a great tutorial for you on YouTube. Watch it here.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What makeup should a beginner start with?

Start with the basics. This article lists exactly what those are, so make sure to read it.

What foundation should a beginner buy?

Opt for something lightweight, with light to medium coverage for a more natural look. Ensure it works with your skin type.