One of the most common requests I get is for recommendations on thebest makeup kitsfor beginners, especially with drugstore products. I know how overwhelming it can be to find the right tools for your makeup journey, whether you’re just starting out or expanding your makeup collection. Instead of aiming for perfection, I decided it’s best to keep it simple and put together a full “makeup kit for beginners” list that is exclusively from the drugstore!
Today, I’m sharing a makeup kit for beginners on a budget—perfect for those wanting a new look or a fresh addition to their getting-ready routine. From lip gloss to setting sprays, I’ve listed all my favorite products below, with links for easy shopping. I hope this guide helps you build your collection with the best products out there!
For some more best of the best drugstore makeup products, check out my posts onBest Drugstore Makeup of 2024,Best Drugstore Lipsticks, andBest Drugstore Cream Bronzers.
Drugstore Makeup Kit for Beginners Video
Complexion Products
For a flawless base, choosing the best products for your skin type is key. From medium coverage foundation to lightweight skincare products, this section includes everything you need for a natural beauty look that works with your unique skin tone.
NYX MARSHMELLOW PRIMER
This lightweight primer smooths and softens the skin, creating a flawless base for makeup application. Ideal for all skin types, it provides long-lasting hold with a soft-focus finish.
E.L.F. Power Grip Primer
This gripping primer locks in your makeup all day long, making for a long-lasting, flawless look. A professional makeup artist favorite for those who want a solid foundation in their makeup routine.
L’Oreal Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation
I love the liquid consistency of this foundation — it can be worn sheer or built up for medium coverage, and it really lasts well on the skin. I wear shade Vanilla, and it offers a natural beauty look that works for a variety of skin types.
Maybelline Skin Tint
A lightweight skin tint perfect for a natural, everyday look. It’s great for drugstore makeup fans who love a fresh, natural beauty vibe, without heavy coverage. I have a thing for Maybelline and have rounded upthe best Maybelline productsfor you as well!
E.L.F. Camo CC Cream
A great alternative to the It Cosmetics CC Cream! This CC Cream offers buildable coverage with a medium coverage foundation that’s ideal for everyday use. I wear shade Light 210N.
Wet ‘n Wild Tinted Hydrator
The shade range could be better, but this is an amazing affordable tinted hydrator for a new look. It offers lightweight coverage that helps even out skin tone, giving a hydrated, healthy glow. I wear shade Light.
E.l.F. CAMO CORRECTOR
An excellent color corrector for targeting dark spots and under-eye circles. This corrector is a must-have for your makeup bag and helps achieve an even tone for all skin types. I love thee.l.f. concealers!
CATRICE TRUE SKIN CONCEALER
This hydrating concealer melts into the skin, providing a soft matte finish that doesn’t settle into fine lines. It’s perfect for covering dark spots and keeping a natural skin tone look.
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Pressed Powder
This pressed powder keeps your skin matte, helps reduce shine, and works well in any makeup routine for a smooth, matte finish. It’s an absolute essential for those wanting a refined look.
Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder
My favorite drugstore loose setting powder! It’s a great dupe for the Laura Mercier translucent loose setting powder, and one of my favorite products for setting makeup without caking. I use shade Fair/Light to keep my makeup looking fresh all day.
Bronzer, Blush & Highlighter
Adding dimension to your face with bronzers, blushes, and highlighters can truly elevate your look. These products provide a buildable color payoff, letting you sculpt, add warmth, and achieve that natural, glowy finish that brings out the best of your skin tone.
Milani Cheek Kiss Cream Bronzer
This cream bronzer blends seamlessly for a natural, sun-kissed look. It’s ideal for all skill levels, adding buildable color payoff to your makeup routine.
L’Oreal INfallible 24HR Fresh Wear Bronzer
This long-lasting, lightweight powder bronzer provides a natural matte finish that works for different makeup styles and skin tones.
e.l.f. Camo Liquid Blush
A liquid blush with buildable coverage, giving a radiant finish that fits into any makeup routine. Perfect for adding a flush of color without heaviness.
Milani Baked Blush
TheMilani baked blushesoffer rich pigment and a glowy finish, making it perfect for natural beauty or a more dramatic makeup-makeup look.Check out my blog post to see swatches of all of the Milani baked blushes!
Essence Pure Nude HighLighter
A subtle highlighter that provides a natural glow, ideal for glowing up your beauty routine or adding a light dusting to get a radiant, fresh look.
Everything for Eyes
Whether you’re creating a bold eye look for a special event or a subtle style for your everyday makeup routine, the right eye products can make all the difference. From eyebrow products to eyeliners, these picks are perfect for any makeup artistry level.
Colourpop That’s Taupe Eyeshadow Palette
This palette is a must if you love cool-toned taupes. It’s perfect for everything from natural, everyday looks to smoky glam, giving you lots of versatility.
e.l.f. Bite-Size Eyeshadow Palette
These little palettes are amazing, and only $3! They come in so many color stories, so you can pick whichever shades speak to you and fit perfectly into your makeup journey.
e.l.f. No Budge Shadow Stick
This shadow stick is creamy, easy to apply, and stays put all day. Perfect for when you want a quick eye look without the work.
Essence Lash Princess Mascara
My holy grail drugstore mascara! I personally love the one in the purple tube more than the green. It lengthens, volumizes, and makes your lashes pop. Plus, it’s super affordable and works like a charm for sky-high lashes.
e.l.f. Lash Xtndr Mascara
This drugstore tubing mascara is all about giving you volume and definition. Honestly, this is the best Thrive Mascara dupe I’ve found. It’s great for a bold lash look that lasts all day long.
L.A. Girl Ultimate Eyeliner
This eyeliner glides on smoothly for a super precise application. It’s perfect for defining the lash line whether you want a dramatic or subtle eye look. It truly is budge-proof! This stuff does not move once it sets down.
e.l.f. Lock it Down Eyeshadow Primer
This eyeshadow primer is helps to keep your eyeshadow vibrant and crease-free all day. An absolute must-have in your makeup bag!
Brows
Enhancing your brows is an absolute essential in any professional makeup kit. This section features eyebrow pencils and gels that help define and shape brows, giving a polished finish to your overall makeup-makeup look.
NYX Micro Brow Pencil
This ultra-precise brow pencil is great for filling in sparse areas and creating natural, hair-like strokes. It’s a perfect addition to any makeup kit and works for all skill levels, whether you’re just starting your makeup journey or perfecting your favorite makeup styles.
Maybelline Build-a-Brow
If you want fuller brows, this brow pen gives you buildable color payoff without the heavy look. It’s a great way to add definition and enhance your natural beauty in your daily makeup routine.
Maybelline Super Lock Brow Glue
This brow glue locks your brows in place all day with a strong hold, giving you a unique look that lasts through any special event. It’s ideal for anyone looking to achieve sky-high brows similar to a professional brow lamination effect.
e.l.f Brow Laminating Gel
For a fresh set of brushed-up brows, this laminating gel gives that popular feathered effect while adding to your makeup collection at a budget-friendly price. It’s also a great product for those who want a full-face collection without spending too much.
Lips
No makeup routine is complete without the perfect lippies. Whether it’s a lip balm for a more natural look, a rich lipstick for cool undertones, or a shiny lip gloss for extra glam, these products are perfect for finishing any new look.
NYX Lip Pencil
A must-have for defining your lip line, this lip pencil gives you a precise application and helps create a perfect match for any lipstick. Great for all makeup skill levels!
L’Oreal Colour Riche Lipstick
This lipstick delivers rich color with a creamy texture, providing a beautiful natural-looking finish. Available in a curated selection of shades for different skin tones.
Milani Color Fetish Matte Lipstick
A bold matte lipstick with high quality pigment that offers buildable color payoff. Perfect for adding a pop of color to your makeup collection.
Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Lip Color
This long-lasting matte lip color stays put for hours, giving you a powerful statement lip that’s perfect for a special event. It’s available in a variety of shades to suit all skin tones.
Maybelline Lifter Gloss
A beautiful lip gloss that adds shine while keeping your lips hydrated. It’s infused with hyaluronic acid for a plumping effect, making it a great way to finish any lip look.
Milani Lip Oil
This lip oil gives a glossy finish while nourishing your lips, making it a wonderful product to keep in your makeup bag for quick touch-ups and a more natural look.
Setting Sprays
A setting spray is the best way to ensure your makeup stays put all day, even through a special event. It’s an absolute essential in any makeup bag, helping you lock in that flawless, fresh face.
Milani Make It Last Setting Spray
This setting spray helps lock in your makeup for up to 16 hours, ensuring your look stays flawless without any smudging or fading. Ideal for a full-face collection that needs to go the distance.
e.l.f. Dewy Coconut Setting Mist
This setting mist is perfect for adding a radiant finish to your makeup, leaving your skin with a healthy glow. It’s a great option for anyone wanting that dewy, fresh look to last all day.
Tools
25-Piece Makeup Brush Set
This brush set has literally everything you’d ever need to create a makeup look. I am very picky when it comes to brush sets, and this one I truly love and recommend!
Makeup Sponges
These makeup sponges are the absolute closest I’ve found to the original Beauty Blender, though I do think they’re even better. Best of all, they come in a pack of 6 for under $10!
