I have a cousin who has just turned 13 and has started to get more interested in using makeup. I can remember the first time that I began to wear makeup and I used to put on so much more than I have ever needed to. I used to blame the extent of my makeup on ballet and theater. I was an expert on dramatic stage makeup and I let it cross over to my everyday wear. So I decided to use this opportunity to give my cousin some guidance on how to apply the amount of makeup that is appropriate for her age and still be able to enhance her features to get the attention of that cute boy across the classroom.
I know that my cousin isn't the only girl who is just deciding to dabble in makeup, so I have decided to help you out. You can also use these items as your essentials if you are wanting to start a makeup collection or going on a trip that you want to wear as little makeup as possible, but still look pretty!
To start off I would recommend e.l.f. brushes because they are really cheap. The black one is a complexion brush that I use for anything from powder to blush to bronzer. I got it at Target for $3 and it is a really good brush for almost everything. The middle brush is an eyeshadow brush that is really easy for concentrating the crease of you eyelid or the corners. Also from Target for $1. The third brush is a blending brush that really helps soften the lines in your eyeshadow and is really good for creating smokey eyes. From Target for only $1.
Eyeshadow creams are a really good way to add a little bit of color to your eyes when you are just starting off. Just smear them on your lids and you are good to go. These are Maybelline New York that I purchased at Target for $5 each. They are called Bad to the Bronze and Audacious Asphalt. I chose these colors so that the color is there but not over bearing for someone just starting out. But be careful not to put too much on on. Too much of a good thing can be really bad.
Most girls that are in their teenage years will start to get zits. My advice is DO NOT PICK! You will regret it the moment you have tried to pop it. It gives you red spots where you picked and makes your zits standout more than they already were. So it is really good to have some coverup! I use the Myabelline New York concealer. Choose the color that best matches your skin tone. I got it at Target for $6. It is also a really good idea to have a simple white eyeshadow to highlight your brow and the inside corners of your eyes if you are planning to go out. I recommend the Maybelline New York 10S Vanilla. I got it at Walmart for $4. And of course you will need some handy tweezers to keep your brow shape and help you not get a unibrow. I got mine at Walmart for $5.
Lastly, no makeup is complete without blush, mascara and lip color. My blush is Lancome Rose Romantique for $30 at Nordstrom. This color is a really soft rose color. I would try to find a similar color for someone just starting out. The mascara that I use and think is a really good one to start off with is Myabelline New York One By one Volume Express. I rarely have clumps and it makes your eyelashes look really good. You can get it at Walmart for about $7. For lip color I would just put a soft pink lipstick or tinted gloss. The one I've shown above is Revlon Wink for Pink. It is a really soft girly color for your lips. I didn't take a separate picture of this, but I would also get some makeup remover wipes. But it is no replacement for a good face wash and moisturizer at the end of the day.
For someone just starting out I wouldn't recommend getting really expensive brands. I would go with a brand that you can find at a Target, Walmart, or a drugstore. That is why I have chosen most of these products. They usually range from $3-$8. It is always good for someone just trying out makeup to get their hands on a bunch of different brands to see what works with their skin type and color.
