Would you believe me if I told you the last time my best friend wore makeup was at our senior prom? It’s true. It’s been eight years since we graduated high school, and since then, the only products I’ve seen her use are her favorite Burts Bees lip balm and a swipe of mascara. If you knew her, this wouldn’t shock you. She’s a minimalist to her core who doesn’t deviate much from her signature curly fro and bare-faced glow. But this doesn’t stop me from recommending beauty products I think she’d love. I’m her beauty-obsessed best friend, so it’s my duty to make sure she has the best products lined up when she finally decides to wear makeup again. Whenever she compliments my makeup, I take it as a sign of intrigue, and I’ve been keeping a list of brands and formulas that could make it into her first-ever beauty routine. I don’t expect Vanessa to go full glam overnight, but I rounded up 20 beginner-friendly products in the hopes that she’ll use her Ulta gift card to purchase them in the near future.
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna
Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint
Whenever someone asks for skin-tint recommendations, I immediately start rambling about this one. It’s buildable and lightweight, and I love that the bottle is also the applicator. The product also seems neverending—it took me ages to reach the last drop.
Anastasia Beverly Hills
Brow Freeze Gel
I haven’t waxed my eyebrows in about four years. This brow freeze gel locks my unruly hairs in place without changing my natural brow shape. I use the bristles to comb through the hairs and the flat base to lay them down. My brow routine has been foolproof ever since I started using this.
Hourglass
Vanish Airbrush Concealer
If I know Vanessa at all, she’s the kind of girl who will likely use concealer instead of foundation. And if that’s the case, I’d buy her this one. It gives that airbrushed effect even when just applied to blemishes and under-eyes. There’s a reason makeup artists and beauty gurus swear by it.
E.l.f. Cosmetics
Glow Reviver Lip Oil
I own this lip oil in multiple shades. It’s the perfect lip topper if you decide to dabble in a lip combo, but it’s also so gorgeous on its own.
Juvia’s Place
Lux Lip Liners
Speaking of lip combos, this is not only the most affordable lip liner in my makeup bag but also my favorite by far. It’s creamy, pigmented, and easy to blend.
Benefit Cosmetics
Liquid Lip Blush & Cheek Tint
Multi-use products that you can apply with your fingers are perfect for beginners. When I’m having a light makeup day, I apply this directly to my cheeks and the center of my lips and then blend by tapping lightly into the area with my middle finger. Talk about a natural flush!
Laura Mercier
Translucent Loose Setting Powder Ultra-Blur
Laura Mercier is the GOAT of setting powders, so I couldn’t gatekeep this one.
Charlotte Tilbury
Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
Setting spray is a game changer for locking in a makeup look. How else are you going to have a flawless enough base to take selfies after a long day?
L’Oréal
Telescopic Lift Washable Mascara
Not every TikTok-viral product deserves the hype, but this one definitely does. Drugstore mascara will always compete with luxury makeup brands.
Pixi
On-the-Glow Blush Tinted Moisture Stick
This gives you the most natural, sheer flush.
Stila
Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
I have yet to master the perfect eyeliner look, but my liner looks the best when I use this.
BeautyBlender
Original BeautyBlender Makeup Sponge
For foundation, concealer, contour, powder, and everything in between.
MAC
Connect in Colour Eye Shadow Palette Future Flame
The colors in this palette are perfection.
E.l.f. Cosmetics
Flawless Face 6 Piece Brush Collection
We all need a good brush collection. This one is under $20 and hits every step of the routine.
BeautyBlender
Power Pocket Puff Dual Sided Powder Puff
Getting a powder puff transformed my powder routine. I dip this right into my powder and dab the excess off on the back of my hand before applying directly under my eyes and on my T-zone.
ELEMIS
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Even after the wildest of nights in NYC, I have to use this before jumping into bed. It makes my skin feel so soft.
Trust me—this blush is a compliment magnet.
Maybelline
Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation
While foundation can be pretty scary to a makeup novice, I think we should all have at least one in our collection for special occasions. This one is an excellent place to start.
E.l.f. Cosmetics
Liquid Poreless Putty Primer
Everything you’ve heard about primer is true. Prepare for your makeup to last 10 times longer.
L.A. Girl
HD Pro Corrector Concealer
Color corrector is so helpful when evening out your skin tone. I love how inexpensive yet effective this one is.
