🎨 What Are the Top 15 Makeup Brands for Beginners in 2025?

black and brown makeup brush

Stepping into the world of makeup can feel like navigating a dazzling maze of colors, formulas, and brands — especially when you’re just starting out. Did you know that the global cosmetics industry is expected to surpass $400 billion in 2025? With such a vast market, how do you pick the perfect brand that’s beginner-friendly, budget-conscious, and skin-loving? That’s exactly what we’re here to unravel!

In this ultimate guide, we’ll reveal the top 15 makeup brands that make learning makeup fun, easy, and effective. From drugstore gems like e.l.f. and Maybelline to luxe favorites like Dior Backstage and clean beauty pioneers like ILIA, we’ve tested and curated the best options for every skin type, tone, and budget. Plus, stay tuned for insider tips, essential starter kits, and the latest trends that will have you mastering your makeup game in no time!

Key Takeaways

  • Start smart with beginner-friendly brands like e.l.f., Maybelline, and ColourPop for affordable, quality products that won’t overwhelm your vanity.
  • Consider your skin type and undertone when choosing foundations and concealers to ensure flawless, natural-looking coverage.
  • Explore mid-range and luxe brands such as Fenty Beauty and Dior Backstage for innovative formulas and inclusive shade ranges.
  • Embrace clean and cruelty-free options like ILIA and Well People if you want ethical beauty without sacrificing performance.
  • Build your kit gradually with essential products like primer, mascara, and a versatile lip/cheek tint before expanding your collection.
  • 👉 Shop confidently at trusted retailers like Sephora, Ulta, and official brand websites to avoid counterfeits and access tutorials.

👉 Shop beginner-friendly makeup brands here:

Table of Contents

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⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts for Makeup Beginners

Welcome to the wild, wonderful world of makeup! Before we dive deep into the cosmetic sea, let’s arm you with some life-saving floaties. Here at Makeup Brands™, we’ve seen it all, and we’ve distilled our collective wisdom into these quick, digestible nuggets.

  • Skin Prep is Non-Negotiable: Think of your face as a canvas. You wouldn’t paint on a dirty, bumpy surface, right? Cleansing, moisturizing, and applying SPF before any makeup is the golden rule for a flawless finish and healthy skin.
  • Less is More (At First): It’s tempting to buy everything at once, but start with the essentials. A good concealer, mascara, brow product, and a versatile lip/cheek tint can work wonders. You can always build your collection later.
  • Lighting is Everything: Swatching a foundation in a dimly lit store is a recipe for disaster. Always check shades in natural daylight to find your true match. Your car’s rearview mirror is an unexpectedly honest friend!
  • Tools Matter: You don’t need a 50-piece brush set, but a few quality tools (a beauty sponge, a fluffy powder brush, an eyeshadow blending brush) will make application 100 times easier than using just your fingers.
  • ✅ Do: Sanitize your brushes regularly to prevent breakouts and bacteria buildup.
  • ❌ Don’t: Sleep in your makeup. We’re begging you. Your future skin will thank you!
  • Fun Fact: The global cosmetics industry is a behemoth, valued at hundreds of billions of dollars! It’s an ever-evolving space with constant innovation.

🌟 The Evolution of Makeup Brands: A Beginner’s Guide to the Industry

Makeup isn’t just a modern marvel; it’s an ancient art form. From the kohl eyeliner of Ancient Egypt to the powdered wigs of 18th-century France, humans have always found ways to adorn themselves. But the concept of “makeup brands” as we know them? That’s a more recent story.

In the early 20th century, pioneers like Max Factor, Elizabeth Arden, and Helena Rubinstein began to commercialize cosmetics, moving them from the stage to the everyday woman’s vanity. Fast forward to today, and the landscape is a dazzling, sometimes dizzying, array of choices. We’ve gone from a few foundational brands to a universe of indie darlings, celebrity-helmed empires, and clean beauty revolutionaries.

Understanding this evolution helps you, the beginner, appreciate the sheer variety at your fingertips. Whether you’re drawn to the heritage of a legacy brand or the innovative spirit of a newcomer, there’s a brand story waiting for you to become a part of. The rise of social media has also completely changed the game, giving a platform to new voices and creating trends that can circle the globe in hours. It’s a thrilling time to be a beauty enthusiast!

1. Top 15 Makeup Brands Perfect for Beginners in 2024


Video: Beginner Makeup Starter Kit UNDER $100 #drugstoremakeup #beginnermakeupkit.







Alright, let’s get to the main event! We’ve debated, tested, and swatched our way through countless products to bring you the definitive list of beginner-friendly brands. We’re breaking it down by category so you can find your perfect match, no matter your budget.

1.1 Drugstore Gems: Affordable & Quality Brands

Don’t let the word “drugstore” fool you. Some of the most iconic, reliable, and innovative products live on these shelves. This is the perfect playground for beginners to experiment without breaking the bank. For more affordable finds, check out our section on Drugstore Makeup.

e.l.f. Cosmetics

If there’s a king of affordable, vegan, and cruelty-free makeup, it’s e.l.f. (which stands for eyes, lips, face). They are famous for creating “dupes” (duplicates) of high-end products that perform just as well, if not better.

Feature Rating (1-10)
Beginner-Friendliness 10/10
Product Range 9/10
Affordability 10/10
Innovation 9/10
  • Why We Love It for Beginners: e.l.f. makes trying new trends incredibly accessible. Their products are straightforward, and the quality is consistently impressive. As noted in one beginner’s guide, e.l.f. is a top recommendation for affordable options in primer and concealer.
  • Must-Try Products:
    • Poreless Putty Primer: A viral sensation that creates a silky-smooth canvas.
    • Hydrating Camo Concealer: Full coverage, long-lasting, and won’t crease.
    • Bite-Size Eyeshadow Palettes: Pigmented, blendable, and perfect for learning.

👉 Shop e.l.f. Cosmetics on: Amazon | Walmart | e.l.f. Official Website

Maybelline New York

A true icon. Maybelline has been a staple in makeup bags for over a century for a reason. They deliver reliable, high-performance products with an extensive shade range.

  • Why We Love It for Beginners: You can build an entire, high-quality makeup kit from Maybelline alone. Their Fit Me! line is legendary for its inclusive foundation shades, and their mascaras are second to none.
  • Must-Try Products:
    • Fit Me! Matte + Poreless Foundation: A go-to for a natural, shine-free finish.
    • Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer: The fluffy applicator is a dream for brightening under-eyes.
    • Great Lash Mascara: An absolute classic that has been loved for generations.

👉 Shop Maybelline on: Amazon | Walmart | Maybelline Official Website

ColourPop Cosmetics

Born on the internet, ColourPop is all about fun, trends, and incredible value. They are lightning-fast at releasing new collections, often in collaboration with pop culture icons.

  • Why We Love It for Beginners: ColourPop encourages experimentation! Their single eyeshadows and unique formulas (like the Super Shock Shadow) are perfect for playing with color without committing to a giant palette.
  • Must-Try Products:
    • Super Shock Shadow: A bouncy, cream-to-powder formula with intense sparkle.
    • Pressed Powder Palettes: Available in every color story imaginable.
    • Ultra Matte Lip: A long-lasting liquid lipstick that stays put.

👉 Shop ColourPop on: ColourPop Official Website

Speaking of amazing drugstore finds, the first YouTube video we’ve featured, Morgan Turner’s “BUY THIS, NOT THAT!!”, is a goldmine of information on affordable alternatives to high-end products. It’s a quick watch that could save you a ton of money! You can find it at #featured-video.

1.2 Mid-Range Marvels: Where Quality Meets Value

Ready to level up? These brands offer a more luxurious experience, often with more sophisticated formulas and packaging, without venturing into premium luxury territory.

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna

When Fenty Beauty launched in 2017, it didn’t just enter the market; it blew it up. With an unprecedented 40 foundation shades, Rihanna set a new standard for inclusivity in the cosmetics industry.

Feature Rating (1-10)
Inclusivity 10/10
Innovation 9/10
Beginner-Friendliness 8/10
Trend-Setting 10/10
  • Why We Love It for Beginners: Fenty makes finding your perfect shade match easier than ever. The products are designed to be layered and multi-functional, encouraging a creative and personalized approach to beauty.
  • Must-Try Products:
    • Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation: The product that started it all.
    • Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer: A universally flattering, non-sticky gloss.
    • Match Stix Matte & Shimmer Skinsticks: Magnetic sticks for concealing, contouring, and highlighting.

👉 Shop Fenty Beauty on: Amazon | Sephora | Fenty Beauty Official Website

Kosas

A star in the “clean beauty” space, Kosas is all about makeup that doubles as skincare. Their products are packed with nourishing ingredients that are comfortable to wear and actually improve your skin over time.

  • Why We Love It for Beginners: Kosas takes the guesswork out of looking fresh and radiant. Their formulas are creamy, blendable, and hard to mess up. As one review puts it, “At long last, I have found MY foundation…this foundation does not irritate me and is hydrating without making my skin oily.”
  • Must-Try Products:
    • Reavealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer: A medium-coverage concealer that looks like real skin.
    • Cloud Set Baked Setting & Smoothing Powder: A sheer, airy powder that never looks cakey.
    • Wet Lip Oil Gloss: A hydrating, plumping gloss that’s super comfortable.

👉 Shop Kosas on: Amazon | Sephora | Kosas Official Website

1.3 Luxe Launches: Beginner-Friendly High-End Brands

For those who want to start with a touch of luxury, these brands offer exquisite formulas, beautiful packaging, and an overall elevated experience.

Dior Backstage

Inspired by the needs of makeup artists working behind the scenes at fashion shows, the Dior Backstage line is all about high-performance, buildable formulas that look amazing both on camera and in real life.

  • Why We Love It for Beginners: The products are surprisingly intuitive. The Face & Body Foundation, for example, is a fluid, waterproof formula that you can apply with your fingers for a sheer tint or build up with a brush for more coverage.
  • Must-Try Products:
    • Face & Body Foundation: A versatile, natural-finish foundation.
    • Rosy Glow Blush: Reacts to your skin’s chemistry to create a custom pink flush.
    • Lip Glow: A cult-favorite balm that enhances your natural lip color.

👉 Shop Dior Backstage on: Sephora | Dior Official Website

Merit Beauty

Merit is the epitome of minimalist, “five-minute makeup.” Their curated line of essentials is designed to be quick, easy, and foolproof.

  • Why We Love It for Beginners: It’s impossible to overdo it with Merit. The brand is perfect for anyone who wants to look polished and put-together without spending a lot of time. As one editor noted, “If you are a self-identified minimalist who wants a five minute makeup routine, this is a great set.”
  • Must-Try Products:
    • The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick: A foundation and concealer in one.
    • Flush Balm Cheek Color: A sheer, buildable cream blush that melts into the skin.
    • Clean Lash Lengthening Mascara: Defines and lengthens without clumping.

👉 Shop Merit Beauty on: Sephora | Merit Beauty Official Website

🎨 How to Choose the Right Makeup Brand for Your Skin Type and Tone


Video: ULTIMATE drugstore makeup tutorial for beginners | baddie on a budget.







Choosing a brand is one thing, but choosing the right products from that brand is the real secret. It all comes down to two things: your skin type and your skin tone.

Decoding Your Skin Type

  • ** oily Skin:** You might notice shine, especially in your T-zone, and have larger pores.
    • Look for: Brands that offer oil-free, matte, or long-wearing formulas. Maybelline’s Fit Me! Matte + Poreless is a fantastic starting point. A good setting powder is your best friend!
  • 🌵 Dry Skin: Your skin might feel tight, look dull, or have flaky patches.
    • Look for: Brands that prioritize hydrating, dewy, or luminous finishes. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Kosas and ILIA are excellent choices here.
  • 🎭 Combination Skin: You’re a little bit of both! Typically an oily T-zone with drier cheeks.
    • Look for: Versatility. You might use a mattifying primer just on your T-zone and a hydrating foundation everywhere else. Brands with a wide range of formulas, like Fenty Beauty, are great.
  • 😠 Sensitive Skin: Your skin is easily irritated, prone to redness, or reacts to fragrance.
    • Look for: Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic brands. The “clean beauty” brands we discuss below, like Well People and Alima Pure, are often formulated without common irritants.

Understanding Your Undertone

Have you ever bought a foundation that looked right in the bottle but turned orange or ashy on your skin? That’s an undertone problem! Your undertone is the subtle hue beneath your skin’s surface.

  • Cool Undertones: Your skin has a pink, red, or bluish hue. The veins on your wrist look blue. You look great in silver jewelry.
  • Warm Undertones: Your skin has a golden, peachy, or yellow hue. The veins on your wrist look green. Gold jewelry is your friend.
  • Neutral Undertones: You have a mix of both cool and warm hues. Your veins might look blue-green. Both silver and gold jewelry work for you.

Pro Tip: Many brands now categorize their shades with C, W, or N to make finding your undertone match a breeze.

💄 Essential Starter Kits and Products for Makeup Newbies


Video: The 5 makeup products I would use if I was a makeup beginner!







Building your first makeup kit is a rite of passage! It’s your personal arsenal of confidence-boosters. While you can find pre-made kits, we believe in the power of building your own. Here’s our blueprint, inspired by expert advice that emphasizes starting with the basics.

As one guide for beginners states, “This list is a great place to start when building your beginner makeup kit for your face.” We couldn’t agree more.

The Face Canvas

  1. Primer: This isn’t just an extra step; it’s the foundation for your foundation! It preps your skin, blurs imperfections, and helps your makeup last longer.
    • Beginner Pick: e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer. It’s a cult classic for a reason.
  2. Foundation or Tinted Moisturizer: This evens out your skin tone.
    • Beginner Pick: Start with a medium-coverage foundation like Maybelline Fit Me! or a sheer skin tint like ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint.
  3. Concealer: Your secret weapon for covering blemishes and brightening dark circles.
    • Beginner Pick: e.l.f. Hydrating Camo Concealer offers amazing coverage without being dry. A pro tip is to choose a shade 1-2 shades lighter than your foundation for brightening.
  4. Setting Powder: This locks everything in place.
    • Beginner Pick: Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder is affordable and effective. For a higher-end option, a travel size of the Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder is a great way to try luxury.

Adding Dimension & Color

  1. Bronzer or Contour: Bronzer adds warmth, while contour adds definition.
    • Beginner Pick: A powder bronzer like Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer is easy to blend. For contour, a cream stick can be more forgiving.
  2. Blush: Brings life and a healthy flush to your cheeks.
    • Beginner Pick: A cream blush like Merit’s Flush Balm is foolproof and gives a natural, skin-like finish.
  3. Mascara: The one product that can make you look instantly more awake.
    • Beginner Pick: L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise gives you drama without the clumps.
  4. Brow Product: Tame and define your brows to frame your face.
    • Beginner Pick: A tinted brow gel like e.l.f. Wow Brow is the easiest way to start.
  5. Lip Product:
    • Beginner Pick: Start with something comfortable and versatile, like the Kosas Wet Lip Oil Gloss or a multi-use lip and cheek stick.

🛍️ Where to Shop: Best Online and In-Store Options for Beginners


Video: the ULTIMATE Drugstore Starter Makeup Kit for Beginners 2024.








Where you buy your makeup can be just as important as what you buy. Here’s the lowdown on the best spots for a beginner.

In-Store: The Hands-On Experience

  • Sephora & Ulta: These are makeup meccas.
    • Pros: You can swatch products, get expert advice from staff, and take advantage of their generous return policies. Ulta has the added benefit of carrying both drugstore and high-end brands under one roof.
    • Cons: It can be overwhelming! Go in with a list and a budget.
  • Drugstores (CVS, Walgreens) & Big Box Stores (Target, Walmart):
    • Pros: Incredibly accessible and affordable. Perfect for grabbing those drugstore gems we mentioned.
    • Cons: You typically can’t test products, and the lighting can be tricky for shade matching.

Online: The World at Your Fingertips

  • Brand Websites: Buying direct often gets you access to the full product line, exclusive deals, and the freshest stock.
  • Beauty Retailers (Sephora.com, Ulta.com, Dermstore.com):
    • Pros: Huge selection, customer reviews are invaluable, and many sites have virtual try-on tools and shade-matching quizzes.
    • Cons: You can’t feel the texture or see the shade in person. Always read reviews and watch video swatches!
  • Amazon:
    • Pros: Fast shipping and competitive pricing.
    • Cons: Be cautious! Only buy from the brand’s official Amazon storefront or authorized sellers to avoid counterfeit products.

💡 Insider Tips: What Makeup Artists Wish Beginners Knew


Video: This is the ONLY Makeup Kit for Beginners You Need!!







Spilling the tea! After years on set and behind the chair, we’ve collected some pearls of wisdom that can save you a lot of time and frustration. These are the beauty tips we swear by.

  • Your Fingers Are Amazing Tools: Especially for cream products like blush and concealer, the warmth of your fingers helps melt the product into your skin for a seamless finish.
  • Start with Your Eyes: Do your eyeshadow and mascara before your foundation. This way, any fallout from the shadow can be easily wiped away without ruining your base. Game-changer!
  • Concealer Isn’t Just for Blemishes: A dab in the inner and outer corner of your eye, blended out, creates an instant “lifted” effect.
  • Don’t Drag Your Foundation: Stipple or press it into the skin with a damp sponge or a dense brush. This gives you better coverage and a more natural, skin-like texture.
  • Setting Spray is Magic: A good setting spray, like the one from Milani, “ensures makeup stays put and lasts.” It can melt powders into the skin, take away any cakey-ness, and lock in your look for hours.

🌿 Clean Beauty and Cruelty-Free Brands for Ethical Beginners


Video: RATING POPULAR MAKEUP PRODUCTS!😱 (follow for more!💗) #makeup #makeuptutorial #beauty #beautytips.







The “clean beauty” movement is more than a trend; it’s a shift towards more conscious consumerism. It prioritizes safe, non-toxic ingredients and often overlaps with cruelty-free and sustainable practices.

What is Clean Beauty?

In short, it’s about creating products without ingredients suspected of being harmful, like certain parabens, phthalates, and sulfates. As one comprehensive guide explains, the goal is to avoid “toxic chemicals like PFAS, formaldehyde, parabens, and SLS, which can cause allergies, eye injuries, or worse.”

Our Top Clean & Cruelty-Free Picks for Beginners

  • ILIA: Known for their incredible Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40, ILIA perfectly marries skincare, makeup, and sun protection. Their products give you a “your-skin-but-better” look.
  • Well People: A fantastic and affordable entry into clean beauty, available at many drugstores. Their products are plant-powered and EWG-verified, making them ideal for a “no-makeup” makeup look.
  • RMS Beauty: Founded by makeup artist Rose-Marie Swift, RMS uses raw, food-grade, and organic ingredients. Their “Un” Cover-Up concealer is a cult favorite for its creamy, blendable texture.
  • Axiology: If you love multi-tasking products, Axiology’s plastic-free Multi-Sticks are for you. They can be used on eyes, lips, and cheeks for a quick, cohesive look. Their “creamy, colorful multi-use balms are easy to apply and blend.”
  • Cheekbone Beauty: An Indigenous-owned and founded brand that is making waves. They are committed to sustainability and creating high-quality, cruelty-free cosmetics that give back to the community.

👉 Shop Clean Beauty on: Sephora | Credo Beauty | The Detox Market

📊 Comparing Formulas: Foundations, Mascaras, and More for Beginners


Video: 10 makeup products under Rs.500 you need as a beginner.







Let’s break down the most common product formulas to help you choose your champion.

Foundation Face-Off: Liquid vs. Powder vs. Cream

Formula Type Best for Skin Type Coverage Level Finish Application Tip
Liquid All (especially Dry/Combo) Sheer to Full Dewy, Satin, Matte Apply with a damp sponge for a natural finish.
Powder Oily / Combination Light to Medium Matte Use a fluffy brush for a light dusting or a dense brush to build coverage.
Cream/Stick Normal to Dry Medium to Full Natural, Satin Warm up on the back of your hand before applying with fingers or a brush.

Mascara Match-Up: Lengthening vs. Volumizing vs. Curling

  • Lengthening Mascaras: Have thinner formulas and wands with sparse, spiky bristles to coat lashes from root to tip. Try: Merit Clean Lash.
  • Volumizing Mascaras: Have thicker, wax-based formulas and densely packed bristles to build thickness at the base of the lashes. Try: Dior Diorshow.
  • Curling Mascaras: Often have curved wands and polymers that contract as they dry, lifting the lashes. Try: Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash.

🎥 Tutorials and Resources: Learning Makeup with Top Brands


Video: We bring you famous & trusted cosmetics from top brands. Buy Now #Offer #cosmetics #brand #trending.







The best way to learn is by doing… and watching! The internet is your free, 24/7 makeup school.

  • YouTube University: This is your #1 resource.
    • Lisa Eldridge: A legendary professional makeup artist. Her tutorials are calm, informative, and focus on technique.
    • Hindash: An artist known for his stunning, soft-glam looks.
    • Robert Welsh: A working MUA who debunks myths and gives brutally honest advice.
    • Brand Channels: Don’t sleep on the brands’ own YouTube channels! Fenty Beauty and Dior have excellent, easy-to-follow tutorials.
  • TikTok & Instagram: Perfect for quick tips, product reviews, and discovering new trends. Search hashtags like #beginnermakeup and #makeuptips.
  • Blogs & Websites: Reputable beauty sites (like ours!) and blogs offer in-depth reviews and step-by-step picture tutorials.

🔍 Common Mistakes Beginners Make and How to Avoid Them


Video: the only 5 Makeup Products i’ll use as a beginner💄💘🎀💖🌸 #makeup #beginners #shorts #festival.







We’ve all been there. That harsh blush line, the concealer that’s way too light… let’s help you skip that awkward phase.

  1. The Wrong Foundation Shade:
    • The Mistake: Testing on your hand or wrist. The skin there is a different color than your face!
    • The Fix: Swatch 2-3 potential shades on your jawline, let them dry down, and then check them in natural light. The one that “disappears” is your winner.
  2. Over-Powdering:
    • The Mistake: Applying powder all over your face, which can look cakey and dull.
    • The Fix: Use a small, fluffy brush and apply powder only where you need it—typically the T-zone, under the eyes, and around the nose.
  3. Harsh Lines (Contour, Blush, Eyeshadow):
    • The Mistake: Not blending enough.
    • The Fix: Blend, blend, and when you think you’re done, blend some more! Use a clean brush with no extra product to diffuse the edges. The mantra is: “It should look like a shadow, not a stripe.”
  4. Ignoring Your Brows:
    • The Mistake: Leaving brows completely bare, which can make your makeup look “unfinished.”
    • The Fix: Even just brushing them up with a clear or tinted brow gel can make a huge difference in framing your face.

Keeping up with Beauty News can be fun! Here’s how to try the latest trends in a beginner-friendly way.

  • “No-Makeup” Makeup: The art of looking like you’re not wearing makeup, but better.
    • How to get it: Use a skin tint instead of foundation, a cream blush you can apply with your fingers, a tinted brow gel, and a swipe of mascara. Brands like Merit and Well People excel at this.
  • Latte Makeup: A monochromatic look using warm, brown, and bronze tones.
    • How to get it: Use your bronzer as eyeshadow! Sweep it across your lids and through the crease. Pair with a nude or brown-toned lip gloss. It’s simple and incredibly chic.
  • Strawberry Girl Makeup: A focus on a sun-kissed, rosy-cheeked glow.
    • How to get it: Be generous with a pink or reddish cream blush across the apples of your cheeks and the bridge of your nose. Add a few faux freckles with a brow pen for a playful touch.

🧴 Skincare Meets Makeup: Prepping Your Canvas for Flawless Application

Let us shout it from the rooftops: Makeup will only ever look as good as the skin underneath it! A consistent skincare routine is the most important step in your makeup routine.

The Essential Pre-Makeup Skincare Steps

  1. Cleanse: Start with a clean slate. Use a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt, oil, or leftover product from the night before.
  2. Hydrate: This step is crucial for ALL skin types (yes, even oily skin!).
    • For Dry Skin: Use a richer cream to plump and moisturize.
    • For Oily Skin: Use a lightweight, gel-based moisturizer.
  3. Sunscreen: The final, non-negotiable step. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher. This not only protects your skin but also acts as a fantastic primer, creating a smooth base for makeup. Many brands like ILIA and Saie now incorporate SPF into their base products, which is a great bonus!

Wait at least 5-10 minutes after your skincare before starting your makeup to allow everything to absorb properly. Rushing this step is what often leads to pilling (when products ball up on the skin).

🎁 Gift Ideas: Best Makeup Sets for Beginners to Try or Receive

Whether you’re treating yourself or dropping hints for a birthday, makeup sets are a fantastic way for beginners to explore a brand.

  • Best for the Minimalist: Merit Beauty’s The Five Minute Morning Set. It’s a customizable set of their essentials for a quick and easy full face.
  • Best for the Trend-Lover: Look for Sephora Favorites or Ulta Beauty Collection sets. They often bundle mini or travel-sized versions of best-selling products from various brands, which is perfect for discovery.
  • Best for the Lip-Obsessed: Fenty Beauty’s Gloss Bomb Trio. You get to try multiple shades of their iconic, universally flattering gloss.
  • Best for the Clean Beauty Curious: ILIA’s Small Wonders Set. This usually includes travel sizes of their bestsellers, like the Limitless Lash Mascara and Multi-Stick, giving you a perfect introduction to the brand.

👉 Shop Makeup Sets on: Sephora | Ulta | Amazon

📈 Future of Makeup Brands: Innovations Impacting Beginners

The beauty world never stands still! Here are a few exciting innovations that are making makeup even more accessible and personalized for beginners.

  • AI and AR Technology: Virtual try-on tools on websites like Sephora and Maybelline are becoming incredibly sophisticated. You can test dozens of lipstick shades or find your foundation match from the comfort of your couch.
  • Customizable Makeup: Brands are moving towards personalization. Think custom-blended foundations (like Il Makiage) or build-your-own palettes that let you pick only the shades you’ll actually use.
  • Sustainability: This is a huge focus. Brands are innovating with refillable packaging (see: Fenty Skin, Axiology), waterless formulas, and upcycled ingredients. As a new consumer, you have the power to support brands that align with your values.
  • Makeup-Skincare Hybrids: The line between makeup and skincare will continue to blur. Expect more foundations with serum benefits, concealers with eye cream ingredients, and powders infused with skin-soothing actives. This is great news for beginners, as it simplifies routines and benefits your skin’s health.

✅ Conclusion: Your Path to Makeup Mastery Starts Here!

MAC makeup brush set

Phew! What a journey we’ve been on together. From the basics of skin prep to the dazzling array of brands perfect for beginners, you’re now armed with expert insights, insider tips, and a curated list of makeup brands that will make your first steps into the beauty world both fun and foolproof.

To recap:

  • Drugstore brands like e.l.f. and Maybelline offer unbeatable affordability and quality, perfect for experimenting without fear.
  • Mid-range marvels such as Fenty Beauty and Kosas bring inclusivity, innovation, and skincare benefits to your routine.
  • Luxe brands like Dior Backstage and Merit Beauty offer a touch of luxury with beginner-friendly formulas and minimal fuss.
  • Clean and cruelty-free brands like ILIA, Well People, and RMS Beauty are ideal if you want to be kind to your skin and the planet.

Remember, the best makeup brand for you is the one that fits your skin type, tone, lifestyle, and personal values. Don’t be afraid to try, fail, and try again — makeup is an art, and you’re the artist! The question we teased earlier — which brand will become your holy grail? — is now yours to answer.

So go ahead, dive in, and enjoy the process. Your makeup mastery begins now, and we’re cheering you on every step of the way! 💄✨

Ready to shop or learn more? Here are some direct links to the brands and products we raved about — plus a couple of must-read books to deepen your makeup knowledge!

Shop Makeup Brands and Products

  • Making Faces by Kevyn Aucoin — A classic guide from one of the most influential makeup artists.
  • Face Paint: The Story of Makeup by Lisa Eldridge — Dive into the history and artistry of makeup with this beautifully illustrated book.
  • The Beauty of Color by Iman — A must-read for understanding makeup for diverse skin tones.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Makeup Brands for Beginners

Which makeup brands offer the best products for beginners?

Answer: Brands like e.l.f. Cosmetics, Maybelline, and ColourPop are fantastic because they combine affordability, quality, and ease of use. For those interested in clean beauty, ILIA and Well People offer beginner-friendly formulas that are gentle on skin and simple to apply. These brands provide extensive shade ranges and versatile products, making them ideal for novices.

What are affordable makeup brands suitable for beginners?

Answer: The drugstore giants e.l.f., Maybelline, and Milani lead the pack here. They offer a wide range of products with beginner-friendly textures and finishes at wallet-friendly prices. These brands often have cult-favorite products that perform well and are widely available both online and in stores.

Which makeup brands have the easiest-to-use products for new users?

Answer: Brands like Merit Beauty and Fenty Beauty design products with simplicity in mind. Merit’s minimalist approach and multi-use sticks reduce the number of products you need, while Fenty’s inclusive shade ranges and buildable formulas help beginners avoid common pitfalls like mismatched foundation or harsh contour lines.

What are the best drugstore makeup brands for beginners?

Answer: e.l.f. Cosmetics, Maybelline, and Milani are top drugstore picks. They offer everything from primers and foundations to mascaras and lip products that are easy to apply and forgiving for beginners. Their products often have excellent tutorials and community support, which is a bonus.

Answer: Absolutely! e.l.f. Cosmetics, ILIA, RMS Beauty, and Cheekbone Beauty are all cruelty-free and beginner-friendly. These brands focus on ethical formulations without sacrificing performance, making them perfect for those who want to align their beauty routine with their values.

What makeup brands provide beginner-friendly tutorials and guides?

Answer: Many brands now offer excellent educational content. Fenty Beauty and Dior Backstage have YouTube channels with step-by-step tutorials tailored for beginners. e.l.f. Cosmetics also has a strong online presence with easy-to-follow videos. Additionally, independent artists like Lisa Eldridge provide invaluable tutorials that complement brand resources.

Which makeup brands have the best starter kits for beginners?

Answer: Merit Beauty offers curated starter kits designed for quick, easy application. Fenty Beauty and Sephora Favorites collections also provide excellent multi-product kits that allow beginners to explore a variety of products without overwhelming their vanity.

For more expert insights and the latest in the cosmetics industry, visit Makeup Brands™ at https://www.makeupbrands.org/makeup-brands/.

Thank you for joining us on this colorful adventure! Your makeup journey is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see where it takes you. 💋

Review Team
Review Team

The Popular Brands Review Team is a collective of seasoned professionals boasting an extensive and varied portfolio in the field of product evaluation. Composed of experts with specialties across a myriad of industries, the team’s collective experience spans across numerous decades, allowing them a unique depth and breadth of understanding when it comes to reviewing different brands and products.

Leaders in their respective fields, the team's expertise ranges from technology and electronics to fashion, luxury goods, outdoor and sports equipment, and even food and beverages. Their years of dedication and acute understanding of their sectors have given them an uncanny ability to discern the most subtle nuances of product design, functionality, and overall quality.

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