6 Beauty Brands For First Time Make Up Explorers
It's about time I answered my most frequently asked question... and provide a treat for you too, nestled at the very end. It is Halloween after all!
I started dipping into the world of make up from the perspective a lot of us do - from insecurity. Wanting to cover and conceal the parts of myself that I didn’t like.
However, as time has gone by, my experience with make up fell into the space of artistry and self-expression. With a plethora of artists and explorers firmly knitted into my social media algorithm it was easy for me to learn swiftly what goes where.
But sometimes it’s not that easy.
My most frequently asked question on Instagram is how to start playing with make up, and more importantly - where to go? What brands are simple enough to understand as a newbie yet provide you with the confidence or inspiration that you’re looking for?
So consider this my official response - a compilation of brands and online beauty stores that are perfect no matter what your inspiration.
Whether it be to understand your own gender identity, wanting to feel more confident or simply because you just have a yearning to learn how it all works once and for all - consider this your Jamie approved answer.
The follow list has been compiled with three things in mind:
Price Point
No one should be spending above and beyond when they’re starting to explore what works for them. Why? Because some things won’t work - and we don’t want to be wasting money as well as wasting product.
Messaging
There’s nothing worse - even for the make up literate - to be introduced to a new product that has 6 words in its name and claims to do almost everything for your skin. It’s confusing. The messaging needs to be clear, concise and to the point.
Inclusivity
I get it, it’s not always easy to create universal brand messaging either online or in store to consumers that includes people of all genders over night. But having an awareness that it’s not just cis white women who use make up is essential.
Their brand mission is to represent all beauty lovers - which is a great start. Jecca Blac has become known for helping trans folk and people of all genders understand how to work with colour correction and find an affirming gender presentation that works for you. They’re known for their brow seal - a great start for those wanting to get their eyebrows set and laid down yet still look natural.
My Favourite product? Their glow drops are great if you want to add radiance to your foundation, or simply pop onto the skin bare faced to add dimension and glow.
Relatively new to the UK, 3INA creates punchy colour products for those wanting to experiment and play with form. However, they’ve made the list because of their expansive range of simple, affordable and to the point products. As well as coloured mascara and blue lipstick, you can find SPF, foundation, concealer and powders that do the job with no extra frills or drama. It’s perfect for the beginner with a creative flair.
My favourite product? The 24 Hour Cream Eyeshadow pots are perfect if you’re new to the eyes. Simply use your finger, or a dense brush and sweep across the eye for instant pigment that lasts all day.
Don’t be alarmed - no satanic verses will be recited upon entry to the Cult Beauty website. Arguably one of the most inclusive and comfortable shopping experiences out there, Cult acts as your very own beauty department in the palm of your hand. With brands such as Milk Makeup, NARS, Hourglass and HUDA Beauty, there’s plenty of stellar product to choose from. Why is it beginner friendly? If you’re new to the site, simply select the drop down menu on the left hand side of the screen and you can shop under a brilliant set of inclusive categories. Filter by affordability, gender, skin concern or what’s most conscious to the environment - Cult offers it all.
My favourite brand? It’s got to be Milk Makeup - offering well researched, high performing products that still are accessible and understandable for the beginner make up fan. Check out their blush and bronzer sticks if you’re wanting to try cream colour products for the first time.
A dominator of the high street NYX is a brilliantly affordable, well researched and produced brand that matches it’s high energy marketing. With products for the pro all the way down to the beginner, it’s a brand that wants everyone to be able to play. I am old enough to remember when NYX wasn’t in the UK, and we had to watch Patrick Starrr and Manny Mua use its excellence through the laptop screen - so to have it firmly on the high street is a joy.
My Favourite Product? It’s a toss up between two - the Fat Oils (although hilariously named) are a great alternative for those who don’t want a sticky gloss but want a little colour on the lips that lasts. Secondly, the setting sprays are brilliant too - no nonsense formula that comes in matte and dewy versions to cater for each individual's skin type. Perfect.
If you’re looking to start with your complexion - then Saie are the place to start. With a plethora of nourishing skin loving products, they offer a brilliant selection of products for those who want to conceal, glow or define their face. Their products are buildable, meaning you can keep applying layers of product onto the face to conceal further - or you can keep it light. Both offer a beautiful finish either way.
My favourite product? Saie Dew Bronze is a great bronzer if you’re wanting to start looking at contouring. The key is to look for a cool shade, one that mimics a shadow and the Saie Dew Bronze in shade SALT is beautiful on paler skin. For darker skin tones, SPRITZ or SAIL would be a great choice.
Helmed and created by the one and only Trinny Woodall, her brand has transformed the way people see make up, especially older folk who may have never had the chance to wear such accessible products like hers. However, don’t let that fool you - they’re perfect for all ages and skin types. What makes her unique is her best-selling stackable pots which house everything from concealers to bronzers to blush and highlight - and more recently, her skincare line. Stackable and ready to go straight into the make up bag, they are perfect for those wanting no nonsense products that do exactly what they say they’re going to do.
My Favourite Product? The Just A Touch concealer pots are perfect for those who love to use their fingers and aren’t as confident with brushes or beauty sponges. Proof you don’t need to use a swiss army make up brush if you don’t want to!
Fancy some discount? Well… consider this your lucky day. Find some extra brands below too such as Charlotte Tilbury if you fancy something a little different.
Cult Beauty Discount Code - WINDUSTXCB offers discount site wide. Not redeemable in conjunction with other offers.
Charlotte Tilbury Discount Code - Simply click ‘Shop With Me’ or copy the code on screen and add to your page at checkout. This is an affiliate code and I earn commission on orders placed using my code/link.
https://friends.charlottetilbury.com/a/jamie.windust