3 Steps To Starting Your Makeup Collection

For the past couple of years my makeup collection has been growing and growing as you can probably tell from my weekly beauty reviews. It’s gotten to point where I’ve had to invest in some serious organizers just to keep everything tidy and accessible. But that didn’t happen overnight. I’m constantly being asked about the essentials and what to buy first. So if you’re considering expanding your makeup collection here is what I suggest you do…

1. Begin with the Basics

By basics I mean the staples of every beauty bag; such as eyeliners,mascara, blushes, lipsticks and foundation. After I’ve come to learn about the bestsellers of my favorite brands I slowly began to build my sets accordingly. So if suppose brand X had the best eyeliner while Brand Y had the most coveted mascara, I would purchase those two for starters.

Ivy Suggests: The Cult Makeup Set

Make Up For Ever has you covered in that department with this limited edition 6 piece set that also comes with its own glitzy pouch to throw in your bag for a quick pick-me-up throughout the day. So they’ve basically complied some of their best sellers for you in mini sizes.
Here you’ve got the brand cult’s favorites starting with the Step 1 Smoothing Primer, High Definition Powder to set your makeup and foundation, the Smoky Extravagant dramatic mascara, the amazing High Precision Waterproof Liquid Aqua Liner, the waterproof eyeliner pencil and a must-have shade of red Aqua Lip Liner.

2. Experiment with Colors

After you’ve picked your basics it’s time for some color. I suggest you choose a range of shades that can work along many looks especially when it comes to your eyes and lips, since I wouldn’t recommend you change your foundation or basic blush shades ( change only formulas not color). Don’t be afraid to experiment, some may work others might not but once you’ve found the perfect mix and match sets you can create an endless series of looks for both day and night.

Ivy Suggests: Artist Eye Studio and Artist Plexi-Gloss Collection

Artist Eye Studio contains a total of 9 metallic Shadows, 1 mini Smoky Extravagant Mascara and 1 mini Aqua Eyes Pencil. I’ve always been a huge fan of their super pigmented gel-like powered eye shadow formulas and this one is no exception. You’ve got everything you need in here from a dark black warm chocolate, pink ivory to an extravagant peacock shade.

Artist Plexi-Gloss Collection has 12 (yes 12!) shades of ultra-shiny glosses. The textures range from sheer to super opaque, so you’ll never run out, in fact I’m not sure you’ll need to buy Lip Gloss again for a long time. The shades range from a nude 104, to the red hot 403 down to a petrol black (yes black!) My favorites are the gorgeous 204 Old Pink and the 406 Burgundy. I’ve never tried the split-tip applicator until now and I’m loving it. Why? Because you don’t need to contour beforehand especially if you’re rushing out, it gives you maximum precision and control. And though the formula is a little stickier than I would prefer it still sits on quite comfortably.

3. Invest in Makeup Brushes

Yes, most high-quality brushes will cause a noticeable dent on your account balance, but the way I see it, makeup can come and go but the brushes will stay (provided you take good care of them but more on that in a different post.) So if you’re still applying makeup with your fingers and not sure about the alternatives than look no further. You don’t have to start with all the makeup brushes (they’re are over 30 different ones) just the basic everyday that will really up your makeup ante.

Ivy Suggests: Cult Brush Set

Instead of racking your brains trying to figure out the must-have brushes you will need as part of your starter kit, Make Up For Ever has got you covered on that front. This set includes the 5 (yes 5!) essential travel size brushes for face, eyes and brows in this makeup artist-like pouch. Cult Brush Set includes the 5 essential travel size brushes for face, eyes and brows in a vibrant pouch. So you’ve got the Foundation Brush (totally necessary), Blush Brush (there’s no escaping this one), Eye Shadow Brush (because you should never apply shadow with your fingers) Eyeliner Brush ( which can help you use your favorite eye shadow as an eyeliner, just add water) and surely the Eye Brow Brush (to fill in brows with color.)

So there you go.Your 3-step started guide to building the makeup collection of your dreams. Once you’ve got those essentials covered we’ll be moving on to a more intermediate set of items that will get you on your way to collecting a makeup collection worth bragging about. To view my makeup tutorials using all these beauties and more follow me daily on Snap Chat on Ivy Says.