How do I know what makeup to buy?

When it comes to makeup, we all start somewhere. That's why it's so important to start by following makeup tips for beginners rather than jumping to a cut-crease or advanced contour technique. Of course, before we start with simple tips and tricks, we need to put together a solid makeup kit.

Putting together a good makeup kit can be quite challenging and overwhelming for even the most seasoned makeup connoisseur — let alone a makeup beginner. With thousands upon thousands of products to choose from, it can start to get a bit confusing when figuring out which ones work best for you.

If you're just starting out on your makeup journey and are looking for a good guide, we put together a list of all the makeup staples, products, and tools you need in your cosmetic bag. What's more, we consulted experts in the makeup industry to find out which products are the best of the best. Here Sharon Becker, as well as Donni Davy, both weighed in on all the essential products for your makeup starter pack.

Meet the expert

• Sharon Becker is a Manhattan-based makeup artist.
• Donni Davy is an Emmy-winning makeup director for HBO's Euphoria and co-founder of Half Magic Beauty.

QUIZ: What's Your Style Personality?

You can trust us that not only are they easy for newbies to use, but they've also been put to the test and have quickly become pro favorites.

Discover exactly what you need to have on hand with our selects below.

There is nothing worse than spending a lot of money on a makeup product only to feel somewhat dissatisfied with it a few days later. Luckily, you can avoid experiencing this letdown again in the future by brushing up on your knowledge regarding how to select the best quality makeup products right from the get-go.

Choose suppliers wisely

Do your research before shopping for quality hair and makeup products, especially if you plan to do so online. After all, there are countless online stores out there that claim to be selling the real deal when, in fact, they are shipping you cheap knock-offs that could end up negatively impacting your skin.

Ask for advice

If you don’t consider yourself to be an expert on makeup just yet, don’t hesitate to ask someone more experienced for guidance. You could do this by approaching a makeup-loving friend, a professional makeup artist, or perhaps posting a question in a makeup-focused group on social media.

Don’t judge a makeup product by its packaging

Don’t allow yourself to be deceived by makeup wrapped up in a particularly glamorous box and, simultaneously, don’t turn away from seemingly simple packaging either. Often, suppliers will go over the top with their packaging design when they feel the need to distract from what is inside it! In many cases, the best makeup products come in the most fuss-free, straightforward packaging. This is especially true for brands that prioritize sustainability.

Investigate the ingredients

By now, you will know that it is better to select makeup products with natural ingredients. These products are generally better for your skin and for the environment. Some of the ingredients you should avoid include parabens, polyethylene, and retinyl acetate, to name just a few.

Look at reviews

There are thousands of reviews online for the vast majority of makeup products, so you would be doing yourself a disservice if you neglected to read at least a handful of them before swiping that credit card. Be sure to access reviews on at least two different respected websites for the most accurate and honest take-away.

Take shelf-life into consideration

There is no point in you buying expensive makeup if it is only going to last for six months. Always inspect the rear part of the product’s label to examine the shelf-life. Remember that quality concealer and eyeshadow should last for at least one year, and a quality eyeliner pencil and powder blush should last for a minimum of two years. Keep in mind that certain types of makeup products have shorter shelf-lives than others, like liquid eyeliner and mascara.

Find out the return policy

Always make sure that it is possible to return a hair and makeup product if you are not completely satisfied with it. Familiarize yourself with the supplier’s return policy before buying, as some will set a specific time limit for the return – such as ten days from the date of purchase or delivery.

Now that you know how to make better choices surrounding the makeup products in which you invest, you are sure to optimize your purchases and look flawless every single day.