Are you a first-timer looking to assemble a beginner makeup kit? Maybe, you’re looking to upgrade your drugstore collection with new products from dermatologist-approved brands? Either way, to help you achieve a flawless look, the experts at LovelySkin have put together a list of makeup products for beginners. Read on for the top ten products to help you build out your beginner makeup kit:

• Set skin for makeup application with a primer
• Even skin tone with foundation
• Camouflage imperfections with concealer
• Add radiance with highlighter
• Brighten your face with blush
• Add a pop of color on your lips
• Lengthen lashes with mascara
• Layer on color with eye shadow
• Make eyes stand out with eyeliner
• Define brows with an eyebrow pencil

1. Makeup Primer With Sun Protection

First on our basic makeup list is a primer. Starting your makeup routine with a primer is important because it preps your skin for makeup application. As a result, your makeup will go on more smoothly for a better, longer-lasting look.

Eminence Organics Lilikoi Light Defense Face Primer SPF 23 does all of the above while also providing an illuminating effect. Board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO Dr. Joel Schlessinger recommends daily use of sunscreen to protect against skin cancer and signs of aging, so it’s an added bonus that this primer also contains two mineral sunscreens, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

2. Foundation

To even out your skin tone and help you achieve that flawless look, foundation (also called base) is the next step.

We recommend Glo Skin Beauty Pressed Base for makeup beginners because it’s easy to use and provides buildable coverage, meaning you can apply it lightly for sheer coverage or layer on for heavier coverage. It’s a mineral-based formula in a pressed powder compact, which is best applied in circular motions on your face using a makeup brush.

If you skin is acne-prone or you spend a lot of time under stage lights for dance or theater performances, you might want to try Oxygenetix Acne Control Foundation, a breathable formula that also contains 2% salicylic acid to help keep skin clear. “Many of my teenage patients look for an acne-friendly makeup. While mineral-based makeups are great, those who need extra coverage or who are in plays or other events 'under the lights' may opt for the Oxygenetix Acne formula, which is excellent in these settings,” says Dr. Schlessinger. “Whatever the case, if acne occurs, always consider that your makeup may be contaminated, or your brush. Clean your brushes regularly and always consider whether it is a good idea to discard makeup that is old or that could be past its freshness date.”

3. Concealer

If you are looking to minimize dark under-eye circles, acne scars or other discoloration on your face that foundation doesn’t quite cover, that’s a job for concealer.

Dermablend is an industry leader when it comes to coverage, so investing in one of their high-quality concealers is a must-have for your beginner makeup kit. We recommend Dermablend Cover Care Full Coverage Concealer, a waterproof and transfer-resistant formula with a soft doe-foot applicator that makes it simple to apply precisely where you need it.

For professional tips on how to apply concealer and foundation to cover acne, watch our video tutorial.

4. Highlighter

Using a highlighter might seem like an advanced makeup maneuver, but it makes the cut for this basic makeup list because it’s actually really simple to use for radiant results.

RMS Beauty Luminizer has a satin-like cream texture and an opalescent glow. To get that dewy, fresh-faced look, apply it with your finger to your brow bones or cheekbones.

5. Blush

Though it might be one of the most overlooked makeup products out there, the rosy glow of blush can really elevate your whole look.

For a natural-looking flush, try Perricone MD No Makeup Blush. This gel-cream blush in a rich peach shade flatters all shades of skin. Use the built-in applicator on the lid to lightly dot the blush on your cheeks and blend using a makeup sponge or just your fingers.

6. Lip Color

For beginners, we love moisturizing lip colors with a balm-like texture—they’re pretty foolproof to apply and look fantastic on.

The RMS Beauty Signature Set in the Pop Collection has three options for lips in one palette: lip color in red and pink shades, plus a clear balm to layer over or wear solo. Moisturizing shea butter and coconut oil make these lip colors comfortable and nourishing to wear too.

For professional tips on how to apply your lip color to achieve fuller-looking lips, check out our video tutorial.

7. Mascara

Another all-star product on our makeup list for beginners is basic black mascara. It’s so versatile--it can be the finishing touch on an ultra-glam look or the only makeup you put on for the day.

Try Colorescience Mascara, a smudge-free, mineral-based formula that will help your lashes look longer and thicker. It also strengthens and conditions lashes over time to protect against damage.

8. Eyeliner

For defined eyes that pop, add an eyeliner to your makeup arsenal.

We recommend Senna Ultra Last Eyeliner for your beginner makeup kit because of its automatic twist-up design (no need to mess with pencil sharpeners) and silky texture that glides on easily and smoothly. The long-wearing formula will last all day, smudge-free.

9. Eye Shadow Palette

While eyeliner and mascara help define your eyes, eye shadow can add depth to your look.

jane iredale Eye Shadow Kit is a palette of five mineral-based shadows with a ton of color collections to choose from. We recommend you start with neutrals such as Pure Basics (browns, pinks and peaches, pictured above). When you’re ready to expand your collection, try bolder options such as Purple Rain (an array of shimmery violets).

For some professional hints on how to best apply eye shadow, eyeliner and mascara, watch our video tutorial.

10. Eyebrow Pencil

The final item on our list of makeup products for beginners is the almighty eyebrow pencil. An eyebrow pencil helps fill in sparse spots on your brows and adds definition by darkening your natural brow color.

Osmosis Skincare Brow Pencil has a super-fine retractable tip that makes it easy to achieve more sculpted eyebrows that still look natural, making it our number one choice for brow-defining beginners.

Are you wondering how to wear makeup with a face mask? Check out our recent blog post for mask-friendly makeup tips.