Top 11 Essential and Versatile Makeup Products for Beginners

When you're new to makeup, mistakes like smudged lipstick or uneven eyeshadow are bound to happen, and in these moments, makeup remover wipes are indispensable.

Why should you choose makeup remover wipes over liquid removers? Wipes are more cost-effective, as with liquid removers, you’ll also need to buy cotton pads, which adds up. Additionally, if you make a small mistake during makeup application and accidentally spill too much remover, it can be wasteful. With makeup remover wipes, you can easily fix minor errors by simply opening the box and using a cotton swab with a little remover solution, saving wipes and preventing unnecessary waste of the liquid.

For those new to makeup, it can be tricky to apply just the right amount of foundation—not too thin, but not too thick either. Cushion foundation is an easy-to-use product that also provides sun protection. When purchasing a cushion foundation, especially Korean brands, it’s recommended to choose the darkest shade. This is because the skin tone of Vietnamese people differs from that of Koreans. The climate in Korea is not as hot and humid as in Vietnam, so Korean skin tends to be lighter. A lighter shade may not suit Vietnamese skin. For European or American brands, you should choose a shade that best matches your skin tone, as their cushion foundations offer a wider range of options.

Although cushion foundation is highly versatile and can replace several products like primer, foundation, and concealer, it has one drawback: it can cause your makeup to lose its vibrancy and leave your skin looking oily. Due to the hot and humid climate in Vietnam, cushion foundation may not last as long on your skin. Therefore, it’s important to set your makeup with powder to ensure that your cushion stays intact and your makeup lasts throughout the day.

Setting powder is an excellent choice for protecting your skin from sun damage and other environmental factors. It also helps absorb excess oil, conceal blemishes, and gives you a fresh, radiant look under both natural and artificial light. If you need to cover up more imperfections, opt for a compact powder as it has a denser texture and provides better coverage. This type of powder is also great for colder weather as it often contains moisturizing ingredients that can enhance your complexion. If you have relatively clear skin, you can go for a loose powder, which has a finer texture and gives a lighter, more natural finish. Loose powder is perfect for the summer due to its high oil-absorbing properties. Before applying powder, make sure to apply a layer of primer first, as it helps the powder adhere better to your skin, providing a smooth, long-lasting finish.

Sunscreen has become an essential beauty product that no woman should be without. However, not everyone fully understands the benefits of applying sunscreen. If your skin were a princess, sunscreen would be the noble knights protecting her. Without their protection, the princess wouldn't be safe. This illustrates just how crucial sunscreen is for safeguarding your skin.

• A strong shield against harmful UV rays
• Slows down the skin aging process
• Prevents skin damage and reduces the risk of skin cancer
• A perfect base for makeup application

A woman may not need blush to look beautiful, but she will look dull and pale without a touch of color on her lips. That's why every woman should own at least one or two lipsticks.

• First, lipstick can instantly bring life to your face. Just apply it evenly, and your complexion will glow. This is why applying lipstick is often one of the first lessons in makeup classes. While you might skip foundation, eyeliner, or complicated highlighting techniques, never forget to carry a lipstick in your bag.
• Lipstick makes you appear more alluring: While men admire the natural, gentle beauty of women, 90% of them confess they can't take their eyes off the full, seductive lips. One of lipstick’s greatest benefits is that it enhances your allure. However, to make this magic work, you need to find the right balance with the intensity of your chosen shade.
• Lipstick can cover imperfections: For those with darker lips, lipstick is a perfect solution. It serves as a beautiful cover that can completely conceal the original darker shade. Before applying, remember to use a thin layer of foundation or setting powder so that the lipstick adheres better and shows its true color.
• Lipstick helps define your style: With just one lipstick, your entire look can change. This is a technique used by makeup artists backstage to transform models, helping trendy women adjust their appearance to suit their outfits or the occasion. Bold with dark shades, glamorous with red, or sweet with a soft pink? You’ll be amazed at how a simple lipstick can completely alter your vibe.
• Lipstick boosts your confidence: Scientific studies have shown that lipstick (especially colored ones) not only enhances your appearance but can also improve your mood. Research reveals that women feel more confident and positive when wearing lipstick, especially when heading out or interacting with others.

Eyebrow powder helps you save on buying eyeshadow, as it typically comes in two shades: one dark and one light. You can use the dark shade for your eyebrows and the light one for your eyelids. As you get more experienced, you can even mix the two shades to contour your face, eliminating the need to buy a separate contouring product.

• 3CE eyebrow powder is priced at around 355,000 VND.
• Emely eyebrow powder is priced at 95,000 VND.

Mascara is a beauty product designed to enhance your eyes, and over time it has become an essential item for accentuating the eyes' natural beauty. Mascara thickens, lengthens, darkens, or defines your lashes. It is usually applied with a wand or brush, and it is sometimes used to add volume to your eyebrows as well.

You should opt for black mascara, as it complements the natural dark color of Vietnamese eyes. Mascara helps make your lashes appear longer and your eyes more alluring. This is why mascara is a must-have in any makeup kit. Additionally, you can use the liquid in mascara to define your eyeliner, creating larger, deeper-looking eyes. Maybelline mascara is widely available and costs around 90,000 VND, while 3CE offers a premium version priced at 430,000 VND.

Rose water is a type of toner, but not all toners are made from rose extract. The primary benefits of this product are balancing the skin's pH, removing excess oil, tightening pores, and soothing irritated skin.

As many of you know, rose water offers numerous advantages for your skin. Aside from its moisturizing properties, rose water helps tighten pores, giving your skin a smoother appearance. While large pores may not directly affect makeup application, they can cause makeup products like powder to settle into your skin, making them harder to remove and potentially leading to breakouts. To achieve a smooth, flawless base, it's crucial to properly prep your skin before applying makeup, especially if you're just starting out with the basics of makeup application. You can purchase Ponds rose water for around 50,000 VND per bottle.

You might wonder why you need to buy a separate mirror for your makeup kit when most compact powders come with one. In reality, a mirror is an essential tool in your makeup routine. There's an old saying: 'No woman is unattractive; it's just that some don't quite get it right yet.' Whether you're new to makeup, struggling with technique, or working in low light, a good mirror is key. It also helps if your makeup mirror is high quality, not outdated, and suits your needs. Here are five tips for choosing the right makeup mirror:

• First, a good mirror should offer clear, true-to-life reflection with a solid, sturdy build. It should be easy to place on your makeup table.
• Second, the mirror should be large enough to show your whole face. It's best to choose one with at least 2x magnification. Once you try it, you'll see how much easier it is to perfect every detail of your makeup and avoid small mistakes like uneven powder, smudged mascara, or overly bold brows.
• Third, look for a mirror that has two sides, one of which can be rotated and magnifies. These mirrors are handy for applying makeup and removing it, while the other side lets you admire your finished look.
• If you're often doing makeup in low-light settings, we recommend a mirror with built-in lighting. The light from these mirrors is bright and natural, helping you apply makeup quickly and without errors.
• Lastly, if you're always on the go, a compact, portable mirror is a must-have. It should be small enough to fit in your purse, but with enough magnification for clear, precise use.

The price of a makeup mirror varies, but you can usually find them starting at around 100,000 VND. Online stores like Lazada and Sendo.vn offer a wide selection of mirrors to choose from.

Setting spray has become a lifesaver for many women, especially during the hot summer months, and is now a must-have in any makeup kit. Not only does it hydrate and refresh your skin, but it also helps lock in your makeup, keeping it fresh and intact for longer periods.

There's no need to splurge on expensive sprays meant specifically for skin care or makeup. When applying makeup, you only need a basic setting spray to help your makeup stay put. It’s simply a matter of giving your skin some hydration and minerals. You can use it at two key points: before applying makeup and after finishing your look.

Before makeup, a quick spritz of setting spray acts like a hydrating primer, preparing your skin to better absorb your makeup products. Once your makeup is done, a final layer of setting spray helps set your foundation and makeup, leaving a smooth and natural finish. Be careful, though, when choosing a spray designed for makeup; some may cause breakouts or irritation on certain skin types, while hydrating sprays may wash away your makeup if applied after your look is complete. Therefore, it's important to choose a setting spray that works both to set your makeup and moisturize your skin.

Makeup brush sets are essential tools for achieving a flawless base, and they are indispensable for anyone serious about makeup. Compared to professional brush sets, personal brush sets are more user-friendly and portable, making them a great choice for beginners. With a personal set, you have all the brushes you need to create a smooth base and natural-looking makeup.

Depending on the price range, a makeup brush set usually includes anywhere from 5 to 7 brushes, although some sets may contain up to 12 brushes for specific needs or preferences.