makeup kit

What Every South African Woman Needs in Their Makeup Kit, According to Mzansi's Experts

Makeup kit of various south african products

The world of makeup is vast and daunting for even the most seasoned beauty connoisseur — let alone someone who's just starting out. With thousands upon thousands of products to choose from, figuring out which ones work best can be quite overwhelming when you don't know what your doing!

But fear not; if this sounds like something that may interest you then I've got good news- there are plenty more guides available on how to get started with makeup kit.

Putting together a good quality makeup kit can be quite challenging and overwhelming for even the most seasoned connoisseur — let alone a 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.

But don't panic, because if you're just starting out and looking for a good guide (or maybe an avid user looking to shake things up a bit) we've put together a list of all the makeup staples, products, and tools you need in your cosmetic bag.

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 our favourites. And judging by the reviews, they've become the favourites of others as well.

Discover exactly what you need to have on hand with our selects below. Build the perfect makeup kit from scratch, with professional makeup-artist favourites for your lips, face, and eyes with this must-have guide.

FACE - Makeup kit

Foundation and other facial products

Prep Mist

Get your skin ready for a smooth makeup application with one of our go-to favorites - Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water or Urban Decay Quick Fix Hydra-Charged Complexion Prep Priming Spray (free delivery when you shop online). Not only will they help to reawaken and enhance whatever you've already got going on, but these prepping mists are also sure to give parched faces an extra bit of hydration!

Face Primer

Originating as an artist’s tool, this powerhouse can transform the look of fine lines and wrinkles - plus give you additional perks like added radiance or protection against pollution. Give yourself time to let it work its magic before reaching for that eyeshadow palette (we swear by L'Oréal Paris Visible Lift Radiance Booster Primer or NYX Professional Makeup Pore Filler). With one extra step in your routine, enjoy gorgeous results all day long.

Colour Corrector(s)

Give your complexion a fighting chance against dark spots, redness and those pesky late-night under eye circles with color corrector! Choose from palettes that come in bevy of shades or go for a solo-hued formula. Try the Maybelline Camo Master Camo Color Correcting Palette to hide different blemishes or Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Neutralizers to target precise areas - making foundation application easier than ever before! Just remember to apply before foundation.

Foundation

Every makeup look starts with a flawless foundation, so finding the perfect formula for your unique complexion is absolutely essential! And while there's no shortage of varieties to choose from—like sheer liquids, cushion compacts and full-cover formulas—glam beauty aficionados swear by Giorgio Armani Power Fabric Foundation SPF 25 and Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Longwear Foundation. These splurge-worthy foundations offer amazing coverage without breaking the bank..so you can show off that beautiful skin confidently all day long.

Concealer (Face)

Want to banish those annoying dark spots and blemishes? Look no further than La Roche-Posay's Toleriane Teint Correcting Pens or the It Cosmetics' Bye Bye Breakout Concealer. These products are a surefire way to push you back in your comfort zone with full coverage foundations that help even out your complexion!

Concealer (Under-Eye)

Brighten up your eyes without looking like a panda and erase signs of weariness with the perfect concealer. Reach for one two shades lighter than your skin tone to create more illuminated under-eyes that will give you a radiant look even after late nights out! Our top choice? The It Cosmetics Under Eye Concealing Pot or Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer – both are sure bets when it comes to making tiredness melt away!

Blush

Do you want the look of that freshly flushed face? Well you can with a few simple swipes! Urban Decay's Naked Flushed is an essential for all blush lovers, while L'Oreal Paris Infallible Paints Blush Kit allows you to tailor your color payoff and sparkle. Enhance those apples (of cheeks) today - it'll create such a difference in how wide awake YOU feel! Don't believe us? Checkout the product reviews.

Bronzer

Want sun-kissed skin without the summer rays? Let me introduce you to bronzer! We love Becca's Sunlit Bronzer for natural radiance and Giorgio Armani Beauty's Limited Edition Sunrise Face Palette if you're going all out. The key is to apply it strategically in areas where the sun naturally hits your face - then watch as a beach day glow appears before your eyes!

Illuminator/Highlighter

Illuminate your beautiful bone structure with the latest highlighters! Bring out those gorgeous cheekbones, nose bridge and brow bones in an instant. For a mesmerising glow try Becca Light Chaser Highlighter or Yves Saint Laurent Eclat Touche Eclat Glow Shot Highlighter – you'll love them both!

Contour Product

Want definition without compromising the natural look? Use a light hand! With chubby sticks and pencils, you can easily contour from within your face's hollows. Then use circular motions with blending brushes or sponges for that perfect V-shaped finish – it'll have you looking like an art masterpiece! The NYX Professional Makeup Contour Pro Singles and Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Contour Duo Stick are excellent tools to help give structure to any facial landscape.

Loose Powder

A flawless makeup look starts with the basics! Don't forget to set your foundation and concealer before finishing off the rest of your face. Grab a fluffy, oversized brush and use some finely-milled loose powder like It Cosmetics CC+ Airbrush Perfecting Powder Illumination or Lancôme Absolue Powder for all day long staying power - even in those warmer months when you need it most. These life changing product will give you that serious glam effect!

Setting Spray

With primers already being a game-changer in makeup, try out setting spray to double down on your look. Setting sprays offer more than just refreshing and priming; they provide lasting hold throughout the day that help keep you looking fabulous - no matter what life throws at you. Be sure to mist from eight up 12 inches away while avoiding getting any of it into your hair (we suggest wearing a headband). Check out L'Oreal's Infallible Pro-Spray or Armani Prima Skin Refreshing Makeup Fix if you’re going for an extra luxurious product yet longlasting look.

 

Products for your EYES

Eye mascara and false eyelashes

Eyeshadow Primer

Ensure your eyeshadow is looking its best with a primer! Just like what you see in the packaging, applying one of these primers will help keep color payoff consistent and extend staying power. Check out Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion or Maybelline New York Master Prime Long-Lasting Eye Shadow Base for their range of hues to create any kind look you're going for.

Powder Shadow

Whether it's a neutral, shimmery or bold hue you crave, eyeshadow is the essential for amping up your glam. Be creative and mix things up with L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos - perfect for defining those lids! Urban Decay Single Eyeshadows can be used to take your look from subtle to statement-making too... so why not stock on every shade of that rainbow? The reviews speaks for themselves.

Shadow Palette

If you're on the hunt for bold, vibrant eyeshadow looks that will take your style to the next level - look no further! With a huge selection of shadow palettes available now ranging from subtle and neutral hues to shimmery metallics or glitzy sparkles – you can easily find the right product online tailored towards enhancing any eye colour, complexion or occasion. Whether it's Maybelline New York 24K Nudes Eyeshadow Palettefor an understated natural glam look; Urban Decay Naked Heat palette for more warmth & drama in your make-up game – no matter the product, there's plenty of out there sure to satisfy everyone!

Eyeliner - Liquid

Lashnetix Magnetic Felt Tip Pen

For a bold, sultry cat eye look, go for liquid liner! Its inky formula and felt-tipped ends helps create the perfect flick. Take a few moments after you've applied the liquid so that its dry before layering on some powder or shadow - we love Lashnetix liquid magnetic eyeliner. Plus it doubles as an adhesive for your magnetic falsies!

Magnetic Eyelashes

Lashnetix South Africa Magnetic eyelash bundles

If you're looking to make a statement with your eye look, magnetic eyelashes are the way to go! Throw traditional eyelash extensions out of the window and embrace high-impact color, length and volume that unique falsies like Lashnetix (+50 reviews) can provide. It's sure to be an essential in your beauty bag especially since delivery is free!

Lash Curler

Do you want eyes that instantly appear more youthful and open! Just use the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler before applying mascara for lifted, curled lashes. Be gentle with those delicate hairs though – easy does it!

Brow Pencil/Powder/Pomade

If you want to rock those show-stopping brows, it's essential to have the perfect tools in your arsenal. Our go-tos for doing just that? The L'Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Definer and Boost & Set Mascara—packed with natural waxes they'll give you amazing definition while helping keep them looking groomed and full all day!

 

Quality for your LIPS

Collection of lipsticks and eyeliner

Lip Balm

If you're looking for a lip loving formula to nourish and protect your pout, try the Kiehl's Butterstick Lip Treatment or NYX Professional Makeup #thisiseverything Balm. Infused with emollients like Vitamin E , Shea butter and Cocoa butter, they'll help keep lips hydrated as well age-proof them all day!

Matte Lipstick

Get the perfect velvet-matte lip look by choosing a lipstick with Vitamin E and aloe - two powerful ingredients to help keep your lips hydrated! Our top picks? NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lipstick or Urban Decay Vice Lipstick will take care of all your matte needs. Note: When buying products like these online, it's better to buy them in bundles for added discounts.

Liquid Lipstick

Looking for lip-kissable perfection? Liquid lipstick will have you ready to pucker up in style! This product is a dream come true, combining the pigment of your favorite lippie with a high gloss or matte finish and precise applicator. Get started on creating that perfect look with L'Oreal Paris Infallible Lip Paints or Lancôme Matte Shakers – because nothing says sexy like perfectly painted lips!

Lip Gloss

For a glossy, show-stopping pout that will turn heads and stay put all day long,... why not try out our top picks for lip gloss? With over 200 positive reviews, Urban Decay's Vice Special Effects is the perfect finish to your look with its Long-Lasting Water Resistant Topcoat. Or you can opt for Lancôme L'Absolu Lacquer Gloss - either way, you’re sure to be obsessed! Create some pop by just adding some sparkle in the centre of your lips – trust us when we say this luscious technique will have everyone mesmerised.

Back to blog

Our Best Sellers

1 of 6