An Affordable Make-Up Starter Kit

Since first being mentioned in this post, I have been gathering together a selection of products ideal for any makeup newbies. My recommendations are just a rough guide, so of course depending on your skin type and preferences, feel free to swap things around and add or take away bits and bobs of your choice. I've done my best to cover all grounds here so I hope you find it helpful!

Foundation: Rimmel Match Perfection - A good all rounder foundation with a satin finish and buildable coverage, plus an amazing shade range (if you're comfortable without foundation or have lovely younger skin, just opt for concealer alone or something lighter like the Bourjois CC Cream)

Concealer: 17 Stay Time - Again, a good all rounder for blemishes and undereyes with an easy-to-work-with creamy texture

Powder: Maybelline Matte Maker Powder - This finely milled powder offers a lot of bang for your buck with an impressive 16g of product

Bronzer: NYC Smooth Skin Bronzer in Sunny - A warm but not muddy matte option that works well for general bronzing and light contouring

Blush: MaxFactor Cream Blush in Soft Pink - I don't think there's a skin tone or type this blush would not work beautifully on. 'nuff said;)

Highlighter: Topshop Glow in Polished - Another cream product providing a stunning iridescence to cheekbones and highpoints. Love it!

Cream Eyeshadow: Maybelline On and On Bronze Colour Tattoo - Works so well as a base or on it's  own. There's also an amazing shade range to these so you can opt for practically whichever colour you  fancy

Powder Eyeshadow: Natural Collection Duos in Mocha/Latte and Mink/Sable - For the price, these little pots are incredible! FYI Mocha doubles up as a great eyebrow powder for fellow dark blondes or brunettes

Pencil Liner: Rimmel Scandaleyes in Bronze - You can't go wrong here; a people pleasing shimmery brown for subtle or smokey definition

Liquid Liner: Collection Extreme Liner in Black - My favourite liquid liner to date thanks to it's fine nib, opaque colour and of course, bargain price

Mascara: L'Oreal False Lash Telescopic is a firm favourite of mine. A good'un for both volume and length with great staying power and opacity

Brows: Soap and Glory's Archery Pencil and Brush - Fab for filling in sparse areas if your're blessed with fuller brows or for completely shaping and colouring in practically invisible ones like mine. I'd also suggest a clear mascara for setting; my fave is from Nautral Collection

Lips: Here's where it really gets down to preference.. For pink fans I'd suggest the Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in Pink Pong, for red lovers I'd point you in the direction of Kate Moss' Rimmel Line (01 in particular) and for nude junkies I'd recommend Rose Petal by Natural Collection. Thought I'd also throw in Maybelline's Cashmere Rose Gloss for good measure

That's all for this jam-packed post. Let me know some of your drugstore favourites in the comments for perhaps another 'Recently Purchased';) Thanks for reading!

Esmé