Starters Kit: High End Edition

What if you want to start off with makeup, but you want to do it good and go for high end makeup. Or what if you’re already good at makeup, but you’ve never bought any high end makeup? What should you buy? Today I’m going to show you which products I’d recommend buying if you’re new to (high end makeup). If you’re interested in finding out, make sure you keep on reading!

Primer

First things first: Primer. I’ve only tried one high end primer, which is the Benefit Porefessional primer. I do really enjoy using it. I think it has a very nice consistency and I think that it’s one of those primers that actually makes a difference.

I do feel like lots of primers are just a gel filled with silicones that does literally nothing for your skin, which is why I prefer using this one. If you struggle with big, visible pores this is definitely something I’d recommend.

Foundation

For foundation I have two recommendations, depending on your skintype. If you have normal to dry skin, I’d recommend buying a moisturising foundation. The MAC Mineralize Moisture foundation for example. Even though I don’t have dry skin, I do like using that one. It really does feel moisturising on the skin and it has great coverage and a really nice finish.

If you have normal to oily skin I’d recommend using the Bobbi Brown Long Wear Even Finish foundation. That’s also a great foundation to try if you’re having trouble with finding the right shade for you, because they have 20 different shades. This is definitely a no-go if you have dry or sensitive skin, otherwise it’s amazing!

Concealer

I haven’t tried lots of expensive concealers because I always loved the Collection Lasting Perfection concealer and didn’t feel the need to buy a way more expensive one, but lately I’ve been using the Lancome Long Lasting Softening Concealer and I have to say that I do like it a lot.

It has amazing coverage and a really nice texture. You only need a little bit of it and it will stay in place all day. It’s definitely one that I love, but to be honest, you’re not missing out a lot if you use the Collection one instead.

However, compared to other concealers like the Bourjois concealers or the Maybelline Age Rewind it does make a big difference. In that case it’s definitely worth the splurge.

Powder

Onto powder. I have to admit that I don’t think powder is one of those products you really have to splurge on. For years I’ve been obsessed with the Essence Loose Powder and I still think that that one is equally as amazing as the Vichy one I use nowadays.

The Vichy powder isn’t really high end, but I do think 20 Euros for a powder is way than enough.

Eyebrows

There are so many amazing high end brow products. I haven’t tried any of them yet, but according to the things that I’ve read (which is a lot), the Anastasia brow products are just the best. Whether you’re going for one of the Dip Brow Pomades or the Brow Wiz, they’re all amazing and worth the try.

Eyeshadow

Eyeshadow is my favourite makeup product and therefore there are lots of things I’d recommend. I can’t have enough high end palettes. But for someone who doesn’t have any high end eyeshadows I think one of the best options are the Naked palettes by Urban Decay. You get so many incredibly pigmented eyeshadows for about 50 Euro, that’s definitely worth it!

Another palette I recommend is the Tarte Tartelette In Bloom palette. This one has so many great neutrals in it and is absolutely perfect for everyday use.

Mascara

Mascara is one of those products that will always be difficult for me. The only mascara I’ve truly loved until now is the Benefit They’re Real mascara, but in my opinion it is a little bit overpriced.

However if you think it’s worth it, which it is in my opinion, I do really recommend buying it.

Blush

My blush recommendation is for sure, without a doubt, the Becca blush in the shade Damselfly. I’m not sure if this colour is still available, but I’m pretty sure that the other Becca blushes are just as amazing.

I really love this blush because it’s perfect for everyday wear, it looks good with every look and the quality is just incredible. It’s definitely an expensive product, but in my opinion it’s a great investment.

Bronzer

Even though I still haven’t found the perfect bronzer, I do really enjoy using this Stila bronzer. It’s not as cool as I might want it to be, but it does have a really pretty tone that looks really good on the skin. I think this bronzer does an amazing job at bringing back the life and colour to your skin, which is why I really enjoy using it.

Highlighter

For highlighter I can only recommend one thing: MAC MSF in Soft & Gentle. I have heard so, so, so, so, so many good things about it in the past couple of years and everything is just true. It is. It is the most amazing, most stunning highlighter ever created and I’m so glad I have it. It’s just an essential in my collection. It’s actually one of the only highlighters I’m currently using.

Lipstick

Last up is lipstick. I never believed expensive lipstick would or could be better than budget lipstick because I’ve tried so many budget lipsticks that were absolutely incredible. But you guys, it’s a whole lot more amazing. This one by Chanel just makes me want to work my ass off and purchase more and more. I do have to warn you that once you get started on buying high end lipstick you will not be able to stop, but it’s so worth it.

And that’s it for today. I hope you enjoyed reading today’s post and let me know which high end products you’d recommend!

XOXO, Nicole.