Building Your Beginner Beauty Bag: Everything You Need for Under $100

Written by: Gracie Gillis

Building your first makeup kit doesn’t have to break the bank. With the right products, you can achieve a stunning, everyday look while staying within budget. Here’s a list of affordable, high-quality makeup products that will create your flawless look without going over $100. From foundation to lips, we’ve got you covered!

1. Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Oil-Free Foundation

Starting with a good base is crucial for any makeup look, and the Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Oil-Free Foundation is an ideal option for beginners. For just about $11, this foundation provides excellent coverage that blurs pores and controls oil, making it perfect for those with oily or combination skin. It’s buildable, so you can layer it to achieve the coverage you desire while still keeping your skin looking fresh and offers a wide range of shades for every skin tone.

2. NYX Bare With Me Hydrating Concealer

No makeup bag is complete without a good concealer, and the NYX Bare With Me Hydrating Concealer is a favorite for a reason. For $12, this concealer covers blemishes, dark circles, and redness while brightening your under-eye area. With its lightweight, creamy formula, it provides buildable coverage while moisturizing the skin, leaving a smooth, radiant finish. Enriched with aloe vera and cucumber extract, it hydrates and soothes your skin, making it ideal for all skin types.

3. Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Face Powder

For a flawless finish and to set your makeup, the Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Face Powder is a great choice for oily to normal skin. This powder helps control shine and blurs pores, giving you a smooth, matte look that lasts all day. At $10, it’s a budget-friendly option that works beautifully on a variety of skin tones, ensuring a fresh look without the need for constant touch-ups.

4. Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer

A warm, bronzed glow is a must-have for many, and the Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer delivers exactly that. This fan-favorite is ultra-creamy, smooth, and blends like a dream. For around $16, this bronzer provides a sun-kissed glow that looks natural and radiant, making it perfect for beginners who want to enhance their complexion without looking overdone.

5. Milani Baked Blush

Blush brings your look together and can transform your entire face. The Milani Baked Blush is a favorite among beauty lovers for its vibrant pigmentation and soft, buildable formula. Whether you’re going for a subtle flush or a more intense look, this blush works wonders. At $9, it’s the perfect affordable addition to any makeup kit.

6. NYX Professional Makeup Micro Brow Pencil

Well-groomed brows frame the face and pull your look together. The NYX Professional Makeup Micro Brow Pencil is an essential product for filling in sparse areas and shaping your brows. This $11 pencil has a fine, precise tip that mimics the appearance of natural brow hairs, giving you a defined yet natural brow.

7. e.l.f. Clear Brow Lift Gel

Once you’ve shaped your brows, it’s time to set them in place. The e.l.f. Clear Brow Lift Gel is perfect for keeping your brows in place all day long. This clear gel gives your brows a fluffy, full look without feeling crunchy or sticky, all for $6.

8. ColourPop Nude Mood Pressed Powder Palette

For eyeshadow, the ColourPop Nude Mood Pressed Powder Palette is an excellent choice for beginners. This versatile palette includes a mix of matte, shimmer, and satin finishes that can be easily layered for a variety of looks. Whether you want a neutral everyday look or a bold evening vibe, this $14 palette has everything you need. The shadows are buttery and blend effortlessly, making it perfect for those just starting to experiment with eyeshadow.

9. L'Oréal Paris Color Riche Satin Lipstick

To really finish your look, a great lipstick is a must. The L'Oréal Paris Color Riche Satin Lipstick offers a creamy, satin finish that feels hydrating on the lips. With a range of stunning shades, you can easily find the perfect color for you. Whether you prefer a soft nude or a vibrant red, this lipstick, priced around $10, adds the right amount of color and shine to complete your final look.


Putting It All Together: Total Cost

Let’s do a quick recap of the total cost for these products:

Total: $99

With just $99, you can have a complete, high-quality makeup bag to start your beauty journey! These products are all beginner-friendly, versatile, and long-lasting, making them perfect for creating a range of looks without breaking the bank. Did you know we offer makeup classes?! Click here to book a class and learn even more about products, brushes, application processes, and more!

Photo from @becphotographyjax

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