When I first started wearing makeup, I was about 13 years old. I had no clue what I was doing, so I used the worst possible makeup for my face. I would purchase the least expensive items and slather them on, hoping it looked passable. I can't help but look back now and think to myself, I wish someone had been there to guide me through those years and offer helpful beauty suggestions. A 'Makeup Fairy Godmother', if you will! Can you chicks relate?

I'm prepared to make some wishes come true today as I'm going to be taking on that role! Of course, this isn't only for the younger chick crowd out there. There are a ton of ladies who are makeup newbies that might be a bit clueless when it comes to brands, products or styles. Plus, this guide doubles as a great value packed list of beauty must-haves for budget conscious chicks! 

Let's start at the beginning, shall we? 
 
Foundation: Creates a perfect smooth canvas, evens skin tone and creates a matte or dewey finish. 


When it comes to your foundation, be sure to swatch to find the perfect shade. You can also go to a counter and ask them to match you. You'll also need to decide on what coverage you are looking for. If you tend to have redness or blemishes, look for full coverage. If you want just a swipe of colour, look for sheer coverage. 

1. Revlon PhotoReady Liquid Makeup (C$17.79)
2. Rimmel London Lasting Finish 25 Hour Foundation (C$9.85) 
3. Maybelline SuperStay 24-Hour Makeup (C$13.35)  
4. CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Foundation (C$15.99) 
5. Revlon Revlon ColorStay Makeup with SoftFlex for Normal, Oily/Combination Skin (C$17.49)

Concealer: Perfect for hiding blemishes, and dark under eye circles.


For your concealer, it is usually suggested that you go a bit lighter. Personally, I look for a thicker, creamier consistency that offers full coverage to hide blemishes. However, what texture and consistency you look for is really dependent on your skin type. 
 
1. Hard Candy Glamoflauge Concealer (US$6.00)
2. Revlon PhotoReady Concealer (C$10.99) 
3. Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer (C$10.99)  
4. Quo Minerals Matter Double Concealer (C$16.00)

Powders, Blushes, and Bronzers to set makeup and add colour and definition.


First time make up users may not want to try a bronzer and may want to stick to the staple products. If you're looking for a bronzer to include in your stash, we showed you a great one during our Bronzer Round Up: (#5) Rimmel London Natural Bronzer (C$7.49). What I love about this bronzer is that it's great for any skin tone and if you go through the tutorial from our bronzer round up you can make sure you apply it correctly.

(#2) Physicians Formula:Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Airbrushing Loose Powder SPF 30 (C$14.99) is a great loose powder that's hypoallergenic and gives you good coverage. A good translucent, long lasting powder is (#1) Revlon PhotoReady Powder SPF14 (C$15.69).

(#3) CoverGirl Cheekers Blush (C$3.99) is a basic, powder blush at an amazing price point. While not technically a powder, (#6) NYC Blushable Cream Stick (US$3.95) is quite pigmented and blends well. If you're looking to splurge a bit in this category, (#4) Maybelline Fit Me Blush (C$9.49) is an option with many shades.

Eyeliner and Eyeshadow: To define your eyes and make them pop! 


You don't need to spend a ton on liner to get great results. If you're building your first makeup collection, we suggest sticking with the basics: pick up a black or brown (for more natural look) kohl liner. Once you start getting used to this, try your hand at a liquid liner. But be warned, the perfect winged cat eye takes time and practice!

1. Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eyeliner (C$5.99) 
2. N.Y.C Liquid Eyeliner (C$2.99) P.S. This one is a pick of Miranda's. She swears by it and used it in her $20 Makeup Challenge.
3. Annabelle Kohl Eyeliner (C$4.95) 
4. L'Oreal Intense Felt Tip Eyeliner (C$10.29). 

When looking for eyeshadow you want to find a brand that's pigmented and that will last and not crease. We like the idea of trying out an eyeshadow palette with a few different colours. A quad or trio will usually come with a lid, crease and highlight colour as well to really create a dramatic, noticeable look that opens your eyes. 

5. Wet N' Wild Color Icon Trio Eyeshadow (U$2.99) P.S. Alexandra used this one in her $20 makeup challenge, she was pretty impressed with the results! 
6. L'Oreal Hip High Intensity Pigments Eyeshadow Duo (U$1.99) 
7. CoverGirl Eye Enhancers Eyeshadow (C$5.99)

Lips and Mascara: Final touches that make a big difference. 
 

Lips don't need to be a category that you spend a lot of money on. You can find great products for your lips at pricepoints that won't break the bank. Plus, if you're anything like me you probably have about 5 products in your bag at any given time and most likely you'll lose one or two along the way! 
 
1. Wet N' Wild Lipstick (U$0.99)
2. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick (C$8.79) 
3. Nivea Fruity Shine Lip Care (C$2.29). 
4. Maybelline SuperStay 10HR Stain Gloss (C$9.29) 

Picking a good mascara can be difficult at times. The trick is to go in knowing what effect you want. Waterproof? Volume? Lengthening? Most mascaras are pretty similar, usually it is only the brush that gives the end result, so be sure to take a look at a sample. A fatter brush usually means volume whereas a skinnier, longer one usually means lengthening. It can get confusing though, so here are three faves that the chicks swear by. All three mascaras were actually the top 3 picks in our 2011 Reviewers' Choice Awards as well. 

5. L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Mascara (C$9.29) 
6. CoverGirl Lashblast Mascara  (C$7.99)  
7. Maybelline New York Colossal Volum' Express Mascara (C$8.39)

Tools: Here are the items that we think every lady should have in her kit! 


After moisturizing, the next step will be to prime. For the longest time, I didn't actually use a primer but once you do use one, you'll notice the difference. Your makeup stays on much longer and there is less 'melting' ickiness (technical, no?). You'll want to shape your brows to open up your eyes and frame your face. Curling those lashes will give that doe eyed look, top it off with mascara and you're good to go! A good set of brushes is also a must. We suggest getting a set for all your beauty needs. 

1. Gosh Velvet Touch Foundation Primer Clear (US$18.00) 
2. Rimmel London Fix & Perfect Smoothing Foundation Primer  (C$9.29) 
3. Revlon Ultimate Tweezer Point Tip (US$11.99)  
4. Sally Hansen Flirty Eyes Classic Eyelash Curler (US$2.49) 
5. E.L.F. Essential Professional Complete Set of 12 Brushes (US$12.00)

What drugstore must-haves are on your list? And, are there any misguided newbie beauty purchases you have in your past as well?