We all remember our first time with makeup—that thrill of unboxing our very first beauty haul, swiping on a new lipstick, twirling the fluffy brush like we knew exactly what we were doing. But the morning after? Breakouts. The thing is, when you’re just starting out, you don’t really know what works for your skin. It’s easy to reach for the bestsellers, the cult favourites and whatever has gone viral on Instagram. And while those products have earned their hype, they’re not always the right fit for you, especially if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.
If this sounds familiar—or if you know someone navigating their way through the beauty aisle for the first time—send this their way. We’ve rounded up seven beginner-friendly makeup essentials that are easy to use, kind to the skin and designed not to trigger breakouts.
If you’ve always been a skincare person and are now dipping your toes into makeup—but still want all the skincare perks—The Derma Co foundation is the one for you. It’s infused with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, so it hydrates, brightens and actually cares for your skin while you wear it. The formula is super lightweight but still delivers lasting coverage (no cakey layers here). It also keeps oil and breakouts in check—major win. Plus, it’s designed to stay put, even when the weather is not helping. Oh, and no mineral oil, parabens or sulfates in sight. Sensitive skin? You’re in the clear.
This skin-first concealer is made for sensitive skin. Infused with jojoba oil and palm butter, it delivers hydration while concealing. Its buildable, soft-matte formula covers acne and post-acne marks with a natural finish that feels as light as air. Plus, it’s oil-controlling, crease-free and built for the long haul—because your concealer should work as hard as you do.
Infused with jojoba oil, sunflower wax and palm butter, the Colorbar Cover Concealer does more than just cover. It moisturises the skin underneath, so you’re not just masking dark circles and blemishes, you’re actually treating them to a little self-care moment. And since it's free of parabens and fragrance, even the most sensitive skin types can get in on the fun. The formula is brightening, buildable and never heavy—so you can layer up without caking up. Plus, it controls oil and absorbs excess sebum, which means fewer midday breakouts and more fresh-faced glow. Basically, if you're curating a summer stash, this one's non-negotiable.
An easy to use, easy to blend blush with skincare benefits? That’s what we call a multitasker. This creamy blush stick by Kiko Milano has officially made it onto everyone’s wishlist—and for the right reasons. It’s packed with African walnut oil and pistachio extract (yes, your snack-time favourite) to nourish and soothe your skin the moment it touches your cheeks. The formula? Silky, creamy and conveniently in stick form, ensuring fuss-free application. It melts in like butter, delivers a solid colour payoff and leaves behind a natural flush we’re all chasing. It is perfect for blush beginners who are still getting the hang of it and great if you just want to swipe, blend with your fingers and go. Want more pigment? Just layer it up. The buildable formula plays nice, no matter the occasion.
Sun protection and a flawless makeup base, all in one. This multitasking sunscreen-primer hybrid offers broad-spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ without the greasiness, creating a smooth, matte canvas that works for all skin types. Whether you’re sightseeing or beach-hopping, this compact essential ensures your skin stays protected and shine-free without the bulk of a full-size sunscreen.
If you want to avoid a morning-after breakout, this skin-loving primer is your new must-have. Packed with hyaluronic acid, licorice root extract, rapeseed oil and rice bran extract, it keeps your skin hydrated, bright and calm before the makeup even enters the chat. Yes, it’s a makeup-gripping primer, but it also moonlights as a lightweight, non-sticky sunscreen with SPF 50—because UV protection is non-negotiable. Bonus: it’s non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores or stir up any breakouts. The finish? Skin-like and matte, with zero stickiness.
This is the makeup fixer that’s everywhere right now—yes, the one from viral K-beauty brand Tirtir. Not only does it lock in your makeup, but also guards your against environmental stressors. And it’s got centella asiatica, the soothing ingredient that calms dry, irritated skin. Bonus: It helps prevent breakouts by absorbing excess sebum and leaving behind an airbrushed, soft-focus finish. Using it is a breeze: just shake the bottle, spray it in an X and T motion from a few inches away and your makeup is locked and loaded for the day.
Packed with hyaluronic acid, turmeric and vitamin C, this full-coverage foundation hydrates like your favourite serum, brightens like your go-to vitamin C product and soothes any redness or irritation without making things complicated. Plus, it’s breakout-friendly and comes with built-in UV protection, so your skin is in good hands all day. And thanks to the packaging, it’s super easy to apply—whether you're team sponge, brush or fingers.
You’ve got the makeup haul—now let’s talk takedown. Experimenting with new looks is only half the ritual; the other half is removing it right. This limited-edition micellar water by Bioderma was made for sensitive skin, so it sweeps away makeup without tugging. Powered by the brand’s signature Micellar Technology, it works with your skin’s natural balance while delivering a clean-skin calm. No rinse needed, no tight-skin aftermath—just swipe and go. It’s gentle, it’s refreshing and it deserves a spot in your makeup kit.