Thread: Starting a Makeup Collection

I have a ragtag assortment of makeup products, enough that I can pull together a few acceptable stage looks but I'd like to get myself organized and sort of start with the basics. What colors do I need to start from the ground up? Recommended beginner products, brushes that sort of things.
Thanks!

My suggestions:

*A pro quality, high pigment quad of eyeshadows in neutral earth tones.
*Eyeshadow primer, like urban decay eyeshadow primer potion or mac paint. Eyeshadow primer makes a huge difference in creating lasting dramatic eyes.
*Azhia has stated before that mascara is one item for which some of the drug store brands are just as good as the expensive ones, so don't spend alot of money on mascara. Personally I love Max Factor 2000 calorie, but you have to order it online these days.
*False Eyelashes -- learn how to use 'em
*Eye Kandy Glitter in "neutrals" (gold, silver) and/or colors to match your costumes.
*I have been very happy with Makeup Forever foundation and concealer.

I agree with Sedonia.

In addition, I would add:
*another quad of smoky tones - try grays/blacks or plums/bronzes - whichever ones work for your skintone

*bronzer - it adds warmth to the face, can be used to "create" cheekbones, and looks great brushed along the decolletage

*BLUSH. It is so necessary. It is the one thing that I recommend for everyone, on every occasion. If you are using it for stage, make sure it is brighter than what you would otherwise wear. I like to apply a cream blush and then follow with a similar shade in powder, for long-lasting wear.

*a red lipstick - there's one for everyone

Brushes.
Please do not scrimp on your tools, these are extremely important for the best application and you end up using less product; you don't have to go with MAC, I'm just using them for visual reference, but again, please go for good quality. Test for good quality by rubbing on the inside of the wrist. The brush should be very soft and no hairs falling out.

A flat brush, such as a MAC 213 or 242 (deposit color on the entire lid, and highlight area).

A blending brush, such as a MAC 275 or 224 (deposit color in the crease and blend darker colors into light).

A flat, nylon brush, such as a MAC 208, 210, or lipstick brush (my first preference, you get the best, most precise line), to apply lip products or cream/liquid eyeliner products. Get 2.

Large, fluffy blush brush (deposit bronzer, cheek color, contouring products, highlight products, etc.).

Flat, nylon foundation brush (deposit foundation to allow the most natural and even application).

Get a good brush cleaner that contains whey protein to condition the hair AND sanitizes.

If this is a tall order, get a new brush every pay period.

Brushes - every once in a while, MAC has special collections with very nicely priced brush sets. I managed to snag up two on sale, and I am very, very happy with them, plus I love my liner brush from the arts store. (I wash my brushes with glycerin hand soap.)

And, just got a timely email from Urban Decay: They now have the eye shadow primer in a tube, no more of that silly wand business. YES!!! That stuff is wonderful, but the old packaging drove me nuts.

Urban Decay Cosmetics - Eyeshadow Primer Potion Professional Size

Great, Thanks for the advice ladies. I'm making a list. Keep those suggestions coming, please!

Good eyeliner and eyebrow pencil. I prefer gel eye liners. MAC makes Fluidline, I've been happy with the one by Bare Minerals, and there are others. I don't have recs for a eyebrow pencil, but I noticed I need my brows filled in a bit. Not that scary single line business but a bit of color.

My number one recommendation to add is a highlighter like mac mineralize skinfinish or benefit highbeam/moonbeam or a Bobbi Brown shimmerbrick. Really kicks my look up a notch, people always ask what i put on my cheeks to get that glow.

I really like my Coastal Scents eyeshadow paletes - I have metal mania and shimmer collections but they have earth tone and other sets too.

I love my Urban Decay eyeshadow primer and black eyeliners. I also like their liquid liner although I've never tried another brand.

Ben Nye makes an $18 starter stage makeup kit called, "Personal Theatre Makeup Kit". I don't think you could get 18 bucks to do so much on professional makeup in any other way... The portions are good. There are eight skin tones from which to choose. The kits have creme foundation, setting powder, a palette (with shadow, highlight, rouge and lip color), also some brushes, eye/brow liner, and... I'm not sure if I'm forgetting something. But that's a lot.