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It's easy for a beginner to feel somewhat lost when faced with the array of products on today's market. Makeup has many purposes it can be used to emphasise your best features in a naturalistic way or it can give a dramatic, smoky look that's influenced by the catwalk. Women who aren't familiar with makeup might find it easier to create natural looks at first using muted colours, before building up a small kit of eye shadows and lipsticks that can be used to create different looks for a variety of occasions.

Tools and brushes are also highly important. Don't bother with the free applicators enclosed with eye shadow compacts - they're really too small and fiddly to do much good. The basic makeup kit should contain the following tools:

A large, soft, fat brush for applying blusher
A small, soft brush to apply the base coat of eye shadows
One or two small, thin brushes for blending colours
A lip brush
A small sponge-tipped applicator for when you want a heavier layer of colour
A dual-ended eyelash comb/eyebrow brush. Alternatively, use an old (clean!) toothbrush

Let's start with the base. Foundations come in many varieties from liquid, to cream, to pressed powder, to loose mineral powder to mousse. Unsurprisingly, many women new to makeup find the sheer choice of options daunting. The best option for beginners with naturally clear and even-toned skin may be simply a tinted moisturiser, as it's light in texture and easy to apply. Those wanting a little more coverage might find want to try a pressed powder such as Max Factor's Facefinity. Less messy and easier to blend into the jawline than a liquid, it stays put all day and comes complete with a sponge for application and good-sized mirror.

Next, the eyes. If you're new to makeup, it's wise to stay away from the more vibrant colour options and instead use neutral eye colours such as beiges and taupes that will suit most colourings and work with any outfit.

Using the small, soft brush, apply a subtle wash of a light, neutral shade right over your eyelid and up nearly to the brow bone. Using a slightly darker but still tonal shade, sweep the colour over the outer third of your eyelids. Remember it's easier to put on more colour than to take it off, so apply with a light hand. It's a good idea to stay away from eyeliner or kohl pencil until you're a little more confident with application, as these can sometimes demand a very steady hand.

Finish the eyes with a coat of mascara. In reality, few people suit true black mascara unless they have dramatic colouring. Instead, try dark brown, or black/brown if you want to create a more defined look.

And so we come to the lips. It's a good idea to stick to neutrals at first. You'll find it far easy to apply the colour if you use a brush rather than applying the lipstick straight from the tube. This will help you control precisely the amount of colour you wish to use. For an evening look, add a slick of gloss in a stronger colour.

Lastly, have fun with makeup! Many makeup stands in department stores will be staffed by employees that will be only too pleased to give you a guided tour of their wares. Keep an open mind, but don't let them pressure you into buying products you don't think are suitable for you. Get to know the different types of makeup on the market, think about the type of look you'd like to achieve, and explore the different brands and formulations until you find one that's right for you.

Learn more about this author, Lydia Malings.
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