The Best Makeup Sets for Beginners

November 12 | 4 minute read

Words by Christie Sinclair

Every beauty lover has to start somewhere (preferably with a great mascara!).

You don’t need a 20-step routine to look like you know what you’re doing, just a couple of foolproof formulas and the confidence to try something new.

Whether they’re learning to blend, bronze or master the perfect winged liner, these limited-edition sets curated by the world’s most-loved makeup brands will help them master the basics with pro-level flair. Gift them to the beauty beginners on your list.

Collectable Lip Balms
Glossier Sugar + Spice Balm Dotcom Duo

Everyone needs a lip balm (or 12), and not everyone has these! Glossier’s Balm Dotcom has become beauty’s most collectable essential thanks to its ever-expanding lineup of addictive flavours and ridiculously nourishing formula. Featuring two limited-edition festive flavours – Peppermint Bark and Ginger Snap – bundled in a cute little tin, this is a gift any beauty lover will use to the very last squeeze.

https://contenthub-delivery.mecca.com/api/public/content/I-079990-I-079990M1-Glossier-SugarSpiceBa-be7S5dtST3WQzCjUDobHw.jpg?v=06fe7f9d

Two Beauty Staples in One
Too Faced Cloud Crush Whipped Lip & Cheek Duo

A really great blush is the ultimate beginner essential; it instantly lifts, sculpts and adds dimension and warmth, with or without a base product. This Too Faced blush duo is a clever choice since it has both their cheeks and lips covered. The airy, whipped texture makes it easy to blend and almost impossible to mess up, giving a soft, airbrushed flush in seconds. Perfect for experimentation.

https://contenthub-delivery.mecca.com/api/public/content/I-079009-I-079009-M1-TooFaced-CloudCrushWhippedLip-CheekDuo-XjGGPgAnTkCp9I3XIsY9cw.jpg?v=dc6a287e

Their Best Lashes Yet
NARS Climax Mascara Duo

Nothing transforms a face faster than a few coats of mascara, and the best one for a beginner should do all the lifting and lengthening for them, like this cult favourite from NARS. The creamy, buildable formula and giant fluffy brush allows them to build (and build) without clumping or smudging, so even first-timers can’t go wrong. With two full-size mascaras in one set, they've got a backup ready to go.

https://contenthub-delivery.mecca.com/api/public/content/I-078998-I-078998-M1-NARS-ClimaxMascaraDuo-ljSvDcmrT0y1SPHL4Qz10A.jpg?v=0361cd37

All the Brushes They Need – and More!
MECCA MAX Brush Hour 8-Piece Brush & Creaseless Clip Set

A quality brush set gives them the right tools from the start. It means they’re not messing (or getting messy) with fingers or sub-par applicators. This MECCA MAX set in limited-edition bubblegum pink covers every key step, from foundation to eyeshadow and blush, plus a clip set to help keep hair out of the way. They’re made from ultra-soft, vegan bristles for seamless application and durability. Look, if they're good enough for Dua Lipa, they're good enough for us! Oh, and don’t forget the brush holder.

https://contenthub-delivery.mecca.com/api/public/content/I-078300-I-078300-S1-MECCAMAX-Brush-8PieceBrushCreaselessClipSet-s4A91H0WRVOJh2nakHLdIg.jpg?v=b93d8d79

Instant Cheekbones
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Hollywood Superstar Glow Kit

This set of two mini liquid highlighters brings the Charlotte Tilbury glow to beginners in the easiest way possible. It includes the bestselling Beauty Light Wands in 'Spotlight' (a luminous champagne hue) and 'Pinkgasm' (a pearlescent pink), each featuring a built-in applicator for foolproof application as well as ingredients that offer a high-gloss finish without glitter. Luminous skin in just a few swipes, no MUA skills required.

https://contenthub-delivery.mecca.com/api/public/content/I-079777-I-079777-M1-CharlotteTilbury-Charlotte-sHollywoodSuperstarGlowKit-86E3BGkWTKqR9yIqK8Ig.jpg?v=f459668e

Starter Skin Prep
Laura Mercier Flawless Treats Mini Prime + Set Duo

For someone just starting their makeup journey (and even the beauty veterans), perfecting their base can be the difference between a good and great finish. This duo from Laura Mercier gives them two essentials for complexion success: a hydrating primer and the iconic translucent loose setting powder. The primer smooths and preps skin while boosting hydration, and the setting powder locks everything in with a silky non-drying finish.

https://contenthub-delivery.mecca.com/api/public/content/I-078727-1-I-078727-A1-LauraMercier-FlawlessTreatsMiniPrime-SetDuo-hjrF0LC4TiexmaU1aphNg.jpg?v=450b6e9d

Approachable Pops of Colour
Polite Society Polite Pops Blush Trio Ornament

Created by the founders of Too Faced, Polite Society brings the same cheeky energy and pro-level performance to this on-the-go blush trio. The cream-to-powder formula blends and builds effortlessly, while the three shades are perfect for beginners ready to experiment.