Having the best products and exceptional skills can only get you so far. You need to invest in the right tools, and improvise with simple household items where they get the job done.

Mirror:
I bet you have one already. If you don’t, get a decent flat mirror from any local beauty store or market, and if you have to make-up on the go, get a small one that can fit in your purse. As you advance in skill, you can upgrade to a magnifying mirror. Products like eye-shadow palettes or pressed powders often come with excellent mirrors attached, so be on the look out.

Compact Mirror

Make-Up Bag

Make-Up Bag
Obviously, you need something to put all these products and tools in. I recommend a small bag. Nothing fancy, but preferably one that’s washable and having a zipper. As your collection grows you might need to upgrade to a box but for now a small bag will do. Make-Up Bags are affordable, costing about N2000 in our local market, depending on the quality.

Brushes
Getting Make-up Brushes are a priority. Using a brush gives your make-up a smooth and professional finish, and reduces the amount of pigment you get on your fingers during the process. I recommend brushes over beauty-blenders (sponges) because I feel like beauty-blenders suck up too much product. Get a set of brushes. They don’t have to be expensive, natural brushes, but they do have to be soft. Before you make a purchase, try them on your skin to be sure the bristles are gentle. Buy them in set, it’s better value for your money.

Face wipes and Cotton buds
These are great for taking off make-up at the end of the day, or for wiping of mistakes. The cotton buds serve as both applicator and a discreet eraser. Keep these handy.

Brow brush 
An eyebrow spoolie or brush is great for brushing through and arranging your eyebrow strands. Personally, I use an old toothbrush and it works just as well. These are available in the market or any beauty store.

Eyebrow Stencil
Learning to draw on two identical eyebrows is a skill that can take years to perfect. Consequently, eyebrow stencils are a great help, not just for beginners but for all make-up users to save time and effort. They are available on Amazon, Jumia and Konga.

Eyebrow Stensil

Sharpener
Pencils I have recommended here are not cheap, so please by a pencil sharpener. The one we took to school will do. Using a razor blade to sharpen your lips, brow or eye pencils can be incredibly wasteful because you will chop off more product than necessary. A sharpener is N50. Please get one.

Summarily, this list is not exhaustive, but it is enough to give you a headstart. Creating your make-up kit requires patience and a considerable amount of financial investment. The good news is, you don’t have to be rich to acquire all these. I recommend you get one or two items per month, depending on your pocket. Don’t break the bank. Your face isn’t going anywhere. Be patient and buy good quality products that will stay on all day, and highly pigmented colours that allow a little to go a long way, lasting you for a few years. Meanwhile, practice is the best way to get really good at doing your own make up. Good luck