Best affordable drugstore makeup sets

Start here: the Makeup Made Simple Kit (3PC). It's the easiest first buy — three mini palettes covering 27 eyeshadows and 6 blushes/bronzers, in a range of skin tones, so you can learn what you actually reach for before spending more. Add a mascara and a lipstick and you have a full face.

Who the others suit:

• AOLIKOKO Full Kit — you want one box with everything in it, brushes included, and don't mind mixed quality.
• Complete Baked Starter Kit (8 PC) — you'd rather have a proper foundation, blush and eyeshadow set from one brand that's well rated.
• Baked Starter Kit (3PC) — a lighter, more natural everyday look with fewer steps.
• Laura Geller Daily Routine / Ready in Five kits — you want a quick routine with a real foundation and primer, and don't mind paying more for it.

Skip the full-coverage and Tuscan Dreams versions unless you already know you like matte, heavy coverage.