Best makeup starter sets for beginners

Start here: the Complete Baked Starter Kit (8 PC). It's the most complete beginner set I found — foundation, blush, bronzer, highlighter and eyeshadows in one box, in natural, forgiving finishes that are hard to get wrong. It's also the best-rated of the full kits, so you're not gambling on an unknown brand.

Who the others suit:

• Cult Classics Full Face Kit (6 PC) — if you want a primer and colour corrector in the box too; more steps, but more to learn with.
• Baked Starter Kit (3PC) — the lean version: just the core face products, no eyeshadow clutter.
• Makeup Made Simple Kit (3PC) — if you'd rather experiment with lots of eyeshadow and blush shades before committing to a full face routine.
• ANISA Beauty Starter Everyday Makeup Set — if you mainly want base and concealer, plus the brushes to apply them.
• AOLIKOKO Full Kit — a cheap way to try a bit of everything; expect basic quality.
• Ready in Five Kit (4PC) — for a fast, minimal everyday face.

One tip: buy a set that includes brushes or add a small brush set, and start with tinted moisturiser or light foundation rather than full coverage.