Reader question: What should I get from Watsons for my first makeup kit?

Reader Question

Nov 11

What products found in Watsons would you recommend for a start up make up kit? Just the basics from eyeliner, mascara, lipstick, blush and foundation/ powder. - Alyson

Hi Alyson! Thanks for your great question. I think Watsons is indeed the best place to visit if you're looking to build your first makeup kit. :) There's a huge selection of brands from the Philippines, Japan, USA, Australia, and even Europe, would you believe! Watsons has definitely gone a long way from being just a boring ol' pharmacy.

I've already posted many drugstore suggestions in the past, but I've picked out an updated list of products for you to try if you're in the process of beefing up your kit. Many of these are just fairly recent finds, and toe the fine line between quality and affordability.

Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse (P599). This has a great lumi-matte finish with a light to medium coverage. It can definitely hide lesser eyebags and blemishes, great for everyday wear! I'd recommend this for dry to combi skin though; if you're really oily, I'd recommend something like the Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Makeup.

BYS Minerals Naturale Compact Foundation (P599). I like the natural, glowy finish of this powder and how well it controls my oiliness. It could be a dupe of the MAC Mineralized Skinfinish powder.

Majolica Majorca Puff de Cheek in Cherry Macaron (P795). I love Majo's Puff de Cheeks, this reddish shade in particular. It delivers such a natural flush! I'm not gonna lie, the packaging also plays a huge part in me choosing this. :P However, if you want something more affordable and more longwearing, do try the In2It Waterproof Blush Set

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter (P525). There are tons of nice drugstore lipsticks out there, but I think that Revlon's lip butters consistantly rank on top of the pile in terms of comfort and wearability. If you want a hydrating lip color that you can retouch all day without feeling like your lips are dying, then go for a Lip Butter.

I highly recommend Peach Parfait (for an everyday peachy pink brown color) and Juicy Papaya for a fresh "no makeup" makeup look.

Swatch of Juicy Papaya

Majolica Majorca Brow Customize Sword Cut Pencil (P520). Quick to use, with nice flattering shades this pencil is one of the best ones available in Watsons. In my opinion, okay. If you want softer brows, you can try the In2It Waterproof Eyebrow Color. That one's a classic!

Essence Long Lasting Eye Pencil (P150). This is the bomb, I tell you! Creamy and long-wearing with so many cute shades, the Essence pencils are a steal at P150. I don't have the black one yet so I'm showing the brown (Hot Chocolate) here. Just get black first for your kit, then explore the funner colors later on.

Maybelline Magnum Volum Express (P399). I haven't done a full review of this yet but I'm liking this mascara a lot. It gives my lashes noticeable volume and length! It smudges a little but it's quite manageable.

BYS Eyeshadow Palette in Guilty Pleasures (P499). A nice palette with 10 colors for only P499? Steal! You can wear a neutral look with Guilty Pleasures using the gold and tan, but I love that there's an option to go more dramatic if you feel like it. Great shades; just make sure to use a primer to make they really show up.

So there you go. :) Since we're on the topic already, it just so happens that Watsons and the SM Beauty Store are having a 3-day nationwide sale this weekend. It's the best time to start buying up products for your first kit, or just update the collection you already have. I'm definitely going to check out my favorite Watsons (SM Aura!) to see what's on sale!