Ask Elle: Basic Makeup Kit for Teens/Beginners

Every week I answer your beauty (hair, makeup, nails) questions. 
Leave your questions in the comments or email me. 

Ruby asked, "I'm 15 and I wanna get start wearing makeup but my Mom says I can't spend a lot. 
It can't be real heavy-looking.

What do I need?"

• I plan on sharing lots of different options for these, so consider this my first version of Teen or Beginner Makeup. I'm sharing basics that will look natural, are work/school dress code-friendly, I kept each item under $6, and each product can be found at drugstores/Wal-Mart/Target. 

pics via Google Shopping

l-r clockwise

BB Cream--Let's keep your makeup looking natural with a BB cream, like this one from Maybelline 
Dream Fresh. With super clean fingers, blend it into your skin. $6

Concealer/Brightener--Ruby said she didn't have acne, so instead I'm recommending a concealer that's a brightener. It's great for underneath the eyes to make you look more awake, as teens don't need as much coverage under the eyes. This Maybelline DreamLumi Touch Concealer is easy to use. Apply a little underneath eyes and use your clean ring finger to blend in. $6

Powder--To set your makeup and keep any oil at bay, use the Rimmel Stay Matte powder. You'll need a powder brush ($3 from ELF) or powder puff ($2, drugstore) to apply it. Note: I didn't suggest blush or bronzer for her, since she wanted really natural makeup. A natural flush doesn't need blush! $3

Mascara--For the most natural lashes, and especially if you have light hair, you'll need a brown mascara. Maybelline Great Lash has a small brush that is easy to use and is a nice beginner mascara. If you have big lashes, try Covergirl Lash Blast.Wiggle the brush back and forth from the roots of lashes to the tips. $4

Lipgloss--I love the Revlon Lip Balm Stains, because they are pretty and last, but I know you wanted a lipgloss. Revlon lipglosses are my favorite drugstore glosses, and they come in so many natural colors. I also love the Revlon Lip Butters.  $6

=under $30

Extras: 
Wet N Wild Eyeshadow Trio in Walking on Eggshells: This is the best natural-looking palette for a great price.  The directions on how to use are printed right on each shadow. Place the pink shade on your lid, sweep the brown shade in your crease in a windshield wiper motion, and the lightest shade underneath your eyebrows/inner corners of eyes. There's a little brush provided, or get a Professional Eye Brush from ELF for $1. $3

Wet N Wild Mega Length Mascara--This mascara is super cheap and gives great length and dramatic lashes for those special occasions. $3