Hi hi

Just thought it would be fun to put together a few items which I think are essential for those who are starting out into MAC makeup.  These are just my own suggestions, and the best is to check them out in person at the store and decide which is the best for your needs.

Let's start with brushes:

1. 187 brush - This multipurpose brush is good for liquid and powder foundations, and also for blushers.  It is a bit expensive, but trust me on the quality.  I have used cheaper versions of this brush, and they shed like madness.  You might want to consider getting either this or its smaller counterpart, the 188 brush, if you have a smaller face.
2. 217 brush - Another multipurpose brush, if you want something that pack on the colors, and also blending.  It is dense enough, and also fluffy at the same time.  I like this so much I have 2 of this, and have managed to 'psycho' my sisters into buying it for themselves too. :)
3. 227 brush - Some may not agree, but this big baby of a eyeshadow brush is really useful when you want a quick wash of color on your lids.  It is big, dense and does the job wonderfully.  I normally use this as a highlighting brush and sometimes to blend out any harsh lines. 
   

I guess I could have added a couple more brushes, such as the 242, 239 etc, but when starting out, you probably not going to use many different eyeshadow colours yet, so those brushes can come in later.  I also did not add any liner nor brow brushes cos frankly you can get them way cheaper for the exact same thing as other makeup supplies stores.

For the FACE: I am just going to throw in a few items, and it is up to individual preferences and need for coverage to decide how much you want to use.

1. Studio Fix Fluid - This is a simple liquid foundation.  Buildable coverage, and the 187 is able to buff it into your skin smoothly. You can't go wrong with this basic liquid foundation.  I also like how there isn't any shimmer stuff inside, so you get a rather shine free finish.
   
2. Mineralised Skin Finish Natural - Some people use this as a powder foundation when used with a kabuki brush.  I sometimes do this too, when  am running out of the house for errands.  But I normally use this as a setting powder. Again, this is very simple to use, and you can't go wrong with this product. 
   
3. Studio Finish Concealer spf35 - For covering blemish spots if you need to.  The thick cream has industrial strength coverage, and the SPF helps prevent spots from getting darker.
   
4. Select Cover Up - I use this more covering under the eyes, around the nose to cover redness.  The creamy liquid consistency is more suited for such delicate aareas.  Also I have seen MUA using this as a liquid foundation, if you dot it lightly all over the face and blend it out. 
   
5. Cheeks: I have selected 2 shades, Pink Swoon and Peachy Keen both of which are Permanent colours.  I have a few other faves, but they are LE or Pro, so it isn't fair to include them here.

LIPS: How typical it is of me to forgot about including lip products in this picture!!!!

Lipstick: Personally I prefer nude lipsticks, but I realise it is not going to work for everyone.  But I recommend Creme De La Cream, which is a nice pink shade rather natural.

Lipglass: Florabundance, or C-thru

EYES:

• Eyeshadows in Mylar, All That Glitters, Smut, and Tempting  (Cabron and Vanilla are also honorable mentions)  Great basic neutrals to create a variety of looks from natural to smokey depending on how you blend and what colors you use.
• Base - Painterly paintpot.  I know MAC Prep and Prime has a primer for the eyes too, but I have used that before, not very impressed.  If you like, I would say Rubenuesque is also a good choice for a base.
• Powerpoint Eye Pencils in ENGRAVE and DUCK.  Basic black and brown.  Saves you the trouble of getting an extra brush for liner, and also these are waterproof and don't smudge.
• MASCARA - I didn't recommend any MAC mascara, because frankly I haven't had much experience with them, and I am sure everyone had their own fave mascara whether MAC or not.  And also I am more of a false lash girl, so mascaras are not really essential to me.
  

For touch ups on the go:

Pressed Blot Powder - Colorless when applied on your face, provides matte finish without affecting your makeup.  This comes in loose power version too, but the pressed one is easier to throw in your bag and quickie touch ups.

Other good stuff to watch out for when they are launched as part of a LE collection:

• MAC pulls out their tinted lip conditioners every summer, so it is also good to grab at least one to add to your stash.
• Mineralised Skin Finishes (or MSFs)  great as skin highlighters and blushers and they always look so pretty.
• Dazzleglass
  
• Beauty Powers
  
• Eyeliners, Pearl gliders smth like that.  Different textures and the colors are always so interesting!

Hope this has been helpful, and leave comments if you have any queries or share your own thoughts on what you consider are the must have MAC starter kit items.

Thanks for reading!!