7 Questions to Ask Before Makeup Shopping

Shopping for makeup can be a fun and transformative experience. Whether you’re refreshing your makeup bag or building your first collection, there’s a dazzling world of makeup products
to choose from. But with so many choices, it’s easy to become overwhelmed — or worse, walk away with products you don’t actually need or won’t use.

To shop smart, stay focused, and build a kit that truly works for you, ask yourself these seven essential questions before hitting “add to cart” or stepping into the beauty aisle.

1. What’s My Skin Type?

Before buying any face product — foundation, primer, concealer, powder — it’s crucial to know your skin type. Skin types generally fall into five categories: oily, dry, combination, normal, or sensitive.

Oily skin tends to benefit from mattifying, oil-free, or long-wear formulas.

Dry skin often needs hydrating, dewy, or cream-based products.

Sensitive skin may require hypoallergenic or fragrance-free options.

Understanding your skin’s behavior helps narrow down your choices and ensures your makeup enhances your natural features rather than causing irritation or emphasizing problem areas.

2. What Are My Undertones?

Your undertone — cool, warm, or neutral — can make or break your makeup look, especially when it comes to foundation, concealer, blush, and lipstick. Wearing a shade that complements your undertone can make your skin glow, while the wrong tone can look ashy or unnatural.

Quick tips to find your undertone:

Cool undertones: Your veins look blue, silver jewelry looks best on you.

Warm undertones: Your veins look green, gold jewelry suits you better.

Neutral undertones: You can wear both silver and gold with ease.

When you match your makeup shades to your undertone, everything from lipstick to bronzer looks more seamless and flattering.

3. What’s the Occasion or Purpose?

Are you shopping for everyday wear, a special event, or a professional photoshoot? The purpose behind your makeup purchase can help you decide between light coverage and full glam, matte and dewy, subtle and bold.

For example:

Everyday makeup: Look for tinted moisturizers, cream blush, and neutral eyeshadows.

Special occasions: Go for long-lasting formulas, bold lipsticks, or high-coverage foundations.

Professional or stage makeup: Consider HD foundations, setting sprays, and more dramatic features.

Tailoring your choices to the occasion ensures you’re getting products that serve your specific needs.

4. Do I Really Need This?

Impulse purchases are common in the makeup world — thanks to sleek packaging, influencer hype, and limited-edition drops. But before buying, ask yourself if the product fills a gap in your routine or if it’s just a “want.”

Some helpful questions:

Do I already own a similar shade or formula?

Will I realistically use this more than once or twice?

Is it versatile enough to be used in multiple looks?

Being honest with yourself can prevent clutter, waste, and regret. Creating a shopping list or budget beforehand can also help you stick to essentials.

5. Have I Done My Research?

Not all makeup is created equal. Before investing in a product — especially high-end items — it’s wise to do a little homework:

Read reviews from people with similar skin tones or types.

Check swatches online to see how the color appears in real life.

Look up YouTube or TikTok reviews for honest, in-use demonstrations.

Compare prices across retailers (you might find better deals or bundles).

Researching helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures you get products that truly deliver.

6. Is the Brand Aligned With My Values?

More than ever, shoppers are looking beyond beauty performance and focusing on what brands stand for. Gen Z and millennials in particular are mindful of a brand’s stance on issues like sustainability, animal testing, and diversity.

Ask yourself:

Is the brand cruelty-free or vegan?

Do they use sustainable packaging or clean ingredients?

Do they offer inclusive shade ranges?

Do they support social or environmental causes?

Choosing brands that reflect your values turns your beauty routine into a more meaningful ritual.

7. Do I Know How to Use This Product?

You might fall in love with a shimmery pigment or bold contour stick, but do you actually know how to use it? Many makeup items require specific tools or techniques to apply properly. If you’re not familiar, ask yourself:

Will I take the time to learn how to use this?

Do I already own the tools it requires?

Is it beginner-friendly or more advanced?

There’s nothing wrong with experimenting, but if you’re unsure, try starting with multi-use or user-friendly products before diving into advanced techniques.

Makeup shopping is an exciting journey, but it’s also an investment — in your appearance, confidence, and creativity. Asking the right questions before purchasing not only helps you avoid disappointment, but also ensures your makeup bag is filled with products that suit your unique skin, style, and lifestyle.

By considering your skin type, undertone, lifestyle, and personal values, you can become a more conscious and confident shopper. So the next time you’re tempted by a new launch or seasonal sale, pause and ask yourself: Is this product right for me?