Lip colour doesn't have to come in a stick, eye colour doesn't have to be a powder, and most base products, blushers, and bronzers come in a huge number of different formulas. So how do you know which one to pick?
In general, powders are more drying and mattifying and work better on oilier skin, while liquids and creams can help hydrate dry skin. Bear this in mind when picking foundation in particular.
But it's about the final result, too. Powders (especially things like eye shadow and blusher) allow you to gently blend and build up colour with precision. Cream formulas tend to give a more youthful, dewy effect (which is why a slightly shimmery cream eye shadow is a must for older skins). They don't require exact application, making them good for beginners, and often look best applied with the fingers, which is good news if your budget doesn't reach to 15 new brushes.
Gels and pomades are often the hardest to work with, but they also give the most long-lasting results. If you can master gel liner and brow pomade, you can re-create those picture-perfect Instagram makeup looks yourself. Until you do, soft pencils are a little more forgiving.