For Shiro, definitely at least 7 applications. I'd look for 1/4 tsp and up for sample sizes if you're looking for 7+ uses and expect a couple of uses from anything less (i.e. 1/8th).

For brushes, I have this off of Amazon. I also like using somewhat stiffer brushes for eyeshadow placement and I have a no name one that my mom gave me but this seems close to it. RT ones all have labels and you can find tutorials on how to use each one on their website.

For primer, I use this. I think Shiro's colors show up well enough with just this primer (or no primer but then I find it fades). I haven't tried the ELF glitter glue primer though so it might work just as well or even better.

I've not used Shiro's finishing powder. /u/whuubecca posted a look she did using Shiro's Mother of Dragons and you might do a search for it as I know she had a very in-depth tutorial on her blog (and she does other tutorials too). I also like the /u/sssamanthaa eyeshadow tutorial that can be found on the sidebar of /r/makeupaddiction (tutorials by Mua users).

I like using the eyeliner brush from the set I linked earlier as a lip brush for my Shiro mini. I believe they do stain your lips so the intertubes might be what you're looking for.

What an awesome thread! Girl, you are too smart.

Needs:

1. I'd really love this RT blush brush! I struggle with applying blush evenly now and this looks like an awesome brush.

2. I am totally out of my beloved BareMinerals mineral veil, but this alone would take out a lot of the budget :/ I do know they have mini sizes, though!

3. I'm really low on concealer and have heard great things about the Hard Candy Glamoflage concealer. The price is always way jacked up on Amazon as compared to Walmart, though!

4. I can always use eye primer, and NYX is certainly a trusted name!

5. I can always use face primer, too! I've been wanting to try this one from NYX.

Wants:

1. I'm always on the hunt for new blushes for my pale skin! I only have a few, but I'd love to expand my collection. I really want to try Sleek's Rose Gold, but anything is awesome!

2. UD pencil liners. I just got a mini one for Christmas and that thing is amazing! These are more on the pricy side so I don't even mind to get a little bitty one!

3. Any RT brushes! (I just have Expert Face Brush and Stippling Brush) Gotta catch 'em all!

4. I don't have many lipsticks. I'd love to give Black Cherry a whirl, or anything pink or berry-colored! I love surprises, too!

5. Any kind of indie goodies. I don't have any, but they are oh-so tempting!

I love surprises, too! I hope this helps my sweet Cupid! Also, I'm getting married in May if that helps out with anything. haha I'm kinda giddy ;)

Hi! Welcome on board to the world of indie :)

Shiro is a great start! I've never used up a sample bag from them, because I either decide I need the colour and buy it, or don't and forget about it, but I'd say you could easily get 5-7 applications, probably more, closer to 10 from a sample.

Yes, you will need brushes, but they don't need to break the bank! I use these and I really like them, plus you can probably find them at most stores near you instead of Amazon. I use the smallest one for darker shadow as liner nearly every day, in fact, I'm wearing it now! I'd go for them over the Shany ones, there's less but they're all you need and a lot of us here can vouch for quality, whereas I've heard mixed things on Shany.

Primer is a necessity for loose shadows, and a glitter base is recommended. The ELF one you've linked is more of a glitter base, I've heard good things about it from people here but I can't vouch for it myself. A glitter base will make your shimmery or duochrome shadows adhere nicely, and look more shiny and vibrant, a primer will intensify your shadows as well, but it won't make things look quite as dramatic, however it will help them apply more evenly, fade evenly and last hours longer. For primer I've heard good things about Nyx High Definition primer. If you were going to have one or the other, I'd say a primer is more important than a glitter adherent, but both are good if you can swing it.

I'm still investigating the world of finishing powder, but a quick search of this sub for 'shiro powder' seems to contain the consensus that a lot of us here really like it for oil control. Once again, I can't vouch for it myself though.

Tutorials are abound around this part of the internet! Remember that to follow a tutorial you don't need the exactly product they're using for eyeshadow, just a similar colour and finish. That's how I get around tutorials, as indie makeup gets less coverage online. I'm on mobile, but I'll link some for you later! :)

Hope this helps, feel free to PM me any time if you run into more questions further down the track, or post again because we're always happy to help.