Face
Primer:
Everyone should be using a face primer if they are using any sort of foundation or powder. Not only will it further protect your skin from makeup and environmental impurities, it will help your makeup last longer. Many are also formulated for specific skin concerns, for example oil control, pore minimizing, tone correcting or luminosity.
Tinted Moisturizer/Foundation
I never leave the house without some form of coverage on my face. I don't have perfect skin and I feel more comfortable knowing that my skintone looks even and my face is not exposed to the elements.
Concealer
This is a big staple for me because I have horrible under eye circles. I love Nars Creamy Concealer in Chantilly.
Powder
For those with oily skin or who like to use foundations and concealers, this is a crucial product to have. It will prevent oilyness throughout the day and will set your makeup to make sure that it stays where it is supposed to. I prefer translucent powders but that is a personal preference. I have been using the Too Faced Primed and Poreless Translucent Powder.
Blush
My personal recommendation is that you should have at least one blush and if you like to change your look for the seasons up to 4. Although I have way more than that as I am sure that many of us do. Start out by figuring out what your favorite blush tone is. Do you like peach or coral blushes, rosey or bright pink, or do you prefer plums and reds? Next, decide how often you wear certain colors and pick up to your top four. Anything beyond that, probably isn't necessary even if it is nice to have. I have four must have colors; a natural pink for spring, a peach for summer, a rose/berry which is my favorite year round and a red for the winter. I recently purchased the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette which has just about every color that I need in it. There is a nice, natural pink, a beautiful peach and a gorgeous dusty rose color. For my red blush I prefer MAC's Fever.
Bronzer
Not everyone likes bronzer. I only use it to contour because I personally do not like the tanned look on me. However, I still think it is a good staple if you feel that your face could use some contour. I always look for a bronzer that has a cooler undertone, which can be a challenge as most bronzers are warm or even orangy. Two that I would recommend are NYX Blush in Taupe and Kevyn Aucoin's Sculpting Powder.
Eyes
This is necessary if you wear eyeshadow. It will prevent it from creasing throughout the day. Do not forget it! I love ELF's primer and it is only $1. Better and more affordable than Urban Decay's in my opinion.
Eye Shadow
Skintone Eyeshadow
Look for a matte or satin eyeshadow that is at least the same shade as your skin, if not a little lighter. I use MAC's Blanc Type and apply this as my base color all the way up to the brow. Not only will this even out your eye area but it will provide an extra layer between your other shadows and the oils on your skin. Your eye makeup will be less likely to crease this way.
Neutral/Everyday Eyeshadow Palette
I love having most of the main eyeshadows I like to use in a palette. This is something you could even do at home with a Z Palette. My favorite for everyday is the Urban Decay Naked and the Naked 2 Basics. Your palette does not have to be neutrals, just one that consists of just about every color you wear on a daily basis.
Eyeliner
I wear eyeliner about 90% of the time. If I don't it is usually because I used a powder to add definition to the lash line or I was rushing and only had time for mascara. I am extremely picky with eyeliner and it is one of few the beauty products that I don't particularly like to experiment with, brand wise. I have a select few brands that I like and usually stick to them. My favorite is Rimmel London's Scandal Eyes Eyeliner because it is so soft and creamy.
Mascara
This is more of a must have than eyeliner. If I had to leave the house with one or the other, I would choose mascara hands down. You look more put together with mascara vs just using eyeliner. I have been trying higher end brands but I just don't like them as much as the drugstore ones. I love the Cover Girl Clump Crusher and Maybelline Lash Stiletto.
Lips
Lip Liner
If you don't wear lip liner often but still want to have one for special events, go for a clear liner. This works with literally everything. I also always recommend getting a separate red liner. When wearing bold lip colors with a clear liner, the lipstick may still wear through and instead of seeing more color, you would be seeing bare lips. When I do a red lip, I always apply it in layers, red lip stain, red lip liner, and 2 coats of lipstick, blotted in between each coat. Lip liner does not have to look old ladyish; in fact it can make you look more put together. Lip liner should not, under any circumstances, be darker than the lip color you are wearing. When in doubt, go lighter and fill in the entire lip. My favorite everyday lip liner is Rimmel's Eastend Snob.
Lipstick
There are three main categories that I go by when I purchase lip products from a new brand. I always try a nude, a pink/rose and a red. If you are looking to have a minimal but well rounded makeup collection, that is all you need. A nice nude color that does not make you look dead, a 'my lips but better' color (or your favorite kind of pink) and a classic red. Obviously you can tailor and customize this to suit your personal taste and style. Maybe you don't like red but really love the dark vampy plums or you prefer mauve instead of a natural pink. Tailor to fit your needs. My favorite grab and go lip products are Loreal's Sheer Linen, Revlon Kissable Balm Stain in Honey Amour, and Lipstick Queen's Medieval.
Lip Gloss
The same rule applies to lip gloss. Find a clear or nude color that is flattering, a pink that is similar to your own lip color and a classic red. I love NARS Scandal.
Running Late?
I usually keep a few products in my bag that I can throw on if I really have to run out the door. I always try to get at least my primers, foundation, concealer, and powder on before I leave but sometimes there just isn't time for anything else. These are products that are similar to ones you would use every day but not so much that you would have to go into your bag for them constantly. So what is in my emergency makeup stash?
- Concealer (something easy to apply with fingers)
- Mascara
- Single Eyeshadow, Quad or Small Travel Palette (you can apply this with your fingers, included applicators or if you decide to have a small travel brush on hand)
- Small Blush (you could also use your lipstick or have a travel palette that includes this)
- Lip Liner (this should either go with your natural lip color or the color in your bag)
- Lipstick and Gloss (these are usually my grab and go products mentioned previously)
I keep these either in a section of my bag or in a small makeup bag, that way it is separated from all of the other makeup products I end up carrying around with me in between bag organizations. Let me know if this helped you and I would love to hear what your makeup must haves are! Leave a comment below!
