What makeup should every woman have?

Feb. 04, 2024

Whether you stick to a natural makeup look every day or want to go glam for an event, stash these essentials in your makeup bag for easy getting-ready and no-fuss touch-ups. From brushes to blush and everything in between, consider these beauty tools and products the ultimate, everyday makeup checklist.

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Concealer
Concealer is one of those basic makeup essentials to keep on you at all times (just in case). Choose a creamy formula that can hide under-eye circles and uninvited blemishes.
Foundation
Foundation is, well, the foundation of any makeup routine—basic or elaborate—but you don't need to slather it all over your face. Just apply in places where you see uneven skin tone or discoloration. If you don't need as much coverage as a liquid foundation provides or prefer something a little lighter, consider a tinted moisturizer instead.
Blush
When it comes to choosing a go-to blush, look for a warm tone that adds a splash of color to the apples of your cheeks (and a little life to your whole complexion).
Translucent Setting Powder
A quick, light dusting of translucent powder at the end sets makeup and controls shine. You'll particularly love having a shine-busting setting powder on hand if you tend to have an oily T-zone or tend to sweat easily. It's also a godsend when covering up blemishes or discoloration you'd rather not share with the world: Apply foundation to the problem spot, set with powder, apply a dab of concealer, then set with powder again.

Mascara
There's no better way to wake up and define those eyes than by enhancing your lashes—and a good mascara is all you need. Stick with basic black mascara (or dark brown if you have light hair and lashes). It's up to you whether or not you use waterproof mascara. Just make sure you protect those lashes by removing mascara with care.
Neutral Eye Shadow
A neutral beige or taupe eye shadow is an instant brightener when swiped across the upper lid.
Defining Eye Shadow
For a slightly more defined shadow, choose a medium neutral shade like warm brown or charcoal gray. Brush the shadow in the crease of the eye, just under the brow bone, to add depth.
Eye Liner
You can use your darker shade of eye shadow as a liner along the lashes—or use a dark brown or black pencil to create a thin line that defines and enhances your eyes.
Lipstick
How about some color? Lipstick (or tint, gloss, or stain if you want a less saturated look) is the perfect antidote to the midweek blahs. You'll be stunned by what a swipe of color can do for your lips, face, and mood. Not feeling bold and bright at the moment? Opt for a natural pink or nude lipstick instead.

Fluffy Powder Brush
Keep one big, rounded makeup brush to dust on your setting powder once you've finished your makeup.
Blush Brush
This brush is a bit smaller than your big powder brush and is the right size for dabbing the cheeks with color and blending along the cheekbones.
Eye Shadow Brush
A basic beginner's makeup kit should include an all-over eye shadow brush that gets your entire lid covered in one swipe.
Crease Brush
This smaller, rounded eye shadow brush will get into the crease when you add a darker shade for definition.
Eye Liner Brush
A small, flat, angled brush can be used to line the eyes or add a bit of brow powder to lackluster eyebrows.
Tweezers
Keep a pair of tweezers in your makeup bag to clean up any stray hairs around your brows that show up in between brow appointments.

Hi friends! I love sharing all of my favorite beauty tips and finds, but today, I want to go back to basics and share with you the top 10 makeup essentials you should have in your makeup bag. Makeup shopping can be overwhelming and we all have that drawer full of stuff we never use, cluttering up our bathroom. I like to call it the makeup graveyard. The problem is this: You walk into Sephora, or Ulta, or even a drugstore, without a plan. You browse around and purchase things that you are visually attracted to, like that pretty eyeshadow palette, or shimmering pink blush. Although they are beautiful in the store, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they will work you.

On the same note, rarely will you find someone swooning over a tube of concealer, yet that is one of the most important products in a woman’s makeup bag that will help you look and feel your best. Today, I want to share with you the top 10 makeup essentials that should be in your makeup bag. They may not be the the prettiest, or most fun products to purchase, but they are true work horses and will help you look and feel you best. Who’s in?

The Top 10 Makeup Essentials Every Woman Should Own

PRIMER | You wouldn’t paint your walls without priming them first, would you? Same idea here. Primer is magic. It evens out your skin’s texture and makes everything you apply over it, go on smoother and last longer. You will see the biggest difference. The Laura Mercier primer is one of the original ones and still one of the best around.