Just like there are wardrobe essentials that every girl should have in their closet I believe there are also a few cosmetic products a girl should have in their makeup bag. You don't have to use every products every day but it is a good idea to have them in your makeup bag just in-case. Before we get started I just want to say that yes makeup is fun to play with and helps us feel better but we shouldn't forget that makeup is meant to enhance our natural beauty not change our whole face.
- Sunscreen: Protecting your skin from the damaging UV rays is extremely important. If you don't protect your skin from the sun's UV rays you are putting your health at risk by being exposed to pre cancerous cells that can led to skin cancer. Sunscreen also helps protect the skin from premature aging, just because we are young we shouldn't leave our skin un-protected. So finding make up with at least 15 SPF on your makeup is a good buy. There is no day like the present to start taking care of your skin.
- Face Primer: Primer is used as a base to prepare your skin for makeup, it smooths out your skin making it easier to apply makeup and also helps it stay on for longer. So I would highly recommend finding a good face primer it will make a difference on how your makeup will look.
- Foundation: The purpose for foundation is to even out skin and hide blemishes . Take the time to find a good long lasting and appropriate foundation for you. If possible try to get one with SPF so that way you will be hitting two birds with one stone.
- Face Powder: Face powder sets foundation and the concealer (if you wear any) in place. It finishes giving the face a flawless look if you have blemishes you are trying to hide. If you are blessed with good skin without blemishes and dark spots wearing just powder will be enough for you.
- Bronzer: I know what you are thinking "Bronzer= Looking like Snooki or a Omppa Loppa" Sure when you put too much bronzer it makes you look too made up and cakey. Luckily there are bronzers out there for every skin tone that wont make you look overly tan. Because when having the right shade of bronzer and when worn in moderation you end up having a pretty healthy glow and who doesn't want that!
- Blush: I love blush! I'm constantly looking for new shades of blush to try out and it so happens to be another beauty product that help give you a healthy glow on your cheeks. Blush enhances your natural beauty, helps define your cheeks bones and makes you look healthy and happy. Blush is meant to look natural so take it easy when putting it on and choose the appropriate shade or you will end up looking like a clown.
- Eyeshadow: Unlike foundation,powder,bronzer and blush where you need to take the time to find the right shade, you can never really go wrong with eyeshadow. And it is the perfect way to experiment with your makeup. Eyeshadow can define your whole look by making it dramatic or simple. And it is one of the most inexpensive cosmetics out there, you don't have to spend a fortune on eyeshadow. I prefer neutral matte eyeshadow colors ( browns, fawns, and champagnes) for day looks, pastel colors for when I'm feeling girly (pinks and purples), and shimmering dark colors for night (grays,blues, blacks). I would suggest buying a big palette of eyeshadow so that way you can have mostly every color at your hands.
- Mascara: Mascara is one beauty products that I cant go without. It really does open up your eyes and makes your eyelashes look longer and lusher. You can never go wrong with a little bit of mascara.
- Eyeliner: Whether you don't use eyeliner because you think its too much or you use it religiously it is a good idea to have eyeliner in your makeup bag. Because even though you may believe eyeliner is too much for day look, it is perfect for night looks. And this is also a good way to experiment with makeup with all the different colors out there aside from the usual black and brown, a few years ago my best friend used turquoise eyeliner (a change from her usual black) and she looked great! So I would also suggest to get some in vibrant colors (blue, pink, turquoise, purple, etc. . ) for the days you are feeling a little edgy.
- Lipstick/Lip Gloss/Lip Stain: Another favorite cosmetic of mine to shop for are lip products, I'm the girl with at least 5 different lip shades in my everyday bag (I'm not joking). Probably because to me lip products brings the whole look together without it I feel incomplete. I would suggest to have at least 3 lip products, one for the days you feel low key, one for everyday use, and one for special occasions.