In this article, I'll show you the most important makeup products for young women, whether you're a makeup novice who prefers the makeup-free makeup look or you already have some experience under your belt and are looking to fill in some gaps in His collection.
So keep scrolling to see my list of makeup essentials for your face, eyes, and lips, as well as essential tools for applying and storing your makeup.
- Facial primer
While some people don't think face primer is necessary, I personally see it as a vital step in my makeup routine.
The exact effects of facial primers on your skin and makeup can vary, but in general, their main goal is to keep your skin smooth and makeup fresh throughout the day.
Regardless of your skin type, there is a primer for you, whether you are looking for a formula to control oil and / or acne, hydrate, smooth uneven texture, correct color, etc.
- Foundation
Foundation is probably the hardest part to get right in your makeup routine as perfumes you need to consider not only the type of coverage you want (i.e. sheer / natural, medium or full), but also your skin type and undertones. .
If you are new to using foundation or not sure which type / shade is right for you, I highly recommend that you go to your nearest Sephora, MAC, or department store and ask a make up artist to help you choose. one that matches your complexion and suits your coverage needs. It is also a good idea to request a sample if you want to see how a formula feels on your skin before purchasing.
Even if you prefer to buy the foundation at the drugstore, I recommend getting matched first at a high-end store. This will give you a better idea of what shades to look for.
Additionally, there are many online foundation search tools you can use, such as Temptalia's Foundation Matrix, Sephora's Color IQ tool, and Findation.
Do you want some basic recommendations? Check out our guide to the best foundations, with our picks for liquid, cream and powder foundations.
- BB Cream
Personally, I prefer the BB cream to the regular base as it seems so much more natural to me. It's a great option if you're looking for something that has skincare benefits, like moisturizing or primer (some BB creams have primer built in).
Also, if you're new to the makeup world, a good BB cream is a better place to start than foundation, as it feels lighter on the skin, is difficult to overdo, and can be applied with your fingers.
There is a major downside to BB creams, and that is that they generally come in limited shade ranges and are not suited to darker skin tones. However, I was able to find this article that provides a list of BB cream options for those with darker complexions.
- Concealer
If you have acne, dark circles or any type of discoloration, concealer is a must.
Concealers come in both full-coverage and more transparent formulations, and which one you should choose depends on how much you’re trying to cover.
When choosing a concealer for acne and / or discoloration, look for a shade that is as close to your BB cream foundation / shade as possible for the most natural look.
Dark circles are a bit trickier as there is a lot of variation in their shades and how they look on different skin tones, but in general, it is a good idea to use a peach or pink concealer to cover them up.
- Blush
Putting on blush can have a huge effect on your overall appearance such as fragnances, and I personally never leave it out of my makeup routine. The blush is especially necessary if you use a foundation with more opaque coverage, which can sometimes leave your complexion looking a bit flat.
Blush comes in powder, gel, and cream formulations, with powder being the most popular. However, recently, cream and gel blush has also become very popular.
When choosing a blush color, choose something that will give you a natural blush. Regardless of your skin tone, be careful not to get too bright or use too heavy a hand when applying, as these things can make you look like a clown.
In general, pink and peach tones work best on light to medium skin tones, while mauve, purple and maroon tones work best on darker skin tones.
Something that I recommend trying, regardless of the shape of your face, is to apply blush both on the apples of the cheeks and diagonally towards the hairline. Not only will this give your face a healthy wash of color, it will also serve to emphasize your cheekbones and bring out the natural contours of your face. It also looks more natural than just applying blush to the apples of your cheeks, as long as it is mixed well.
- Highlighter
Speaking of the highlights, I couldn't leave the highlighter off this list!
Like many other beauty products, highlighter comes in several different forms: powder, cream, liquid, stick, and powder / cream hybrid. Each of these forms has its own unique benefits, but for beginners I recommend the powder or the bar as they are the easiest to work with.
My foolproof method of applying highlighter is to lightly apply it along the bridge of the nose, the top of the cheekbones, Cupid's bow, and just below the eyebrows.
You can even multitask and use your highlighter as an eyeshadow!
Lastly, just like finding the perfect foundation shade, finding the right highlighter shade depends on your specific skin tone and undertones, so it's a good idea to try different colors in person if possible.
- Bronzer
As someone who loves to be pale, I don't really use any suntan lotion; however, if you are trying to achieve a tanned appearance, it is essential to use the right shade of bronzer.
I recommend not darkening more than a tone or two deeper than your natural skin tone, and sprinkling it lightly on the high points of your face for a healthy glow, or simply in the hollows of your cheeks (below where you would put your blush) for a more chiseled look.
Either way, be sure to use a light hand and mix well!
As for matte versus glossy, that depends on the rest of your appearance - if all the other products you're using on your face are matte and you want to add some radiance, go for something with a bit of shine. But, if you're already using other glossy products, stick with a matte formula to avoid gloss overload.
- Setting Spray / Powder
Like face primer, spray / powder setting keeps makeup in place all day.
There are different formulations depending on the type of finish you are looking for (e.g. matte, radiant, etc.) and what skincare benefits, if any, you would like the setting spray / powder to have (e.g. moisturizing, oil absorbent, etc.). However, if you want your makeup to last, don't skip this step!
- Eye primer
Eye primer has been a lifesaver for me, as before I start using it my eye makeup would
literally almost disappear in two to three hours.
Not only should a good eye primer keep your eye makeup from slipping, fading, and wrinkling, it should also have a formula that keeps colors looking the way they're supposed to throughout the day.
- Eyeshadow
Along with highlighter, eyeshadow is my favorite makeup product, simply because it comes in so many different colors and finishes, and it can be used in so many different ways!
Personally, I prefer to buy individual eyeshadows over palettes as I don't have to worry about spending money on shadows that I won't be using. (Check out our guide to the best eyeshadows for specific product recommendations.) However, if you didn't have similar individual shades yet, you would definitely consider purchasing one of Urban Decay's nude palettes, all of which are great for beginners.
- Mascara
Mascara has a magical way to bring the look of your eyes together and comes in countless different formulas that lengthen, thicken and curl your lashes.
Black is fine for most people, but if you here have very light coloured lashes, you may want to go for a brown mascara instead for a more natural look.
- Lipstick
You can't deny that lipsticks is having an important moment right now: whether you choose a liquid or bullet formula; A glossy, satin or matte finish, there is definitely a lipstick that will meet your needs.
For beginners, I would recommend starting with a colour that resembles your natural lip shade as this is the easiest to put on and go.
Once you've gotten used to that, it's a good idea to find a classic red that goes with everything and that you can wear to class or on special occasions. Experiment with a glossy formula or lip balm for a smoother look, or a matte formula for a more glamorous look.
Do you own all the makeup essentials listed here? What are some of your favourite makeup products? Are there some essentials that I didn't include on this list?