The 12 essential products to have in your makeup bag
Photo of my kit: Marine Blanchard
Having the latest products is not what will help you achieve a beautiful makeup look.
You need to have the right basics that match your needs and that are easy to use to gain time in the bathroom.
As a makeup artist, my professional kit list is a bit longer but if you can have these 12 products in your makeup bag, you are good to go.
Here is a quick recap of the 12 products you should have in your makeup bag:
foundation
concealer
translucent powder
blush
eyebrow pencil
eyeshadows
mascara
eye pencil
lip pencil
lipstick
gloss
Continue to read for more details about each product :
The 12 essential products to have in your makeup bag
1. Foundation
To even out your skin
1. Foundation
Foundation is a major asset when creating a makeup look may it be natural or glamourous.
Foundation can even out the skin tone, smooth it and give you a fresh look, if applied correctly.
I will soon have an article special foundation just for you.
2. COncealer
To erase eyebags, dark eye circles…
2. Concealer
If you had to stick to only one product to do your makeup I would recommend you bet everything on the concealer.
Concealer can make you look less exhausted reducing the appearance of dark circles and reduce redness.
3. Translucent powder
To set your makeup and prevent the skin to shine
3. Translucent powder
Translucent powder will help set the makeup and make the skin look less shiny (oily skins, this is your best friend).
Do not use a colored or finishing powder to set your makeup. If not chosen correctly, it will change the color of your foundation.
4. Blush
To warm up the complexion and add color
4. Blush
Blush will give a hint of color and warm your skin.
For a natural look I recommend you use a cream blush that will melt into the skin.
For oily skin however, a powder blush will have the best effect.
5. Eyebrow pencil
To shape your eyebrows
5. Eyebrows pencil
The eyebrows pencil will help define the eyebrows and fill the gaps in between the hairs.
Choose an eyebrow pencil that is the same color as your hair or a little lighter. The darker the eyebrows, the more severe it will make you look.
For blonde-haired however, dark brown eyebrows is a good choice to make you look younger.
6. Eyeshadows
To make your eyes pop.
6. Eyeshadows
Instead of rushing to buy all the Urban Decay pallets, focus on 3-5 eyeshadows colors that will be used to create different looks.
You can use beige, taupe, brown, grey, black or navy.
7. Mascara
To make your eyes look bigger
7. Mascara
Mascara is a staple in a makeup kit because it will enable you to make your eyes look bigger or more intense depending on the number of layers you will put on.
Before applying mascara, always take off the excess of product with a tissue.
Be patient and wait for it to be dry before putting another layer.
8. EYE PENCILS
Black, white or beige
8. Eye pencils
Black and white or beige… the basics for eye pencils.
The white or beige pencil in the eye rim will make your eyes look bigger and “awaken”.
The black pencil will have the opposite effect, making the eyes look smaller but is useful for more sultry looks.
If you have round eyes, avoid using white or beige in the inner eye rim, it will make them look bigger.
9. Eyeliner
For cat’s eyes
9. Eyeliner
It exists in two formulas, liquid eyeliner and gel eyeliner.
If you are a beginner in the art of eyelining, go for the gel texture, easier to work with.
Use a brush for more precision.
You can also use your eye pencil first and then go over with your eyeliner.
10. Lip pencil
To draw the contour of your lips
10. Lip pencil
Lip pencil is used to draw the contour of your lips and add contrast.
Lip pencil is also be a great help during the application of your lipstick.
It will act like a barrier preventing you from putting lipstick above your lips.
11. Lipstick
For a beautiful smile
11. Lipstick
Nothing can make a smile pop like a lipstick.
Choose the color depending on your taste and style.
If I had to go for only two colors, I would choose a nude one and a red lipstick when looking for a more glamour look.
12. Gloss
For shine and volume
12. Lip gloss
Lip gloss will bring shine to your lips and give them more volume.
A transparent one can be used above any lipstick color.
You can also find colored gloss that will enhance your lipstick color.
Should I really have ALL these products in my makeup bag ?
Don’t worry…
I can hear voices asking “Do I really have to buy all these products ?”.
You don't have to, no worries.
Make this list yours and adapt it to your personal needs.
To make it easier, I made a list for you to download. You can use during your next makeup shopping spree.
Hope you will enjoy it.
Drop a comment below and let me know if you have any questions or you can also contact me directly.
See you in the next article, I will share with you my number 1 secret for a perfect makeup.
Yours in beauty,
Francine O.