9 Makeup Bag Essentials Every Woman Should Own
- Jumoke
- November 17, 2020
- Beauty
- Compact Powder, concealer, Eye Pencil, Eyeshadow, Face Primer, Foundation, Highlighter, lipstick, Setting powder
- 0 Comments
Great makeup begins with great skincare. Makeup beginners, don’t be confused by the thousands of products on the cosmetic shelves. From eyelash curlers to makeup brushes, there are so many makeup tools on the market that it can be tough to figure out exactly what you need in your makeup kit.
But we have put together a list of essential makeup items for every woman
1. Face Primer
While some people don’t think that face primer is necessary, I personally view it as a vital step in my makeup routine.
Face primers’ exact effects on your skin and makeup can vary, but overall, their main purpose is to keep your skin looking smooth and your makeup looking fresh all day long.
Regardless of your skin type, there is a primer for you, whether you’re looking for a formula to control oil and/or acne, moisturize, smooth out uneven texture, color correct, etc.
2. Foundation
Foundation is probably the hardest part of your makeup routine to get right, as you not only have to consider 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 wearing foundation or aren’t sure what type/shade is right for you, I’d highly recommend going to your nearest makeup store or department store and have a makeup artist help you pick out one that matches your complexion and fits your coverage needs. It’s also a good idea to request a sample if you want to see how a formula feels on your skin before buying.
Even if you would prefer to buy foundation at the drugstore, I still recommend getting matched at a higher-end store first. This will give you a better idea of which shades to look for and also help you in buying original.
3. Concealer
If you have acne, dark circles, or any kind of discoloration, concealer is a must-have.
Concealers come in full-coverage and sheerer-coverage formulations, and which one you should choose depends on how much you’re trying to cover up.
When choosing a concealer for acne and/or discoloration, find a shade that is as close as possible to your foundation/BB cream shade for the most natural look.
Dark circles are a bit more complicated, since there is so much variation in their shades and how they look on different skin tones, but in general, it’s a good idea to use a peach or pink-toned concealer to cover them up.
4. Eyeshadow
Along with highlighter, eyeshadow is another very important makeup product, simply because it comes in so many different colors and finishes, and can be used in so many different ways!
5. Highlighter
Speaking of highlight, I couldn’t leave highlighter off of this list!
Like many other beauty products, highlighter comes in various different forms: powder, cream, liquid, stick, and powder/cream hybrid. Each of these forms has its own unique benefits, but for beginners I recommend either powder or stick, as they are the easiest to work with.
My fool-proof method for applying highlighter is to lightly apply it along the bridge of your nose, the tops of your cheekbones, your cupid’s bow, and just below your eyebrows.
You can even multi-task and use your highlighter as eyeshadow!
Lastly, much like finding the perfect shade of foundation, finding the right shade of highlighter depends on your specific skin tone and undertones, so it’s a good idea to test out different colors in person if possible.
6. Lipstick
You can’t deny that lipstick is having a major moment right now: Whether you go for a liquid or bullet formula; a glossy, satin, or matte finish, there is definitely a lipstick out there that’ll meet your needs!
For beginners, I’d recommend starting off with a color that is close to your natural lip shade, as this is the easiest to just put on and go.
7. Blush
Putting on blush can have a huge effect on your overall look, and I personally never leave it out of my makeup routine. Blush is especially necessary if you’re wearing a foundation with more opaque coverage, which can sometimes leave your complexion looking a little bit flat.
Blush comes in powder, gel, and cream formulations, with powder being the most popular. Recently, though, cream and gel blush have become very popular as well.
When choosing a blush color, pick something that’ll give you a natural flush. Regardless of your skintone, be careful not to go too bright or to use too heavy a hand when applying, as these things can make you look clownish.
In general, pink and peach tones work best on fair-to-medium skin, while mauve, purple, and maroon shades work best on darker skin tones.
Something that I recommend trying, no matter your face shape, is applying blush both on the apples of your cheeks and diagonally up towards your hairline. This will not only give your face a healthy wash of color, but will also serve to emphasize your cheekbones and highlight the natural contours of your face. It also looks more natural than simply applying blush to the apples of your cheeks, as long as you blend well.
8. Eye Pencil Or Eyeliner
This is another essential products to define your eyebrow. This step must not be skipped.
9. Setting Powder
It is completely flash-friendly and does not give off a white cast or turn ashy in bright lighting, selfies or photos. It absorbs oil, reduces shine and keeps your face matte for hours. Use to highlight, set/bake your foundation or as an all-over face powder. It is available in different shades. 
