Unlock the secrets of a perfect makeup kit: essentials every woman needs
Building your go-to makeup kit
People often ask me how many make-up products I use.
My reply is always the same: “the only ones I need”.
Every woman is different: eye colour, skin colour, tone, texture, soft or sharp features. There's no such thing as "too many” or “too little” products. But there are things you must have in your make-up kit to make the best of your features.
In the beauty world, your makeup kit is your best friend. And whether you’re going for a casual daytime feel or getting ready for an elegant dinner, the products in your arsenal are everything. I rounded up all of the essentials every woman needs, with the main features to look for when choosing products.
Face primer: the foundation of flawless makeup
A face primer isn’t an extra-step: it’s the secret to makeup that lasts and looks fresh. Not only does primer smooth out the skin, ensuring that your makeup won’t adhere to dry patches or rough texture, but it also binds with your makeup so that it doesn’t melt off. There’s a different face primer for every skin type: mattifying primers help soak up excess shine, while hydration-boosting ones result in a luminous glow.
Primer properties
Smooths out skin texture for a flawless finish.
Enhances the longevity of your makeup.
Comes in different finishes to match your desired look.
Foundation: the canvas of beauty
It may seem complicated, but you need to find one that works for your skin type/condition and tone. Liquids are perfect for dry skin since they provide hydration, while powders absorb oil.
Foundation properties
Provides various levels of coverage from sheer to full.
Finish can be matte for a polished look, or dewy for a radiant glow.
An extensive shade range to match every skin tone.
Concealer: your spot-covering ally
Concealer is what you turn to when you need a quick cover-up for blemishes, sunspots, veins, and dark circles.
Concealer properties
High coverage to effectively mask imperfections.
Blendable textures that integrate seamlessly with your foundation and skin tone.
Formulations for all of your needs from under eye concealer to spot concealing.
Setting powder: lock in your look
To make sure that your makeup stays put, setting powder is a serious must-have. It’s a veil that helps to mattify the skin and eliminates shine while also really setting your foundation in place for the day.
Setting powder properties
Volatile formulas prevent your makeup from looking overdone or “cakey”.
Minimizes the appearance of pores.
Controls oil and shine.
Available in both translucent and color-correcting shades.
Blush: a flush of colour
Blush brings your face to life. Rosy cheeks are a sign of good health. Cream blush gives a natural dewy finish, powders last forever.
Blush features
A spectrum of shades to complement any skin tone.
Subtle enough to wear during the day but bold enough for evening plans.
Cream blushes hydrate; powders provide lasting power.
Eyeshadow palette: versatility at your fingertips
A mix of mattes, shimmers, and transition shades in an eyeshadow palette can effortlessly take you from day to night. Eyeshadow is where we can give free reign to our creativity by mastering gradients, smoky, and halo techniques!
Eyeshadow palette features
Mix of textures for depth and dimension.
Colours that blend well for seamless transitions.
Make sure there is at least one light colour to use as base, and a light to medium one to create depth.
Portable for touch-ups on the go.
Eyeliner: define and conquer
Pencils give you a soft line and are perfect for beginners, liquids let you create a sharp wing, gel will create a lasting line that won’t blur if you, like me, have deep-set eyes. The choice is yours.
Eyeliner features
Smudge-proof and long-lasting formulas.
Different applicators for precision or ease of use.
Color options beyond black for creative expression, or soft complexions.
Mascara: lash out loud
Mascara is the exclamation point of your eye makeup: it opens up the eyes, making lashes appear fuller and longer in an instant.
Mascara features
Formulas to curl, lengthen, or volumize.
Dark or light brown if you have a soft complexion with natural red or blond hair.
Various wand shapes for different lash effects and skill level.
Lip colour: the final touch
Your makeup kit is not complete without lip colours. Soft pink or coral for that every day, effortless look. Medium pinks for that playful, cute vibe, and reds when going for a dramatic look. Actively disrespect the nude lipstick: it makes you look undead. Rosy lips signal fertility and good health.
Lip colour features
From matte to glossy finishes for any occasion.
Long-wear options that stay put through meals and conversations.
Moisturizing ingredients for comfort and care.
Makeup tools: the unsung heroes
Any kit that does not have the right tools will always be incomplete. Brushes and sponges of high quality can transform an application from a cumbersome experience to an enjoyable one and give you the perfect finish.
Makeup tools features
Brushes designed for precise application of different products.
Sponges that blend products for a natural effect.
Materials that last and can stand regular cleaning.
Building your makeup kit with these essentials will make sure you’re ready for anything, from a day at the office to your cousin’s wedding. Because makeup–especially these core products–shouldn’t be about covering up, but rather about expressing yourself and enhancing the best you’ve got. Because woman, you are gorgeous!
Grab these beauty basics and get started on creating looks that are uniquely you. If you want to explore further, I’ll help you determine which shades and textures will work best for you.