Make- Up Essentials

Every girls needs to start their make-up collection somewhere, and sometimes it can be overwhelming especially in deciding what products to start with, whether to buy drugstore or high end, determining your skin type etc. That's why I've decided to talk about what I think are make-up essential every girl must have in her collection. I think I said in a previous post that I've really only been into make-up for about a year now, so I am not professional, believe me. The items that are listed below are what I believe to be products that would be good places to start and invest.

I'll never go back. Love this product
http://www.garnier.ca

1. A good moisturizer. Honestly, without a good moistrurizer your entire face routine can get the domino effect and products will not take to their full potential. For the longest time I was using the Neutrogena Moisture Oil-Free for combination skin and thought it was the best thing ever. Then, a make-up artist asked me what moistruizer I was using, I told her, she told me to stop. Apparently it was drying out skin really badly and I hadn't even noticed. I now use the Garnier Skin Naturals Shine Control Moisturizer and I will never go back. It's amazing, I noticed an immediate difference in my skin.

2. Foundation- This is probably the most difficult one to choose especially when first starting your collection. The good thing is that there will always be a shade to match yours skin tone. If you are looking for something basic, I would try a drugstore brand first. L'Oreal, Revlon, Neutrogena, and Rimmel all have great foundations to start with. You do want to be conscious of your skin type when choosing a foundation, for example if you have oily skin choose a foundation that is oil-free and is long lasting or all day wear. If you have dry skin choose a foundation that says hydrate, and finally if you have acne prone skin, for your skins sake, choose one oil-free and made for sensitive skin. If you do want to move on to high end foundations check out Make Up Forever (Mat +), Chanel, and Dior foundations.

Physicians Formula Matchmaker Blush
gives the face a nice, defined glow.
http://www.physiciansformula.com  .

3. Blush- or bronzer, just gives you that extra little bit of glow when needed. The vast pigmentations allow you to get a more natural look or give you a pink sweep. I prefer blushes with peachy undertones, they look  more natural on my skin tone.  I use blushes especially when I look tired ( at school...) and I need that bit of color to make the rest of my face look alive again. There are plenty of blushes out there, you are bound to find some you love!

4. Eyeliner- I do not know what I would do without my eyeliner! I think you can ask anyone I know and they would tell you how much I love my eyeliner. The great thing about eyeliner is that you can make it bold and dramatic or simple and natural. Also, it comes in loads of shades which, if used properly, can make your eyes pop. I prefer liquid liner for lining my lid but pencil for lining my waterline. This is where it comes down to personal preference, I know some people who hate pencil and some who hate liquid. TIP: If you are lining your lid and waterline, use two different colors on the bottom and top if you are not going for a smokey eye. By doing so, your eyes will look bigger. I tend to use brown liner on my lid and black on my waterline.

This is the newest Maybelline mascara.
I love it for a more natural lash.
 http://www.maybelline.com 

5. Mascara- If you have lighter eyelashes guaranteed mascara is your best friend. Everyone wants dark, full lashes and the right mascara can accomplish this for you.It's also great for covering eyeshadow fall out. Mascara is a trial and error product, each mascara does something different for everyone's lashes. There are, however, great great drugstore mascaras, you don't have to spend a ton of money to get a good one. I love the Maybelline mascaras they have some natural ones and some dramatic ones. No matter what other mascara I try, these always come back into my makeup bag.

6. Eyeshadow- of course. I think the ultimate eye shadow must haves are neutral colors. Having a neutral color or color pallet is so versatile; you can dress them up or wear them casually as everyday looks. The good thing with pallets is that all the neutral colors compliment each other so when you are in a rush you don't really have to think about too much while doing your eye makeup.

EOS lipbalm is great because its all
natural. I have this one in summer fruit.
http://evolutionofsmooth.com

7. Lip balm- I think this is pretty standard in any make-up collection. Using lip balm keeps your lips healthy and hydrated. I have a few so I can keep them in different spots so I will always have access to them.

8. Lipgloss- can be your best friend for everyday or going out at night. The range of shades allows you to make your lips pop or give a neutral glow. I think most girls prefer gloss over lipstick when beginning their collection because its less intimidating and you don't have to think about how to wear it.

9, Brushes- There is a distinct difference between how your make-up applies with brushes vs. sponges. Once I switched to using brushes I never went back. Brushes apply make-up more evenly and smoothly and even use less product than sponges.

10. Tools- Eyelash curler, tweezers, Q-tips etc.

Optional but worth it:
- Brow pencil
- Primers (Face/Eye Shadow)
- Lipstick
-Concealer (if you need it)
-Finishing Powder

Tada. Now go shopping :)