1. Brush Set: a good brush set can be all the difference in makeup application. Sigma brushes have been said to be better than MAC brushes and are also more affordable. Yes, they are still a pretty penny but an investment in a great brush set can create a flawless look and will make application more enjoyable.
2. Basic Eyeshadow Palette: these may not be necessary for all, but they will come in handy for most. Eyeshadows can brighten the eye, make smaller eyes seem bigger, bigger eyes seem smaller and are a must for me (considering I have a wide variety of pallets). I prefer pallets over single eyeshadows because they are great for getting ready, for travel, and are a better for the wallet. If you are not used to wearing eyeshadows then start simple and do some research on what colors are best for your eye color, skin shade, and overall appearance.
3. Face Primer: necessary for anyone who is wearing any type of foundation. Primer makes pores appear smaller, skin seem smoother, oily skin less oily, and dry skin moisturized (depending on what primer you choose).
4. Eye Makeup Remover: a much needed product if you are wearing any eye makeup what-so ever. The skin around the eye is the most sensitive so gently cleanse the area with makeup remover before.
5. Foundation: for most of us foundation is crucial. Foundation evens out skin and makes us appear more flawless than we actually wish to admit. Choosing foundation is the annoying part. I personally like to get matched by a makeup artist at Mac or any other makeup counter/beauty store, but I am also a fan of drugstore foundations. If I am purchasing a drugstore foundation it's all about trial and error so I usually purchase two and test them out, possibly mix them a little, and if worst comes to worst drugstores usually allow returns for cosmetics that simply do not work.
6. Eye Liner: like eye shadow this is not necessary for all but for me I love creating different looks and enjoy eyeliner in general. There are tons of different eyeliners: gel liners (my favorite), kohl liners, liquid liners, etc. Experiment and find one that is your favorite.
7. Concealer: cover up dark circles, blemishes, red patches and more. Concealer can also be used to brighten the skin. Use a lighter shade under the eye to look more awake and below the eyebrow to give it a lift. This is also something that should be experimented with to find the right shade.
8. Eye Primer: Needed to create creaseless eyeshadow application.
9. Blush: brighten and create life to your face by adding a rosy hue. Blush comes in a variety of shades and types. You have cream blush, matte blush, vibrant blush, blush with shimmer, I could go on. Pick one that works for your skin and test out different shades depending on the look your going for.
10. Lipstick: I am for sure a lipstick lover. Lipstick can drastically change a look and is easy to apply. I have collected quite a few and will say lipstick is my favorite beauty item to purchase. Dabble with different finishes and decide witch you like best. I have been loving matte shades!
11. Mascara: I am not as cultured in mascaras since I usually wear false lashes and do not test a ton out but I will say that lengthening and volumizing the lashes brings a lot of life to the face. It makes the eyes look more awake and that is useful for a lot of us women who are usually overtired.
Stay tuned for more beauty posts in 2014!
