Top Makeup Products: My Essential 15
As a makeup enthusiast, I'm always on the lookout for the best products to enhance my natural beauty. Over the years, I've tried countless products and have finally curated a list of my top 15 essentials that I can't live without. This list is a perfect starting point for anyone looking to build their own makeup collection, regardless of their experience level.
Foundation:
The foundation is the base of any makeup look, and choosing the right one is crucial. I recommend finding a formula that matches your skin tone perfectly and provides buildable coverage. Here are two of my favorites:
- NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation: This foundation provides medium to full coverage with a natural, radiant finish. It's long-lasting and comfortable to wear all day.
- Estée Lauder Doublewear Stay-in-Place Makeup: For a flawless, long-lasting look, this foundation is a great option. It provides full coverage and a matte finish that stays put throughout the day.
Concealer:
Concealer is essential for covering up blemishes, dark circles, and any other imperfections. I prefer a creamy formula that blends easily and provides buildable coverage. Here are my go-to concealers:
- Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer: This concealer is known for its full coverage and long-lasting wear. It comes in a wide range of shades to match all skin tones.
- Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer: This concealer is a budget-friendly option that provides decent coverage and helps to brighten up the under-eye area.
Eyeshadow:
Eyeshadow can add depth and dimension to your eyes. I recommend starting with a neutral palette that includes shades for everyday wear and more dramatic looks. Here are some of my favorite eyeshadow palettes:
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette: This palette features a mix of warm and cool tones, perfect for creating a variety of eye looks.
- Urban Decay Naked2 Eyeshadow Palette: This classic palette contains a range of neutral shades, from light to dark, making it perfect for both daytime and evening looks.
Blush:
Blush adds a natural flush of color to the cheeks, giving you a healthy and youthful glow. I recommend choosing a shade that complements your skin tone. Here are two of my favorite blushes:
- NARS Blush in Orgasm: This cult-favorite blush is a peachy-pink shade that flatters most skin tones. It provides a natural-looking flush of color.
- MILK MAKEUP Lip + Cheek in Werk: This multi-purpose product can be used on both lips and cheeks. It's a creamy formula that provides a natural-looking flush of color.
Bronzer:
Bronzer adds warmth and definition to the face. I recommend choosing a matte formula that's slightly darker than your skin tone. Here are two of my favorite bronzers:
- FENTY BEAUTY Match Stix Matte Contour Skinstick: This contour stick is perfect for adding definition to the cheekbones and jawline. It blends easily and provides a natural-looking contour.
- Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer: This bronzer gives a subtle, natural-looking glow to the skin. It's perfect for adding warmth without looking too orange.
Highlighter:
Highlighter adds a touch of radiance to the face, making it look brighter and more youthful. I recommend choosing a formula that's finely milled and gives a subtle glow. Here are two of my favorite highlighters:
- ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Glow Kit: This palette features a variety of highlighter shades, from soft gold to champagne, making it perfect for creating different looks.
- FENTY BEAUTY Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter: This highlighter is available in a range of shades, from soft gold to bold pink. It provides a beautiful, buildable glow.
Mascara:
Mascara is essential for defining and lengthening the lashes. I recommend choosing a formula that volumizes, lengthens, and curls the lashes. Here are two of my favorite mascaras:
- Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara: This mascara is known for its volumizing and lengthening properties. It gives lashes a dramatic, curled look.
- L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara: This mascara is a budget-friendly option that provides volume, length, and curl. It's perfect for everyday wear.
Lipstick:
Lipstick can add a pop of color and personality to any look. I recommend having a variety of shades in your collection, from nude to bold. Here are two of my favorite lipsticks:
- MAC Cosmetics Lipstick in Ruby Woo: This iconic lipstick is a classic red shade that flatters most skin tones. It's long-lasting and provides a bold, matte finish.
- NARS Audacious Lipstick in Anna: This lipstick is a beautiful nude shade that's perfect for everyday wear. It's creamy and comfortable to wear.
Setting Spray:
Setting spray helps to lock in your makeup and keep it looking fresh all day long. I recommend choosing a formula that's lightweight and doesn't feel sticky. Here are two of my favorite setting sprays:
- Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray: This setting spray is known for its long-lasting hold. It helps to keep makeup in place for up to 16 hours.
- MAC Cosmetics Fix+ Setting Spray: This setting spray is a refreshing mist that helps to set makeup and hydrate the skin. It's perfect for everyday wear.
These are just a few of my favorite makeup products. Experiment with different brands and formulas to find what works best for you. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and express yourself through your makeup!