You Need These 5 Makeup Products in Your Collection

When it comes to building your makeup collection, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of products available. Every influencer seems to have their own set of must-haves, and it can be tricky to know which ones are truly worth your investment. Whether you’re a makeup newbie or a seasoned pro, having a reliable set of essentials can make all the difference. So, what are the products that should definitely earn a spot in your kit?

Some items, like concealer and mascara, are no-brainers. Others, such as setting powder or a specific eyeshadow brush, might not seem as essential at first glance. To help you navigate this beauty maze, we consulted with two professional makeup artists. Here are the expert-approved picks they say are absolutely necessary for a well-rounded makeup collection.

1. Mascara

Mascara is the number one way to bring sparkle to tired eyes. It effectively darkens your lashes and accentuates your eyes, making you look more awake and vibrant. The beauty of mascara lies in its variety—each type offering unique benefits to suit your needs.

• Volumizing Mascara: Adds extra thickness to plump up your lashes for a youthful look. Perfect for a night out or when you want to make a statement.
• Lengthening Mascara: Makes the ends of your lashes appear longer, giving your eyes a bigger and brighter appearance. Ideal for daytime wear or a more natural look.
• Curling Mascara: Great for giving flat lashes more shape and boosting volume with a curved application brush. It opens up your eyes, making them look larger and more expressive.

Mascara is available in both regular and waterproof formulas. If you’re heading to the gym or spending a day at the beach, go for waterproof mascara to prevent smudging and raccoon eyes. For everyday use, a regular mascara can add the perfect touch of glamour without the hassle of removal.

2. Lipstick

Lipstick and mascara both have the power to instantly transform your appearance. Lipstick can set the tone for your entire look and make your lips look fuller. Whether you opt for an elegant nude tone, playful pink, or sultry red, lipstick can brighten your entire complexion and enliven your eyes.

Even if you don’t have time for other makeup, applying a dash of lipstick is a quick way to boost your confidence. It naturally makes it look like you’ve put in a lot more effort than you really have. Plus, lipstick serves as sun protection for your lips. Since there is no melanin in your lips, it’s easier for them to get sunburnt. Choose a lipstick with SPF to keep your pout protected. Lipsticks that contain aloe vera gel and vitamin E have moisturizing properties and support hydration to keep your lips healthy and supple.

3. Eyeliner/Eyebrow Pencil

The trick here is finding a pencil that you can use as a 2-in-1 for both your eyes and brows. Eyeliner can work wonders to enhance the shape of your eyes, creating the illusion of bigger, narrower, or wider eyes. They can intensify your eye color and frame your peepers beautifully.

For brows, the same pencil can be used to fill in sparse areas and define your brow shape. Well-groomed eyebrows frame your face and can make a significant difference in your overall look. Look for a pencil that glides smoothly and offers lasting wear without smudging.

4. BB Cream

BB Cream (or beauty balm) made our list rather than foundation for several reasons. BB creams serve as both a light cover and have skincare benefits. Long-wear, heavy coverage foundations (liquids and powders) can cause clogged pores and even non-comedogenic products can be the underlying cause of acne or breakouts.

BB cream offers much lighter coverage while hydrating your skin. Many versions include anti-aging ingredients and sun protection. BB creams can be used as a primer, tinted moisturizer, or light concealer, making them a versatile addition to your makeup kit. They are a great way to give your skin a break while still getting some light cover for small imperfections and redness.

5. Bronzer

No makeup kit is complete without a good bronzer. Bronzers come in either matte or shimmer variations and give your skin a gorgeous sun-kissed glow. Even when you’re keeping your makeup minimal, bronzer can enhance a healthy and vibrant appearance. It adds a touch of warmth without exposing your sensitive facial skin to UV rays.

Choose a bronzer that suits your skin tone and apply it to areas where the sun naturally hits—your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline. This will create a natural-looking contour and highlight your best features.

With these five items, you’ll always be ready to look your best with minimal effort. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or just need a quick touch-up before a Zoom meeting, these essentials will ensure you have everything you need in your makeup collection.