When it comes to stocking a makeup bag, you really don’t need much so long as you have the correct tools. Here are the musts.
CONCEALER: Make sure it’s a match with your skin type and tone and that you have two different ones: one for under your eyes (to correct blues) and one for blemishes (to correct reds).
LUMINIZER: This can be in a stick or pot and comes in varying levels of creaminess, but you want something that’s very subtly shimmery and slightly golden that you can use to make your eyes appear more open (by dabbing it on the inner corners of your eyes), to highlight your cheekbones or brow bones, to highlight the bow of your lip, or even to make your nose appear thinner (by running a thin strip down the center). It can even double as eye shadow.
BRONZER: Add a swipe of healthy glow to your skin all year round, without the harmful effects of the sun. The younger you are, the more shimmer you can get away with. Over forty? Shimmer settles in fine lines and wrinkles, making them appear more pronounced, so be cautious, especially around your eyes.
BLUSH: A flushed cheek makes everyone look just a bit healthier and happier. Look for a sheer pink shade that you can build up for more coverage or barely swipe on for less.
MASCARA + EYELASH CURLER: Make your eyes appear larger and more awake, instantly, with a quick clamp of an eyelash curler and a swipe (or two!) of mascara. Look for a tubular formula with flexible polymers, which literally create tubes around your lashes for greater volume and length without the risk of flakiness or difficulty taking it off. Warm your lash curler by running it under hot water for an even more dramatic curl.
LIPSTICK, LIP GLOSS, TINTED LIP BALM: It’s all about preference here. Have fun and experiment to find you signature shade.