Whether you’re a makeup novice or have been experimenting with cosmetics for years, it’s crucial to have a collection with makeup essentials that will allow you to create a go-to everyday look. After acquiring the makeup basics, it is that much easier to seamlessly add more playful or trendy makeup products to your collection and incorporate them into your beauty looks.

First of all GET A MAKEUP BAG. Makes life a little easier, ladies.

Below, I’ll lay out the makeup basics every student or working girl should have in her makeup bag. The following list is also great for those creating a “starter” set of makeup, which is perfect for beginners.

The list is split into four categories: Face, Eyes, Lips, and Tools and divided into part one and two. Part one will have Face and a bit of Eyes then continue with part two having the rest of Eyes, Lips and Tools. Enjoy Guys!

Face:

1. Primer: A primer minimizes pores and creates a smooth base perfect for the rest of your makeup application. This is a step you can skip if your skin is naturally flawless, but if you have any imperfections, it’s a fabulous product that will make your skin look amazing. Primer is great for ladies because it also prepares your skin for the makeup you’ll be applying on top of it. You can do without this product though if you don’t want it. It just gives your makeup an even more flawless look.

2. Foundation: Foundation usually goes on over the primer but you can also apply it after your concealer. It is really the next step in making your skin look flawless, fresh and beautiful. It’s important to find a foundation that works for your skin type and matches your skin tone.

3. Concealer: Concealer should perfectly match your skin tone so it blends seamlessly over any flaws or imperfections in your skin. Find a nice concealer that feels comfortable for you and apply it only over blemishes or imperfections. A common concealer mistake is over using it so make sure you’re careful. You only need to use it to help conceal the flaws.

4. Blush: I remember being told that ladies especially blacks don’t need to wear blush because we naturally don’t show when we blush but when applied tastefully it gives you a fresh looking face. It gives your face a nice tone and colour and helps you highlight your cheekbones. Blush is also available in a wide variety of colours making it easy to find a shade that works for any look.

5. Bronzer: Bronzer is a beautiful product. It helps you contour and accentuate your cheeks and can either help you get a bold, dramatic look or a more subtle look depending on how you use it.

Eyes:

6. Mascara: A black or dark brown mascara is essential for an everyday look. It’s the quickest way to make your eyes pop and gives you a bold dramatic look. I love L’Oreal Voluminous, but Maybelline Great Lash and CoverGirl LashBlast are a few faves too.

7. Eyeliner: Eyeliner can be applied in many ways to define your eyes. A classic black shade is a necessity for most skin tones; if you have fair skin, opt for a dark-brown. Also, light to medium skin tones should consider a dark navy, because the blue makes the whites of your eyes pop; therefore, making you look more awake. I suggest a felt tip eyeliner pencils because they don’t need to be sharpened all the time, letting you skip a step.