Secret Southern Couture: Eight Makeup Essentials Every Woman Should Own   

Monday, March 4, 2013

Eight Makeup Essentials Every Woman Should Own

If you are new to makeup, you may be overwhelmed by the vast number of different kinds, brands, and varieties of cosmetics available.  If you’ve ever browsed the makeup aisle or counter at a department or drug store, it may seem like it will cost thousands of dollars to get everything that you need.  Fortunately, though, most women can create a number of different and attractive looks with just a few affordable makeup essentials.  Here are a few of the most important makeup items every woman should have on hand.

1- Concealer

Very few women have a flawless complexion.  Most need the help of a good quality concealer to hide dark circles, blemishes, and scars.  Just like foundation, concealer can be purchased in a number of different shades to match your skin tone.  When purchasing concealer, look for a product that is similar in color to your skin so that it blends naturally.

2-Blush or Bronzer

Both blush and bronzer are great products to give your face a warm glow.  Women with darker skin may look more natural with a bronzer whereas a light brush of blush can help to brighten the complexion of a woman who is fairer skinned.  Apply both products with a large, fluffy brush for best results.

3- Lip Gloss

Lip gloss is a great, natural looking product that can instantly give your lips a youthful shine.  It can also help to enhance the color of your lips while making them look fuller.  In addition, many lip gloss products are now made to moisturize your lips and protect them from sun damage.

4- Eye Shadow Palette

Makeup beginners should start with a basic set of neutral eye shadows.  Look for a palette that includes a light brown, taupe, and off-white selection.  These colors work with just about any skin tone and eye color.  Moreover, they can be applied sparingly for a daytime look or applied more liberally for a stunning evening look.

5- Eyeliner

Nothing accentuates your eyes quite like eyeliner.  It should be applied generously and then smudged to give a softer appearance.  To create a more natural look, stick with eyeliner that is either black or dark brown. 

6- Eyelash Curler

Eyelash curlers can help people with thin, straight eyelashes make their eyes look more open and attractive.  Eyelash curlers bend the eyelashes so that they look longer and larger.  They should be used with mascara to complete the transformation.

7- Mascara

Mascara is one of the most effective make-up tools a woman can own.  It can instantly make eyes look more open while emphasizing the lashes.  It can be used to make eyelashes look darker, thicker, and longer.  While there are a number of different colors of mascara available, most women look most flattering in a black or very dark brown. 


8- Brushes

Quality brushes can help to extend the life of your makeup while making application easier and smoother.  The easiest and most affordable way to find makeup brushes is to purchase a full set that has everything that you will need.  At the very minimum you will need a large brush for applying blush or powder and a contour, shadow, and liner brush.

Starting out a makeup collection doesn’t have to be overwhelming.  It can be as simple as investing in a few, smart products that can drastically enhance your appearance.  As your makeup needs change and evolve, you can add products to round out your beauty routine.  Just don’t forget to stick with the few essentials that are the basics of any woman’s makeup case.