In order to look absolutely amazing, there are 5 makeup must-have’s I believe every woman should own. The following beauty products are perfect for any age and are all you need to look your best.
1. Mascara
Mascara opens your eyes and makes them pop. Even if you’re too rushed to put on makeup in the morning, a few quick swipes of mascara will help you look awake and pretty. For blond lashes, a dark-brown mascara will provide a hint of color and definition without looking too out of place. Others can wear black or navy blue for a refreshing jolt of color (plus, navy mascara makes blue eyes pop!)
2. Red Lipstick
Every woman should own a tube of red lipstick. It’s bold, daring and perfect for a night on the town or for a sweep of dramatic color anytime. Yes, red lipstick is notoriously hard to pull off, but with the right color every woman can wear red.
For those of you with pink tones, go for a plummy red. Women who have yellow tones should stick with reds that are warm and have a brown base.
Try L’Oreal Color Riche Lipstick in Classic Wine for cool tones or Maybelline Moisture Extreme Lipstick in Wine and Roses for warmer skin tones.
3. Concealer
Even if you don’t wear foundation, a woman cannot be without a good concealer in her makeup bag. Choose a concealer a shade or two lighter than your skin tone; if you only use concealer and no foundation, however, choose a shade that more closely resembles the exact shade of your skin.
I have very difficult skin, and Neutrogena Healthy Skin Smoothing Stick offers amazing coverage and blends flawlessly, with or without other face makeup.
4. Blush
A few swipes of mascara and a sweep of blush every morning will wake up a dull, tired face instantly. I’m surprised by the amount of women who don’t wear blush, or simply don’t know how to use this makeup essential.
For light-skinned women, choose a blush with rose or pink tones; darker-skinned women should go for a blush with apricot, brown or red tones.
If you’re concerned about the type of blush you should use, the condition of your skin can help you out: Oily and combination skin would benefit from using powder blush, while cream blush works well for dry skin. For very oily skin, try a liquid or gel-based blush.
5. Eyebrow Pencil
The way your brows look defines the rest of your face; unkempt brows look ragged and detract from an otherwise flawless face.
A brow pencil can help define and color eyebrows (a good pair of tweezers doesn’t hurt, either). You’ll look well-groomed all day!
I love Revlon Brow Fantasy Pencil & Gel duo. The pencil defines and fills in brows while the gel helps shape unruly eyebrows and keeps them in place all day.
These are definitely 5 makeup must-have’s every woman should stock in her makeup bag. With these 5 products, you won’t even need anything else!
(Photo Credit: Beth Tusch)
Stumble it!





October 14th, 2008 at 6:13 am
In place of an eyebrow pencil, I use clear mascara on mine
If you have nice brows (meaning you HAVE brows), I don’t think you ‘need’ a pencil. The rest of these items, I’m all for!
October 14th, 2008 at 8:31 am
I would add a good SPF 15 moisturizer to this list — perhaps even one with a tint. Good skin care starts with protection from the sun!
October 14th, 2008 at 9:04 am
I LOVE my bronzer. I’ve used it as blush and eye shadow. When I’m low on time, just a quick sweep across my face and I look healthier. I would also replace the red lipstick with a neutral colored (or clear) lip gloss for a more natural and clean look.
October 14th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Amanda,
Clear mascara is a great trick. I’ve used it before to keep my brows looking groomed.
Anne,
Sunscreen should be a priority. I prefer natural formulations rather than chemical-based sunscreens though.
Clb,
I just recently tried using bronzing powder (I actually wrote a review about my experiences) and I was surprised how easy it was to use! Red lipstick is definitely for more of an evening look but I added it to this list because so many women shy away from trying such a bold color but it can do wonders for perking up your face.
October 14th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
I have all of these but the red lipstick… I have a cool complexion and pale face and its hard to find one that would look good on me.
October 14th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Faith,
I was scared of red lipstick for a long time specifically for that reason! I also am quite pale, but even fair skinned girls can pull off red lipstick. You should look for reds that have a blue or brown undertone to them so it won’t look garish against your pale skin.
October 14th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
I love bronzer also! I use Mary kay one, and it is so great, and simple.
October 15th, 2008 at 8:46 am
Blush/bronzer is a must for pretty, healthier, pinchable cheeks!
Also, I never had used an eyebrow pencil, not sure that it’s a must-have for everyone.
October 15th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Snickerdoodle,
Certainly! Every woman undoubtedly have their own essentials they feel are must-have’s for them
October 17th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
Don’t wear a lot of make up. Maybe I’ll look into these 5. Thanks!
October 17th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
Good list. I like powder for eyebrows. I have trouble getting pencil to look natural. But a done eyebrow really makes your eyes pop.
October 21st, 2008 at 9:31 am
I couldn’t live w/o concealer.
October 22nd, 2008 at 9:22 am
I have blond hair, pale blond eyebrows and eyelashes. It is almost impossible to get any type of browcolor to work on me. My eyebrows are so light that I have a hard time seeing them to pluck them. The latest item I have tried was Laura Geller brow that works like a sharpie. I tried the taupe but any of them look fake on me.
Any suggestions?
October 27th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Thanks for the suggestion about brown mascara for blonde women. I always disliked mascara because I only used black and it looked so weird against my pale face…
November 7th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Sounds great to me!!!