Beauty Basics: What every girl needs in her makeup kit

I get a lot of questions from girls who are just starting to discover makeup. "What do I need to buy first?" they ask. I have actually answered this several times in the past but I thought I would update my list to also include must-have tools.

So, if you have absolutely no knowledge of makeup or if you want to build a kit that has the absolute minimum items, this post is for you! This is everything you need to achieve a flawless, no-makeup look that can be amplified with bright, eye-catching lips depending on where you're going.

1 - Concealer brush from Charm. This is for applying concealer on small blemishes and eyebags.

2 - Flat-top brush from Charm. This is for buffing in foundation if you don't want to use a sponge. For heavier coverage, you can apply some concealer on your face then buff it in with this brush to cover large, uneven areas.

3 - Concealer for blemishes and undereyes. I think the Cinema Secrets Foundation Palette #2 is an absolute must-have. It can be used as a foundation or as a concealer, depending on how opaque you want to go. It has a shade for concealing eyebags (beige salmon), blemishes, and as an overall cream foundation.

How to apply flawless face makeup

4 - Powder foundation (Lancome Maqui Blanc Miracle Compact). Any powder foundation that matches your skin and skin type will do, actually. Go for a powder foundation for your everyday makeup because it's convenient to use and bring in your bag! Here are some powder foundations I've reviewed in the past. Take your pick!

5 - Three lipstick shades: an MLBB (my lips but better), hot pink, and an opaque red. You can throw in a nude if you like heavily lined and smoky eyes. An MLBB is usually a brown-based plum or pink shade that's almost the exact color of your lips. It's best for going to the school or office since it's flattering but understated.

An MLBB, hot pink, and true red. Doesn't matter what brand as long as you find a flattering color!

Hot pink is a great color if you're out with your friends just chilling out, going to a party and what not. It's eye catching and fun! An opaque red is perfect for more formal functions and evening affairs. It's a classic way to seal your whole look.

6 - Peach pink blush. A blush like the Benefit Hervana Blush or the NARS Super Orgasm goes with almost skin tones, types, and coordinates with most makeup as well. It's an all-around color to have!

7 - Blush brush. Love the Marionnaud Blush Brush; it's applies blush smoothly and evenly. So affordable, too!

8 - Eyelash curler. Girl, you don't have to suffer invisible eyelashes. Make sure they're up and batting at cute guys with an eyelash curler (such as the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler) and a mascara.

9 - Brown or black mascara. Make sure it enhances your lashes without going overboard. A clean, non-goopy finish is what you should be going for (Shu Uemura Ultimate Natural Mascara in Dark Brown). However, if you want crazy big lashes then no one's stopping you! Go for a black volumizing mascara like the Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara or Majolica Majorca Lash King Mascara).

10 - Eyeshadow primer. Use a primer if you like wearing eyeshadow - it keeps your color in place and super vibrant. I love the Urban Decay Primer Potion and ArtDeco Eyeshadow Base.

11 - Eyeshadow palette in browns. I don't care if you're lazy - everyone needs flattering brown eyeshadows in their lives! They can bring out your eyes and make them more beautiful. Learn how to apply simple eye makeup and you'll never regret it.

12 - Eyeshadow brush. If you have to buy only one eyeshadow brush, go for a fluffy, slightly flat brush with a rounded edge. It can apply your lid, crease, and browbone makeup easily so there's no need to use multiple brushes. I love the Studio Makeup Pro Shadow Shading Brush for that purpose. 

13 - Eyebrow pencil. If lashes are the drapes to the window of your soul, eyebrows are the window frames. :) Make sure they are groomed and shaped to perfection to enhance your face shape. Try the Shu Uemura Hard Formula brow pencil in 09 Walnut Brown, Avon Perfect Eyebrow Pencil in Dark Brown, or Benefit Brow Zings to shape that perfect arch.

14 - Eyeliner. Pencil, cream, liquid, it doesn't matter as long as you know how to apply eyeliner properly. Eyeliner can perk up even the droopiest, tiredest of eyes and give them much-needed definition. Currently loving the K-Palette Real Lasting Eyeliner!

Once you have all the basics, that's when you should start exploring other types of makeup to play with. Sooo many options are available to us now that answer every need and whim. There are no limits, so experiment and just have fun! You can always take it off when you're done. 

And that's it. Hope this helps, guys! Just let me know if you have any questions!