My makeup essentials are always with me, wherever I go. There, I’ve confessed! Whether I travel to a different country or treat myself to a staycation, I make sure that my makeup essentials never leave my bag. It’s like a security blanket, I guess.
These are my holy grail products — the ones I’ve tried and tested throughout the years and haven’t failed me even once. They’re the products I swear by, the ones that would survive a busy work day crammed with meetings AND a fun night out.
Want to know my favorite makeup essentials? Keep on reading below!
11 Makeup Essentials You Can Buy Online For $25 Or Less
My top picks for makeup essentials are a mix of drugstore and high-end brands. The best part is, they all cost less than $25 and can all be bought online — because who doesn’t love online shopping for items that are a total steal Am I right, ladies?!
I can’t tell you how happy it makes me whenever I see a package waiting for me at home. Once opened, I take my time ooh-ing and aah-ing while putting product swatches on my arm. It’s one of the best feelings in the world!
Anyway, here are my top 11 makeup essentials — I just couldn’t keep it at 10. Too many favorites!
1. L’Oreal True Match Foundation $9.99
I love how L’Oreal has 24 shades for their True Match Foundation. It makes the selection so much easier because there’s a shade for almost each skin tone. The product blends well and goes on smoothly too, which makes for a good base.
2. Maybelline Fit Me Concealer $6.99
Hiding dark circles is something that’s crucial to me. I usually place my concealer as an inverted triangle on the under-eye area and then blend gently. It makes such a huge difference! You wouldn’t know I was recovering from an all-nighter.
Bonus tip: I use my concealer to strengthen the edges of my lipstick too. Click here for my hack.
3. Anastasia Brow Pencil $21
Social media has been buzzing about brow tutorials lately and I’m mesmerized with almost every video I see. My go-to brow makeup is the Anastasia Pencil in dark brown. A sharpened tip helps me outline and define my arches and then I just use the edge to help shade in further.
Seriously, I’ve never been this happy with an eyebrow product. My brow goals have turned into a reality.
4. Shu Uemura Eyelash curler $20
A good eyelash curler is a makeup essential because it can make you look awake in an instant! My favorite’s Shu Uemura. Been using it since my high school years and I’ve turned a convert ever since!
5. Maybelline Volum Express The Falsies Mascara $6.99
They say that a tube of mascara should be changed every 4 to 6 months. I’ve always turned to Maybelline’s mascara range because (1) they’re affordable and (2) they work wonders!
My favorite’s the Volum Express variant — it’s only $6.99, it’s waterproof, and it makes my peepers look amazing!
6. Ulta Miss Fabulous Palette $20
I have a thing for palettes because it makes color pairing easier. For a day look, I put a bit of Fab and Fox on my lids. If I have to switch it up to a night look, I just layer on Mitten and Sugar Bear to help intensify the shades.
7. Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Eyeliner $22
It’s always good to invest in an eyeliner that’s smudge-proof and waterproof. Stila’s Stay All Day Eyeliner does just that — it doesn’t budge and it prevents any unwanted panda eye moments. Did I mention that the felt tip also makes it easier to draw on a cat’s eye?
8. Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer Mini $15
I’ve loved contouring ever since I saw what a difference it made. Cheekbones immediately looked higher and my face was given dimension. The reason why I love Benefit’s Bronzer is because it doubles as both a bronzer and a contour.
Also, since the product is matte, it looks more natural on the face. Just remember that a little swipe of it goes a long way.
9. Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lolita II $20
This is a beautiful terracotta nude hue that glides on smoothly, turns matte, and doesn’t end up drying the lips. Seriously, I have never found a lippie I have loved more than Kat Von D’s Lolita II.
It’s perfect for casual brunch dates or a day at the mall. I’ll be honest, I’ve loved this so much that I’ve given all my other lippies a rest (for now). Currently on my second tube and counting.
10. Benefit Porefessional Primer Mini $12
This makeup essential is what I use when I want to finish off my face. I’ll usually look for a few spots where my pores are showing and I’ll dab a bit of the product onto it.
Whether I’m having photos taken or going to an event at night, I always make sure to carry a mini version of Benefit’s Porefessional in my bag.
11. Neutrogena Hydrating Make-Up Remover Cleansing Towelettes $7.99
When the night is over and I’m back at home, there’s something gratifying about taking all the day’s makeup off! It just makes sleeping and cuddling feel so much fresher and better.
I usually go through one to two towelettes a night and then continue with the rest of my cleansing routine. As much as I can , I like to take my time with my nightly routine. I like to think of it as a little pamper sesh that I give myself at the end of the day.
Makeup essentials are great when used right, so here’s a video from Amy-Rose Walker about her Makeup Mistakes To Avoid:
And that rounds up my list of makeup essentials, ladies! I do hope you were able to pick up a few tips from my beloved stash of everyday favorites. Remember that sharing is caring, so tell me about your set of makeup essentials in the comments section below. I can’t wait to read them!
Looking for an everyday neutral look? Click here!
Need help in choosing the shade of your foundation? I’m here to help!
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