Beauty & Fashion > Makeup

Must Haves for Your Makeup Bag

When it comes to cosmetics, there are so many different types and brands out there that it can be overwhelming when trying to choose what's right for you. Luckily, there are some tried and true basics that can work for everyone. If you're thinking about stocking your makeup bag (or kit, case, drawer or whatever you use to store your cosmetics) then check out our top picks for must have makeup!

Primer: A fairly new addition to the makeup world is primer. With primer, you can prepare the surface of the skin for makeup application. When applied to clean, dry skin, primer creates a smooth and even surface that's ready for cosmetics. You'll find that primer helps your makeup last longer and go on more evenly.

A top pick: Smashbox Photo Finish Primer.

Foundation: Everyone needs the perfect foundation. There are foundations for every possible skin tone and type. It's crucial to choose the closest color to your skin tone. If your foundation is too dark, it will leave your skin orangey. If it's too light, your skin might have a greyish cast. Foundation comes in coverage from very sheer to opaque. One fantastic foundation to try is Models Prefer Perfect Match Foundation, which can be adjusted to suit any possible skin tone.

Concealer: Concealer works to cover blemishes and dark circles. Some women prefer to apply it under foundation, while some prefer to apply it on top. When using concealer, use your finger and pat into the skin with a stippling motion. Repeat until you reach the desired level of coverage. One great concealer for any skin type is Maybelline Cover Stick. It's cheap but extremely effective and a must-have for any makeup bag.

Blush: You can find blush in powder, cream, gel, or stick form. Powder is the easiest to apply, but cream gives a more natural flush. Many people love gel and stick blushes as well. Bonnie Bell makes the best gel blushes found anywhere, while Stila Convertible Color is a cream blush that can be used all over the face. Seeking a powder blush that looks fantastic on everyone? Try Milani Luminous, a peachy-pink shade that imparts a gorgeous glow to any skin tone.

Eye Shadow: Neutral eye shadows in tones like tan, taupe, beige, champagne, gold, and toffee go with every skin tone and eye color. Try a coordinating quad Cover Girl Eye Enhancers in Coffee Shop. Use the lightest color on the browbone, the second lightest on the lids, the medium shade in the crease and the darkest shade as a liner. To turn any powder eyeshadow into a long-lasting gel liner, try Liquif-Eye by Too Faced.

Eye Liner: When it comes to eye liner, you cannot go wrong with black. Try a black liner in pencil form for easy lining or go with a liquid pen liner for a sharp line. There are also great gel based eyeliners that can be applied with a brush, such as MAC Fluidline Eye Liner Gel.

Mascara: Once again, black is the color of choice for universally flattering mascara. For the thickest, longest lashes possible, curl lashes prior to mascara application. Then, apply two coats of a good mascara like Bare Escentuals Big Tease mascara in Black.

Lip Gloss: Lip gloss is quickly becoming a replacement for lipstick in makeup bags everywhere. Some glosses provide only a hint of color or none at all, while others can be completely opaque. For a great gloss that looks beautiful on anyone, try Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Nude Lustre.