There’s a saying that goes, “Show me your make-up bag and I will show you your…”; okay there’s no such saying but there’s a lot you can tell about someone from their make up bag . Their choice in product, choice in brand, which make up item is clearly unloved and which one is a favourite, which product they have more of etc., reveal a lot. 

The global cosmetic industry is grossing billions of dollars (US) and with the surge in beauty content creators online, knowing which make up products and tools to have in your make up bag can be a very confusing and time consuming exercise. However, once you drown out the noise, you realise it’s more simple than it is purported to be. So what are some essentials to have? 

1. Primer

You would think that in 2022, it is common knowledge and practice to apply primer BEFORE applying a foundation or any other type of make up, unfortunately not everyone is au faire to this. And there’s no judgement here, we all began somewhere and were all once learning as we go. 

So, why a make up primer you may ask? Here’s why: 

1. Forms a protective layer between the make up product and your skin;

2. Keeps your foundation/make up products in place. This means, you don’t have to worry about sweating through your make up barely an hour in. 

3. Forms a nice layer for your foundation to spread smoothly and evenly, giving you that velvety-porcelain finish we all want. 

4. Some primers double as skin care products with pre-erasing ingredients that are great for the overall health of your skin. 

PRO-TIP: Different primers cater to different skin types. Make sure to find out front the cosmetitian on duty which best suits your skin and of course, your pockets (cause girrrrl, some be costing 2 million and a kidney) 

More quick and easy lists here: https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/makeup/makeup-essentials-checklist

2. Foundation | BB Cream | Tinted Moisturiser | CC Cream

This needs its own focus but next in your make up bag should be a base liquid of some sort, whether that be a foundation, BB cream, tinted moisturiser, or a CC Cream. Again, what you choose here will depend on a number of things including your general style and taste, affordability, skin condition, and what you’re generally comfortable with. So get comfortable with learning what really works for you before opening your wallet. 

Tinted moisturisers, BB and CC Creams are for the girlies who prefer a fresh and very natural look. They typically have very good skin and so the lightness in these creams is ideal as it has no “imperfections” to cover up. These girlies prefer a tinted Labello to a lipstick, they have bushy brows (or not) but they swear by brow gels, a complimenting blush and a quality mascara. That’s it for the BB cream girlies. As a side note, I am yet to find BB and CC creams that look great on marinated skin regardless of how perfect their skin is, always looks a bit ashy so tread carefully queens.  Instyle covers the difference and which is better for you in their article: https://www.instyle.com/beauty/what-is-bb-cream. 

Now for us, ranging from moderately made up faces to full on editorial slayage, we need a thicker base than a tinted moisturiser and that is where foundations come in. Foundations and powders are trickiest in your make up kit because you can get away with a low quality mascara or lipstick but you cannot get away a low quality foundation or worse, wrong shade foundation. So make sure to consult exensively before spending your cents. 

3. Powders | Compact Powder | Translucent | Finishing

Powders are essential for setting and locking in any liquids you put on your face to prevent product moving around and creating that “sweaty” look. However, different powders perform different roles. 

Compact powders are great as substitutes for foundations when wearing light make up, they also go well with well blended foundations but careful not to apply too much and risk a cakey look. Translucent powders are use for setting – setting/baking your highlight, setting concealers and even foundations. 

4. Concealers / Contour Palette

For extra coverage on those “imperfections”, highlighting and contouring, concealers are your friend. If you’re extra like that, a contour palette is even better. One conclear lighter than your skin tone, one darker, one matching and a 2/3 that are specific to colour correcting should be fine. 

5. Blush

You need blush in your kit okay? Okay! Whether it is a cream blush or powder blush, blushes are underrated but do wonders in bringing together any kind of make up look. The Cold Wire has this awesome breakdown of blushes that you can review before making your purchase: https://www.thecoldwire.com/types-of-blush/

6. Mascara | Eyeliner | Lipliner

These are the most uncomplicated and cheapest items to get for your age up bag. Without them, your make up looks incomplete. They are simple to use which is no surprise that both beginner, occasional and make up enthusiasts use them. 

7. Natural Eyeshadow Palette | More Defined Palette

A natural eyeshadow palette with earthy tones for everyday use and one with more bold tones for those glammed up days. Both palettes must have an even distribution of mattes, shimmers and even 1 or 2 glitters for that dazzle dazzle option. 

8. Setting Spray | Fixing Spray

The goal with make up is to always have it intact and looking like it was just applied. This is where setting sprays come in. To remove some of the ashiness and lock everything up, a good setting spray is a must have. 

Nude lipstick | Bold Lipstick | chapstick | Lipgloss

If there’s a product you want to have plenty of options in it’s any product that goes on your lips. A girl can never have enough lippies and lipglosses okay! However, if you don’t know where to begin, a good nude lipstick for everyday use coupled with a bolder lipsticks for those other days, is exactly what you need. Don’t forget a good chapstick and lipgloss to complete. 

10. Basic Brush Set

Make up brushes are by far the most important tools in your make up bag. This article in Cosmolitan breaks down all make up brushes and their uses nicely: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/how-to/a40310/makeup-brushes-how-to/