14 Classic Beauty Essentials Every Girl Should Have

There are so many beauty products on the market that it may be confusing for women to pick out the absolute essentials. Keeping to the essentials will serve many women who, through a diligent skincare routine, can achieve the same results as those who spend more money. As long as you have these tried and true products, you'll always look your best.

Cleanser

One of the most important regimens for healthy skin is a good cleanser. For those with sensitive skin, use a cream cleanser or a foaming gel. Never use soaps as most of them have ingredients that will dry the skin.

Tinted Moisturizer

This stuff is the bomb dot com. It is the perfect go-to on days when you want a little coverage but don’t want your face to look cakey.  It offers a little color, moisture, and UV protection (if you get a brand with SPF, which you always should.) 

Concealer

We’ve all had those days… you wake up with dark puffy bags or a giant blemish! Uh-oh.  Never fear, concealer to the rescue. Concealer is perfect for everyday wear or just days you aren’t feeling as gorgeous as normal.  

Bronzer

Your summer glow can last all year with a little help from bronzer. The trick to using bronzer: less is more.  Too much will make you look like an Oompa Loompa. Gently swipe a little right below your cheek bones and the temples of your forehead.  You will instantly get that healthy glow you’ve been craving.

Perfume

Perfume is so versatile! With so many different scents there is the perfect one for every mood and occasion.  Ask for travel or sample sized bottles before your purchase to make sure you really do love the scent. 

Foundation

Use a foundation that is close to or slightly darker than your normal skin color. Foundations help protect the skin and many include sunscreen, which is added protection against sun damage. Any product used on the skin should include sunscreen.

Blush

Skin needs a little color to complete the face and bring out just a hint of radiance. Blush also enhances cheekbones. Apply blush lightly on the forehead give your skin a healthy glow.

Lip Gloss

For fresh, moisturized, and fun lips go for a lip gloss.  The varieties, colors, and types and endless.  Go for a subtle pink during the day but bring the fun with a bright, sparkly red.  Be you. Choose colors you like and look good on you.

Lip Liner

For those who enjoy wearing lipstick rather than lip gloss, a lip liner is necessary. The liner ensure the lipstick will stay within the lines of your lips and will enhance your lips slightly, just enough to make them kissable.

Exfoliate

Follow cleansing with an exfoliate product. This will release dead skin cells and help the skin glow. Exfoliates are available for sensitive, dry, and normal skin.

Moisturizer

Always follow cleansing with a protective moisturizer that includes a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher to protect against sun damage. Moisturizers should be suitable to skin type. Those with dry skin should look for an oil-free moisturizer.

Eye Cream

The skin around the eyes is very sensitive and need some protection to keep the skin moisturized. Use eye cream under, over and around the sides of your eyes to keep them looking smooth and supple. Eye cream helps in smoothing out wrinkles.

Toner

Those with slightly oily skin should use an astringent toner. Toners can be astringents or have slight moisturizing properties. Depending on your skin type, using a toner completes the skin cleansing process.

Eye Shadow

Eye shadow is a great enhancer of your eyes. Use color as close to your eye color as possible, not what you are wearing. Eye shadow is used to enhance your eyes, not your clothes.

Eyeliner

Like eye shadow, eyeliner enhances your eyes and makes them appear larger. A dark brown eyeliner at the edge of your eyelashes will make your eyes stand out. It is an easy way to enlarge the eyes.

Mascara

Eyelashes get lost without the use of mascara. Mascara completes the eye makeup by enhancing your eyelashes by making them appear darker and fuller. Never apply mascara to the lower lash as it can easily smudge.

Eyebrow Pencil

Do not forget the brows. Applying eyebrow pencil enhances the color and shape. Be sure to use a slightly darker color to your natural brow to enhance your eyes without looking fake.

Powder

Powder is a great final addition to makeup because it helps set the foundation in place. Use loose powder, dampen a makeup sponge into the powder, and dab onto your face, especially around the eyes. Powder also allows concealer to set in place as well.