Nothing can be more stressful than trying to navigate your way through the makeup counter, am I right? With tons and tons of different products on the market, I know how hard it is to know what you really need. So, whether you’re new to the makeup world or are ready to start fresh with some new products, I’ve got you covered. Keep on reading for all the must-haves you need in your beginner makeup bag.  

FACE

First things first, let’s talk essentials for the face. For makeup newbies or people who aren’t looking for a full-coverage foundation, I always recommend a CC cream. One of my favorites for everyday use is this one from Erborian. It adjusts to your skin tone almost like magic! For applying it, I love the IT Cosmetics double ended brush, which is great for applying any foundation or CC cream with the bigger end and concealing other areas with the smaller end (more brush recs here). For concealer, the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer is an absolute must-have. I like to set it with the Laura Mercier Pressed Setting Powder and then add subtle definition to my face with the Laura Mercier Baked Bronzer. And of course, no makeup bag is complete without a highlighter. Zuma from Pérsona Cosmetics is my go-to for a youthful, sunkissed glow.

EYES

When it comes to the eyes, a versatile eyeshadow palette is super important. You want to find a palette that has both matte and shimmers and that can be used for everything from natural everyday looks to complete wedding glam. The Pérsona Cosmetics Identity Palette checks all the boxes and is also great for travel and on-the-go! To make your eyeshadow application easier I would look for a dual-ended eyeshadow brush like this one by It Cosmetics. One is for applying color all over the lid and the other end is great for smoking your lower lash line. And lastly, mascara is an essential for beginners and experts alike. The Lancôme Grandiôse Mascara is my long-time favorite, but I also love my new affordable pick from L’Oréal (which you can read all about here)!

LIPS

If you’re going to have one lip product in your makeup arsenal, it should definitely be a nude lipstick or lipgloss. A nude shade is super versatile and easy-to-wear everyday. Right now I’m loving this Clinique lip gloss. For lipstick, this L’Oréal lipstick is so pretty and affordable (read all about it here)!

BAGS

And lastly, make up bags! You can only imagine how many I have because I’m always on-the-go, traveling or lugging product from the office to the apartment. I found tons of cute, affordable ones that I linked below.

And there you have it! These are my go-to recommendations for starting or updating your makeup bag. What do you have in your makeup bag that you can’t live without?