The 10 Essentials

Hey chicas! Hope you had a great weekend cause tomorrow it's back to the daily grind of the nine-to-five! I almost didn't get today's blog post up because my computer is crazy slow; I'm thinking its time for an upgrade-this laptop is about 6 years old at least! I know...that's dinosaur age in the technology world! I'll have a new one in the next few weeks though.

Anyway, today I wanted to share you with ten essential things every woman should have in her little bag of cosmetics. Even if you are the type that doesn't really wear makeup, these 10 essentials can be used on a daily basis for basic beauty enhancement, not anything over the top. So let's get started:

• Foundation - try to choose the foundation that matches the closest to your skin complexion. If you have uneven skin tone, you may have to get two different shades to get the right color balance. You actually may want to have two shades regardless, because the skin color tends to be darker in the summer months than in the fall and winter, and you'll need to be able to adjust to that slight color change. You can choose either liquid or power foundation, but make sure its a good brand/product. Don't take the cheap way out or you'll end up either looking "pasty" or having to reapply before the day is even over!
• Blush - for blush, don't go with red no matter what your skin tone is! If you're fair-skinned, go for a peachy color. If you're more brown-skinned/dark-skinned, choose something from the burgundy/wine color family. Always apply your blush with a light hand, started on the cheekbones and sweeping upwards following the contours of the cheeks. The reason I suggest applying with a light hand is because you can always add another layer of color if needed; that's easier than having to wipe it off because you had a heavy hand the first time around.
• Highlight/Bronzer - This is what will give you a fresh, glowing look. It should always be applied to the T-zone (forehead, bridge of the nose, & chin), and can also be applied just over the cheekbones (under the outside of the eyes) to make your eyes look brighter. Makeup artists use highlighters and bronzers to bring attention to the center of the face.
• Neutral Eyeshadow Colors - You'll want to have at least two neutral tones to start, one lighter and one darker. Make sure the colors compliment each other. With neutrals, you can add some definition to the eyes without adding too much color or drama. This is great for daytime looks, and perfect for those women who don't really wear makeup. The lighter color should be applied on the eyelid, up to the crease of the eye; the darker color should be placed on the outer corner of the eye.
• Lip Liner - Not black!! Go for a color that is one or two shades darker than your lips. In a later post, I'll discuss how to apply lip liner if you have full lips or thin lips. Don't follow the example of Kim from the Real Housewives of Atlanta--Ugh!
• Tinted Lip Gloss - I love glosses that are tinted pink or cherry. But go for one that suits you and compliments your complexion, and that will blend in with your lip liner.
• Black Eye Liner - This one is self explanatory. Lining your eyes will define their shape and should always be used, unless you're going for a clean look (which I'll also discuss the clean look in a later blog). I love eyeliner because you can give your eyes any shape you want, or give the illusion of them being wider/smaller!
• Mascara - Choosing a good mascara can be trial and error. I can't tell you how much money I've thrown away trying different mascaras. A lot of make claims that aren't true. I hate those types! From my experimenting with different types/brands, I've found that the rubber applicators are my preference. I hate the traditional bristle brushes. Unfortunately, it's probably going to be trial and error for you too.
• A good set of brushes - This will probably be the most expensive, but it'll be worth it! You can save money though...I love the Essence of Beauty brushes that you can find at CVS! The quality is just as good as the professional, more expensive brands, but at a fraction of the price! Always wash your new brushes with warm water & mild soap before using them!
• Oil Blotting Sheets - Everyone may not need these but they'll come in handy especially for those women with oily skin. If you don't have oily skin, you may still want to have these in your bag just in case (especially in summer when you may perspire more often).

So there you have it chicas! Those are the 10 things every woman must have in their cosmetics bag. With these items on hand, you can achieve a natural look that can be worn everyday without overdoing it. Stay tuned for more beauty tips & advice and of course more before & after pics! In the meantime, take care and take charge! Later chicas! :-)