Top 10 Makeup Essentials Every Woman Should Own (2025)

Hi friends! I love sharing all of my favorite beauty tips and finds, but today, I want to go back to basics and share with you the top 10 makeup essentials you should have in your makeup bag. Makeup shopping can be overwhelming and we all have that drawer full of stuff we never use, cluttering up our bathroom. I like to call it the makeup graveyard. The problem is this: You walk into Sephora, or Ulta, or even a drugstore, without a plan. You browse around and purchase things that you are visually attracted to, like that pretty eyeshadow palette, or shimmering pink blush. Although they are beautiful in the store, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they will work you.

On the same note, rarely will you find someone swooning over a tube of concealer, yet that is one of the most important products in a woman’s makeup bag that will help you look and feel your best. Today, I want to share with you the top 10 makeup essentials that should be in your makeup bag. They may not be the the prettiest, or most fun products to purchase, but they are true work horses and will help you look and feel you best.Who’s in?

The Top 10 Makeup Essentials Every Woman Should Own

The Top 10 Makeup Essentials Every Woman Should Own

PRIMER | You wouldn’t paint your walls without priming them first, would you? Same idea here. Primer is magic. It evens out your skin’s texture and makes everything you apply over it, go on smoother and last longer. You will see the biggest difference. The Laura Mercier primer is one of the original ones and still one of the best around.

NEUTRAL SHADOW PALETTE | There are so many palettes out there and many of them are simply too much. Certainly, they are pretty, but you will only use a few shades leaving the rest untouched. This palette maybe not the prettiest, but it is certainly one of the most practical. (Kind of like a nude bra) You will use every single shade in this palette. It is filled with neutral, matte shades that flatter everyone and can create a multitude of looks, from natural to smoky.

CREAM BLUSH | It is so flattering on everyone and easy to apply. Just take a bit onto your fingertips, rub them together to warm up the product, and then smile at yourself in the mirror and gently pat it on the apples of your cheeks, blending it upwards. This one has been a long time favorite and is so flattering on everyone.

LASH CURLER | If you wear no makeup at all, curl your lashes. It makes the biggest difference, taking you from tired to wide awake in a matter of seconds. A swipe of mascara will magnify this effect.

MASCARA | A true makeup essential. As mentioned above, mascara and a good lash curler are magical in making you look more awake and youthful in a matter of seconds.

EYE BROW PENCIL | Eyebrows are the picture frame to your face. If you do nothing at all, at least get your brows shaped by a professional and then fill them in with brow powder. It is much more natural looking and flattering than using a pencil, which can easily look fake and harsh.

CONCEALER | Unless you are a teenager with flawless skin, you need a good concealer. It will hide dark circles and the occasional blemish. This Nars concealer is one of the best ones on the market. I goes on smoothly, looks natural and brightens your under eye area. It also work great on blemishes.

FOUNDATION | Foundation is a very personal choice, depending greatly on your age, skin type and skin concerns. I highly recommend going for a consultation, getting shade matched and finding the right formula for you. This one is my personal favorite.

BRONZER | Bronzer is magical. It works wonders in making you look well rested. I use it year round for a healthy looking glow. It should be used very sparingly on the high planes of your face, where the sun would naturally hit you. This will make it look the most realistic. It should never, ever be used to contour your face. The results would be cringe worthy.

LIPGLOSS | last but not least, a pretty gloss will complete your makeup wardrobe. It looks pretty on everyone and is easy to apply without a mirror or lip liner. Just pop it on. If your prefer less shine, a tinted lip balm is also a perfect choice.

Here is our printable shopping list with all of the products I just talked about. That way, you can go shopping with a purpose and not waste money.

You can also check out my blog post about my favorite budget friendly drugstore makeup products here: DRUGSTORE BEAUTY BUYS.

There you have it – a comprehensive list of makeup essentials that will help you look and feel your best. If you are on a budget, you can find my budget friendly makeup dupes in this post. This is your makeup capsule wardrobe. I hope this post helps you shop with intention and reduce your makeup graveyard. Enjoy!

XO,

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