12 Makeup Essentials

Wondering what to put in your makeup bag? Here are the 12 essentials you'll need !

1. Finishing powder - When you're done putting on makeup, dust your face with finishing powder to seal everything in!

2. Blush - A touch of blush swept on the apples of your cheeks can instantly brighten your complexion. When you apply blush, smile at yourself in the mirror first.

3. Concealer - A great concealer can hide the most unsightly blemishes and brighten undereye circles. This is usually the second thing you put on, after sunblock

4. Makeup brushes - Use these to apply your eyeshadow, conceealer, foundation, blush and powder. Travel sizes are available as well.

5. Lipstick - You can't go wrong with red and pink, 2 classic shades that look good on almost all skin tones. Some brands have long wear lipstick that don't smudge!

6. Eyebrow Pencil - Shade your eyebrows in for a more polished look. Make sure you choose a shade lighter than your hair color to avoid that dark, bushy caveman look.

7. Sunblock - Sunblock should be applied right after you wash your face. This is one of the most important products on the list as it protects you from the damaging UV rays of the sun.

8. Highlighter - Place highlighter on the highest points of your face : apples of your cheeks, bridge of your nose, and the jaw bone. This will  give you a softer, more luminous appearance.

9. Eyeliner - Simply lining your eyes makes all the difference in the world. For active girls, choose an eyeliner that is waterproof and smudge proof.

10. Foundation - For a flawless appearance,apply foundation all over after concealer. This will conceal any flaws you have and even out your skin tone.

11. Mascara -  Create the illusion of longer, thicker lashes with a few sweeps of mascara. Make sure you curl them first with an eye lash curler.

12. Eyeshadow - Add some drama to your makeup by putting on some eyeshadow. Experiment with contoured brushes and colors - use several, sweeping with a medium shade over your eyelids, followed by a darker shade in the contours of your eyes and above the eyelashes. The lightest shade should be applied on your browbone and lightly all over the lid.

The trick to applying makeup is experimenting. So have fun in front of the mirror and see what you can do. Your face is a blank canvas and you are the artist - use your tools!