The Makeup Items Every Woman Needs to Add to Her Kit

POPSUGAR Photography | Jessica Cruel
POPSUGAR Photography | Jessica Cruel

A woman's makeup kit is one of her most prized possessions. Whether it's a small makeup bag fit for travel or a CosmoCube packed with products, many secrets are held within. How do your lashes get so long? (Falsies.) Did you lose some weight? (Contouring palette.) How did you get that glow? (Highlighter.) We've compiled a list of items every woman needs in her vanity based on skill level. If you're a beginner, start with a simple foundation and build up to professional status. Happy shopping!

For Beginners . . .
Sephora

For Beginners . . .

If you're just starting to explore the world of makeup, these are the bare-bones basics. This list may be small, but even a novice can create a flawless, natural look with these products. It's also a good packing list for travel.

  • Mascara
  • BB cream
  • A cheek and lip stain
  • Eyeliner (pencil)
  • An eye-shadow duet
  • A brow pencil and brow gel
  • A foundation sponge
  • Lip balm
  • Tweezers
  • Makeup-remover wipes
For Intermediates . . .
Sephora

For Intermediates . . .

So you've been doing this for a minute and graduated to maven status. Below you'll find the items you need to add to your makeup kit during the next haul. The cat-eye flick and contouring are no problem for you, but you still have a few skills to master yet.

  • Eyelash curler
  • Bronzer
  • Highlighter
  • Concealer
  • Primer
  • Liquid foundation
  • A bold lipstick
  • Lip liner
  • A cream and powder blush
  • Liquid eyeliner (with felt tip)
  • An eye-shadow palette
  • A spoolie brush
  • Hydrating mist
  • Foundation brush
  • Eye-shadow brush
  • Double-sided contour and blush brush
  • Pressed-powder compact
  • Pointed Q-tips
  • Eye-makeup remover
For Experts . . .
Sephora

For Experts . . .

Did someone call for a makeup artist? Whether you've been classically trained or logged hours of YouTube training, you know your way around the makeup aisle. Before you embark on your professional career, make sure your rolling suitcase of products is packed with the following:

  • Loose pigments
  • Fake lashes
  • Lash glue
  • Lash primer
  • Metal lash comb
  • Eye-shadow primer
  • Loose finishing powder
  • Makeup setting spray
  • A fan brush
  • Lip scrub
  • Palette of lip colors
  • Contouring cheek palette
  • Concealer brush
  • Gel filler for brows
  • Gel eyeliner
  • Kabuki brush
  • Angled eyeliner and brow brush
  • Smudge brush
  • Stippling brush
  • Miniscissors