10 Essential Items in Your Beauty Wardrobe

by Victoria Stanell

Published Sep 4, 2011

2059

Staple items are crucial in any fashionista's wardrobe. These important essentials always look good and can be mixed and matched with practically anything you own. Fortunately, similar rules apply to your makeup wardrobe. Whether you're a beauty novice or a seasoned pro, everyone needs the fundamentals. We show you 10 beauty must-haves vital for any well-rounded collection.

Moisturizer

"The Push-up Bra"

Just like a good bra, a moisturizer supports everything you layer on top of it. Treat yourself to a nourishing day cream—it's less expensive than French lingerie, and your face will feel just as lifted as your chest.

BEAUTYLISH RECOMMENDS

Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream

Concealer

"The Slip"

Call us old-fashioned, but there's nothing wrong with wearing a slip to cover your bases. A slip conceals unsightly bumps and creases, and provides a solid base for your outfit. While modern-day Beauties probably don't wear slips that often, we do rely on our trusty concealer to perform similar duties on the face.

BEAUTYLISH RECOMMENDS

MAC Studio Finish Concealer

Foundation

"The Trench"

A well-fitting trench coat creates a figure-flattering look for your entire outfit. You want that same perfect fit in your face makeup, but finding the right texture is tough. Dewy and matte formulas work well on very hot or cold days, but it's best to use a natural- or satin-finish foundation for imperceptibly perfect skin year-round.

BEAUTYLISH RECOMMENDS

Burberry Sheer Luminous Fluid Foundation (Afterall, they're the purveyors of the classic trench coat!)

Contour and Highlight

"The Shape Wear"

Some Beauties aren't born with their ideal body type, so they rely on shape wear such as Spanx for a little extra help. We like definition in the face just as we do the body, so emphasize your features with a contouring and highlighting duo designed to bring out your bone structure.

BEAUTYLISH RECOMMENDS

Make Up For Ever Sculpting Kit

Brow Pencil

"The Belt"

Brow products put a finishing touch on your face, just as a belt does for an outfit. Whether you use a pencil, liquid, or powder, apply your best brow shade sparingly in light, feathered strokes.

BEAUTYLISH RECOMMENDS

Physician's Formula Brow Definer Automatic Brow Pencil

Black Eye Liner

"The Little Black Dress"

A sleek black line along your lashes if flat-out sexy. Draw a subtle flick at the outer corners to visually lift your eyes, or transform your daytime look into an evening one with a dramatic cat-eyed shape. Consider this LBD of makeup an essential.

BEAUTYLISH RECOMMENDS

Maybelline Line Stiletto Ultimate Precision Liquid Eyeliner

Nude Eye Liner

"The White Blouse"

There's something about a crisp white blouse that works for any event. With the right fit and shade of white, you feel brighter and more polished, and the same holds true for a nude eye pencil. Wake up your whole face by applying a nude or white liner on the waterlines, at the inner corners of the eyes, and along the high plains of the face. Read more tips on how to use nude eye liner.

BEAUTYLISH RECOMMENDS

NYX Cosmetics Slim Eye Pencil in White Pearl

Curler and Mascara

"The Diamond Studs"

Well-defined lashes bring a hint of sparkle and class to the eye area. The right curler and mascara can boost your lashes to twinkling perfection, just like your favorite pair of glittering diamond studs.

BEAUTYLISH RECOMMENDS

Urban Decay Revolution Lash Curler and L'Oréal Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara

Pink Tint

"The It Bag"

Subtle hints of color can work wonders in a primarily neutral collection. A kelly-green bag or a bright necklace can bring life to a lackluster look. Keep a creamy pink lip and cheek tint on hand to add color and vitality to a dull complexion. Fair and medium skin tones look best in peachy pinks, while Beauties with darker coloring pull off brighter berry hues best.

BEAUTYLISH RECOMMENDS

RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek

Red Lipstick

"The Pumps"

You feel instantly chic the moment you lay your eyes on a pair of red-soled Louboutins. Luckily, a saturated red lip gives the barest of faces a similar kind of glam at a cheaper cost. Stick to satin and matte formulas for daytime, but gloss it up for a night on the town!