If you browse your local drugstore or department store, you will see hundreds of beauty products to choose from. You could never use them all, but it’s hard to decide which ones are worth spending your money on. Here are 10 must-have beauty products that should be part of your regular routine.
1. Concealer
Unless your skin is perfect, concealer should be your best friend. Pat it onto dark circles around your eyes, acne, scars, dark spots, and inflamed red skin. Use it sparingly and make sure it is blended into the rest of your makeup. Experiment with the right shade of concealer. Use one that matches your skin tone or that is one shade lighter. Try one that is more pink or yellow than your foundation. Experiment with different colors to find the right shade.
2. Foundation
Foundation is the backbone to a beautiful complexion, but it’s easy to go overboard. Use a sponge or your finger to apply foundation to uneven skin. Use only enough to cover up imperfections that your concealer missed. Make sure the edges of your foundation are well-blended into your skin. You don’t want people to see where the foundation ends.
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3. Red Lipstick
Every woman should have at least one tube of red lipstick. Have a tube in your purse wherever you go. It works equally well at work or out for an evening with friends, and it looks great with any outfit. Take your time testing lipstick before you buy to find the perfect shade. Bring a friend along for a second opinion while you shop.
More: 10 Dos and Don’ts of Wearing Red Lipstick
4. Eyeliner
Eyeliner isn’t always necessary every day if you have a dark complexion, but if you have light hair and light eye lashes, eye liner can go a long way paired with a good mascara. Don’t draw the eyeliner from corner to corner. Keep it natural and start 2 or 3 millimeters from the tear duct on the top lid and about halfway on the bottom lid.
More: 7 Tips for Choosing Eyeliner
5. Blush
Blush is a great way to brighten up your face. It gives you a healthy glow with a pop of color. Apply blush lightly across the top of your cheekbones. A little goes a long way. Choose a color that goes well with your eye shadow if you are wearing it.
More: 7 Steps to a Flawless Face in Just 5 Minutes
6. Moisturizer
Moisturizer is important for the whole body. Always apply a night cream before bed. Use a lighter cream if you are prone to oily skin. Shea butter or jojoba oil is great natural alternatives. Moisturize your skin after you take a shower because the hot water that’s often filled with chlorine will dry out your skin. It is also the perfect time because your pores are open and ready to absorb moisture. Keep a hand moisturizer in your purse to keep your hands and cuticles soft and to prevent flaky, cracked skin, especially in the winter.
More: 7 Best Natural Moisturizers for Your Skin
7. Eye Cream
The skin around your eyes is very thin and delicate. Don’t use the same cream or moisturizer that you would use on your face or body. A lightweight eye cream will moisturize your skin and help prevent wrinkles. Pat it on gently with the tip of your pinky finger instead of pulling on the skin. The less you touch your eyes the better.
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8. Clay
No amount of makeup can completely cover up bad skin. Use a clay mask once a week to tighten pores, dry out acne, draw out toxins, and relieve inflammation. Rinse off the mask before it dries completely, and use a light moisturizer afterward. Do not apply clay too close to your eyes on the delicate skin.
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9. Clarifying Shampoo
Shampoo commercials are always claiming their product won’t leave your hair ‘dull and lifeless’. The problem is that just about any hair product can build up on your hair and cause it to look a little less beautiful. Replacing your regular shampoo with a clarifying one at least once a month can help clear away the gunk and buildup that shampoos, conditioners, and styling products leave behind. You can use a clarifying shampoo up to once a week if you have oily hair, but don’t use it more than that. Clarifying shampoos are drying and can be damaging if used in excess.
More: 7 Best Home Remedies for Oily Hair
10. Deep Conditioner
Soft, silky hair is achieved with conditioner. If you have dry hair, a deep conditioner used 1 to 4 times a month can help keep away frizz. If you are prone to breakage, look for a deep conditioner with protein to replenish the hair and make it stronger. If you have thin, oily hair, a deep conditioner might not be necessary. Try adding it only to the last 3 to 4 inches of your hair once a month. This is the oldest hair that may need the most help.
If you can only afford a limited amount of beauty products, make sure these 10 products are on your shopping list. Most of them will last for several months. Test out products until you find the best one.1