As a pageant junkie and makeup connoisseur since the sixth grade, I know a thing or two about makeup. I mean, I’ve come a long way since I drew black circles around my eyes and was told I looked like a raccoon. Now, my friends are always asking me for advice and even makeovers, and I LOVE helping them out! I think makeup can truly transform a woman’s confidence and let her see herself in a different light. Recently, one of my good friends asked me for product recommendations, and I figured maybe the Internet would want to know, too! Below are some of my must-have makeup products for beginners or really anyone who wants to spruce up their makeup collection or try something new!

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30: This moisturizer is light and not oily at all. It even has sunscreen in it! For me, it combines two steps into one, making it perfect for a quick base under makeup.

Too Faced Primed & Poreless Face Primer: My mom and I both love this primer! I usually find that primers have a weird waxy consistency, but this one is silky and glides nicely onto your skin. It helps smooth over pores and keeps your makeup on all day long.

Tarte Double Duty Shape Tape Contour Concealer: This is the BEST concealer ever! Because I have an autoimmune disease, I have the worst under eye bags. (Hey, I guess that’s the price you pay when you have chronic fatigue.) This concealer actually hides them, and I look so well rested after putting it on.

Dermablend Flawless Creator Multi-Use Liquid Foundation Drops: I don’t really like heavy foundations unless I’m going to be onstage or in front of a camera. These foundation drops are perfect! They provide a lightweight, but medium to full coverage foundation, depending on how much product you apply. You can also mix drops together to create your perfect shade if you’re between colors.

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Silk HD Anti-Aging Micro-Powder: I only started using this a few months ago when Ulta was out of my usual translucent powder, but I have to say I love this new powder even more! It instantly mattifies your skin, and a little goes a long way.

NARS Bronzing Powder: If you’re looking for a good bronzer to contour or just to add some extra glow and warmth to your complexion, this is a great option if you don’t want to purchase a whole contour/bronzing kit. The lighter shade is a good color for pale to medium skin tones, and the darker shade is great for darker skin tones.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Sugar Glow Kit: There are some things I like to splurge on, and highlighter is definitely one of them. Anastasia Beverly Hills is known for their amazing highlighters, and I can personally attest that this palette is amazing. The different colors allow you to match your highlighter to your outfit, how tan you are, or to the season.

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush: This is one of my favorite blushes! It applies so smoothly to your skin, and it is easily blendable if you accidentally go overboard. Tarte offers this blush in so many amazing colors, so it’s definitely worth giving at least one of them a try.

Urban Decay Cosmetics Naked 2 Palette: This palette is full of amazing neutral colors that look great on every eye color. It has a wide range of browns and good highlight and crease colors for contrast.

L'Oréal Voluminous Volume Building Curved Brush Mascara: This is my favorite mascara! The formula is amazing, and the curved brush really helps add volume to your lashes and makes sure that all of the lashes in the corners of your eyes get lifted, as well.

NYX Professional Makeup Micro Brow Pencil: I’ve used this brow pencil for years, and it has yet to let me down. I would compare it to the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz, except it’s half the price and works just as well. Even if you don’t have an Ulta nearby, you can usually find this guy at CVS or Duane Reade!

Urban Decay Cosmetics All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray: This stuff is like glue for your face. After you spend so long on your makeup, the last thing you want is for it to smudge or run. A few spritzes of this setting spray, and your makeup will last all day—even throughout your sweaty workout sesh.

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