Hey girls! You know what they say, beauty is power, and we are the ones wielding that power like the fierce queens we are! Today, I’m spilling all the tea on the 42 beauty essentials that I swear by and that I think every woman out there should have in her beauty stash.
Let’s start with skincare because, let’s face it, a good base is everything. First up, a gentle cleanser. I can’t stress enough how important it is to find one that suits your skin type. I used to just grab whatever was on the shelf, and my skin was not happy. But once I found that perfect cleanser that didn’t strip my skin of its natural oils but still got rid of all the dirt and makeup, it was a game-changer. It leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean, ready for the next steps in my routine.
Next, toner. Some people think it’s not necessary, but oh boy, are they wrong! Toner helps to balance the pH of your skin after cleansing. It’s like giving your skin a little reset button. I love using a toner with some soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile. It just calms my skin down and makes it feel extra soft. And it really does prep your skin for better absorption of the products that come next, like serums.
Speaking of serums, these little bottles of magic are a must-have. I have different serums for different purposes. There’s the vitamin C serum that I use in the morning to brighten up my complexion and fight off those pesky free radicals from the environment. And then at night, I’ll use a hyaluronic acid serum to plump up my skin and keep it hydrated. Serums are like the concentrated boost your skin needs to look its best. You can really see a difference in the texture and overall appearance of your skin when you use them regularly.
Moisturizer is another non-negotiable. I used to skip this step when I was younger because I thought my skin was “fine” without it. Big mistake! Now, I make sure to slather on a good moisturizer both morning and night. In the morning, I look for one with SPF to protect my skin from the sun’s harmful rays. And at night, I go for a richer, more nourishing formula to repair my skin while I sleep. My skin just drinks it up, and it stays soft and supple all day (or all night, depending on when I apply it).
Eye cream is something I didn’t start using until a bit later, but once I did, I wondered why I hadn’t started sooner. The skin around our eyes is so delicate, and it shows signs of aging faster than the rest of our face. Using an eye cream helps to reduce puffiness, dark circles, and those fine lines that seem to appear out of nowhere. I like to gently pat it around my eyes with my ring finger (because it applies the least amount of pressure) every night before bed. It’s like a little treat for my eyes, and I’ve noticed a definite improvement in the appearance of that area.
Now, let’s move on to makeup. Foundation is obviously a staple for many of us. But finding the right one can be a journey. I’ve tried so many different brands and formulas over the years. There’s the full-coverage foundation for those days when I want a flawless, airbrushed look. And then there are the lighter, more natural-looking ones for when I’m going for a more casual, “no-makeup” makeup look. The key is to match it to your skin tone perfectly. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people with that dreaded foundation line around their necks because they didn’t get the right shade. It’s all about swatching and testing until you find that perfect match.
Concealer is another makeup essential. I use it to cover up any blemishes, dark spots, or under-eye circles that my foundation might not have completely hidden. I like to have a creamy concealer for under my eyes (because it blends easily and doesn’t crease) and a more matte, full-coverage one for any spots on my face. And a little tip: always set your concealer with a powder to make it last longer and prevent it from creasing throughout the day.
Mascara is like the finishing touch that really makes your eyes pop. I’m always on the lookout for a mascara that gives me long, voluminous lashes without clumping. I’ve tried so many different ones, and some are great for length, while others are better for volume. I usually end up layering two different mascaras to get the best of both worlds. First, I’ll apply one that lengthens, and then I’ll top it with one that adds volume. And don’t forget to curl your lashes before applying mascara! It makes such a big difference in opening up your eyes and making them look more awake.
Eyeliner is another way to define your eyes. I used to be intimidated by eyeliner, thinking it was too hard to apply. But once I got the hang of it, I couldn’t stop. I like to use a liquid eyeliner for a more precise, dramatic look when I’m going out at night. And for a more casual, everyday look, I’ll use a pencil eyeliner that I can smudge a little for a softer effect. There are so many different colors to choose from too, but I usually stick to black or brown for a classic look.
Lipstick is probably one of my favorite makeup products. There are so many different shades and finishes to choose from. I have everything from bright reds for a bold statement to nude lipsticks for a more understated look. And the finish matters too! There’s matte, which gives a more sophisticated, long-lasting look. And then there’s glossy, which makes your lips look plump and shiny. I like to switch it up depending on my mood and the occasion. Sometimes I’ll even layer a gloss over a matte lipstick to get a unique effect.
Blush is that little something that gives you a healthy, rosy glow. I used to think I didn’t need blush because I had a natural flush to my cheeks. But adding a bit of blush really brightens up my face and makes me look more alive. I like to use a powder blush for a more diffused look, but cream blushes are also great for a dewy, natural effect. And you can’t go wrong with a peachy or pink shade for a universally flattering look.
Now, let’s talk about haircare. Shampoo and conditioner are the basics, of course. But finding the right ones for your hair type is crucial. I have thick, curly hair, and it took me a while to find products that tamed my curls without weighing them down. I look for shampoos that are sulfate-free (because sulfates can strip your hair of its natural oils) and conditioners that are rich in moisturizing ingredients like shea butter or argan oil. These keep my hair soft, shiny, and frizz-free.
Hair masks are also a great addition to your haircare routine. I like to use a hair mask once a week to give my hair an extra boost of hydration and repair any damage. There are so many different types out there, from deep-conditioning masks to ones that target specific problems like split ends or color-treated hair. I usually leave the mask on for a bit longer than the instructions say (because I’m a rebel like that) and it really does wonders for my hair.
Styling products are another must. For my curls, I love using a curl-defining cream. It helps to enhance my natural curls and keep them bouncy and defined all day. And if I want to straighten my hair, I’ll use a heat protectant spray before using my flat iron to prevent damage from the heat. There are also volumizing sprays for those days when you want to add some oomph to your hair, and texturizing sprays for a more tousled, beachy look.
Nails are another area we can’t forget about. A good base coat is essential to protect your nails from the staining of nail polish. And a top coat to make your manicure last longer and give it a shiny finish. I like to switch up my nail polish colors depending on the season and my mood. There are so many beautiful shades out there, from bright and bold in the summer to deep and moody in the winter.
Fragrance is the final touch that can really complete your look. I have a collection of different fragrances for different occasions. There’s a light, floral scent for everyday wear, a more sensual, spicy scent for a night out, and a fresh, citrusy scent for when I’m feeling energetic. Fragrance is such a personal thing, but it can really leave an impression on those around you.
In conclusion, these 42 beauty essentials are what I consider to be the building blocks of any woman’s beauty routine. They help us look and feel our best, whether we’re running errands, going to work, or hitting the town for a night out. So, girls, invest in these products and take care of yourself because you deserve to look and feel like the beautiful queens you are! 💖