What Makeup Do You Really Need? A Capsule Collection

When you're immersed in the beauty blogging sphere on a daily basis it's all too easy to think that you need every single makeup step that you can get your hands on. Which is especially confusing when you're only just getting into makeup as it can be difficult to know what you really need and in a lot of ways it's just trial and error to find what works for you. And whenever I read other people's posts on the makeup that they wear on a daily basis it's interesting to know what they deem as an essential and what they would happily leave behind. A capsule makeup collection is something that I've been giving a lot of thought recently and here are the things that I think anyone could benefit from having in their makeup bag, whether you're a beginner or a bonafide beauty lover.

A BASE THAT WORKS WITH YOUR SKIN NO MATTER THE CONDITION OF IT

There are so many bases available on the market and so many different formulations that it can be hard to know where to start. From traditional foundations to tinted moisturisers to alphabet creams there are thousands to choose from. Personally, I've always stuck with a traditional liquid foundation although I am partial to a gel from time to time I typically go for a liquid. Because I'm a foundation fanatic there are numerous bases in my stash that I can reach for depending on the situation. But if I had to go with just one I'd go for something that worked well with my skin no matter whether it was oily or dry which is typically something that looks very skin like and something that could be built up in coverage in the areas that need it. As well as reaching all my other requirements like enhancing the skin, easy to work with and long lasting. If you know you're only going to be using one base then it doesn't make it so bad if it's more of a costly base. A brand that I think is a great option for a middle ground of price is Clinique, they have a lot of different formulas as well as a vast shade range to choose from.

FAVOURITES: CLINIQUE EVEN BETTER FOUNDATION, RIMMEL MATCH PERFECTION AND YSL LE TEINT TOUCHE ELCALT*

A CONCEALER THAT DOESN'T CAKE

A beauty product that doesn't fill me with excitement is concealer, but it's something that I deem as a necessity in my beauty routine for helping with the appearance of dark marks, scars, dark circles and of course blemishes. There is no surprise why a good concealer is hard to find considering how much we want from them. My biggest requirement for a concealing product is something that doesn't cake up on the skin as having a caked on base product often looks far worse than the thing that you're actually trying to conceal. So having something in your stash that can work for a number of different needs as well as looking somewhat natural on the skin is so important. Not always the easiest to find but once you do find one that works for you it's bound to be a long lasting relationship.

FAVOURITES: BAREMINERALS BARESKIN* AND SEVENTEEN STAY TIME

A BLUSHER THAT CAN SCULPT, ADD COLOUR AND ENHANCE THE CHEEK

For me, blusher is one of the beauty products that can make the biggest difference in my overall complexion and it's a step that I never miss. There are so many different finishes and formulations out there that can work from liquid to creams to powders and it's all matter of personal preference. For ease of use I always like to go for a powder that has a small amount of shimmer in it so then I can forgo the use of a highlighter and still have that radiance to the skin. Baked blushes are my favourite to go for even though I have a real soft spot for matte options that can sculpt the cheek like a contour product would. But baked blushers in the right shade can also do this as well as adding a glow to the complexion.

FAVOURITES: HOURGLASS AMBIENT LIGHTING BLUSHERS AND MAXFACTOR CREME PUFF BLUSHERS

A ONE WASH WONDER EYESHADOW

I'm sure like many of us out there I've not been blessed with the skills to buff and blend out multiple shadows to create a beautifully defined look. And it's not through lack of trying but my mind just doesn't seem to be able to work out how to do a cut crease etc so one wash wonder shadows are my favourite to reach for. Typically something that's creamy and a champagne colour as that's something I know works well with my complexion no matter what. And there is without a doubt a shadow out there that will do that for everyone, no matter your skin tone. Having something that you can sweep on with ease for any occasion is something I truly believe every beauty lover should have.

FAVOURITES: MAC NAKED LUNCH AND KIKO MINERAL EYESHADOW*

A FAUX LASH LOOKING LONG LASTING MASCARA

Alongside foundation, I think mascara is possibly one of the most subjective beauty products out there. We all, of course, have very different lashes and what works amazingly for some can behave terribly for others but having a good mascara is something I never want to be without. Even if I don't wear any other makeup I will more than likely slick on some mascara just to help my eyes look more awake and open as well as of course defining my lashes. Finding something that gives you the exact lash look you like is hard, personally, I like something that gives me big fluttery lashes with a lot of volume at the root and most importantly it can't smudge on my lid or flake down. It sounds like something is relatively easy to find with so brands promising their products do that but trust me, it's taken years of trial and error to find one.

FAVOURITES: MAYBELLINE LASH SENSATIONAL AND YSL BABYDOLL