Ways to Look Younger With Makeup

With the right tricks, turning back the clock can be as simple as opening your makeup bag.

MOISTURIZE (DUH)

This is so obvious we have trouble even telling you, but it bears repeating because all other steps are worthless if you don't do this one. Before you even think of applying makeup—as in while your skin is still damp from cleansing—slather on a moisturizer. OK, you are now free to unzip your makeup bag.


CHOOSE LIQUID CONCEALER

It's a cruel irony: As you age, you have more to conceal, but concealer can draw attention to lines and crepiness. You want a product that hides redness and circles without getting cakey, and that means you want a liquid cover-up in a click pen. "Anything that comes in a pan has a wax base and will look waxy on the skin," says makeup artist Sue Devitt. "A click-pen formula covers just as well and doesn't seep into lines." The light reflectors inYves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat blur imperfections and give skin a luminous look


BUY A YELLOW(ISH) FOUNDATION

Not Big Bird yellow, just yellowish. "Yellow warms up the skin," says makeup artist Sandy Linter. "And the warmer your skin looks, the younger it looks. End of story." This goes for Asian and black skin as well.


USE A SPONGE

You may be tempted to cover up every imperfection with foundation. Don't. According to makeup artist Brigitte Reiss-Andersen, a damp sponge is your new best friend (we swear by the BeautyBlender, but any wedge one will do). Quickly wet your sponge under the faucet, squeeze out the water, and put a dab of foundation on the back of your hand. Pick up the foundation you need with the tip and apply it in dabbing motions on your face. Between the sponge absorbing some of the foundation and the water thinning the rest, you will get the optimal sheer coverage. You may need to blend it with your fingers, but the point is that it won't look cakey or opaque.


SKIP TINTED FACE POWDER

Covering your skin in powder can mean the difference between Miss America and Miss Havisham. In other words, skip it. If you feel naked without powder, "use translucent, light-diffusing powder, nothing tinted, to set your base," says makeup artist Genevieve Herr, and apply it in sunlight so you know what it actually looks like. We've found Sonia Kashuk Barely There Loose Powder does the trick.


KEEP PILING ON THE MOISTURE

Says makeup artist Chrisanne Davis, "Nothing, nothing, nothing makes you look older than heavy powder formulas." Makeup artists recommend stocking your bag with creams, gels, liquids, and products that generally don't require the use of a brush. "The more hydrated your skin, the younger it looks," says Reiss-­Andersen.


SHOW OFF YOUR BONE STRUCTURE

After years of smiling into a mirror to isolate the apples of your cheeks, you can now give it a rest. "Women lose fat in their face as they age," says Linter. "Take advantage of that! Rub your blush in along the highest points of your cheekbones—it makes your bone structure stand out."


TWEEZE, BUT ONLY IF YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST

"As you age, your face becomes more asymmetrical, but it's a big mistake to try to correct it by reshaping your brows," says Linter. "Tweezing a lot won't reshape anything—it'll just make your brows thinner." If you tweeze at all, just clean up the most obvious errant hairs. If you need more shaping than that, go to a pro.


CHOOSE A LIGHT BROW PENCIL

When you're filling in your brows, use a pencil that's a shade lighter than your natural color­ing (if you're blonde, go one shade darker), and hold it at a 45-degree angle, as opposed to perpendicular to the skin. "The strokes will be softer, and the brows will look more natural," says Linter. This is a good thing because it makes your—full! thick! lush!—brows also look totally real! We like Paul and Joe Eyebrow Pencil Duo.


CURL YOUR LASHES

Unearth your eyelash curler. It's not that you don't have one, and it's not that you don't know how it works. It's that it sits unused in your makeup bag. "If you're over 35, you need to be curling your lashes," says Reiss-Andersen. "Eyelashes flatten as you age, and you need to keep everything going upward, against gravity. Even if you skip mascara, curling your lashes makes your eyes look bigger and brighter."


APPLY EYE-SHADOW BASE

"Patting the tiniest dab of eye-shadow base or primer on the lids before your shadow will keep it in place," says Linter. This is especially important if your lids have even the slightest wrinkles. Fine lines can exacerbate creasing, and creasing exacerbates the appearance of lines. Vicious cycle. "I see women put eye cream on their lids in the hopes of smoothing out their lines," says Linter. "But all it does is make all the eye makeup bleed and turn into a hot mess." A really good option to try: Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer.


WEAR BROWN EYELINER

You have been using black eyeliner since college, you wear it every day, and you could apply it with your eyes closed (and probably do). It's time to end that relationship. "Deep brown has the impact of black, but looks less jarring," says Reiss-Andersen. "It gives you all the intensity, but in a more sophisticated, subtle way." Draw the pencil along the upper lashes only, and "lift the lines at the outer corners with a cotton swab," suggests Linter, who recommends flicking the liner up at the outer corners with the cotton swab to create the tiniest wings. "It's an easy way of opening up the eyes," she says. "Or retrace the lines with your pointed Q-tip to soften them up."


DON'T SHY AWAY FROM SHIMMER

"A bit of soft shimmer is flattering as you get older because it brings light to the face," says Devitt, who very gently points out that a woman's skin starts to lose its inherent radiance when she hits her 30s. Davis recommends a creamy neutral shadow, like champagne, pewter, or rose gold. (Try Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadows in Stone (shown here), Sandy Gold, Beach Honey, and Chrome Patina,which are beautiful and creaseproof.) "Dab it on the inner corners of the eyes to wake up the face," she says.


CHOOSE A LENGTHENING MASCARA

Lashes get thinner as you age, so conventional wisdom says you need a thickening mascara to bulk them up, but common wisdom is wrong. "Your lashes can't support the extra weight," says Linter. "Heavy formulas flatten the lashes." Instead, use a lengthening mascara, like Lancôme Définicils High Definition Mascara, which tends to be lighter on the lashes, and look for mascaras with thin wands so you can easily coat each lash.


SWITCH TO NUDE LIPS

"It's a sad fact that as we age, our lips get smaller, especially the upper lip," says Linter. The best approach is to stick to shades that enhance your natural lip tone, rather than bringing attention to the area. "Look for something between your natural lip color and a berry shade," says makeup artist Makky P. "That will just boost your natural tone. And go for a stain instead of a creamy lipstick to prevent the color from bleeding." Then top it off with a clear gloss or balm to keep lips looking full and hydrated—Revlon Just Bitten Lipstain + Balm is an ideal choice.


TRY HIGHLIGHTER

If that shiny-old-lady look creeps you out, you're not alone—it creeps us out, too. But there is a way to use highlighter to your advantage. Dab a very sheer formula just on the cheekbones, not on the brow bones, the apples of the cheeks, or the lips. "It prevents the flat-face look," says Reiss-Andersen. "It adds a very subtle, youthful, and pretty dimension to your features." Try Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheers in 2(shown here), a champagne shade perfect for light skin, or 10, a golden beige, for medium to dark tones.

Mouthwatering Meltproof Makeup Colors

This summer is all about vibrant makeup, which means lipsticks and eye shadows in mouthwatering shades like magenta and turquoise. We rounded up our favorite bright-as-your-beach-towel products that won't budge, run, smear, or melt in the heat.

ELECTRIC-COLORED LIQUID LINER


Makeup artists agree that bright liner is the easiest way to wear extreme color, and liquid formulas offer some of the coolest, boldest shades.Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyelinercomes in a great selection for summer, including fuchsia (Woodstock), yellow-y gold (El Dorado), and cobalt blue (Radium). Wear them on their own, stretched along your top lashes and flicked up at the ends, or stacked on top of black liner to temper the color if you're feeling a bit nervous.

TURQUOISE EYELINER PENCIL


Turquoise is having a moment: Seen all over the spring 2012 runways, the shade is now making a splash in fashion. The best way to incorporate turquoise into your makeup routine? Draw a thin stroke of eyeliner along your upper lash lines in a formula that won't move the minute you start to sweat. We loveDior DiorShow Waterproof Liner in Turquoise because it's retractable (no sharpening required), and because its perfect blend of blue and green is flattering on most skin tones.

EMERALD CREAM SHADOW


Maybelline New York Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel shadows live up to their name—they won't come off until you swab them with makeup remover. We love the shade Emerald Envy,which isn't as Kermit green as its name would suggest. Blue undertones make it elegant and pretty, and it looks exceptionally beautiful paired with tons of mascara. (TryCoverGirl LashBlast 24 Hr Mascara, which is a great waterproof formula in basic black). Also cool to try this summer? Matching your nails to your shadow, which you can do withEssie Nail Polish in Mojito Madness. Have a shadow you already own that you want to ensure stays put? Invest in an eye-shadow primer. We swear by Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion to keep us raccoon-eye-free for the summer months.

COBALT BLUE MASCARA


Ever since makeup artist Pat McGrath sent models down the runway at Stella McCartney with electric blue mascara, we can't get enough of the playful look. It has an instant brightening effect on the whites of your eyes—and who doesn't want to look more well-rested after late summer nights? Of course, it will have the opposite effect if it's running down your cheeks—which is why we recommend Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Waterproof in Majorelle Blue. Curl your lashes and swipe on several layers—the more, the better. "This isn't a subtle look," says makeup artist Romy Soleimani. "You need loads of pigment, so it's okay if lashes get a bit clumpy."

CORAL CREAM BLUSH


Waterproof blush is a rarity, which is why we love Make Up For Ever Aqua Creams: They were created for makeup artists working in extreme conditions, come in every shade of the rainbow, and can go on eyes, cheeks, and lips. The creams contain a special polymer that protects the pigment from moisture so they're smudgeproof, sweatproof, and tearproof. Our favorite shade is #9—a vibrant coral that looks gorgeous paired with shimmery bronze shadow or matching juicy coral lips. One word of advice when applying them, though—blend. Because the cream is heavily pigmented, it goes on quite opaque, so tap a small amount on your cheeks with your fingers and go over it with brush that has synthetic bristles, like Giorgio Armani Blender Brush,to make the color sheer.

ORANGE-RED MATTE LIPSTICK


There's no question you will get noticed wearing this hue on your mouth. So don't let the color migrate all over your face. Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Red Square is a red-orange with a steadfast formula that lasted us through three-course meals. Plus, the pencil makes it easy to stash in your purse, and it's less likely to turn into lipstick soup when the mercury rises.

MAGENTA LIP GLOSS


Bright pink has been a favorite lip color on the red carpet lately—and the color ofChanel Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss in Exces is the most sophisticated example we've seen (not a surprise from Chanel). Luckily, it's also long-wearing, since gloss is temperamental by nature. The formula isn't too shiny and not in the least sticky or tacky; while the gloss will last for a couple of hours, we recommend layering a matching lip liner underneath if you're looking to extend its wear time even longer.

NEON PINK LIP STAIN


The color of a pink highlighter,By Terry Aqualip Jelly Tint in Dancefloor Flirt is the perfect way to wear a neon lip color. The stain's unique gel-like formula feels watery when you spread it on, but once it dries it feels like nothing at all. The pigment will refuse to move without some serious elbow grease and a makeup wipe—so you can sip fruity cocktails all night long with no worry. And although the stain has a matte finish and kung-fu grip on your lips, it's surprisingly not drying—just make sure to exfoliate first if you have any dryness or flaking.

How to Test Every Kind of Makeup

Some of us are lucky enough to find foundation that always looks natural or mascara that never ever smears. Then there are the rest of us. But with these foolproof tips, you can make sure you love the products you buy—without using testers on your face. (Unless you see them being opened, consider them contaminated with bacteria, says dermatologist Heidi Waldorf.) Here's what to look for, whether you're shopping at the drugstore, a department store, or online.

FOUNDATION


When you can test it at the store: You know how you've been testing foundation on your jaw for years? Well, don't. Your neck has more uniform color than your face, so start there, says makeup artist Troy Surratt. You'll wind up with the most natural-looking color andavoid any obvious demarcations along the jawline later on.

When a sample isn't available: Bring a bottle of your favorite foundation with you and look for the closest match. If you've already tossed yours, then reading the label is almost as important as looking at the color of the bottle, explains makeup artist Ashleigh Ciucci.
First, narrow down the selection by finish:
• If your skin is oily or combination, look for formulas that say they're balancing, matte, or cream-to-powder.
• If your complexion is normal or dry, pick satin, cream, or luminous finishes.
Now, choose the shade:
• If your skin has pink undertones, pick shades with names like ecru, beige or cream.
• If you've got golden undertones, look for ivory, buff or tan, says Ciucci.
• Rule out anything that looks pink in the bottle—it will look obvious against almost any skin tone. "Almost everyone has some yellow in their skin," says makeup artist Quinn Murphy.

CONCEALER


When you can test it at the store: Try on the shade that you're drawn to first, as well as the ones that are one shade lighter and darker, says Ciucci. Swipe them on your inner wrist to find your best color match, and wash well afterward. Consider investing in two concealers: peach- and pink-based liquid concealers work on undereye circles but won't do much for pimples; yellow-based solid ones (the kind that come in compacts or pots) cover blemishes but cake (and accentuate lines) under the eyes.

When a sample isn't available: Read the label and err on the light side. Most drugstore concealers come in light, medium, and dark, which is a no-brainer. "If the shade is a little too light for you, just dab some of your foundation on top," suggests Murphy. Look for buttery, yellow-tinted shades to cover zits. Words like "brightening" and "highlighting" signal good undereye concealers, adds Ciucci.

POWDER


When you can test it at the store: This one is easy, because everyone should be using the same type of powder: translucent. You want something with absolutely no color, says Murphy. "Brush a generous amount on the back of your hands, and it should become invisible," he says. Bonus: You can use it over your eye shadow to make it last longer and under your eyes to stop mascara from smudging.

When a sample isn't available: Look for words like "invisible" and "translucent." If they're not there, move on.

BLUSH


When you can test it at the store: Try it on the back of your hand, but if you usually wear foundation, make sure you wear it to the store—blush will adhere differently to clean skin, says Ciucci. Layer blush on top using a brush (if you're choosing powder) or your fingers (if you're buying a cream).

When a sample isn't available: A cream formula is the safest bet, since they look more natural than powders. Choose pink or rose shades for fair skin, and raisin or mauve for medium to dark complexions. "Don't be afraid of colors that look bright in the packaging," says Ciucci. "They will often sheer out on your skin."

HIGHLIGHTER


When you can test it at the store: Use a big fluffy brush to try powder formulas on the back of your hand, and your fingers to blend in cream or liquid highlighters. Hold your hand up to the light to make sure there's no obvious shimmer or glitter—if it looks cheesy on your hand, it will look even worse on your face. Champagne is the easiest shade for all skin tones to pull off.

When a sample isn't available: Words like "radiant" and "glow" are fine—"glimmering" and "shimmer" should be red flags. Pick a formula without any obvious flecks.

BRONZER


When you can test it at the store: Matte bronzers are the best at mimicking a natural tan, says Murphy, so don't waste time trying anything with shimmer. Brush bronzer on the inside of your arm—if you can't see freckles through it, it will look fake.

When a sample isn't available: No matter how much you love looking tan, never choose a shade that's darker than you would naturally get after a week in the sun wearing SPF 30. If you're fair-skinned, that usually means pale beige with pink undertones; if your complexion is dark, look for deep tan with gold undertones.

EYE SHADOW


When you can test it at the store: Use a cotton swab to test shadow on the back of your hand—the oils on your finger can change the shadow's color. Swipe some on your inner wrist, too. Bend it a few times to see if the shadow will crease.

When a sample isn't available: If you want an everyday neutral, pick a shimmery pink-y beige for fair skin, and warm brown with gold flecks for medium or dark complexions, says Murphy. "The fairer you are, the sheerer the shades should be," adds Ciucci, who likes gray on all skin tones for an evening look.

EYELINER


When you can test it at the store: Draw a line on the back of your hand, wait a second, and then rub with your finger. A little bit of smudging is a good sign, but if the liner smears all over, it will wind up migrating under your eyes, says Murphy.

When a sample isn't available: "Eyeliner is one of the easiest products to buy without testing," says Ciucci. "Most colors are true to their shade names." Cream pencil liners usually won't tug. But if you have oily lids, look for pencils advertised as "firm" or "traditional"—they are less likely to budge. Stay away from waterproof formulas if you have sensitive skin.

MASCARA


When you can test it at the store: Don't. Even if disposable wands are available, you can't be sure someone before you hasn't double-dipped. Instead, look for mascara with a thin wand, which tends not to clump and is able to get close to the roots, says Murphy.

When a sample isn't available: Pick a formula that's curling, volumizing, or lengthening (not all three). Black is the safest bet, but if you want to get adventurous, blue and green look pretty against brown eyes, and purple complements green or blue eyes.

LIPSTICK


When you can test it at the store: Test it on the pads of your fingertips (not the back of your hand, contrary to popular belief) for the truest representation of how the shade will look on your lips.

When a sample isn't available: Don't overthink it. Keep in mind that matte shades are highly pigmented, sheer ones are glossy, and satin finish will give you a lot of color payoff with a slight sheen, says Ciucci. Then grab a color you like.

LIP GLOSS


When you can test it at the store: Swipe it on the pad of your fingertip and touch fingers together (like you were pursing your lips) before committing. That way, you can rule out formulas that are too tacky or goopy.

When a sample isn't available: If you want a lot of color payoff, look for the word "lacquer" on the package, says Ciucci. If you're in it for the shine, go with a traditional "gloss."

Easy Tips to Get the No Makeup Look

It's time to put away the red lipsticks, dark eye liners and shadows. Spring/summer is the time to lighten up your makeup palettes and go for that young 'au naturel' glow.

Here are a few tips on how to look fresh faced and get that 'I'm wearing no makeup' look.

Cleanse: First cleanse your face using your favorite facial cleanser and a cotton pad to help exfoliate and remove any dry/dead skin.Then blot your face dry with a clean face towel.

Moisturize: Apply a facial moisturizer with sun protection, to give your skin that youthful moisture glow.

Conceal: Lightly use a concealer or foundation to cover any dark circles under the eyes or blemishes. (Do not over apply.)

Eye Brows: Using a brow brush simply brush your brows into shape.

Eye Lids & Lashes: Line your upper lash with a brown eyeliner. Then Curl and use brown mascara on your lashes. (The key is to apply it lightly).

Cheeks: Use a soft pink or peach blush on your cheeks.

Lips: Use a sheer or tinted lip balm or lip color (stay as close as possible to your natural lip color). Then apply a clear gloss on top.

Finishing Touch: Complete your look by lightly applying a luminous powder to your face (i.e. forehead to chin, and left cheek to right cheek) this will give that sun kissed glow.

Tip: Applying your makeup in an area with natural light will help to keep your makeup application minimal.

Read on for easy steps to get the look and let your true beauty shine with types cosmetics!

FACE:
1. Moisturize: No matter what beauty look you’re going for, always, always start with a good moisturizer (preferably one with SPF). Moisturized skin looks brighter and younger.

My Pick: Lancome BientFait Multi-Vital SPF 30 Sunscreen, $45. I’ve been using moisturizers from Lancome since my teenage years and have become a bit spoiled by the incredible results I consistently experience.

2. Create a Clean Canvas. A clear, even complexion is the most essential prerequisite for any beauty look. Make sure you get a foundation in the exact right shade and apply enough to even things out without blanketing your entire face.

My Pick: Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Ultra Light Skin Perfecting Makeup, $45. While very airy and lightweight, this foundation really gets the job done and effectively balances out my complexion, making it instantly vibrant and flawless.

3. Conceal: For those who need some extra coverage (like yours truly), choose a top notch concealer to finish the job.

My Picks: Miracle Skin Transformer Treat & Conceal, $36. No exaggerating, this concealer is the most miraculous thing I have ever experienced. A tiny dab is all it takes for blemishes, under-eye circles, scars and even blood vessels to disappear.






4. Set with Powder: This step is only for those with oily skin (or for the summertime when everyone’s skin goes moist). A loose powder is ideal for setting your makeup and erasing an oily sheen, just make sure you apply sparingly so you don’t look chalky.

My Pick: Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Loose Talc-free Powder, $10.99. This airy powder blends right into the skin for a natural, matte finish that looks completely fresh and natural.




CHEEKS
A Healthy Flush: Flushed cheeks are the ultimate sign of youth and beauty. The goal here is to create a natural-looking flush that radiates health and flirty femininity.

My Pick: Make Up For Ever Uplight Face Luminizer Gel – Pearly Pink Flesh, $29. This gel is a miracle worker when it comes to creates a gorgeous, dewy complexion. I usually apply it all over my cheeks for an all-over healthy glow but you can concentrate just on the cheekbones for a more sculpted look.


EYES:
Keep it Clean and Simple: While it might be hard for some, this look really works best without eyeliner (or very little of it in a softer shade, like brown or gray). All you really need here is a base, mascara and just a touch of white shadow.

1. Clean Lids. Those with darker eyelids such as myself should start with a primer that’s a shade or two lighter than your skin tone to brighten things up. (You can also achieve this with concealer but I find that it tends to smudge and clump in the eyelid creases so a primer designed to stay put may be a better option).

My Pick: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, $19. This primer is designed to keep your shadow in place throughout the day but it also looks great worn on its own to even out the eyelid area.




2. Natural Lashes: While it might be hard for some, this look really works best without eyeliner (or very little of it in a softer shade, like brown or gray). Instead, enhance your peepers with mascara by working the wand into the roots.

My Pick: CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara, $6.23. This mascara delivers long, luscious lashes without the clumps or flakes.




3. Brighten the Corners: Apply a tiny dab of white shadow on the inner corners of your eyes for an instantly bright-eyed, fresh-faced appearance (this is my favorite trick for looking awake when I’m lacking in sleep). Only apply a little bit, it should be subtle and barely noticeable.

My Pick: Origins Eye Shadow – White Gold, $15. This shadow has only a slight shimmer and is the perfect way to add just a little sparkle to your eyes.




LIPS
A Natural Pop of Color: A lip color about a shade or two brighter or darker than your natural shade is all you need to make the look complete.

Stila Long Wear Lip Color in Flushed, $20. This lip color goes on super smooth and adds the perfect dose of color to play up your pout without being too obvious.

Makeup Bag Essentials Every Girl Should Own

Whether you’re a makeup novice or have been experimenting with cosmetics for years, it’s crucial to have a collection with makeup essentials that will allow you to create a go-to everyday look. After acquiring the makeup basics, it is that much easier to seamlessly add more playful or trendy makeup products to your collection and incorporate them into your beauty looks.

Below, I’ll lay out the makeup basics every college girl should have in her makeup bag. The following list is also great for those creating a “starter” set of makeup, which is perfect for beginners or those departing for their first year of college.

The list is split into four categories: Face, Eyes, Lips, and Tools.

Face:

1. Primer

A primer minimizes pores and creates a smooth base perfect for the rest of your makeup application. This is a step you can skip if your skin is naturally flawless, but if you have any imperfections, it’s a fabulous product that will make your skin look amazing.

2. Foundation

There are so many different kinds of foundation on the market that everyone can find something for their skin type and shade. If you don’t have a favorite foundation already, it’s easiest to start out with a line like True Match or Tru-Blend, because they have so many shades it will be a breeze to find your match. You can also check out MakeupAlley’s reviews – they have some fabulous recommendations.

If you have acne-prone skin, consider Neutrogena’s Skin Clearing line and for sensitive skin, check outbareMinerals foundation.

3. Blush or Bronzer

I consider blush to be a non-negotiable makeup item. A swipe of color on your cheeks is natural and creates a healthy glow. In the middle of finals, a quick swipe of blush will leave you looking awake instead of like you just spent all night in the library.

If your skin is naturally more tan, a bronzer may look more natural than blush. Also, if you’re naturally fair-skinned, like myself, applying bronzer during the warmer months gives you a sun-kissed look without the damages of tanning. It’s best to apply bronzer (with a large, fluffy brush) where the sun naturally hits your face – a curved “C” shape on each side of your face from your forehead to your cheek bone and just a dab on your nose.

Eyes:


4. Mascara

A black or dark brown mascara is essential for an everyday look. It’s the quickest way to make your eyes pop. We love L’Oreal Voluminous, but Maybelline Great Lash and CoverGirl LashBlast are other CF reader faves.

5. Eyeliner

Eyeliner can be applied in many ways to define your eyes. For an overview, check out our Eyeliner 101 tutorial. A classic black shade is a necessity for most skin tones; if you have fair skin, opt for a dark-brown. Also, light to medium skin tones should consider a dark navy, because the blue makes the whites of your eyes pop; therefore, making you look more awake. I suggest mechanical eyeliner pencils because they are self-sharpening, letting you skip a step.

6. Brow Pencil

Unless you’re blessed with dark, perfectly even eyebrows, you should seriously consider adding a brow pencil to your makeup collection. Brow liners can be used to define and fill-in sparse eyebrows if you accidentally over-pluck them. A defined eyebrow is necessary for anchoring a smokey-eye look and accentuates the natural features of your face.

7. Eyeshadow

For your basic makeup collection, it’s a good idea to have some natural tan, taupe and off-white eyeshadow shades. These shades are perfect for an everyday school, as well as work, look. Nearly all drugstore beauty brands manufacture eyeshadow sets with multiple shades in them. These are perfect for a makeup novice, because it takes all the guess work out of finding complementary shades to highlight and define your eyes.

Lips:


8. Lip Balm

As most of you probably know, a great balm does wonders for keeping your lips smooth and healthy, especially during those harsh winter months. Stock up on several lip balms so you can store them in your purse and backpack too, for easy reapplication. The eos balm featured above not only has an adorable shape, but is 100% natural and USDA-certified Organic, to boot.

9. Lip Gloss or Stain

Glosses are the clear winner over lipsticks for college students. They have a sheer, natural look and are so much easier to apply than a lipstick. A swipe of gloss is the perfect finishing touch for any look. For longer-lasting wear, you might opt instead for a lip stain which will last through all your classes without touch-ups.

Tools:


10. Brushes

It’s easiest and most cost-effective to stock up on brushes all at once by purchasing a brush set. Look for a set with a large powder brush, a slightly smaller brush for contouring and several brushes for shadow and liner application.

It’s a good idea to invest in some quality brushes, because as long as you clean them regularly, they will last you a long time. If you’re not convinced, try applying some shadow with a cheap quality brush then again with one of higher quality – you will see an obvious difference.

11. Tweezers

For all the obvious reasons. We love Tweezerman tweezers – in our experience, they really do work the best, and, okay, they also come in the prettiest colors and patterns.

12. Q-tips

These are great for smudging eyeliner and soaking in makeup remover for quick touch ups. Even better? They’re super inexpensive.

Now that you’ve got this starter set of makeup, you need a place to store it. For those living in a dorm or sharing an apartment, I recommend bags or Caboodles. They are perfect for traveling, too. Makeup bags are lined inside with an easy-to-clean fabric. Those with clear pockets are great for viewing all of your makeup without digging through the bag. Here are some bags and Caboodles to consider: