A make-up kit accumulates rather than gets assembled, which is why most people own several things that do the same job and are missing one or two that would make a real difference. This is the full list, grouped by what it is for.
Eyes
The largest group, because the eye takes the most products and the finest tools.
- Kohl. Makes the eyes appear darker and bigger.
- Waterproof mascara. Makes lashes look longer, thicker, darker and fuller, and does not wash off easily.
- Eye base. Keeps eye make-up in place for longer. This is the product most often missing from a kit, and it is what stops shadow creasing by the middle of the day.
- Eyelash curlers. Make the eyes look wider and brighter.
- Liquid eyeliner. For lining, enhancing and defining.
- Pencil eyeliner. Makes the eyes bigger and more dramatic, and is easier to control than liquid.
- Eyeshadow. Draws attention to the eyes by adding dimension and depth.
- Eyeshadow brushes. For applying shadow to the lids.
- Eyebrow liner. Makes light brows appear darker and thicker.
- Eyebrow brush. For applying brow powder.
- Eyebrow groomer. For shaping the brows.
- Lash and brow comb. Separates and defines lashes and tidies both brows and lashes.
- Eye make-up remover. Removes all traces without damaging the skin, which ordinary cleanser will not do around the eye.
- Remover pads. The quicker version of the same job.
Lips
- Lip balm. Relieves chapped or dry lips, seals in moisture and protects against exposure. Everything else works better over a prepared lip.
- Lipstick. Adds color and texture.
- Lipstick brush. Gives an even application.
- Lip liner. Fills uneven areas at the outer edges after lipstick is applied, producing a smooth shape.
- Lip gloss. Adds a glossy luster.
- Lip balancer. Smooths uneven tone across the lips.
- Lip plumper. Makes lips appear fuller, ranging from translucent to opaque, and can be worn alone as a gloss.
Face
- Concealer. Masks blemishes, spots and dark circles.
- Foundation. Provides the base for everything applied after it.
- Pressed powder. Sets the foundation and evens out skin tone.
- Blusher. Raises the apparent height of the cheekbones and adds lasting color.
- Make-up remover. Removes all traces from the skin.
- Toner. Cleans the skin, reduces surface oil and helps prevent acne. Also sold as astringent.
Nails
- Nail pencil. Applied under the tips to whiten them for a defined finish.
- Nail polish. Color.
- Nail shimmer. Adds sparkle.
- Polish remover.
Body
- Moisturizer. Keeps skin hydrated and prevents dryness.
- Massage cream. Relaxes and moisturizes.
- Massage oil. Relaxes and rejuvenates the skin.
Hair
- Shampoo. Washes and cleans.
- Conditioner. Adds volume and sheen.
- Hair oil. Nourishes and strengthens, prevents a dry scalp, and cools the head.
- Hair spray. Holds a style in place for longer.
- Hair gel. Holds a style.
- Comb. Detangles and styles.
- Curlers. For styling and curling.
- Hair color. Covers gray, in a range wide enough to suit different skin tones.
Where to start
If you are building a kit rather than replacing one, the order that gets you furthest is foundation, concealer, pressed powder, a neutral eyeshadow, mascara, a lip balm, one lipstick, and a blusher. Everything else refines the result rather than creating it.
Frequently asked questions
What is an eye base for?
It keeps eye make-up in place for longer. Without one, shadow creases as the day goes on.
What does a nail pencil do?
It is applied under the nail tips to whiten them, giving a clean defined edge.
Is toner the same as astringent?
Yes. Both names describe a product that cleans the skin, reduces surface oil and helps prevent acne.
Why use a lip liner after lipstick rather than before?
Applied afterwards, it fills any uneven areas along the outer edge and smooths the shape the lipstick has left.
See also make-up brushes.
