9 Essential Makeup Products

1. e.l.f. Brightening Eye Liner in "coffee": At only a dollar apiece, this is the perfect everyday eyeliner. I wear it under almost every makeup look. It looks great smudged or applied in a clean line, and lasts forever!
2. e.l.f. Eyebrow Kit in "medium": Another inexpensive product that I completely rely on. It comes in three colors (unfortunately, blond and red are not among them) and is super easy to use. I've only gone through two in the last three years even though I use it every day!
3. Benefit Benetint Cheek & Lip Stain: I've been using this since I was 11 years old and I snuck into my mom's makeup drawer to see what all the fuss was about. It's the perfect red lip tint and even comes with a matching lip balm that makes the color last all day. A little bottle goes a long way because it's so pigmented!
4. Benefit High Beam Complexion Enhancer: I use this on my cheekbones as highlighter. Again, a little bit goes a long way, and a little more creates the perfect translucent sheen. 
5. New York Color City Proof 24 Hr Eye Shadow in Brooklyn Mocha: I've written about this product in the past, and I've only fallen more in love with it. I use it on my eyes almost every day and on my cheeks to better define my cheekbones.
6. New York Color City Proof 24 Hr Eye Shadow in Murray Hill Champagne: This product is $2-$4, so getting more than one was a no brainer. I use this lighter color in the inner corner of my eyes to make my eyes look bigger.
7. Maybelline Eye Studio Master Precise Eyeliner in Black: I spent a lot of years using a thicker liquid eyeliner pen, so I was surprised when I loved this thin one so much. It's super easy to use and stays on really well.
8. Benefit Roller Lash Mascara: I've spent a long time trying to find the perfect mascara. This is my favorite so far! Even though it's a little spendy, it's totally worth it. It stays on all day and comes off easily with makeup remover, and is lightweight enough that it makes a very noticeable difference but doesn't clump or smear. Plus, the wand curls your lashes as you apply, eliminating the need for an eyelash curler.
9. NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in literally any color available: I own this product in six different colors and I use all of them regularly. It's so soft and goes on so easily, but you don't even feel it once it's been applied. Some colors require reapplication throughout the day, but it's a lot longer lasting than most lipsticks I've worn.

Background photo by Ian Oliver Walsh