Top 10 Beginner Must-Haves: Part I

As a dark skinned African American woman I found it hard to get advice on makeup when I wanted to start a collection. It was also hard finding a starting point or some holy grail products for my skin. I have put together 10 of my go to and must have beauty products. I decided to break up the lists into 2 parts so you would have time to check your make up stash or to start creating one.  If you think I missed some feel free to comment below. Now, let’s get pretty!!!

1. Taj mahal NARS blush: It might look crazy when you look at this blush but it is truly gorgeous on all brown-skinned beauties no matter what race. Orange helps make our skin look like it has a natural summer glow. Even though the cost is a little high ($27) it could very well be the only one you need.
Price:$27
Available at: Sephora, Bleu Mercury

2. Revlon liquid eyeliner: with so many different brands this is truly my most reached for liquid eyeliner and at $6 it is easy to keep buying more. The felt tip applicator never dries out and is easy to use even for beginners. If you still not sure how to use liquid eyeliner there are plenty of YouTube tutorials to help.
Price:$5.99
Available at: CVS, Target, Walmart, Rite Aid, etc…

3. San-antonio OPI nail polish: Nail polishes colors go in and out each season, brights for summer, pastels for spring, and harsh dark colors for winter. One shade that can truly be worn year round is a nude and while most girls reach for light pinks I always find tans and beige colors work best for WOC. OPI is definitely one of my favorite nail polish brands for all their various colors. This is a flat color but if your looking for a nude with some sparkle try sand in my suit, another favorite either way your nails are ready for any season or outfit.
Price:$8.50
Available at: CVS, Target, Walmart, Rite Aid, etc…

Raizin Blush

4. MAC blush in Raizin and Sweet as Cocoa: Even if your not into makeup you have heard of the brand MAC. It is literally everywhere and it does give you quality makeup for decent prices, especially compared to other brands. They also have a wide variety of colors of just about everything including blush. Walking into the store and seeing all the colors you can get a little intimated but remember these 2 names: “sweet as cocoa” and “raizin”. These are blush heaven for WOC and keep you from looking like a clown, which no girl ever wants.
Price:$19.50
Available at: MAC stores and counters at Macy’s, nordstrom, and saks fifth avenue

Sweet As Cocoa

5.  L’oreal voluminous mascara:  Mascara is one thing that I always feel you should buy cheap because if you look hard enough you find cheap ones that do the same as the ridiculously expensive. Wearing no other makeup but this I’ve been told my eyes look big and pretty a MUST HAVE.
Price:$6.99
Available at: CVS, Target, Walmart, Rite Aid, etc…