Cosmetic Talk

Mascara

Plenty of beauty connoisseurs would say that mascara is the most important part of makeup, and for good reason. Mascara adds thickness, length and volume to your lashes, which instantly opens and frames your eyes. The best part? It requires very little effort. Simply take your freshly dipped mascara wand and apply one to two coats before you complete your look. An absolute makeup essential for beginners, it's the quickest way to have a put-together look on the daily.

Primer

Primers tend to go overlooked, especially by makeup newbies, but it's definitely one that your makeup kit should never be without. Think of it as Photoshop for your skin. It smooths out your complexion by filling in large pores, lines and other blemishes, leaving you with a flawless and even base to ensure your makeup application is a breeze.

Laura Mercier Flawless Lumiere Radiance-Perfecting Foundation is a lightweight foundation that gives medium coverage buildable to full coverage. The finish of the foundation is naturally luminous. I use a pump or two of the foundation for a medium coverage which I usually prefer most of the days when I am working. The foundation blends in beautifully into the skin and looks like a second skin. Above all, it does not look or feel cakey or heavy on my combination skin. It does not accentuate my dry areas on the skin but is hydrating.

Cult classic Smash box Photo Finish Foundation Primer ($32) is a top-notch choice. It creates a smooth, silky texture that allows your foundation to glide on. Photo Finish diminishes the look of pores and fine lines, reduces oils, and makes makeup up lasts longer. Beauty bonus It contains vitamins and antioxidants so its actually good for your skin.

Featuring 28 limited-edition shades, this new-to-market palette is a spinoff of the cult-favorite Tartlets In Bloom palette. Keep it for yourself or gift it to your friends for the ultimate holiday pick-me-up.

Look like a diva of the 70s with the Smash box Super Fan Fanned-Out Mascara. The lengthening mascara creates buildable lift, length, and volume that lasts for up to 12 hours without clumping or getting heavy. The brush has 360-degree precision with double bristles, which easily coat the corners of your eyes. It creates volatized, full lashes in just one coat and covers even the shortest lashes for a popped look.