If I had to start my makeup kit from scratch, this would be it. As a makeup artist, I’ve tested countless brands and products over the years. While I have my event favorites, these pieces are the workhorses I trust for everyday makeup. Whether you’re getting ready for a busy day running errands or planning a simple night out, these products consistently make me look and feel amazing. Read on for my recommended essentials—perfect for beginners and pros alike—and learn why these formulations work so well for a natural, clean finish.

1. Sunscreen That Doubles as Foundation: ColorScience 110% Mineral Sunscreen

Let’s start with the most non-negotiable step: sunscreen. My go-to is ColorScience 110% Mineral Sunscreen.

• Why I love it: It’s a 100% mineral sunscreen enriched with a slight tint that adapts to my skin tone.
• Benefits: This lightweight formula not only protects against harmful UV rays but also evens out skin texture, disguising imperfections. Its blend of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide provides a smooth, matte finish without clogging pores, making it perfect for daily wear.
• How I use it: I apply it as my base. Sometimes, I skip heavy foundation altogether because this 2-in-1 product gives me the coverage I need while keeping my skin feeling breathable and protected all day long.

2. Hydration and Imperfection-Correcting: Hourglass Hydrating Skin Tint

Next up, when I opt for a non-tinted sunscreen or need extra hydration, I layer on the Hourglass Hydrating Skin Tint.

• What it does: This tinted moisturizer blurs imperfections while keeping skin deeply hydrated.
• Key ingredients: It’s infused with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and nourishing botanical extracts.
• Application tip: I apply it over my clear sunscreen for a lightweight, natural finish that brightens my complexion without feeling heavy. It’s ideal for those busy days when you need a quick, effortless glow.

3. The Gold Standard in Concealing: Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer

For brightening and concealing, I never leave home without the Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer.

• Why it’s my favorite: This concealer is pure gold in a bottle. A little goes a long way, offering buildable coverage that hydrates and brightens simultaneously.
• Standout benefits: Its silky, blendable formula evens out skin tone while targeting dark circles, blemishes, and fine lines without settling into creases.
• Pro tip: Apply minimally to the under-eye area and blend gently with your fingers or a beauty blender for a natural, airbrushed effect.

4. Contour & Bronze with a Twist: Sculpting Serum by Makeup by Mario

For contour and a sun-kissed glow, I turn to the Sculpting Serum by Makeup by Mario.

• What makes it special: This serum is designed to give you both contour and a natural bronze that enhances your bone structure.
• Key ingredients: Enriched with hydrating peptides and a unique blend of pigments, it seamlessly blends into the skin for a radiant, healthy finish.
• Usage: I apply a small amount to the hollows of my cheeks, temples, and jawline. Its hydrating properties help mimic a naturally contoured, lit-from-within look—without any harsh lines.

5. Cream Blush Perfection: Rhode Cream Blush (“Sprinkle”)

When it comes to a pop of color on my cheeks, Rhode Cream Blush is my number one.

• The shade: I use “Sprinkle,” a gorgeous cheeky rose that gives a fresh, feminine flush.
• Why I love it: Its cream formulation is super blendable and naturally dewy, adding a subtle burst of color that looks like you’ve just been kissed by summer.
• Bonus: It works beautifully on all skin tones and can be layered lightly or built up for more intensity—perfect for both day and night.

6. Setting It Right: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder

The only pressed powder I keep in my everyday routine is the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder.

• Benefits: This powder delivers a natural, matte finish without looking cakey or heavy. Its micro-fine formula blurs imperfections and locks in your makeup for a long-lasting look.
• Ideal for: Setting under-eye concealer or mattifying the T-zone. A little dab goes a long way, leaving skin looking smooth and photo-ready.

7. Luscious Lips: Rhode Lip Liner & Lip Balm Combo and Ole Henriksen Lip Balm with Peptides

For lips, I rely on a two-step combo.

• Rhode Lip Liner & Lip Balm Combo:
  • What it does: The duo gives your lips a subtle contour while keeping them moisturized, providing a super natural finish.
• Ole Henriksen Lip Balm with Peptides:
  • Why it’s a win: Infused with peptides and nourishing oils, this balm works to maintain lip hydration and plumpness. It’s perfect for a kissable finish that feels as good as it looks.

8. Lash and Brow Game: Shiseido Eyelash Curler and Maybe-Line Waterproof Mascara

No makeup look is complete without defined lashes.

• Shiseido Eyelas Curler:
  • What I adore: It gives my lashes a natural lift without pinching or damaging fragile hair.
• Maybe-Line Waterproof Mascara:
  • The upside: Offers volume and length while resisting smudging—even on long days—so my lashes always look fluttery and perfect.
• Tip: These are the only products I add to boost my eyes, keeping the overall look natural and effortless.

9. Setting Your Masterpiece: Finishing Touch with Setting Sprays

To ensure everything stays in place, I rely on two setting products:

• Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist:
  • What it does: Delivers an all-day, long-lasting effect, locking in moisture and color.
• Fix+ by MAC Cosmetics:
  • Usage hack: After applying my cream products, I spritz Fix+ to allow them to dry; then, I lightly dust my pressed powder over top. It fuses all layers together beautifully.
• Bonus: Finally, I seal everything with the L’Oréal setting spray for that extra hold, though be mindful, as it sets and can “freeze” your look in place.

Why This Kit Works for Every Day

When it comes to everyday makeup, I lean heavily toward cream and liquid formulations. They blend effortlessly, look naturally luminous, and keep skin feeling hydrated and fresh. I appreciate that most of these products are beginner-friendly—you don’t need advanced techniques to achieve a beautiful, polished look when the products do the work for you.

The one exception in my routine is the pressed powder, which I use sparingly to mattify specific areas like my T-zone and under-eye, preventing creasing while maintaining a flawless finish.

The secret behind my everyday routine? It’s all about simplicity and self-care. This kit not only makes my skin look beautiful but also gives me a moment each day to enjoy self-expression. You don’t need an elaborate setup to feel confident—just a few stellar products that work in harmony with your natural beauty.

Elevating Your Look for Night Out

For those times when you want to elevate your daytime look into an evening glam, here are a few simple tweaks:

• Eyes: Use a dark brown eye crayon like Marcelle along your inner eye to create the illusion of fuller lashes and added dimension.
• Bronzer: Apply a powder bronzer (I adore Guerlain’s) to achieve that natural, sun-kissed glow.
• Blush Upgrade: Finish with a statement YSL blush for that extra pop of color on your cheeks.

These small changes effortlessly transform your look, keeping it fresh and natural while adding just enough depth for nighttime allure.

In Conclusion

There’s no single “holy grail” for makeup—only the right products that suit your lifestyle and make you feel good. I wholeheartedly believe that discipline, consistency, and good skincare habits form the foundation of any great makeup look. This kit, with its blend of skincare benefits, natural finishes, and effortless application, is my secret to looking polished and put-together every single day.

I hope this rundown inspires you to build your own everyday makeup kit. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned makeup lover, investing in products that enhance your natural beauty and simplify your routine is always a win.

Remember: makeup should be fun, rejuvenating, and a little bit of self-love—because at the end of the day, you’re already more than enough.