Moisturize your face daily

Moisturizing is an important part of skin care. It is also an important part of makeup application, as it allows your foundation to go on more smooth and evenly. This should be the one thing you put on your face before leaving home.

Moisturizer should be applied after washing your face and best on damp skin because it goes on more smoothly this way. There are so many types of moisturizers out there and they are not all for your face. Be sure to choose the right one for your skin type. They range from light to heavy creams.

• Normal skin - Go for a light moisturizer to help even out dry areas
  
• Dry skin - Find a heavier cream which is higher in emollients and richer (usually found in jars like the one in the picture)
  
• Oily skin - After washing your face, you may develop dry spots, so choose an extremely light moisturizer to help even it out. Your skin will naturally produce oils, so you don't won't something too heavy.
  
• Sensitive skin - Choose a moisturizer that is fragrance free

Here are a few face creams that I have found to be very good buys:

Aveda Hydrating Lotion

Mary Kay Timewise

Cetaphil

What's in your make-up bag?

When I was younger, there was only a few things in my bag, essentially because I had no idea what to do with everything else. I had the basics: black eyeliner, lipstick, and maybe mascara. At that age, that was really all I needed because I still had that even skintone.

Over the years my skin started to form blotches, freckles, and omg bags! (I'm still beautiful, though;) I then began to learn about the importance of concealor, foundation, powder, blush, and so on.

My niece is at the age where she is experimenting with make-up, so I got her a basic starter kit and put together a list of items that she should have for that everyday natural look. I got her the "Flawless Face Kit" by Laura Mercier, and one of the holiday brush sets from Mac (that are now 25% off). She is 17 and still has that fresh face look, so I didn't recommend wearing makeup daily for her. At this age all she needs is a good moisturizer, lip gloss, mascara, and a natural blush.

Here is a list of items every girl should have. Check back later for a break down of these items and why they are important.