Since turning 30 and hearing what celebrity makeup artist Sam Fine had to say about women of color needing to step their game up cosmetically, I've REALLY been trying to get into this whole makeup thing. I've never been much of a makeup person, but I understand now that it's more about enhancing your beauty, well for some.

Here are 10 must-have beauty products that every woman should own. Now this list is just going to make me go out and spend MORE money at M.A.C since I'm so biased and really don't know of any other good cosmetic lines. But I'm sure you makeup professionals out there know where to go out and get these products. If you have some info on some really good cosmetic lines, be sure to let me know and help a sista out. I'd really appreciate it.

Blush:

M.A.C Hey Sailor! Powder Blush

I really love when I see women wear blush, but that's not something I've mastered just yet. I'm going to try it, but as always I'm afraid of looking like a clown so I have to find the right color. Being that I already have a slight case of rosacea, pink isn't one of the colors that I will try because my cheeks are naturally pink. To my surprise, there are tons of blush colors out there  rose, apricot, raspberry, or fuchsia, as well as different types of blush, gel, cream, liquid, or powder. The correct way to apply it is to swipe it across the apples of your cheeks.

Concealer:

M.A.C Mineralize Concealer

Concealers are really great for women who have issues with dark circles, blemishes, pimples, and redness on a regular basis, it will help  mask your minor imperfections. It's basically a cosmetic camouflage that will leave you looking beautifully flawless.

Eye cream:

Oil of Olay Eye Cream

Although wrinkles around the eyes, you can stave them by sticking to a good preventive care regimen. Start using eye cream now to smooth fine lines and reduce puffiness and bags. I normally make sure I moisturize a lot around my eyes, especially at night.

M.A.C Ruffian Red Lipstick

Although I don't think red lipstick is for everybody, it's definitely a popping color that screams I'm sexy baby. Here's three reasons to cop you a tube of red lipstick: 1) It’s boardroom- and bar-appropriate, 2) wearing it makes you ooze confidence, and 3) a racy red pout ups the ante for any outfit. Whether it’s crimson, cherry, cardinal, cinnamon, or candy apple, choose a shade that flatters your specific complexion and enjoy the high-fives on your bold beauty move.

Beauty Balm Cream:

Dr. Jart Beauty Balm

Now this one is a new one to me. This cosmeceutical is suddenly all the rage because it’s a sheer foundation, moisturizer, primer, and toner all in one. The best part? It not only offers buildable coverage to hide even the worst of blemishes but actually treats them. That’s what we call double-duty beauty.

Mascara:

L'Oreal Voluminous Lashes

I'm not one of those gals whose fortunate enough to have voluminous lashes, but I am actually trying a new method I learned to see if it will help them grow. We all know long lashes make our eyes pop and depending on your eye shadow, can also make them look very mysterious.

Dry shampoo:

Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo

If you're a unbeweaveable, sew-in kinda girl like me, you NEED this in your life. This dry shampoo is an absolute life saver when it comes to trying to get to your itchy scalp under the net and braids needed for your sew-in. I don't actually use this particular brand. the dry shampoo I use is by Organic Root Stimulator Herbal Cleanse Dry Shampoo. I just used this one for the sake of the picture.

Deep conditioner:

Nexxus Hydrating Deep Conditioner

Again, I don't necessarily use this brand. Since going natural I have YET to find a really good conditioner, but as always our hair could use some really good TLC. Deep conditioners help our hair hold moisture.

Face wipes:

Beauty Rush Face Wipes

Maybe you just got home from the club and you're too tired to hose down your face. Well we all know leaving makeup on is really bad for your skin. That's when these face wipes will come in handy so you can at least get a couple layers of foundation off and your eye shadow to protect your skin from possible irritation and breakouts.

Sunscreen:

Elizabeth Arden SPF 50 Sunscreen

For some reason most of US don't think we have a need for sunscreen, but truth be told we're not immune to skin cancer. It's important to always wear sunscreen whenever you're going to be outside for long periods of time and the more SPF the better.

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