Everything You Need to Build a Capsule Makeup Collection

Grooming your brows is an easy way to define your face and make your eyes pop, even without mascara. If you're new to the brow game, you're going to want this Merit brow set. It comes with their brow pomade, which we’ve tested and love, and the new gel pencil to fill them in. With this combo, you and your brows will be unstoppable. ($44, Merit)

When we think of a no-makeup makeup look — which is what we tend to prefer on a daily basis — this foundation stick comes to mind. Just swipe it on the areas you want extra coverage, then blend it out for a your-skin-but-better look. It feels really light on the skin and has hyaluronic acid to keep you dewy and hydrated. ($46, Sephora)

If we’re ever stranded on a desert island, please make sure we have our Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer with us. It’s great for concealing dark circles, color-correcting redness, and even highlighting the high points of your face. It applies like a dream, leaves a radiant finish, and has never once left us flaky. ($32, Nordstrom)

If it’s good enough for Selena Gomez, it’s more than good enough for us. This liquid blush is highly pigmented, so just a few dabs on your cheeks (and blended out with a brush or Beautyblender) will do the trick. We keep this limited-edition mini version in our work bags and apply a little more when we hit the afternoon slump. ($14, Sephora)

It’s definitely an investment, but we reach for this “eye definer” daily, no matter the occasion. It has a crayon-like consistency that glides easily and won’t budge. The smudger on the other end is great for creating smokey eye looks or dragging it into a wing. We love both brown shades for daily wear, and the “Blue Jean” color for nights out. ($35, Nordstrom)

Why mess with a classic. This Covergirl mascara really does keep our lashes from clumping, and the curved brush separates and elongates our lashes better than more expensive ones we’ve tried. We always opt for the "Very Black" shade, but we’re trying the brown next to stay on-trend for fall. ($9.37, Walmart)

Our editor claims that this makes her lips look juicy and plump, without the stinging that comes with traditional plumping glosses on the market. It’s an oil-gloss hybrid, isn’t sticky, and provides up to 12 hours of hydration. Our editor also loves that she can “drink a margarita and not need to reapply,” which is a win in our books. Pick from seven shades. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

I bought the first Naked palette back in college, and I still haven’t found better neutrals than "Sin "and "Naked." As the makeup influencers used to say, I’ve hit pan on those shades. So when I saw Urban Decay was bringing back the OG for a limited time, you can bet I ordered it immediately. Nothing beats these shadows, or the nostalgic feeling I get when I’m applying them. ($59, Ulta)

This powder foundation will blur any blemishes or redness without covering up your natural skin. It melts into your skin when you apply, it but won’t clog your pores. It comes in eight shades and is refillable when you buy the compact case. ($44, Macy’s)

When we’re doing our everyday makeup, we’re not trying to shine so much that our cheekbones can be seen from outer space. This highlighter simply gives you a healthy-looking glow. It applies easily — just swipe it on then blend with a brush or your finger — and isn’t drying, whether you’re applying it over foundation or directly on your skin. ($22, Glossier)

If you want your sun protection and color correction in one, nothing gets you out the door quicker than a tinted SPF. This is the one our editor can’t stop using, since it’s a mineral sunscreen and doesn’t irritate her sensitive skin. It’s buildable, will make your skin glow, and comes in three shades. ($48, Free People)

This sponge from Real Techniques — which also makes our favorite powder puffs — will absorb less of the product you’re applying, like your precious foundation or tinted moisturizer, so you won’t have to restock as often. The unique material mimics your fingertips for a natural finish, and an angled edge is great for concealing your undereyes or around your nose. ($8.99, Ulta)

This loose powder will make any creasing under your eyes vanish, and it’ll keep all of your base makeup from slipping throughout the day. It’s just mattifying enough to get rid of excess shine, but the overall finish is quite natural, so your skin will maintain some dewiness (and it won’t look like you’re wearing powder). The best part? It’s under $10. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

This blush is an investment, but not only does it add a sheer wash of color to your cheeks, it also contains antioxidants that fight off free radicals as you go about your day. It’s surprisingly hydrating, and you can use it on your lids and lips, too. We love a multipurpose product. ($45, Tata Harper)