10 Must-Have Products for a Perfect Minimal Makeup Collection

As much fun as having a large makeup collection is, you really don’t need more than a handful of products to create endless looks. Whether you’re on a budget, tight on storage space or are a minimalist at heart, a small makeup collection doesn’t need to put limitations on you.

Keep reading to discover just 10 products that can serve as a complete and well rounded minimal makeup collection. Watch the video at the top of the page to see this collection in action!

1. Physicians Formula The Healthy Foundation
This foundation is great for all skin types. With medium to full buildable coverage, you can layer it up if you need to or keep it light. Either way, it feels comfortable with a natural skin finish. It also has SPF 20 for a bit of skin protection during the day.

2. Morphe x James Charles Mini Palette
While tihs may be a controversial choice, I honestly think this single palette can serve as an entire eyeshadow collection. With so many options ranging from everyday neutrals to bold bright shades, the variety can’t be beat. Not to mention, the quality of the shadows is great– so much color payoff with gorgeous finishes. The mini version of the iconic palette is the best choice, in my opinion, as the packaging is more storable and the included mirror makes it perfect for travel.

3. MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot
This is one of the more pricey items on this list, but totally worth it. Not only can a Paint Pot work as an all-day eye primer, but also as a concealer, depending on the shade you use. Less is more, so one jar of this double-duty product will last you a long time.

4. NYX Matte Liquid Liner
I’m pretty evangelical when it comes to this liner– it’s the best liquid option across price ranges in my opinion. Especially if you like a winged eye, nothing beats the ease and control you get with the fine brush tip. It dries down to a rich matte black finish that will compliment any eye look.

5. Essence Extreme Lasting Eye Pencil
The one pencil you need is less than $3! This waterproof eye pencil is great for tightlining, or smudging out for a smokey eye. It glides on with a creamy feel but sets and stays all day.

6. Revolution Pro Define & Fill Brow Pencil
A fine-tipped brow pencil is my tool of choice to achieve both natural, subtly filled brows or a super defined and accentuated shape. The thin pencil creates natural looking strokes, and the spoolie softens the color. The Define & Fill Brow Pencil from Revolution Pro comes so close to my favorite Benefit pencil at a fraction of the cost.

7. Rimmel Wonder’Luxe Volume Mascara
Your choice of mascara will depend on your preference of lash looks, but this is one of my regular choices recently. It’s a volumizing formula that also adds length and lift, and the comb wand helps separate and avoid clumps.

8. Believe Beauty Get Glowing Highlight & Contour Palette
Palettes are a great way to cut down on the number of individual makeup products in your collection. Contour, blush and highlight palettes give you practically your whole face in one compact. The Get Glowing Highlight & Contour palette from Believe Beauty is a great everyday option with buildable pigment and a gorgeous glowing highlight.

9. Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink in Pioneer
Everyone needs a matte red lipstick in their makeup collection, period. It can be worn year round without clashing with seasonal colors. Pioneer from the Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink line is a rich red that will last all day long.

10. Revlon Ultra HD Lip Polish in Act Natural
Finally, you need a go-to neutral lip. I love the Ultra HD Lip Polish line, as they give you the pigment of a lipstick with the shine of a gloss. They also dry down and can last quite a while without reapplication, but are easy to layer back up. Act Natural is a light nude that will match anything.