I often used my rearview mirror to apply makeup when I was in high school. I would find myself rushing out the door so that I could drop my sister off at school before making my way into the senior parking lot. I didn’t wear much makeup back then, just some eyeliner and mascara, but this was my first real foray into everyday makeup. Being a ballet dancer all through grade school and high school, I knew about stage makeup…but stage makeup is not exactly everyday makeup. Know what I mean?

Through the years, I’ve found a simple makeup arsenal that can cover pretty much all my makeup needs.

1. I was never a fan of liquid foundation. I found it to be goopy and not my thing. When I discovered Bare Minerals a few years ago, I was hooked. It might have been the informercial at the time, but it worked! This is my go-to everyday powder foundation. It evens out my skin, and feels really light.

2. My sister-in-law gave me an Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil as part of my Christmas gift this year. It is amazing…and it stays and doesn’t smudge. My typical beef with all eyeliners tends to be the smudging factor. Because really, who likes raccoon eyes?

3. So, I mentioned that I wasn’t a fan of liquid foundation. That was true until last year. You just have to find the right one, I’ll get to that. But this thing? This is the Beauty Blender, and it makes liquid foundation easy and dare I say fun to apply. It’s a sponge that’s contoured for perfectly applying to your face. I love it.

4. Oh mascara. It’s hard to find one that works well. I’m not particularly mascara-loyal, but I like Maybelline’s for a Walgreens choice. I usually go for a waterproof type because did I mention I hate raccoon eyes?

5. If you buy anything on this list, I highly recommend Urban Decay’s Eyeshadow Primer Potion. Seriously, this is one of the few makeup products that I’ll invest the couple extra bucks for. It’s totally worth it. Your eyeshadow will stay all-day and all-night. It’s awesome. And I’m so glad they changed the shape of the packaging…it’s much more practical to get the last bits out.

6. Lip gloss. This is probably the one item I wear the least when I’m going through my routine. I usually forget. But I recommend always having some on hand, especially during your senior portrait session to give you smile some extra shine. Make Up For Ever Lab Shine Lip Duo will do the trick.

7. I have a confession to make. I hate black nail polish. There, I said it. I know that it’s a very trendy color, but it’s one trend I’ll never pick up…unless it’s Halloween and it completes the costume. I know some people who can rock the black nail polish and more power to them, but it’s not for me. For senior portrait sessions, I often recommend a light or neutral color so that down the line, when you’re looking back at your photos, you’re not distracted by your nails. I love the OPI nail polish brand. Plus, who doesn’t love an excuse to get your nails done?

8. This palette is what got me to start wearing eyeshadow on a more regular basis. I seriously love this stuff. My sister gave it to me for Christmas a couple years ago and it’s become a staple in my makeup kit. The Naked Palette by Urban Decay has great neutral colors, perfect for anyone, and it makes it easy to combine colors even if you don’t know what you’re doing, like me half the time. It was with this eyeshadow set that I really saw the difference between the expensive stuff and drugstore eyeshadows. It’s worth it!

9. Ah yes, the liquid foundation conversation. It was BB Cream that piqued my interest into liquid foundation again. So I gave it a try. Along with the Beauty Blender, I don’t hate liquid foundation anymore. There are occasions when this stuff is my go-to foundation of choice. It evens out your skin amazingly and gives you an even canvas to start from. Give Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream a shot.

But in all honesty, most days I don’t wear any makeup at all. Just a little moisturizer (things you don’t think about until you’re older!) and I’m ready to go for the day.

What are your makeup must-haves?