Fashion

8 Beauty Products You Need In Your Routine

by Alexa Tucker

Organizing my bathroom drawers is kind of like shopping for new beauty products -- there's always something I've purchased or received that I totally forgot I had. It's kind of like finding five bucks in your coat pocket, you know?

Every once in a while, I'll come across some random item I bought on impulse. What can I say: I have a problem. I'll see some cool new makeup brush or "revolutionary" mascara in a magazine, hop on Amazon and order it on a whim, and use it a few times until it gets lost in the Drawer of Misfit Beauty Products.

Sometimes, I'll rediscover something totally awesome in there and realize it should be a part of my regular makeup application or pre-bedtime ritual. Usually, they're products that I wouldn't think to use in my routine. But I promise these are worth a few extra minutes a day (or switching out your go-to product for).

Lip Foundation

Buxom True Nude Lip Foundation, $19, Sephora

I love lip foundation when I'm going out for the night in a bold, outfit-making shade of lipstick. When it's the most important part of your look, who can blame a girl for wanting it to stay put? I like things to be low-maintenance when I'm out for drinks or dancing with the girls, so I'm not interested in making several trips to the bathroom just to touch it up. Sure, pre-application exfoliation and hydration helps, but lip foundation's great when you really don't want to think about having a fabulous pout.

Serum Foundation

bareSkin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation, $29, Sephora

When Bare Escentuals came out with this foundation, I was ecstatic. No one wants to look like their makeup is caked-on, but foundation is important when you want to even out your skin. Though I use a heavier foundation when my skin is especially bad or when I'm going out for the evening, the foundation is fantastic for looking ***flawless on the day-to-day.

Eyeshadow Base

Laura Mercier Eye Basics, $28, Sephora

If you've got greasy eyelids, I promise that an eyeshadow base or primer will change your life. Gone are the days of creased powder and uneven application. If you have a problem getting your eyeshadow to stay where you put it, do not delay. This will be your new best friend.

Eyelash Primer

Smashbox Layer Lash Primer, $18, Sephora

Whenever someone compliments me on my long eyelashes, I feel obligated to tell them that it's just an illusion (kind of like when someone comments on your fabulous Louis Vuitton bag...that's not exactly genuine). It's all in the eyelash primer. In truth, my eyelashes are a little bit short and stubby, so I never apply mascara without first brushing this baby on.

Lash Fibers

Tarte Best In Faux Lash Extending Fibers, $19, Tarte Cosmetics

If you have never heard of this, today is the first day of your life. Goodbye, difficult fake eyelashes -- this is a much easier way to add volume your lashes. Not only are my lashes short and stubby sans-product; they're also thin and wispy. (Sadly, I did not win the genetic lottery when it comes to my eyes.) Lash fibers have been a total game-changer for me. Applied between coats of mascara, the product looks like a tube of tiny little fluffs. The fibers stick to the first coat when you brush them on, and the second coat covers them. Thin-lashed friends, stop reading this and go buy this product NOW. (Bonus: my pick includes the perfect mascara pairing, too.)

Brow Enhancing Serum

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Enhancing Serum, $38, Sephora

Oh, how I envy Cara Delevingne, Lily Collins, and anyone else with perfect, full brows -- what I wouldn't give to have on-point eyebrows at all times. Sure, like anything that claims to grow hair, the science behind this product might be a little shaky, but I like to think that brow enhancing serum really does make 'em fuller (it's like Latisse for your eyebrows.)

Brow Lifting Pencil

Benefit High Brow, $22, Sephora

This can be DIY-ed with a little white eyeshadow or a shimmery highlighter, but sometimes it's fun to have a pretty little something that has one job, don't you think? I also use it on my cupid's bow, the little arch above you upper lip, to make lip color stand out.

Hair Perfume

Pink Sugar Hair Perfume, $19, Amazon

Yes, hair perfume is a real thing. And it is magical. My skin sometimes has a hard time hanging on to scents, but hair perfume is specially formulated for your strands so the fragrance sticks. It's like those Febreeze commercials -- you'll be warding off hugs from people who just want a whiff of that aroma.

Images: Courtesy Manufacturer