What every girl needs in her makeup collection.

These are what I deem as the essentials to having the "perfect" collection. I think I've covered pretty much everything, even as a basic starter kit. However, in saying that, it is MY opinion as a makeup junkie who loves products. Even if you're starting to get into makeup and are kinda confused on what products you should be getting (old me would have said EVERYTHING! Haha), these are some great all rounders that can create a lot of looks without needing to get everything in sight! In saying that,  you don't need all of this, eg, I've listed great highlighters, and blushes, but if you have one, as a starting point, you don't really need them all, unless you want 1 white based & 1 pink based highlighter etc. you make the rules about your collection. Makeup should be fun and how you see it!

I also realise a lot of it is MAC, and high end, as these are the products I use and love and know they're great! Sometimes it is worth investing in higher quality products, however, there are definitely some great cheaper products around, eg, Chi Chi.

Face:
Primer:
Honestly, there are so many great ones out there, it's probably one of the 2 things (the other being foundation), that is total personal preference and trial and error. Choosing can also depend on your skin type eg, dry, oily, sensitive etc; your skin needs eg, combatting redness etc. My only recommendation is, if you can, get samples that you might like to try out and give them a go!

Foundation:
Again, can't really recommend due to different skin types and issues previously mentioned. Also, what finish you like and type of coverage you're looking for. However, these are the ones I like (my skin is combination, I prefer medium coverage and a dewy look).
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk
MAC Mineralize
MAC Studio Sculpt

Concealer:
You don't really want something cakey in this area, as we're trying to combat those pesky things like dark circles and fine lines, which, something cakey can emphasise these things. You need something creamier, but good coverage.
My picks:
NARS creamy concealer
MAC Pro Longwear
YSL Touché Éclat

Bronzer:
Bronzer is serious playtime, and used for sculpting and creating flattering angles to play up or downplay what you like or don't like.
My picks:
MAC Golden
NARS Laguna

Blush:
Blushes come in all sorts of colours, textures, finishes. These ones are what I find the most flattering and compliment pretty much any makeup look.
Pink:
MAC Dainty Mineralize (mid pink with subtle shimmer)
MAC Dollymix (mid pink)
NARS Orgasm (peachy pink, with shimmer)
Hourglass Ambient Etheral Glow (soft pink)

Peach:
NARS Deep Throat (peach)
MAC Peaches (true peach)
MAC Nuance (shimmering peach)

For those who like their blush as the featured look: (with a lighter hand, building up as you go!)
NARS Angelika (bright pink with shimmer)
NARS Cactus Flower (cream; bright watermelon/ poppy)

Highlighter:
A great highlighter adds dimension to the face and reflects light off the angles you place highlighter on. If you're just starting out or prefer a simple product, I'd pick a powder over a liquid, as they can be tricky to use.
My picks:
Powder:
The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer
Bobbi Brown Pink shimmerbrick (or any shimmerbrick really, I love them all!)
NARS Albatross
Too Faced Candlelight Glow (good value, as it has white and pink)

Liquid:
Benefit High Beam


Eyes:
Eyebrows:
Unless you have rich, dark eyebrows, I don't know of anyone who couldn't benefit from some kind of filler, be it powder, pencil or a gel.
My picks:
MAC Brow creme fluidline
Anastasia Beverley Hills brow Pomade
Benefit Gimme Brow

Eyeshadows:
Everyone needs a decent range of basic eyeshadows, which can help create, define and accent a look. Different textures are also important. These are the basic shades I LOVE!
Stila Kitten: the PERFECT champagne shimmer for the brow and tear duct highlight.
MAC Vanilla pigment: a white based shimmer, again used for highlighting.
MAC Pink Opal pigment: a pink reflective white highlighter. My absolute favourite must have!
MAC Vanilla: a neutral white.
MAC Vapour: a white duo chrome which reflects pink.
MAC All That Glitters: another amazing shimmery champagne.
MAC Beauty Marked: the perfect deep purple with red reflects for a smokey eye that isn't black.
MAC Bronze: lovely as a blended out shade for day wear, or smoked up for evening.
MAC Club: the most beautiful shade! Brown with blue reflects. Duo chrome finish.
MAC Swiss Chocolate: a brown, a great crease colour.
MAC Plumage: a smoked out dark teal.
Chi Chi Bronzes palette: a good palette for those who love their neutrals/ bronzes.
Chi Chi Neutrals palette: a good set of base colours to create any look.

Sometimes you wanna get a bit more creative with your looks and colours. For something a bit different, bold and fun, these are my recommendations:
MAC Humid: a great mid green shade.
MAC Shimmermoss: a beautiful shimmery mid turquoise shade.
MAC Freshwater: the best vivid mid blue.
MAC Deep Truth: a deep blue which is great for smoking out a blue eye.
MAC Parfait Amour: a bright mid purple.
Chi Chi Metallics palette: a good collection of colours, with a metallic finish for a bit of dimension.

Eyeliner:
Everyone will have their own preference in which they like, be it gel, liquid or pencil.
Gel:
MAC Blacktrack fluidline
Bobbi Brown Black Ink gel eyeliner

Liquid:
Maybelline Hyper Glossy

Pencil:
MAC Smolder


Lips:
Obviously the following recommendations are for those a bit more daring and like to wear brighter colours. Even if you're not a fan of bright colours, or really shy, I do highly recommend at least getting use to and discover your own fave shade of red lipstick. It might only be a lipstick, but it can totally transform, not only the way you look, but also how you feel and how you carry yourself. It can really boost your mood, especially if you're not feeling 100%!

Lip Pencil:
Chi Chi Nude

Lipstick:
Red: EVERY girl needs a go-to red lippy for when they want to add that extra sex appeal, or simply to brighten up their day. There is really no other makeup product that can do what a red lipstick does!
My pick:
MAC Russian Red

Nude: A nude lip is perfect for a smokey eye as the look is then not overdone and compliments each other. To find your perfect nude, make sure it's not too light (no one likes the "foundation lips" look, and the right texture. These picks are really great all rounders (great for pretty much every skin tone).
My picks:
MAC Creme D'nude
YSL Rouge Volupte in #1 Nude Beige

Orange: Definitely not for the faint of heart. I love orange lips, and orange tones are perfect for summer. Definitely accents a good tan!
My pick:
MAC Morange

Pink: There are 2 shades of pink a girl needs. One bright/ deep pink and a lighter, baby pink. Pink is girly, romantic and good for everyday wear.
My picks:
YSL Lingerie Pink (light)
NYX Paris (medium)

Berry: This is a perfect winter shade and very bold. Definitely the colour of the season, you can pick something more dark and purple toned or something more red toned.
My picks:
MAC Rebel (purple based)
MAC New York Apple (red based)

I hope this was of some use to you. Do you recommend any products that are MUST HAVES for everyone?