A good moisturizer A good moisturizer will not only moisturize dry skin, but an oil free moisturizer can make your skin less greasy. It is also your first defense against the elements. Use AM & PM
A good SPF of at least 50 with UVA/UVB protection Use this over your moisturizer. I know it sounds batty, but even cloudy days can damage your skin. So can fluorescent lighting. Use AM or whenever needed, swimming, running etc.
A good foundation Nothing is worse than seeing a beautiful woman with the wrong foundation on. Make sure to swipe a line of foundation along your jawline. Blend. It should blend into your neck if it is the right colour. Having the right foundation makes you look more polished and professional
A good eye cream Your eye area is 3 times thinner than the rest of your face. You start to show your age around your eyes first. Use a size of a pea for each eye, then with you weakest finger (your ring finger) dab along under your eye up to your ocular bone. Do this am and pm.
A good pair of tweezers Cheap tweezers don't do the job. Spend the money on tweezerman. If they start to get dull, find a nail file made of hard frosted glass. Sand the end where the grippy part is. Your tweezers will be as good as new.
A good fragrance Nothing smells worse than a cheap poorly made fragrance that is 79% alcohol. If you need to buy a smaller bottle, that's fine. Just spray your pulse points, wrists, neck, Don't over do it. Don't let your perfume to walk into the room before you enter it.
A good pair of leather shoes Make sure they are a good fit, but not to snug, go with either black or a neural beige. Nothing frilly, but distinctive enough.
A good suit jacket In solid black. Make sure the jacket has some nice details ie, the lapel, a faux pocket etc. In a nice fabric, one that can go with trousers or a black skirt.
A good hand bag Who cares about labels? A solid, sturdy leather bag can last a good twenty years. Choose a colour that is neutral, like British Tan. You can find great vintage bags on etsy, ebay or at your local charity shop. If all leather, use shoe polish (in brown) to keep it looking fresh. I've had mine for 14 years and I have people stop me and think it's new.
A good watch If you wear one, a well made watch can last generations, so as long as it is well taken care of
A good pair of glasses If you wear them, make sure they're of good quality. It literally reflects on how you see the world.
A good all purpose kitchen knife This will save you both time and money. Make sure to get all purpose for chopping and meat cutting-not a bread or paring knife. You might also want to get a knife sharpener.
A good pan Cast iron is great if you don't have arthritis. Make sure to clean it with Crisco, opposed to soap and water so it won't rust. Will last long after your dead.
One good pair of every day earrings Gives you a more polished sophisticated look. Think every day, so nothing to elaborate.
One good quality every day chain/necklace Gives you a more polished, professional look, can add things to it. ie; fobs, pendants etc
A good boutis/comforter Keeps you cool in the summer and warm at night. Ours is wool filled.
A good electric toothbrush You can switch out the heads every 3 months and it gets those hard to reach places
A good pair of running/walking shoes this makes all the difference to your overworked feet
Things that are needed but you can skimp on
Facial cleanser as long as it doesn't dry out your skin, you're fine.
Toner Use rosewater or make it yourself. You can find the recipe online
Mascara Maybelline Great Lash is still awesome and costs a fraction of the price for higher end brands.
Lipsticks and lipliners Same, just find one that is moisturizing. Make sure to fill in your lips completely with lipliner so your lipstick will bind to it, thus it will last longer.
Exfoliator for face or body- Make one at home.I mix coffee grounds and sugar and honey, then pop in in the refrigerator. I drink a lot of coffee, so I have an endless supply.
Hair shampoo really doesn't matter. AS long as it doesn't have chemicals that strip your hair of natural oils then your fine. You need to google these chemicals though, as it is early and I'm only on my first cup of coffee. PS Washing your hair every day is bad for is use the 3 or 4 hair day rule. If you need a little volume use a dry shampoo or cornstarch and if you have some essential oils like rose or mint you can mix it in.
Hair conditioner/Hair rinse. Hair conditioners do work, but if you want to save money try making a hair rinse. Some of mine use apple cider vinegar, coffee, Black tea, Baking soda, epsom salt, lavender, the list goes on. Look online to see what hair rinse suits you best.
Back to makeup, and I've said this before, if you can buy Monistat chafing gel, you can use it in lieu of a foundation primer. Has the exact same ingredients. If you want a more natural version, then I would google it.
Well, that's all I can think of before my first cup of coffee is finished. If I think of anything else, I'll let you know.
OH! Coconut butter is great as a hair mask and coconut oil is great to use in lieu of a body moisturizer.
Good luck and sorry for the novel!