Sorry I have 10 First 5 are essential essentials.
Pressed powder. Shiney is not a good look. Any brand, really, they're all essentially the same thing.
Stick concealor. My fave is cheapy Collection 2000.
Good mascara - but replace every few months. Maybelline have the pink and green one(packaging, not colour. I forget the name) that all the beauty eds rave about.
Touche Eclat from YSL.
Eye pencil - again collection 2000. You really don't need anything fancy.
Good moisturiser. I like Dermalogica as a brand but whatever works for your skin.
Blusher. I like Bloom atm. Little pots you can dab on your cheek bones and your lips.
Elizabeth Arden 8 hr cream. Can be used on lips and to tame unruly brows as well as giving shine to cheekbones when used sparingly.
Neutral lipstick. A quick slick can lift your whole face.
Good foundation for when you are looking particularly rough/going out. I like Perscriptives but again whatever suits your skin. Get samples from the beauty counter so you can apply and wear at home, in natural light not shop strip lighting. When I was a student I used to go to department stores and get samples of my favourite foundation instead of spending £35 on a bottle. Don't think I bought any for the whole 3 years
And get yourself a nice pencil case to put your new makeup in. Don't buy expensive make up bags - they never wash well. Get a cheapo pencil case for a pound or two and replace regularly.