Quick Answer
The five essential beauty products every baddie needs are: a solid moisturizer (CeraVe PM), a cream blush (Glossier Cloud Paint), mascara (Essence Lash Princess), a hydrating setting product (e.l.f. Halo Glow), and SPF (La Roche-Posay Anthelios). Total cost: under €50. No filler, no fluff.
You don't need a 12-step routine. You don't need €100 serums. You need five products that actually do something. This is the bare minimum that makes you look put together — whether you're running errands or showing up to brunch looking effortless.
Total Starter Kit Cost
$52 / 1,200,000₫
Everything you need to look polished without going broke
1. A Moisturizer That Actually Works: CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
Price: $13-18 / 320,000-440,000₫
Why it matters: Good skin is the foundation of everything. If your skin is dehydrated, flaky, or irritated, makeup won't save you. CeraVe PM is lightweight, packed with ceramides and niacinamide, and works for literally every skin type.
What it does: Restores your skin barrier, keeps your skin hydrated overnight, and calms redness. After two weeks, you'll notice smoother texture and fewer breakouts. After two months, people will ask what you're doing differently.
Budget option: The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA ($8 / 180,000₫). Thicker texture, but just as effective.
How to use it: Every night after cleansing. Pump 2-3 pumps into your hands, warm it up, and press it into your face and neck. Let it absorb for 30 seconds before moving on to the next step.
2. Cream Blush That Looks Like Skin: Glossier Cloud Paint
Price: $18 / 420,000₫
Why it matters: Blush is the difference between "I'm alive" and "I'm thriving." It adds dimension, warmth, and makes you look healthy even when you're running on four hours of sleep. Cloud Paint is the best cream blush I've ever used — it blends seamlessly and lasts all day.
What it does: Gives you a natural, buildable flush that looks like it's coming from within. The gel-cream formula melts into your skin and doesn't disturb your base makeup. One dot is enough for a subtle glow; two dots for full drama.
Budget option: e.l.f. Camo Liquid Blush ($7 / 160,000₫). Highly pigmented, so use a light hand.
How to use it: Dot one small amount on the apples of your cheeks and blend upward toward your temples with your fingers or a damp sponge. Build gradually — you can always add more.
3. Mascara That Doesn't Suck: Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect
Price: $4 / 85,000₫
Why it matters: Mascara is the fastest way to look more awake and put together. Essence Lash Princess gives you volume, length, and drama for the price of a coffee. It's the holy grail drugstore mascara for a reason.
What it does: One coat gives you visible volume and separation. Two coats look like falsies. It holds a curl all day, doesn't flake, and makes your lashes look thicker and darker instantly.
Budget option: This is already the budget option. But if you want to splurge, try Maybelline Sky High ($12 / 300,000₫) for more length and definition.
How to use it: Wiggle the wand at the base of your lashes, then sweep upward. Do 2-3 coats, letting each one dry slightly before adding the next. Replace every 3 months for hygiene.
4. Glow That Doesn't Look Greasy: e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter
Price: $14 / 340,000₫
Why it matters: This is the product that makes people ask, "Are you wearing makeup?" It's a liquid highlighter that gives you a soft-focus, lit-from-within glow without looking like a disco ball. You can wear it under makeup, mix it into foundation, or use it alone.
What it does: Adds a subtle luminosity to your skin. It blurs imperfections, evens out your skin tone, and gives you that "I just got a facial" glow. It's hydrating, so it works as a primer too.
Budget option: This is already affordable, but The Ordinary High-Adherence Silicone Primer ($5 / 110,000₫) gives a similar blurring effect.
How to use it: Mix 1-2 pumps with your moisturizer or foundation for an all-over glow. Or apply it to the high points of your face (cheekbones, nose, cupid's bow) after makeup.
5. Sunscreen You'll Actually Wear: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Fluid SPF 50+
Price: $20-22 / 480,000-520,000₫
Why it matters: Sunscreen is non-negotiable. It protects your skin from UV damage, prevents premature aging, and reduces your risk of skin cancer. La Roche-Posay Anthelios is lightweight, doesn't leave a white cast, and feels like a moisturizer — not sunscreen.
What it does: Provides broad-spectrum SPF 50+ protection without pilling, greasiness, or that chalky finish. It absorbs instantly and works under makeup. This is the sunscreen that finally made me consistent.
Budget option: Garnier Ambre Solaire UV Face Fluid SPF 50+ ($11 / 260,000₫). Similar texture, slightly more fragrance.
How to use it: Every single morning as the last step in your skincare routine. Use a generous amount (about half a teaspoon for your face). Reapply every 2 hours if you're outside.
The Routine: How to Use All Five Together
Here's exactly how I use these products for a minimal, polished look:
- Morning: Cleanse, apply e.l.f. Halo Glow mixed with moisturizer, apply La Roche-Posay sunscreen, add Cloud Paint to cheeks, finish with Essence mascara.
- Night: Cleanse, apply CeraVe PM, sleep like a baddie.
That's it. Five products, two steps, zero excuses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I have sensitive skin?
All five products on this list are suitable for sensitive skin. CeraVe, Glossier, and e.l.f. are all dermatologist-tested and fragrance-free (or minimal fragrance).
Can I skip any of these products?
Sunscreen is non-negotiable. Everything else can be adjusted based on your needs, but these five cover the essentials.
Where can I buy these products?
Most are available at drugstores (CeraVe, Essence, e.l.f., La Roche-Posay). Glossier is online only at glossier.com.
Will these products work for all skin tones?
Yes. The skincare is universal. Cloud Paint comes in 8 shades. Essence Lash Princess works on all lash colors.
How long will these products last?
With daily use: CeraVe (2-3 months), Cloud Paint (6+ months), Essence mascara (3 months max for hygiene), e.l.f. Halo Glow (3-4 months), Sunscreen (2-3 months).