15 Makeup Commandments From Beauty Guru Sonia Kashuk

Sometimes it really pays off to get there first. Such is the case for Sonia Kashuk — the original Target collaborator. The makeup-artist-turned-business-woman began working with the megachain 15 years ago to build what is a cult brand today. First, she offered affordable makeup, chic cosmetics cases, and beloved brushes in the coolest printed packaging (possibly, ever). Last year, she added body care to the line, securing her eponymous brand's place as a total powerhouse. Did we mention she's also married to Daniel Kaner, one of the top dogs at Oribe? Perhaps he has the secret weapon behind her gorgeous, naturally curly hair. When it comes down to it, Kashuk has the career that beauty-business dreams are made of.

This month, she celebrates her 15th anniversary with Target via an epic new collection of brushes, bags, makeup, and more. So, we asked her to share the top 15 beauty lessons she's learned over the years. Read them below, then scroll down to see some of our favorite picks from her new line.

In her own words, we present Sonia Kashuk's top 15 beauty commandments:

1. One of the first makeup lessons I learned was more is not always better. When I was younger, I used to pile on the makeup, and when I would go out during the day without "my face," no one would recognize me! That's when I knew makeup should not be a mask.

2. You can't do great makeup without great brushes!

3. Bronzer is no longer a Summer product; it should be used year-round. A bit of blush and bronzer can transform a face — use blush for brightness and bronzer for tone.

4. Foundation is like your Spanx — no one should ever know you are wearing it! When the color is correct, it should just disappear, allowing you to just spot-treat if desired.

5. Natural-style false eyelashes are a secret weapon that can transform your whole look.

6. Blend, blend, blend, oh, and blend!!

7. Find your core basic look that really works for you and then experiment from there. Slowly add a colored lip or play with a smoky eye. It will be easier to try new things if the base is something you are comfortable with.

8. Price does not dictate quality!

9. The art of makeup is all about cheating your flaws and imperfections! If you have droopy eyes, extend color on the lower lashline upward at the corner of the eye. Follow with some concealer underneath using the contrast of dark and light to create a lifting effect.

10. A smoky eye has many different levels of intensity. You can go from soft and smudged to dark and bold depending on your desired look.

11. Don't be afraid of a bold lip. It's all about the power of one — keep everything else simple so your pout is the main focus. And don't forget to blur the edges of the lip line to avoid a "drawn-on" look.

12. Proper skin care is essential to beautiful makeup.

13. When filling in a brow, brush the hairs downward first and then fill in, so when you brush the hairs back up, they cover the line you just drew. This creates a natural-looking brow.

14. When I started, primers weren't around, but I have truly become a believer in primers! They are amazing at creating a smooth base for makeup and extending longevity of wear.

15. It's makeup for goodness' sake, there are no rules except to have fun! Source: Getty

Celebrating 15 Years of Award-Winning Brushes 15-Piece Professional Brush Set, $40

Celebrating 15 Years of Award-Winning Brushes 15-Piece Professional Brush Set, $40

Painting the Town For 15 Years 15-Piece Mini Nail Colour Set, $20

Painting the Town For 15 Years 15-Piece Mini Nail Colour Set, $20

Everything Organizer, $17 each

Everything Organizer, $17 each

Chic Defining Contour Stick, $11

Chic Defining Contour Stick, $11

Scent of Celebration Hand Creme, $20

Scent of Celebration Hand Creme, $20

Dramatically Brightening Kajal, $8

Dramatically Brightening Kajal, $8

Large Train Case, $25 each

Large Train Case, $25 each

Eye Shadow Palette in Precious Gems, Bare Necessities, Sweet Nothings, and Perfectly Neutral, $14 each

Eye Shadow Palette in Precious Gems, Bare Necessities, Sweet Nothings, and Perfectly Neutral, $14 each

Completely Organized & Celebrate, $13

Completely Organized & Celebrate, $13

Celebrating a Powerful Pout Lip Palette, $23

Celebrating a Powerful Pout Lip Palette, $23

Lustrous Shine Lip Crayon in Dahlia, Orchid, Peony, and Sweet Pea, $9 each

Lustrous Shine Lip Crayon in Dahlia, Orchid, Peony, and Sweet Pea, $9 each

Radiant Boost Restorative Facial Oil, $15

Radiant Boost Restorative Facial Oil, $15

The Legend: Sonia Kashuk
Richard Burbridge

The Legend: Sonia Kashuk