As much as I love beauty products, I'll be the first to admit that I definitely have my days when I storm out of the house without a hint of makeup. But for the days when I'm not just sitting behind my desk (probably attending beauty and fashion events), it's not exactly a good look. So to quickly pull myself together, I always make sure to have my makeup bag on hand with a couple of makeup must-haves to help me instantly transform my look from tired-looking to effortlessly pretty.
Believe me, a few of these awesome products in your purse will definitely make your life a whole lot easier. Check out my 10 makeup bag essentials. And trust me, these items will NOT take up a lot of space in your bag!
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Makeup primer
As pressed for time as you might be, you should never leave the house without putting on some moisturizer, eye cream and of course SPF. But even so, with the colder weather amongst us, my skin tends to get a little dry by the time I make it to the office. So to ensure a perfect makeup application, I apply a smoothing makeup primer, like Sephora Collection Perfecting Ultra-Smoothing Primer ($15) to my skin first. This amazing formula evens out my complexion, hides imperfections, and keeps my makeup fresh for hours.
Perfect foundation
For a flawless, dewy complexion I usually use a liquid foundation, like Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Even Finish Foundation SPF 15 ($47). I’m not one to carry a whole bunch of makeup brushes and sponges on me. Instead, I simply apply a less than pea size amount using my finger to my cheek bones, forehead, nose and chin and then blend.
Concealer
Opt for a super easy to use two-in-one concealer, like Sephora Collection Lasting and Perfecting Corrector ($15). This multi-purpose product includes a gentle and vitamin E infused formula on one side that targets dark circles, making your face look brighter and wide awake. I love how the wide tip makes it so easy to apply in one single stroke! On the other end there’s a precision application that includes a concealing formula that features salicylic acid to not only camouflage blemishes, but works to improve your complexion throughout the day. How awesome is that?
Blush
For a healthy glow, I dab on a creamy blush like Make Up For Ever HD High Definition Blush ($26) to naturally sculpt and highlight my cheeks. It’s super easy to apply and takes like no space in my makeup bag.
Mini tweezers
I get my thick, long brows threaded every two weeks. But to keep myself presentable between appointments, I usually carry a pair of mini tweezers like Tweezerman Reach for the Stars Mini Slant Tweezers ($15) just in case.
Brow gel
Make sure to keep your brows neat and in place with a brow gel like Anastasia Clear Brow Gel ($21). Or for a quicker fix, use a clear mascara like Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara ($6). I use this on my brows all the time, its such a lifesaver!
Eyeliner
A good eyeliner is a must-have. But I usually like to include a pencil liner, like L'Oréal Paris Pencil Perfect Self-Advancing Eyeliner ($10) for my lower eye rims and a precise liquid liner, like Smashbox Limitless Liquid Liner Pen for upper lash lines ($22).
Mascara
Always keep a good volumizing and lengthening mascara on hand, like CoverGirl Natureluxe Mousse Mascara ($9). It’s a great way to wake up tired-looking eyes.
Lip balm
Especially during the winter, you should always carry a lip balm on you to soothe and hydrate dry, irritated lips. I especially love Smith’s Rosebud Salve Lip Balm ($6) because it deeply moisturizes without the stickiness a lot of lip formulas tend to have.
Gloss
You can never go wrong with a natural-looking pout. Keep lips smooth with a nude lip gloss, like L'Oréal Paris Infallible 8 HR Le Gloss ($10).
