I may technically be single, but I am married to makeup and our ceremony will include gift bags, so I hope you attend. I sometimes get asked what products I use, so I thought I would make a little guide to creating the perfect makeup bag and give some suggestions for products that have worked well for me. Obviously this is just my opinion; you should always go in search for the products that make your soul sing. So without further introduction, here's 15 things you should include in your makeup bag:
1. A good moisturizer
Makeup looks its best when your skin is happy and hydrated; I can’t suggest a moisturizer that works perfectly for all skin types but my favorite is Clinique's Moisture Surge. It's pricey but the small sample size has lasted six months and I just purchased the larger size.
Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief - $39.00
2. Brushes
In my personal opinion, brushes of higher price can be better, but I’m not sure they’re necessary. I use almost solely e.l.f. brushes and they work for the most part. Sometimes the glue holding the brush head will come loose, but for $3-$6 it’s not hard to replace them. Other great drug store brands are real techniques, ecotools, and Sonia Kashuk. If you're looking for a pricer option, IT Cosmetics and Sigma are known to have some of the most amazing brushes.
3. A beautyblender
I am obsessed with this little tool; it is the perfect makeup sponge. It applies foundation better than any sponge I’ve ever tried, and it is definitely worth the price. You can wash it and reuse it for about 3-6 months depending on how often you wash/use it.
The Original Beautyblender - $20.00
4. A great primer
Primers of all sorts are fun things to have for your daily makeup look, but if you have to choose between eye-shadow primer, eyelash primer, or all over face primer; you have to pick the last one. Face primers do wonders for your makeup's all-day hold.
Primers of higher price are talked up quite a bit, but this one from Maybelline is so good.
Maybelline's Baby Skin Instant Pore Erasing Primer - $6.99
5. The perfect foundation
This one is a hard one to recommend because your skin tone and type really influence what foundation will work for you. ProTip: Never test your foundation shade on the back of your hand as your skin tone will be most likely be different than your face. Try your neck instead. Also, look for one with an SPF so your skin stays happy and healthy in the summer sun.
6. A concealer
Every once in a while our face will decided to be an asshole, and that's why you need a good concealer to conquer the face demons. I have tried a lot of different ones, but these two take the cake. One is drugstore and the other is expensive, but a nice luxury if you can afford it.
Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer - $29.00
Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer - $8.99
7. A diverse eye-shadow palette
What exactly makes an eye-shadow palette diverse? A good mix of matte and shimmer/satin shadows. Depending on the eye look you prefer, shadow is the quickest way to change up your look when it gets too routine. I have found some good drugstore palettes, but if you can splurge a little, it's worth it. Too Faced chocolate bar palettes have beautiful, smooth shadows and they smell like chocolate. Are you kidding me?
8. Mascara for dem lashes
Drugstore mascaras are historically known as being just as good, if not better, than extremely expensive mascaras. There are a ton to choose from, and you can usually find anything you would want in a mascara from plumping to lengthening. This is one of my favorite drugstore mascaras is Covergirl's Plumpify. Look at that wand; can I have your number? Because your hourglass shape is ridiculous.
Covergirl LashBlast Plumpify Mascara - $11.99
9. A liquid eyeliner that creates a sharp enough wing to fend off your enemies
Liquid liner is my favorite thing in the entire world, and it's hard to find the perfect one that makes it easy for you to create your favorite look. Formulas that stay put and aren't too wet are hard to find, but Kat Von D's Tattoo Liner is my staple product.
Kat Von D Tattoo Liquid Liner - $19.00
10. A brow product
I cannot suggest the perfect product between pomades, pencils, powders and gels. There are a billion ways to fill in your little eye mustaches, but find what works for you and take some time to get color matched as this process can be hard for those with lighter hair color. Brows are the window to the soul, people.
11. A perfect liquid lipstick
If you're obsessed with lipstick like I am, you know how hard it is to find a liquid lipstick that doesn't dry your lips, stays put, and doesn't patch off in a weird way as the day goes on. NYX has amazing liquid lips, as well as Smashbox and The Balm.
The Balm Meet Matt(e) Hughes Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick - $17.00
12. Highlight/Contour/Bronzer
I don't know how this has taken the internet by storm, but highlighting and contouring your face has become one of the most popular thing to do. Unfortunately, it can be tough to find good shades that don't 'highlight' your imperfections or palettes that aren't crazy expensive. NYX makes a wonderful palette of highlight and contour shades for a good price.
NYX Highlight & Contour Pro Palette - $25.00
13. Setting powder or face powder
If you're into the matte look or you want to try "baking," a trend that has recently resurfaced in makeup but has been around forever, you need a good powder. Whether or not you want it to be pigmented or translucent, it's good to know that baking works best with loose translucent powder and mattifying works best with pigmented or translucent powder in a pan.
14. A pair of lashes and lash glue
Queue the record-scratching noise. I know that fake lashes seem terrifying, but with a bit of practice they can be fun to treat yo self and do a little more glam than usual. Eyelure sells my favorite drugstore lashes; they are good for at least three uses and are extremely comfortable. Duo grey-to-black lash glue is amazing glue even if it smells a little funky.
Eyelure Definition Lashes No. 126 - $4.99
Duo Lash Adhesive Dark - $5.99
15. Setting spray
When you're all done with your makeup, you may want to set it, especially when it's so hot and muggy outside. Sprays like this can be expensive and there aren't a ton of drugstore options, but NYX sells an amazing one that I buy several bottles of at a time. It smells a little like alcohol, but that goes away very quickly.
NYX Matte Finish Makeup Setting Spray - $7.99
I hope that this guide helped you a little, and just remember that you're beautiful without all of this stuff too. Sometimes you just want that cat-eye and dark lip to make you feel a little more like Beyonce.
