Makeup Bag Must-Haves Buying Guide

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Makeup bags  are fairly small, so chances are you can't fit every last makeup product in your collection in your bag. Choosing the most necessary (and the most pretty) makeup products is important. There are certain products that are needed on an every day basis and all year round, such as foundation  or concealer . There's no sense keeping your winter red lipstick  in your makeup bag if it's mid-July. We're here to help you choose the best makeup to keep in your handy makeup bag, as well as inform you on some useful tips and tricks for choosing what makes the cut and what is better off left in a drawer for special occassions.

The Bare Essentials

  • Something to make your skin look great: With great skin, everything else is secondary. For some, a tinted moisturizer  is enough to do the trick, while others only need some concealer . It really depends on your skin.
  • A touch of color: Whether you like to dress up your eyes, cheeks or lips the most is up to you. But it's good to carry at least one or two color items. A mascara, gloss and multi-function cheek/lip color usually cover all the basics.
  • Confidence and a smile: Remember that you are gorgeous with or without makeup. Put on a smile and sport some confidence and nobody will notice that you didn't get to go through your normal 15 minute makeup routine.

Suggested Makeup Must-Haves

For Your Face

Concealer

Nearly everyone could use concealer. If you want to conceal zits, blemishes, scars, or dark undereye circles, this product is a makeup bag must-have for sure.

Blush

It's important to have one blush that you know looks great on you. That one blush should have a very special place in your makeup bag. Whether you prefer cream, powder, or stain, blush is a great way to rock a perfectly sun-kissed look.

Illuminator 

Only a touch of highlighting powder, liquid, or cream can make your face come alive when applied properly. Dust it on the brow bone, cheeks, bridge of the nose, forehead , and under the lips. Or get an illuminating moisturizer that does double duty and goes on light and sheer without a fuss.

Foundation

Every girl needs a little foundation in her bag. Perfect for hiding blotchy skin and giving an overall smoother, cleaner complexion. Of course, do be sure to have the proper foundation brush  or makeup sponge  to apply it with so that you get flawless coverage.

For Your Eyes

Eyeshadow Primer 

Wear it alone for a clean look for daytime. At night, use it to create the perfect palette to apply color. It will help powders and creams float without creasing, and for bright hues, the color will look truer, more saturated.

Palette 

Choices are a girl's best friend. An eyeshadow palette is a vital part of any makeup bag. Want to change your eyeshadow from clean office to queen of the nightlife? Not a problem.

Eyeliner

When you want to make your eyes pop, eyeliner is your savior. Whether you prefer clean lines or the smoky eye look, stocking up on several shades of eyeliner is a must.

Mascara

If you have light, short, or thin lashes, or you just want to channel seductive glamour, mascara is must-have. Stock up on your favourite shade and brand. Don't forget the eyelash curler 

For Your Lips

Lip Liner

Line your pucker flawlessly with a lip liner that matches your favourite lipstick or your natural lip colour. Filling in your lips with lip liner that matches your lip colour and topping it with gloss will create a fresh, matte finish that you can wear all day.

Lip Balm

This is definitely a must-have. Keep your lips moisturized with a lip balm. Look for balms that have SPF to protect your lips from summer's harsh sun and winter's UV rays that bounce off snow and try to turn your pucker into a dry, peeling pout.

Lipstick

Lipstick is the perfect makeup product for turning any look into a sophisticated, polished one. Keep your favourite shades that you tend to wear more often in your makeup bag, and leave the shades that are for special occassions at home.

Palette 

A lipstick palette (or tinted lip gloss or lip stain palette) is a must-have for the same reason as an eyeshadow palette. Want to change your look throughout the day? Is that one shade not working as well as you thought? Not a problem!

Makeup Tools

Lash Curler 

Rock out with elegant, long lashes that have the perfect feminine curl. A lash curler may look scary, but it's simple, safe, and makes your eyes pop so much more.

Powder Puff 

These are ideal for applying powder, blush, bronzer, etc., but where they really come in handy is when you flub. Perfect for dispersing streaky bronzer or blush.

Brushes 

You could own twenty, but all you really need are three: one for concealer , one for eyeliner  (when creating a smoky look), and one for foundation .

Sharpener 

Keep your eyeliner, lip liner, and eyeshadow pencils sharp and fresh. If you want the colour to be at its freshest and the line to be at its most accurate, a sharpener is key.

Related Guides

Cosmetics and Beauty Tools

How to Wear Red Lipstick

Lip Plumpers

Autumn 2008 Makeup Guide

Makeup Books