16 Must-Have Makeup Bag Essentials
Whether you’re a newcomer to the makeup game, or you’ve been playing with it for years, there are certain essentials that all makeup cases should have. These makeup items will allow you to easily create a simple but classy everyday look without much thought or effort. Once you have these main products it’s easy to start incorporating other makeup products into your collection for fun or trendy looks.
So today I’m going over the makeup bag essentials you should always have on hand for an easy everyday makeup routine.
Makeup Bag Essentials
Face Products
Face Primer
Not everyone thinks using a face primer is necessary. But it does make a big difference in the finished look of your makeup. A face primer is used underneath tinted moisturizers, foundations, and any other makeup. It fills in your pores and creates a smooth canvas to work on, while also helping makeup stay on longer. A lot of primers now contain good-for-your-skin ingredients and come in formulas for different skin types, like oily and dry.
Foundation
Foundation is probably the most difficult makeup to pick out. There’s a lot to keep in mind when shopping for the perfect foundation. The first is coverage preference. Do you want sheer, medium, or full coverage? After deciding on your coverage level, look for a shade that works with your skin color and undertones. One last thing to keep in mind is that skin tones can change pretty drastically from summer to winter. So having more than one shade will be necessary.
A tinted moisturizer or BB cream are both good alternatives to a foundation. Because I personally prefer a more natural look when doing my own make up I usually use a BB cream. Here’s a list of The 20 Best Skin Tints.
Concealer
Although similar to foundation, concealer is usually thicker and better suited to coving dark circles, age spots, and blemishes. To avoid the product smudging after being applied, always apply concealer on top of your foundation.
Powder
Face powder is mainly used to set makeup so it stays put throughout the day without creasing, and to mattify oily skin. They can also create a blurring effect on the skin, helping to hide pores and imperfections. Powders come in various finishes and tones. In my cosmetic case at home, I use the Translucent Loose Setting Powder from Laura Mercier to set my undereye makeup. I also dust it over my chin and forehead to minimize shine. I keep a compact of the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder in my purse at all times.
Blush
Adding blush to your cheeks instantly adds a pop of color to brighten and freshen up your face. Cream blushes work great for people with dry skin, but require a more delicate hand when applying. Powder blushes allow you to easily build up the perfect amount of color and also last throughout the day better than cream formulas.
I’ve always been of the opinion that my face isn’t “done” unless I have a good amount of blush on and typically use both cream and powder blushes while doing my own makeup.
Bronzer
Bronzer is used to give skin a healthy sunkissed tan. Lightly add bronzer to the high points of your face, or wear the sun would hit it for a natural-looking warm glow.
Highlighter
Add instant radiance and luminosity to your face with a highlighter. They come in many formulas, from powder, and cream, to liquid, so you can find the perfect match for your skin type. Apply under your foundation for a fresh glow, or apply to the high points of your face as the finishing touch.
Lip Products
Lipstick
I think every woman should have a minimum of two lipsticks. One everyday color, that you always feel good and confident wearing, and one bold color for when you want to go glam or make a statement. Finding the perfect lip color for your skin tone and personality can take some patience, but will be well worth it.
For a smooth application, apply a small amount of lip balm as a base layer. After applying your lip color, use the tip of your finger to blend out the edges, for a soft, lived-in look.
Lip Gloss
A small amount of lip gloss will keep your pout looking shiny and plump throughout the day when worn over your lipstick. Or you can wear it alone, for a small hint of color and shine.
Eye Products
Eyeliner
Eyeliners are used to enhance or even change the shape of your eyes, while also making lashes look lusher. They come in all different formulas, from pencil, liquid, gel, and cream. Some require more skill than others, but all cosmetic bags should have at least one go-to.
Eyeshadow
Eyeshadow doesn’t have to be complicated, and really the simpler they are, the more likely you are to actually use them. I simple eyeshadow palette with neutral colors that compliment your skin and eye color is a good place to start. Your makeup collection should have at least one.
Lash Primer
Just like face primer, not everyone considers a lash primer to be a necessary step in their beauty routine. But let me tell you that it makes a big difference. Lash primers volumize, and lengthen lashes while creating a base that helps mascara stay put. Most brands also include ingredients in the formulas that nourish and condition to keep your lashes in a healthy state.
Mascara
Mascara is the key to bright eyes that really pop. However, finding the perfect glossy black formula that neither clumps nor flakes can be a struggle. But when you finally find it, you know a moment of true happiness.
After years of wearing lash extensions, I decided I was over the extra expenses and time commitment required to maintain my false lashes. After growing back my lashes, I tested out every primer and mascara I could to find the very best. I’m happy to say I believe I found the best combo and haven’t missed my false lashes at all! These are my ride-or-die mascaras I would never want to be without.
Brow Pencil
Brows should never be an afterthought in your makeup routine. Neatly groomed brows that are lightly filled in, frame the face and create a fresh and polished look. There are many different products for shaping your brows, depending on what your needs and goals are when styling them. But having at least one brow pencil in a matching shade is the quickest and easiest way to keep your brows looking good.
Tools
Lash Curler
An eyelash curler will help your lashes look longer while curling them upwards instead of letting them stick straight out. Unless you have lash extensions, you should always curl your lashes before putting on your primer and mascara.
Pro Tip- For an even longer-lasting curl, heat your lash curler with warm air from your blow dryer. Just be sure to test out the heat with your inner wrist before placing the curler near your eye.
Brushes
Makeup brushes and sponges make all the difference in the final look of your makeup application. Makeup brushes can be expensive and are definitely an investment, but good-quality brushes will last for years if taken care of. While building your own collection, keep these six essential makeup brushes every woman should have in mind.
- Foundation Brush: evenly apply liquid or cream formulas to the face.
- Powder Brush: used to dispense powder evenly across the face.
- Blush Brush: apply a concentrated amount of products to the cheeks.
- Bronzer Brush: designed to place bronzer and sculpt the face with precision.
- Flat Eyeshadow Brush: pat and blend shadow to the eyelid.
- Eyeshadow Crease Brush: applies and blends shadow into the eyelid crease.
How To Organize Your Makeup Bag
Find The Right Bag
Not all bags will fit your specific needs. Obviously, you’ll need your makeup case to be big enough to fit all your essentials, but if you travel a lot, you may want to look at toiletry bags that hang for easy access. Some are also lined with plastic, which makes them easy to clean in the event of spills and mishaps.
Place Larger Products At The Bottom
Place large products at the bottom of your makeup bag so they don’t cover up smaller items and block them from view.
Group Similiar Items Together
Grouping makeup by the type of product makes it so much easier to find what you’re looking for. Especially as you collect more and more beauty products.
Store Brushes Properly
Never squish makeup brushes into a space they won’t fit. The bristles will get damaged and the brushes won’t last long. Instead, opt for either mini brushes or find a second case to store all your brushes in. Some people keep them in a tumbler on the counter within easy reach.
Toss Out Old Makeup
Once makeup reaches its expiration date, is used up, or is no longer used, toss it out. This will keep the contents of your cosmetic case to a minimum, making it much easier to find the items you’re looking for.
Best Makeup Bag Storage Containers
