Are you tired of digging through your overflowing makeup bag to find the perfect product for your everyday routine? Look no further. In a world where the beauty industry is constantly evolving, it can be overwhelming to navigate through the endless options of makeup products.
I have done the research for you and have compiled a list of the top must-have items to keep in your makeup bag. Whether you’re a makeup guru or just starting your beauty journey, this guide will help you achieve a flawless look every time.
So grab your notepad, and get ready to discover the best products to keep in your makeup bag – plus I have some great options for travel makeup bags and smaller cosmetic bags for your purse.
Prepping The Canvas
Let’s start with a good daily moisturizer. The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Hyaluronic Acid Daily Moisturizer is a quality product at a good price point. I love their skin care serums and this daily moisturizer is in a small plastic container that is good for traveling.
You don’t have to use a primer, but if you battle with large pores and texture like I do, then a primer is preferred. I love the Benefit POREfessioinal Pore Minimizing Primer.
My all time favorite foundation is the L’oreal True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum. I have not found a high end or drug store foundation that can beat it. It comes in a glass bottle, so sometimes I don’t want to pack it for a trip out of fear that it might get broken.
For a travel makeup bag, I would recommend the Estee Lauder Futurist Hydra Rescue Moisturizing Foundation SPF 45. This is more expensive than the L’oreal but performs very similar to it, and it comes in a plastic tube with a pump.
For an even more budget friendly option, I have been really impressed with the Wet N Wild Bare Focus Tinted Hydrator. It contains hyaluronic acid, squalane, and gives light to medium coverage all for $6.99!
I prefer to apply my foundation with a damp sponge. There is not a particular brand that I recommend…I usually purchase inexpensive brands.
Every woman’s makeup bag needs a good concealer, and I have two that I use on a regular basis. For the days when I want to look my best, the Lancome Tient Idole Ultra Wear All Over Concealer is my go-to.
For everyday or work from home days, the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer.
Every makeup bag needs a powder. For dry skin, you may not need anything else than a light setting powder for certain areas of the face. For this, try the It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Powder. It comes in small packaging and has a very finely milled formula that is almost invisible on the skin.
For an option for touch ups, this compact formula would be good to keep in your handbag.
For a more affordable option, the L’oreal Paris True Match Super Blendable Powder is an excellent product for mature skin, comes in a wide color range, and fits nicely in a makeup bag.
Eyes
One thing you will notice as you enter your 50’s and beyond is that less is better when it comes to eye makeup. Crepey skin, and hooded eyelids make it more difficult to apply eyeshadow and sometimes it can make you look older.
Your makeup bag can certainly contain eyeshadow palettes if you enjoy them, but what works even better is cream eyeshadow sticks or formulas for an easy one and done look. For details on this, you will want to read this post.
Some favorites are the e.l.f shadow sticks, the Bobby Brown Cream Eyeshadow Sticks, and my personal favorite is the Ulta Beauty Collection Longwear Matte Cream Eyeshadow in the shade Flower Power.
I don’t have an all time favorite mascara, but I have several that I like. Recently I tried the L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Panorama Smudge Resistant Mascara, in Black Brown and I would recommend it. For a high end option, I like the Lancome Lash Idôle Lash-Lifting Volumizing Mascara
If you have sparse brows, then filling them in will really enhance your appearance. My brows are not sparse, but do look better when I use a brow gel to hold them in place. For that, I like the Essence Fix It Like A Boss Transparent Brow Fixing Gel.
Cheeks
For a soft glow, you can’t beat the e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter. There is no need to spend the extra money on the Charlotte Tilbury version…I have both and the e.l.f. is just as good!
If you are over 50, you may want to switch over to cream blushes instead of powder formulas. They look so natural on dryer skin and they fit so well in a makeup bag for travel. Read this post for all the details on why cream blushes are perfect for mature skin! Here are some favorite cream and liquid blushes you might want to try.
Lips
Your makeup bag should include some neutrals that go with everything. Lip balms, glosses, and oils will be the most commonly used for touch ups during the day and are essential for travel.
The Maybelline Lifter Glosses are still my favorite! They come in so many great neutrals, give just the right amount of color and stay on for hours!
Misc. Items To Keep In Your Handbag
Now that we have covered the makeup essentials, lets talk about some random items you need to keep in your makeup bag.
- Hair ties or hair pins
- Stain remover
- Dental hygiene (floss, brush, mouthwash)
- Hand sanitizer
- Fashion Tape
- Manicure Kit
- Tissues
Makeup Bags
Whether you are looking for a travel makeup bag or something to keep in your handbag, this collection has it all covered. Hanging styles are nice, and I really like the way this one has a wide mouth design to make finding items easier.
Clear pouches or mesh containers are perfect for you handbag! You can see exactly what’s in them so no more fumbling around to find what you need.
How cute are these little coin purse style pouches for lipstick or hand sanitizer?
So these are the must-have items in your makeup bag. Be sure to share this article with your beauty loving friends and subscribe to our email list!
Discover more from The Scarlet Lily
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
3 Comments
Terri
What a thorough post, you covered it all, and I love how you suggest affordable brands that work as well as the expensive ones. Makeup bags for my purse always seem to come from airline or Clinique giveaways, although I did purchase a larger makeup bag for travel, and I’ve had that one for years.
The Scarlet Lily
Thanks Terri! Glad you enjoyed this post…sounds like you deserve a new makeup bag for sure.
Pingback: