A girl should never be caught without her essentials and that's why it's important to pack a solid makeup bag. Keeping all of your must-have items in one convenient spot makes it easy to find what you need in a hurry and allows you to toss your makeup bag in your purse for touch-ups throughout the day. I'm always trying out new brands and products, but I generally keep the same ones—my favorites—in my makeup bag at all times. Here's a handful of the fundamental cosmetics in my beauty routine:
Face
Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster, $56, Dermalogica.com
I've never been a fan of thick, oily primers but primers do actually have a lot of benefits. They allow you to apply foundation more easily, give you a smoother finish, and help make foundation last longer. The great thing about this product is that it gives you a similar effect to a primer but doesn't leave you with clogged pores and a face that feels like it's under ten layers of makeup.
MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 in NW13, $27, Maccosmetics.com
I have really sensitive skin and this is one of the few foundations that leaves me with a flawless finish without irritating my skin. Another benefit is that it contains SPF which is something you should be applying daily. This is a great option for people with normal to dry skin.
MAC Studio Fix Powder Mineralize Foundation in N3, $35, Maccosmetics.com
I also keep a compact of mineral powder foundation in my bag to touch up if my face is feeling oily and to give extra coverage when my complexion isn't clear. This product is perfect for oily skin, but if you use it in combination with liquid foundation the key is to not overdo it and just apply lightly.
NARS Illuminator in Copacabana, $30, Narscosmetics.com
Everyone can benefit from a little illumination and this product is the best of the best! It can be used as a highlighter to bring out targeted features or you can simply use it here and there to give your skin a beautiful dewy look.
Eyes
CARA Cosmetics Photo Hydra Concealer in C-6, $22.98, Caracosmetics.com
Nothing will ruin your makeup look faster than dark, puffy circles around your eyes and luckily that skin issue is an easy fix. Using a yellow or orange-based concealer like this one will quickly nix dark circles. Be sure to blend and top off with foundation. This particular product is great for all skin tones.
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, $20, Urbandecay.com
Prepping your eyes for eyeshadow application makes the whole process go a lot more smoothly and it helps your eye makeup last all day.
Too Faced Natural Eyes Palette, $36, Toofaced.com
This is my go-to palette for a natural or smokey eye look and the metal tin can be easily stored in your bag; you don't even have to worry about the shadows crumbling and making a mess.
MAC Eye Brows Pencil in Fling, $16, Maccosmetics.com
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This is a great pencil for filling in your brows so that they look natural and well-groomed when you're on the go. Its twist-up application makes its use even more convenient.
Cynthia Rowley Liner in Black, $16, Birchbox.com
This product is one of the darkest and longest lasting liners I have found. I keep it in my bag so I can darken up my eyes later in the day.
MAC Penultimate Eye Liner, $20, Maccosmetics.com
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I find that liquid liner that comes in felt-tip form is one of the easiest to apply. This one is dark, lasts a really long time and doesn't irritate my eyes like some others I have tried. Plus, if the tip starts to wear down, you can carefully pull it out and insert the other side for a fresh applicator.
Mirenesse Vibralash 3 Speed Vibrating 24HR Mascara, $49.95, Mirenesse.com
I am very, very picky about mascara because I have sensitive eyes. This long-lasting formula doesn't bother my eyes and the vibrating wand makes it super easy for precise application. It gives you a dark finish with perfectly separated lashes.
Lips
EOS Lip Balm, $3.49, Ulta.com
Like most girls, I keep one or two of these babies in my makeup bag at all times to make my lips smooth and prep them for the application of other lip products.
NYX Lip Liner in Nude Pink, $3.50, Sleekhair.com
This lip liner is the perfect, natural shade for lining your lips prior to putting on a lipgloss or lipstick for a fuller, plumper look.
MAC Tinted Lip Glass in Prrr, $15, Maccosmetics.com
This MAC gloss has a gorgeous shiny texture without being overly sticky and this particular shade gives you a great plumping effect.
Body
LA Fresh Eco-Beauty Instant Body Soother, $9.99, Lafreshgroup.com
It seems like someone always asks you if you have lotion on you and these are the perfect disposable solutions to dry spots when you are in a rush or traveling.
What's in your beauty stash, collegiettes?
