Makeup Monday: Eight Makeup Bag Essentials

No matter what brands, styles or shades you wear, there are some items that are essential to any makeup bag.

1. Foundation

A reliable foundation is as necessary as your morning coffee – it needs to get you through the day. Good foundation should not need to be reapplied over the course of the day, so purchase one that you can count on. Try MAC’s Studio Fix Foundation for full, smooth coverage with a matte finish, which suits all skin types.

2. Under-eye concealer

This is a college girl’s must-have to conceal the dark circles that are a product of those long days and all-nighters. Although your foundation should match your skin, you want your concealer to be about two shades lighter than your natural skin tone. Cover those circles with a light, liquid concealer, like NYX’s Concealer Wand and you’ll look ready to go.

3. Natural eye shades

A natural-looking eye is a go-to everyday look that is easy to achieve. Creams, golds and purples flatter every eye color, so Sephora’s Moonshadow Baked Palette – In the Nude contains all the best shades for subtle natural eyes. The palette transitions to night with a deep brown for a natural smokey eye.

4. Comfortable Mascara

It’s hard to forgive a mascara that irritates your eyes, clumps to your lashes or the worst – runs. But beautiful lashes shouldn’t come with a price (besides the amount you bought it for). Maybelline’s Volum’ Express The Falsies mascara will extend and define lashes for an easy wear.

5. Eyeliner

For classes, meetings and dates with the library, achieve a softer look with an eyeliner pencil. Apply along your upper lash line for natural definition to your eye. Palladio’s eye pencil is an inexpensive, but a quality investment.

6. Lip Balm

During the winter months, keep a stick of lip balm in your makeup bag. Even thinking of cracked lips is enough to make you cringe, so be sure to hydrate and protect them. Chapstick does just the job, but if you want to add a touch of color, Maybelline’s Baby Lips gives you tinted moisture.

7. Blush

Keep your cheeks rosy with a blush that suits your skin tone. Fair-skinned women can rock light pink and peach blush. Bold pink and deep peach looks great on medium complexions. For darker skin, go with fuchsia or warm brown to give cheeks some color. MAC’s powder blushes come in a variety of shades to accent your cheeks perfectly.

8. Makeup Remover

Although your makeup has looked fabulous all day, eventually you’ll need to let your skin breathe and remove all the makeup you’ve applied. Wash your face with your favorite cleanser for an all-over clean. Then use Neutrogena’s eye makeup remover pads to ensure all product is removed from eyes for a fresh feel.

 

(Photo Illustration via Polyvore)