Doesn’t it seem like every time you go to fetch your favorite lipstick from your purse, it’s nowhere in sight?
It always feels like the makeup essentials we use on a daily basis get lost in the dark pits of our purses – Every. Single. Time.
We eventually find what we’re looking for. But not until sifting through a matrix of old receipts, loose change, and useless items first.
Face it: Your purse also functions as your makeup bag. You’re an on-the-go-gal who always looks her best. But it’s a tough role to fill when the makeup must-haves aren’t always on deck.
Some might suggest, “Put everything into a makeup bag and stuff it in your purse!” But why lug around a heavy bag (within a bag) of items you’ll never use? Especially when you can carry these 10 makeup essentials in your purse and look fabulous at all times…
1. Lipstick
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If you work a job where you have to follow a dress code, you might wear lipstick to show off a bit of your personality. Or, there may be certain occasions that call for a fun or dramatic swipe of color.
You might have an array of lipsticks and lip stain in your makeup collection. You can’t carry all of them in your purse, of course. So, how do you choose the perfect shade to carry around at all times?
Choose a lipstick based on your skin tone.
If you have a fair complexion, bold reds and deep hues work well for you. Steer clear of nudes and pinks, as these can make you pale.
Lighter, neutral hues and mauve complement olive or tan tones. If you have a darker complexion, focus on deep berry hues.
When it comes to those neon, pastel, or super dark lipsticks you once bought on a whim, keep them at home. There be days when you need to match your makeup with your outfit accordingly. But until then, these lipsticks are only adding clutter to your purse.
2. Lip Gloss/Lip Balm
Sometimes your lips need a shiny pick-me-up or a small burst of hydration. Some occasions or outfits call for something other than your matte lipstick. So, it’s good to always have a tube of lip gloss in your purse when the time arises for a bit of sparkle.
But you can easily mistake your mascara or concealer stick for your lip gloss. So, it helps to choose a lip gloss that comes in a unique container or in a popping color. That way, you’ll be able to pinpoint it from your purse without hassle.
But not everyone loves a glossy texture. If lip gloss isn’t your thing, keep a tube of lip balm in your purse (if you don’t already.) You’ll thank yourself later on a cold, dry day when your lips feel parched or cracked.
Plus, more beauty brands are starting to come out with lip balms with shimmer and color. So, there’s no excuse why you can get all the benefits of lip balm without looking glam in the process.
3. Mascara
If only the mascara you applied in the morning looked as fresh and fabulous come nighttime. A girl can dream, right?
Still, it doesn’t hurt to carry around a tube of mascara in your purse. You already have your favorite mascara at home or in your makeup bag. You may have paid top dollar for one that makes your lashes look so long and full, people often ask if they’re even real.
Keep your best, most expensive tube of mascara at home so you don’t risk losing it. There are plenty of cheap brands of mascara that you can throw in your purse and save for a rainy day. (Literally.)
To help you choose the right mascara, don’t tread too far from your natural lashes. If you have longer lashes, you can get away with a longer wand or one that’s curved. If you have short, stumpy lashes, you’ll want to go for a skinnier wand.
For something in between voluminous and long, look for a wand that tapers into a cone shape. Or, opt for a double-sided, all-in-one mascara that comes with a wispy wand and a fuller one.
4. Finishing Powder
Like mascara, your foundation can fade over the course of a day. If you use a complexion kit, you can forget about trying to lug it around in your purse all day.
A finishing, matte powder is one of those makeup must-haves you can keep in your purse for all sorts of reasons. It’s easier to apply and less messy than liquid or mousse foundations.
A finishing powder can be just the thing to make your foundation base look refreshed and even. Stick to a translucent finishing powder. If your face tends to get oily throughout the day, a matte powder can cover up splotchy areas.
But if you suffer from random redness, a high-definition yellow powder works wonders. If you’d rather go for a dewy finish, opt for a lighting powder.
5. Concealer Stick
Some days there will be blemishes and red spots your finishing powder can’t cover up. That’s why it’s super-helpful to have a concealer stick on deck, as well.
Look for an all-purpose concealer stick that will hide dark spots, as well as blemishes. Look for sticks that are about 1-2 shades lighter than your skin tone. This way, you’re able to blend it out evenly.
If dark circles under your eyes are a constant concern, look for a concealer with a peachy undertone. If acne scars and breakouts are a common occurrence, lean more towards a concealer with green.
Applying concealer on-the-go is simple. Roll the stick over problem spots, blend, and pat in dry. Be sure to wash your hands prior so you don’t clog up your pores with any dirt or oil.
If there are areas you wish to brighten up, apply it the same way. You may want to have a sponge handy to help you brighten up larger areas.
6. Moisturizer
There are some days when the drive to put on a full face of makeup simply isn’t there. You want to be able to roll out of bed on the weekends, get in your car, and run your errands or catch brunch with the girls. So, which beauty must haves can you apply right before exiting your car?
Applying powder can feel too arduous on these days, but moisturizer should not. In fact, a tinted moisturizer can blend out minor blemishes all while hydrating your skin.
You’ll feel and look fresh-faced and ready to take on the day. Especially with a touch of mascara and a bit of shimmer in the mix.
7. Hand Cream
Why should your face be the only thing that gets a bit of extra loving? Throughout the day, especially in the winter, our hands can begin to dry out. But nobody wants to carry around a big bottle of body lotion, either.
Keep a sample size bottle of hand cream in your purse at all times. Whenever your hands look ashen or dry, you’ll be able to perk them right up with a dose of hydration.
Plus, if you opt for a scented hand cream, you can apply them all the way up to your wrist. No need to carry around perfume!
8. Blush
Even the powerful punch of your concealer stick and finishing powder might not be able to give you a rosy boost. Some days or occasions may call for a touch of blush, which is why it’s good to keep some in your purse at all times.
All you need is a little dabble on the peaks of your cheekbones. No more, no less. But not only that.
Carrying around eye shadow can get to be a bit too much. Luckily, your blush can function as a pseudo eye shadow on days when you need a touch-up.
Of course, you’ll want to choose a blush for your skin tone. But that’s also why your blush can function as an eye shadow on-the-go.
9. Pencil Eyeliner
It’s no secret that fuller eyebrows are all the rage lately. So, what about makeup essentials that will help you keep your eyebrows on point?
Believe it or not, but a pencil eyeliner can be just the thing to touch up your eyebrow game on-the-go – and then some. By keeping a pencil eyeliner handy in your bag, you can leave your actual eyebrow tools at home. Plus, you can use it to touch up your eyelids in the process.
The key is to use an eyeliner that matches the same shade as your eyebrow pencil. A taupe shade is standard for most hair colors. But you may need to do a bit of experimenting first to find the right tone.
10. Lighted Makeup Mirror
What’s a purse stocked with the makeup must haves without a mirror?
Sure, you could use the camera on your cellphone as a “mirror.” There’s even the rearview mirror in your car. But when you’re doing your makeup on a whim, you can’t afford to make the subtlest of mistakes.
That’s why a slim, compact LED lighted mirror is one of the best tools you can keep in your bag. By using one, you’ll be able to apply your makeup in all the right tones. You’ll also be able to catch when your lipstick or mascara smears.
With all that said, it’s good to keep a packet of makeup remover in your purse, too.
Keeping On-the-Go Glam Simple with the Makeup Essentials
Reducing your makeup arsenal down to only a handful of items can be tricky. How do you keep makeup in your purse without cluttering it?
With these 10 makeup essentials, you’ll not only reduce clutter in your purse. You’ll be ready to take on any day and situation, looking fabulous in the process.
For more tips on makeup and everything glamorous, stay tuned to our beauty blog!