The other day, something awful happened. I was on the L-train on my way into Manhattan from Brooklyn when I realized I was missing something very, very important. It wasn’t my phone (which I have left at home before, an occurrence that I considered a blessing because I hate that thing and any time I get away from it is happy time!), or my wallet (which I shamefully forgot once, arriving on a date money-less and homeless since my keys are attached to my wallet and my roommate was gone for the night leaving me locked). No, I forgot something even more essential than those essentials, my makeup bag.
This experience taught me a very valuable lesson on the importance of a cute and compact makeup case and how valuable it can be throughout the day. While it took some time, I think I’ve finally perfected the art of the perfect makeup case. In the past, I would either pack too much or too little, making swaps, additions and substitutions in between until I could be like Goldielocks and get it to be just right.
These days, the contents of my makeup case rarely change, whether I’m heading out for a long day of running around, going on a date, to a fashion event or out for a night of fun with my girl friends.
Read on to see the essentials that made the cut.
Ace Finetooth Pocket Comb, $3.24. Any gal with bangs knows the importance of a little comb for touch ups throughout the day. As the day drags on, my bangs will usually get a bit grease and start to separate looking a little scragly. Fortunately, all it takes to solve this issue is a quick flick of a comb. Combs are also great for those lacking in fringe and can have the same kind of rejuvenating benefits when it comes to creating a bump-free ponytail or smoothing out dry, matted ends.
Visine Rewetting Drops, $4.49. Crazy weather shifts, hours spent staring at a compiter, environmental irritants, there are so many things that can pester your peeper, making them irritates and bloodshot. These problems are even worse if you wear contacts (which I do) so my makeup bag always comes equipped with some Visine for contacts. (I also always keep a spare set of contacts with me at all times. You never know when a contact is gonna rip or fall out unexpectedly. Actually, you do know. It’ll be the one time that you DON’T have a spare on hand!)
Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets, $5.99. This one is a no brainer. No one wants to be flashing a shiny T to the world. Oil to buildup can also cause break outs, so take care of that sheen with these handy sheets.
Being True Protective Illuminating Concealer, $30. This tri-component concealer compact is ideal for banishing blemishes and dark circles. It contains two anti-agng concealing shades which can be blended and use on top of the micro illuminating neutralizer to mask discoloration and deflect light from flaws and fine lines keeping your skin radiant and youthful.
Kiehl’s Lip Balm SPF 15, $9.50. Lip balm or Chapstick is a non negotiable in the winter time. No one gets the job done like Keihls when it comes to intensely hydrating and moisturizing your pucker. I recommend the SPF version for extra protection.
Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks, $24. I always love a good 2-in-1 combo when it comes to on-the-go items. This subtle cheek and lip stain adds just the right amount of color to liven up your look. It’s definitely my go-to during the dead of winter when my complexion becomes almost transparent!
Physicians Formula Mineral Eyeliner Pencil, $6.99. Eyeliner has a way of just disappearing as the day goes on. Keep your gaze sufficiently sultry throughout the day with a mini liner for portable touch ups.
What are your makeup bag essentials? Tell us in comments!
– SABRINA ALEXIS
Written by Sabrina Alexis
