Today as I was getting ready at the gym I realized how far I’ve come in regards to my makeup bag. Just a few weeks ago my co-workers and friends were laughing at me for lugging a huge makeup bag when in reality I only use a few key pieces. This weekend, I finally downsized and am loving the convenience of one single, small makeup bag which holds all my necessities.
Here’s a quick look inside my makeup bag and the key items that are part of my daily ritual.
From Left to Right:
Laura Mercier Eye Color Duo Guava/African Violet: The colors apply easily and compliment my greenish-hazel eyes.
Dolce&Gabbana Crayon Intense Eye-Liner in Stromboli: The Dolce&Gabbana liners have the perfect consistency. The color goes on smooth, is rich, lasts all day, and smudges easily for a day to evening look.
Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Pressed Powder in Warm Natural: I find that this provides the perfect amount of coverage over the tinted moisturizer, especially when applied using the kabuki brush.
Sephora Pro Kabuki Brush: I’ve searched high and low for a inexpensive travel size kabuki brush and after three failed attempts this one has worked wonderfully. It’s a bit more expensive than others but has lasted 6 months and cleans easily with soap & water. The dense bristles apply powder evenly and thoroughly.
Olay Total Effects 7 In 1 Tone Correcting UV Moisturizer: This magic moisturizer hydrates, provides coverage, leaves skin luminous, and fights the signs of aging with vitamins! What more could you ask for especially when you consider that you get a moisturizer, anti-aging and coverage for under $20!
Laura Mercier Eye Basics Base in Wheat: Until two months ago I had never jumped on the eye base band wagon. But, when a makeup artist showed me just how powerful this base was and how “flawless and finished” my eyes could look was with just this and mascara, I was sold. The base evens skin-tone, hiding redness or darkness on the lid while holding color in place longer. The wand applicator makes application easier too!
Laura Mercier Secret Concealer: Some times a girl can’t always get 8 hours of beauty rest. Instead of announcing to the world just how tired I am, I cover it up with this concealer. It blends easier than many other I’ve tried and the color matches my skin-tone almost perfectly.
C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Tint- Plum Mint: I’ve had this for ages but only recently discovered it in the bottom of my makeup bag. I love it for touch-ups during the day or an added pop of gloss, shine and hydration after applying my color. It has a hint of color and a huge burst of minty flavor that I swear is strong enough for an afternoon energy jolt! linique Chubby Stick in Fuller Fig
Benefit They’re Real Mascara: Every day when I apply my mascara I think of Tina, Anne and Theodora! I first tried this mascara almost a year ago during our Mohegan Sun wine+beer weekend. We were a little bit tipsy after a fun afternoon but even with a bit of haze I immediately saw just how powerful this mascara is on my stubby, short lashes. Since then I’ve been absolutely hooked and have gone through four tubes! It never clumps, goes on easily, and the dark brown is rich enough to add color but not too dark for work and everyday use.
Question: What is your favorite piece of makeup these days?
I used to be the same way, until I finally pared it down to fewer items. It’s so much easier to find things now! One of my favorite things is a great moisturizer. I actually use a really cheap, but fabulous one, St. Ives Timeless Skin, and mix it with my coverup. Nice and light, but gives a little color to hide blotches.
Can I jut say how much I LOVE these posts? You have such great taste that I really trust your favorite products! My favorite eye shadows are currently the Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette. I am also loving Benefit’s highlight. It’s super light and not too shimmery and adds a really nice radiance to under the eye.
I am loving L’oreal BB cream these days. Although now I’m wondering if the Olay Total Effects might be a better choice. Some days the BB cream doesn’t seem to provide enough coverage.
Great Post Ash! I really need to shorten my makeup routine because it’s gotten out of control! I am loving all the different tinted moisturizers but I have no tried Olay’s; when mine runs out I will defiantly look into it.
Love this post! I’m a fan of products that let me keep it simple, like a two-in-one tinted moisturizer.
I could read these kinds of posts all day long! Forget about snooping in the medicine cabinet, I want to see inside the makeup bag!
I wish I was more creative with my makeup on a daily basis, but I definitely have some favorite products: L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black (it goes on sale at Target for five bucks and is AMAZING), Benefit Posie Tint cheek/lip stain, and Amazing Concealer (that’s the brand name and also an appropriate description — it is like Photoshop for dark circles).
That Laura Mercier eye shadow combo looks great, I’m going to check that out!