Lip gloss, mascara, eyeliner, blush…we know the basics of what should be stocked in our beauty bags; but as 21st Century Girls who work hard, play hard, and are always on the go, we are well-aware of the fact that maintaining our beauty doesn’t end the moment we step out of our bathrooms in the morning. Rather, it oftentimes takes place in the not-so-private location of our office cubicles, restaurant restrooms, and, dare I say it, during dinner dates with cute boys; resulting in the need to go beyond the basics in terms of beauty must-haves. Below, six of my beauty essentials that your makeup bag just might be missing!
♥e.l.f. Studio Shimmer Sheets - These are my absolute favorite way to freshen up my beauty look midday. The pigmentation is high in each sheet; therefore, a little goes a long way. I like to rip each sheet in half, and rub one half over my hair (to add subtle sparkle to my tresses that looks magical in sunlight), and rub the other half in a few desired places to add a gorgeous, yet understated glow – collarbones, décolletage, and the apples of my cheeks.
$3.00 for a Pack of 20. Available in Pink, Pearl, Golden (my go to), and Bronze.
♥mark Cheat Sheet Shine-Blotters - These are my cosmetic savior. At any point throughout the day, when you want to absorb oil (and shine) on your face (especially the T-Zone area), you simply blot it away with a few of these (the sheets are small, so you typically need to use at least three). They absorb acne-causing oils; yet they don’t erase so much as a hint of your makeup.
$6.00 for a Pack of 50.
♥Sephora Collection Professional Clear Natural Mascara - This has multiple uses, which is why I
always keep a tube handy.
1) If you want super-long, accentuated lashes without a harsh color (like black or brown), this does the trick – and also adds a pretty, light-reflecting sheen;
2) If you have unruly eyebrows, or a hairstyle (like bangs) that mess up your eyebrows throughout the day, a coat of this will keep them in place and looking perfect;
3) I have little baby hairs along my hairline that can sometimes look unkempt, so I comb a coat of this across my hairline to keep them in line.
$10.00 for One Tube.
♥Rollerball Perfume – Vera Wang Princess - When it comes to using perfume in public, I am all about discreetness; and Rollerball Perfume’s allow that. Instead of having to pull out a bulky perfume spray bottle when you want a scented touch-up; you simply pop this out of your
Whiting & Davis Clutch, quickly roll it over your wrists, and rub. You can even do it while you’re out on a date, and your companion will be none the wiser. Trust me, I have.
$18.00 for a 0.2oz Eau de Toilette Rollerball.
♥Hard Candy Glamazon Glow All The Way Face & Body Luminizer - So many of us tote lotions around in our makeup bags; but while they moisturize, they oftentimes don’t provide an extra oomph of glamour – which is why I’m in love with this Luminizer. I like to mix a squirt of this with my lotion, then rub it on my legs, and arms to create a subtle, sunkissed shimmer. This also works beautifully as a highlighter on your face; and can be mixed with your foundation to add an extra glow to your makeup routine.
$8.00 for One Bottle. Available in Bronze 318 (my favorite), and Doll Face Pink 319.
♥e.l.f. Studio Kabuki Body Brush I use a lot of products with shimmer in them, which can literally get everywhere if you’re using your hands for application. To avoid this, I keep a Kabuki Body Brush in my makeup bag for application of anything with shimmer; or to simply blend products better. This one is my personal favorite – its compact, has antibacterial brush hairs that are super soft, and can be used with products that are wet or dry.
$8.00 for One Kabuki Body Brush.
Makeup Bag Pictured is the Tory Burch Jesse Small Cosmetic Case in Orchid Purple. A clear cosmetic case makes it far easier to locate the exact item you're looking for - perfect for when you're in a hurry!
What unexpected essentials can we find in your makeup bag?
Fashionably yours!
Thanks to Sephora, Shopbop, e.l.f., mark, and Wal-Mart for the pictures.
