It’s interesting how our beauty routines change and evolve over time. I use to be a full face of makeup all day erryday type of girl. I loved to experiment with bold colors (still do on occasion) and bright lips and smokey eyes. I would have never been caught dead out and about with a bare face. Oh, how times have changed!
I’m currently writing this post from a Peet’s coffee, 100% makeup free and completely unbothered. As I’ve gotten older I’ve learned 1. to appreciate sleep more than my appearance and 2. to allow my skin to breathe. My makeup simply just doesn’t look good when applied over a dry face full of breakouts. Duh. By increasing the amount of water I drink each day, cutting out dairy from my diet (during the week) and going makeup-free a few days a week I’ve seen a huge improvement in the health of my skin. It hasn’t ever been this clear and I know it’s because I make my skin a priority vs. my makeup. If you want a full updated skincare routine let me know in the comments!
Now I typically keep my makeup simple unless I’m going out or am in the mood to play around with it. On the days I’m wearing makeup I usually just keep it to foundation, bronzer, highlighter, brows, and mascara. It gives me a fresh-faced look that feels light and effortless.
Because I keep my makeup so simple, the contents of my makeup bag are pretty basic as well. There are 5 things I have to have with me at all times (I mean I don’t have to, but ya know, #dramatic) for touch-ups throughout the day.
Check out my 5 must-have beauty products for on the go below!
#1: BITE BEAUTY AGAVE LIP BALM
I have dry skin in general so my lips get chapped really easily. Not cute. I like to use something a little more nourishing than your average chapstick, so I’m obsessed with Bite Beauty’s Agave Lip Balm. I use to love their agave lip mask but hated the packaging. It’s really hard to get product out of the little tube and the packaging also flakes off and gets all over your hands (#nothanks). So when I saw that they came out with a balm that had the same formula, I was sold! I reach for this balm at least 10 times a day and my lips are always smooth and hydrated because of it.
#2: ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS CONCEALER
Unfortunately, this product was discontinued BUT even after I run out of this one I’ll still bring another favorite concealer with me everywhere. I use mine to brighten up the permanent dark circles under my eyes and conceal any redness or blemishes that get exposed throughout the day. I think every girl should carry around a good concealer with them because even the best foundations will inevitably move throughout the day. Especially during the summer!
Check out two of my other favorite concealers here and here!
#3: BENEFIT THEY’RE REAL MASCARA
There’s nothing that makes me feel more pulled together than a coat of mascara. If I’m not wearing makeup and I suddenly need to FaceTime a client or have a last minute meeting then mascara is the first thing I want to apply.
I always keep a mini version of the Benefit They’re Real Mascara in my bag so I can grab it and apply on the go with ease! Obviously, any mascara you love will do but this one is just a tried and true favorite that glides over my lashes easily.
#4: COLOURPOP BLOTTED LIP
While I can totally appreciate a simple eye look and a bold lip, I typically want something more subtle during my day-to-day. I often times head to the gym in the afternoon or at the end of the day and a bright red lip is not the look I’m going for when sweating to death on the stair master!
I love love LOVE Colourpop’s Blotted Lip line because you get that subdued wash of color that looks natural but with a little extra something. Plus the formula is very lightweight without being drying. My favorite shade is Slide, a cool-toned mauvey pink.
#5: BLOTTING PAPERS
Like I mentioned above, I have pretty dry skin, but this doesn’t mean I don’t get oily. Like a lot of people, my T-zone gets pretty shiny throughout the day and that oil can break up my foundation and begin to look not so great after a few hours.
I like to keep blotting papers on hand so I can soak up the oil that’s sitting on my skin (ew) before reapplying any concealer if necessary. This keeps me looking matte and also helps prevent breakouts because oil + foundation + adding more concealer = zit city. Gross!
I usually get mine from the drugstore but I also like the Sephora brand!
What are your makeup bag must-haves? Tell me in the comments below!
Xo,
She
