When you have a busy life it can become difficult to follow a 20-step makeup routine.
The good news is that these makeup bag essentials are all you really need to look and feel pretty and presentable.
So assuming you’ve cleansed, moisturised and sunscreened, (Yes yes, I know that’s not a word) here are the best makeup bag essentials for a busy lifestyle:
Oh but first, put some of this Laneige Lip Mask on so your lips can hydrate too.
OKAY, let’s go!
Primer
Primer is the first step to a beautifully done face and no matter how busy your day is there’s never an excuse to skip it in your makeup routine.
The purpose of a primer is to smoothen out the skin and reduce the appearance of pores. This allows the makeup application to be easier and look better.
There are so many great primers for affordable prices in the market. You can find one tailored to your skin type and skin concerns ( large pores, acne, dry patches).
I’ve always enjoyed using the Maybelline Baby Skin Pore Eraser Primer.
It glides across my skin so easily leaving it looking moisturised but matte. It also reduces the appearance of pores above my cheeks and makes the application of my foundation so smooth.
Foundation
Foundation is literally that; the foundation of your makeup routine and is an obvious must in your makeup bag.
Usually when we have a busy day ahead we aren’t looking for a full face of glam makeup but rather something light to medium coverage that still looks natural but lasts for the day.
My everyday foundation is the Maybelline Fit Me Foundation.
It’s medium coverage but it is so light that it barely feels like I have anything on, which I love. It does the job of evening out the skin tone and only requires concealer for the obvious blemishes.
Concealer
Personally I always like to carry concealer in my makeup bag because even if the foundation does the job there’s always something you can brighten up, even if its the area under your eyes or the lines on the sides of your mouth.
Personal preference and requirement will decide what type of concealer you use. Whether it’s the colour correcting types (usually orange, peach or green) or a concealer slightly brighter or darker than your skin tone.
I’ve explored many concealers but my ultimate favourite is the Huda Beauty: #FauxFilter Concealer
The way it blends is effortless, the coverage is excellent and it stays put until I’m ready for my evening shower.
Blush
Who doesn’t love some rosy cheeks? I only recently included blush in my makeup bag essentials but now I can’t go a day without it.
I use the Glowish By Huda Beauty because I prefer the blush to look natural on my face as if someone pinched my cheeks!
(Translucent) Setting Powder
Setting powder keeps the makeup in place for a longer time and gives it a matte look. The only annoying thing about powders is that it’s hard to find your perfect shade, especially as a person of colour.
Translucent powder is a good match for you if you find that your skin tone changes with the seasons.
For years now I’ve loved using the Yardley Translucent Loose Powder.
It’s an affordable price (Currently R146,97 at Clicks), doesn’t leave a white shade on your face and you’ll be able to find it in most drugstores, like Dischem.
Mascara
Do I really need to convince you to have a good quality mascara in your makeup bag? Insert *sad face emoji*. In fact, sometimes all you need is some mascara and lipgloss to feel pretty.
Of all mascaras I’ve tried (and trust me I’ve tried one too many) I can confidently recommend the Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara. It washes out so freaken easy man, like I’m talking no-black-residue-under-your-eyes-after-you-shower easy. It spreads the eyelashes evenly and doesn’t clump up at all. It’s a winner honestly!
A lipstick and lipliner tailored to your lifestyle
What I mean by this is that you should have a shade of lipstick and lipliner that will suit your lifestyle. For example if you work in a corporate setting you’d want to choose a nude or subtle shade. If you’re a flight attendant you most likely will be required to use a shade of red.
Choose a lip combo that works well with almost anything and any look. Of course, you can always add more lipsticks and liners to your makeup bag to keep it fun and different.
I’m gonna have to vouch for Huda Beauty again here because I just adore her “Graduation Day” shade in the Power Bullet Matte Lipstick range. I don’t know if it’s just me but it LOOKS so classy and rich on the lips.
Makeup remover
What goes on must come off darlings! It really is essential to have a good makeup remover in your makeup bag. Either to remove the makeup before using your face wash or for a makeup mishap where you might need to start over again.
Remember that if you use your cleanser as a means to remove your makeup then it won’t be cleansing your skin properly. This is why it’s good to start with a double cleansing oil/micellar water and then go in with your face wash.
I recently bought the Skin Creamery Oil-Milk Cleanser and it’s doing such a good job at melting my makeup and once the water hits my face it rinses off easily. Now that winter is approaching (in South Africa) it’s also great to keep my skin from drying out.
There’s no hard and fast rule as to what “essential” means for your makeup bag so play around with it and see what you can add or remove from your routine within your limited time as a busy person.
Comment below which makeup bag essential you can’t live without. Have a beautiful day, loves.
XOXO