What's in My Make-Up Bag (That I Actually Use)

Hello my lovelies,

Lately, I’ve been trying to wear makeup more often. Even if it’s only a few coats of mascara and some lip-gloss, makeup has a way of strengthening confidence and highlighting your best features. My makeup bag is currently overflowing, so a complete list would be boring, but here are a few tried and true items that I use all the time. =)

I recommend that you get a makeup bag (or two =)) that fits the types of makeup that you use the most. If you’re into palettes, purchase a bag with a wide bottom. The queen of lipstick? Try a clear bag so your colors are visible at a glance. Bare essentials? A smaller pouch will enable you to see all of your makeup and traveling will be a cinch! No TSA robberies for you! And if you’re a self-titled make-up guru, a beauty case like this one from Ulta is perfect!

Photo credits: https://www.amazon.com/Clinique-Flowered-Cosmetic-Bodycare-BeautyCare/dp/B00DTPZ7OM/ref=pd_sim_194_4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=ST1KKESD30Y55EQXKPJ1

The makeup bag I primarily use is a medium-sized one from a Clinique 2-piece gift set (thanks, Mom! =)) that I’ve had forever. You can actually still purchase it from Amazon, minus the original products. The bright pink floral pattern is super girly. I like how the outer fabric is durable cloth so you can spot clean any accidental spills and the inside is a washable lining. The bag has traveled with me to five countries, and it’s still in great condition! It definitely gets a #passporttojoy stamp of approval.

Photo credits: http://www.sephora.com/two-ways-about-it-brush-set-P417258?skuId=1893577&icid2=products%20grid:p417258

I like to keep my brushes in a separate case so any shadow fall-out or glitter sprinkles stay out of my bag. There’s nothing worse than makeup flecks that never go away! I purchased a small 3-brush set (eye shadow, blush and contour brushes) in Korea for around 3,000 won ($2.80) which works perfectly fine. If you want to go with a higher end set of brushes, this Sephora brush set has double-ended brushes, so you get two tools for the price of one! The matching clutch/carrying case is adorable as well.

Photo Credits: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Maybelline-Great-Lash-Mascara/10450557

If there’s one makeup item I wear almost every day it’s my Maybelline Great Lash Mascara in Blackest Black. I feel like every girl has used this at least once in her life, and you can find it at Walmart for less than $5 (250p). Other drug stores also let you use coupons to purchase, saving you even more money! It really gives the coverage and curl that I need, plus it doesn’t run as much as other non-waterproof mascaras if you’re a crier like me. =) {Right now, Walmart has a 2-pack for only $7.98).

Photo credits:http://mmnoob.blogspot.com/2015/02/etude-house-play-101-review-and-swatches.html

My favorite foreign makeup brand is Etude House. This Korea-based company has beautiful colored eyeliners that are so easy to use. Even I can get a nice and even application. =) I generally go with the teal option (#36), which really brightens up my eyes and makes me look more awake. Other nice colors are their navy (#35) and Bordeaux (#22) pencils. U.S.A. options on their website are limited, but keep an eye out for their seasonal sales. $3.90 for an eyeliner is a great deal! You can also find their products on Amazon for reasonable prices.

Photo credits:https://www.walgreens.com/store/c/covergirl-perfect-point-plus-eyeliner-pencil/ID=prod6144822-product

Covergirl’s Point Plus eyeliner pencil in Black Onyx is a classic. Pencils with built in sharpeners are nice when you’re trying to save makeup bag space...and also for those too lazy to constantly sharpen a regular eye-pencil to a nice point. Walgreen’s is my provider of choice. =)

Photo credits: https://naturerepublicusa.com/shop/by-flower-eye-shadow-38-rose-sparkle/

I tend to wear mostly neutral colored eye shadows when I’m at work, so this rose gold shadow pot (#38) by Nature Republic gets a lot of use. It blends nicely and lasts throughout the day without a lot of fallout. Other lovely neutral colors are French Brown (#35), Brunch Café (#39) and Classic Peach (#18).

Photo credits:https://www.amazon.com/ETUDE-HOUSE-Bling-Stick-SHOOTING/dp/B010OYR5AE

Another Etude House favorite is my Bling Bling eye sticks. Yes, they are as ridiculously sparkly as their name suggests. I use “Shooting Star” (silver) the most, with “Starry Sky Star” (light copper) coming in at a close second. Since they don’t require a brush or any other makeup tools, they are so easy to apply! Using one is definitely like coloring…

Photo credits:https://www.walmart.com/ip/Maybelline-New-York-Expert-Wear-Shadow-Palette-The-Blushed-Nudes-0.34-oz/43242017#about-item

I had my eye on this palette for a while, and finally caved and asked for it at Christmas. I use it all the time now! Each shade is subtle enough for wearing in a professional setting. I’ve managed to wear all 12 shades, which is rare for me. There are normally a few colors in palettes that aren’t practical. The pigmentation is not as great as an Urban Decay Naked palette, but at a quarter of the price I’m okay with it.

Photo credits:http://www.wetnwildbeauty.com/face/cheeks/color-icon-blush.html#sm.0001tifxiqdt0dwszhz2en8evpob9

My go-to blush is a nice pearly pink with a hint of sparkle. Drugstore blushes enable you to try multiple shades without breaking the bank. When I need a bit of “summer” color (read: look like I actually see the sun), I swipe on some of my Benefit 10 Bronzer/Highlighter duo. Perfect!

Photo credits: http://www.target.com/p/maybelline-color-sensational-lipcolor-0-15-oz/-/A-14081992

Other than some clear lip gloss or mint EOS lip balm, I rarely wear colorful products on my lips. But, when I do, I like to wear berry shades. My current favorite is Maybelline Colorsensational lipstick in Blissful Berry (410). I managed to pick it up using store credit points so it didn’t cost me a penny!

A nail file and clippers, some tweezers and a cute miniature make-up mirror complete my “sensible” make-up bag!

What are your “holy grail” make-up products? Do they change per season? Let me know in the comments below!

Get it gurl!

Xoxo

Heidi Joy

“Consider it pure joy…”- James 1:2a, NIV